Volunteering at the Sanctuary
Being a volunteer means agreeing to come on an adventure to meet, listen to, share and collaborate with the people who come here.
Being a volunteer means giving a little of your time to help others. And without even realising it, you will gain a lot in return!
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes International Volunteer Centre welcomes volunteers from 1st April to 31st October.
Coordinated by the Sanctuary’s International Volunteer Centre, there are missions suitable for everyone!
I WOULD LIKE TO BE A VOLUNTEER AT THE SANCTUARY, WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS,
• To be aged 18 or over,
• To possess good physical and social aptitudes. Take note, there is a lot of walking involved at Lourdes.
• Accept a variety of work and duty changes according to the needs of the Sanctuary.
WHEN CAN I COME AS A VOLUNTEER AND FOR HOW LONG?
• Volunteering period: Between 2 April 2026 and 30 October 2026.
• Length of stay: Minimum 1 week to a maximum of 2 weeks.
• Arrival is possible only between Sunday and Thursday. No arrivals on Fridays and Saturdays.
VOLUNTEERING, WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
• One day of training before starting your assignment
• A maximum of 6 hours of service per day, which gives you free time for your personal pilgrimage,
• One rest day a week.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES?
• Welcoming and providing information to pilgrims,
• Pastoral activities,
• Managing crowds,
• Assisting with Liturgical services (sacristy, flowers, sewing, etc.),
• …
WHERE CAN I SLEEP AND EAT? WHAT MUST I PAY?
(If and when your application has been accepted by the International Volunteer Center)
• Accommodation can be booked, at the volunteers accommodation – The House of “Martha and Mary” (which is within the Sanctuary), or
• You are free to book your own accommodation at one of the hotels, apartments (Airbnb), or convents in Lourdes, which you must arrange on your own (There are many hotels, guest house, campsites etc.)
• Meals are available at the Sanctuary’s self-service restaurant, or you are free to have your meals at a restaurant at your personal cost
• You are responsible for the cost of your transport, accommodation and meals.
ARE THERE SHARED MOMENTS FOR THE TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS?
We propose convivial and spiritual moments for the volunteers. You are welcomed and taken care of in a friendly atmosphere.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
I prepare my 3 mandatory documents in PDF format:
A valid identity document, a CV and a cover letter.
At any time, I can log back into my account to track the status of my file. (Submitted, Accepted, Incomplete or Refused)
“Love without measure, give without counting the cost”
Saint Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)
International Volunteer Centre:
+33 (0)5 62 42 79 04 or
benevole@lourdes-france.com
