Pilgrimage of Hope – Lancaster Diocese Jubilee 2025

In this Jubilee Year of 2025, the Diocese of Lancaster is celebrating its centenary with a powerful theme: “With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope.” This theme echoes Pope Francis’ call for the faithful to embark on spiritual journeys that renew hope, deepen faith, and foster unity across communities.

Our Engagement with the Pilgrimage of Hope

As part of this diocesan-wide initiative, we have embraced the invitation to journey together in faith and hope. Here’s how we’ve been involved:

  • Spiritual Preparation: During the month of May, the whole school took part in a procession, from our school to St. Thomas’ the Apostle Church, in Claughton-on-Brock. Children came prepared with flowers and loud voiced as we celebrated the Mary, our patron saint. As a school we received the Lady of Lourdes statue as it toured around all the schools in Lancaster Diocese. The children really enjoyed interacting with the statue creating wonderful artwork and using it as an inspiration for prayer and our Mary unit of work in RE lessons.

  • Youth Participation: Our CAFOD Club and School Council have supported the school in raising money for local causes and international causes.

 

 

  • Volunteer Support: We have welcomed CAFOD volunteers to support launch our Pilgrims of Hope Year. Christine Dewhurst from CAFOD is a friend of the school having worked with us for 15 years, she runs 3 workshops a year across KS1 and KS2.

 

 

  • Local Pilgrimages: For children in KS2 we organised local pilgrimage to sacred sites such as Ladyewell Shrine and St Mary’s, Cleator, echoing the spirit of pilgrimage in our own region. The children experienced pilgrimage walk, Mass, examined historical relics and had time to reflect in the chapel, giving their prayers.

 

  • Faith in Action: Our school took part in a Lent Walk, experiencing the stations of the cross , with interactive opportunities to learn about Jesus and the life he gave to save us from our sins. It gave children the opportunity to give back, by collecting clothes for the homeless and offer food to the local food banks.

 

  • Chaplaincy: We welcomed the Our Lady’s Catholic High School’s chaplain to work with our KS2 children:The chaplain led an inspiring drama workshop focused on the themes of inclusion and compassion, directly linking to our core school values:
    • Care & Compassion
    • Respect
    • Resilience
    • Aspirations

    Through creative expression, storytelling, and role-play, our pupils explored what it means to welcome others, show empathy, and stand up for what is right. The workshop encouraged deep reflection and joyful participation, helping children to see how Gospel values can be lived out in everyday life.

    This chaplaincy experience helped our children:

    • Grow in spiritual awareness and emotional intelligence.
    • Understand the importance of community and belonging.
    • Develop confidence in expressing their faith and values.
    • Feel empowered to be agents of hope and kindness in school and beyond.

    We are proud to offer opportunities like this that enrich our pupils’ faith journey and support their holistic development. Chaplaincy is a vital part of our school life, helping us all to walk together in faith, hope, and love.

  • Attending important Masses (monthly local Masses and Diocesan Masses) and welcoming Father Sony into school to show him our wonderful working environments. Father inspired us with importance of hope and faith. We have enjoyed Mass with Father Sony and the local parishioners once a month. Child enjoy singing new hymns that they learn with Mrs. Gilmour, and taking part fully in the Mass with prayers and readings.

Why It Matters

This Jubilee Year is not just about travel—it’s about transformation. It’s a time to rediscover the joy of faith, to walk together in hope, and to answer the call to be pilgrims in our own lives. Whether in Lourdes or here at home, we are united in prayer, service, and celebration.

We invite everyone to join us in this journey—through prayer, participation, or simply by sharing the message of hope.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
St Bernadette, pray for us.