This year was a special celebration for HCPT Merseyside, as it marks 50 years of their trips to Lourdes.

The first group to take Disabled and Disadvantaged children from Merseyside was led by Kath O’Gorman in 1974, who collected stamps to fund the trip.

Since then, the groups have continued to grow, with seven groups and over 70 benefactors travelling to Lourdes at Easter this year.

At the Regional Mass in Lourdes this year, groups celebrated the milestone by embodying each decade through outfits and dancing while describing the significance for each group.

Regional Chaplain Fr Kenny Hyde celebrated Mass, assisted by Fr Eddie Kane and Deacon Eddie Miller and with commentary from Clare O’Brien.

The groups remembered past children and helpers who had been to Lourdes over 50 years and the benefactors who have helped make the pilgrimages so successful.

The Mass was so special to everyone who attended and lots of music and hymns were sung throughout, including “My Lighthouse,” which has become synonymous with the Merseyside region.

The rest of the week was also a success as everyone enjoyed a reflective and spiritual time in Lourdes.

Here’s to another 50 years in the Merseyside region!

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