Stonyhurst Pilgrimage Trust

2003 saw the 40th Annual Stonyhurst Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Some however suggest that the milestone was in fact one year late, since a party of pioneer pilgrims from Stonyhurst visited Lourdes in 1963. Stonyhurst owe them a very special debt of gratitude for establishing what has become a permanent and important part of the schools calendar.

The annually published Stonyhurst Magazine of 1964 contained the following extracts:

'Father Worthy from the College endeavoured to collect a representative party - for a pioneer pilgrimage. This he succeeded in doing with the accent on 'pioneer' ... No one knew who was in the Group - in which train or in which coach. The applications and bookings had all been made too late nor was there a leader...If the pioneer Group has done no more than give to the College boys the opportunity to be so inspired, it has served Stonyhurst well...'

Inevitably this exploratory pilgrimage was a great success, and it immediately resulted in plans being made for a fully organised pilgrimage in 1964, which has come to be regarded as the 'first'.

The 1963 party included three sick pilgrims and eight more senior pilgrims, including two Jesuits, Father Sidney Lescher SJ and Father Edmund Worthy SJ, both of whom made substantial contributions in those early years. Four handmaids and nine brancardiers also attended that pilgrimage, including the young brancardier Nick King, then a pupil and now Father Nick King SJ. Father Nick King SJ was the only 'pioneer' to accompany Stonyhurst in 2003.

Stonyhurst Group, 1974

The Stonyhurst Pilgrimage have enjoyed continuous Jesuit representation, including, Father Jock Earle SJ, former Headmaster of the College and Father Paul Magill SJ, former leader and founder of the Magill Magical Mystery Tours (now organised by Mr Richard Brumby). Blessed with the support of successive Rectors and Superiors (most recently Father Michael Flannery SJ), the Stonyhurst Pilgrimage has greatly benefited from the guidance and inspiration of our Spiritual Directors, recently Father Hilary Thomas SJ and Father Matthew Power SJ.

Previous secular leaders include Tom Harrison, Louis King, Gerald King, Basil George and Joe Goodier. Since the formation of the Stonyhurst Pilgrimage Trust the Chairmen have been: Eddie Kershaw, Tony Brown, John Cardwell, John Hartley and Mark Belderbos.

From the beginning of the Stonyhurst Pilgrimage a notable feature has been that it has comprised such a diverse and comprehensive representation of all those who make up the Stonyhurst 'Family'. The 'Family' includes Jesuits, ex-pupils, staff, parents, pupils, families, friends and acquaintances, as well as pilgrims previously complete strangers to Stonyhurst but who have now become part and parcel of our group. All have always been most welcome, young and old, and from whatever location or background. Many long-lasting friendships, not to mention a few marriages, have come about in no small measure due to the intervention of Our Lady of Lourdes.

For forty years, Stonyhurst pilgrims have committed themselves to the success of the Catholic Association Pilgrimage.

Every year the members of the Stonyhurst Pilgrimage are based at the St Sauveur Hotel.

For more information please contact the current Chairman, Mark Belderbos.

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