On Monday 27th June fifteen current Downside School pupils took part in a first aid course in preparation for their Order of Malta Volunteers pilgrimage to Lourdes.
The pilgrimage has been a key feature in the lives of many OGs over the decades and it is so good that the Lourdes trip is running again as we recover from the effects of the pandemic. The pilgrimage is organised entirely by the OMV but the Chaplaincy and the School get involved each year. After hearing Hugo Whyte (R12) in April this year, it has been great to welcome so many Downside pupils onto this journey once again.
The OMV Lourdes Pilgrimage gives our young people the opportunity to serve people often much less fortunate than themselves and to do so as part of a caring Christian community while experiencing the spiritual life of Lourdes often for the first time. The St Gregory’s Society generously provides a grant which covers part of the cost of the trip for Downside pupils.