De La Salle College Churchtown on Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes took place from September 4th to 9th, 2025, led by Archbishop Dermot Farrell.

Participation in the pilgrimage has long been a proud tradition at De La Salle College, Churchtown, and each year, sixth-year students volunteer to take part as helpers, joining hundreds of other young people from schools across Dublin and Ireland to assist sick and elderly pilgrims throughout their journey.

This year, five students — Ryan O’Connell, Joshua Sam Liao, Kotryna Kuisytė, Sarah Bonnell, and Ciaran Dadacay — represented De La Salle College, accompanied by their teacher Mr. Tom Leigh.

The wider Diocesan Pilgrimage included over 1,500 participants, among them 109 sick pilgrims, along with doctors, nurses, chaplains, and volunteers. Around 250 young people, including 150 sixth-year students from more than 30 schools, took part as helpers.

Our De La Salle students worked tirelessly each day in the Lourdes hospital, assisting pilgrims with daily tasks — chatting with them, helping to serve meals, tidying rooms, and accompanying them to Masses at the Grotto, the Underground Basilica, and other ceremonies throughout the week.

Each evening, students gathered for prayer and reflection, guided by Fr. Paul Thornton (a past pupil of De La Salle College, Class of 1989). These moments provided a chance to pause, share experiences, and reflect on the meaningful work they were doing.

Evenings were also filled with camaraderie and fun, from table quizzes to sing-songs, and the highlight of the week: a party night with the pilgrims, where everyone joined together in music, laughter, and dancing. It was a truly joyful celebration of faith and friendship, and one that will be fondly remembered by all who took part.

Sincere thanks are extended to the Dublin Diocesan team, especially Fr. Paul Thornton and Canon John Flaherty, for their continued invitation and support over the past 18 years.

It is an honour for De La Salle College Churchtown to be part of this wonderful pilgrimage each year, an experience that embodies service, compassion, and community at its very best.

Mr. Tom Leigh
De La Salle College, Churchtown