Hotel RedCap (age 16+) –
Hotel RedCaps are hospitality members whose duties are typically situated between the various Lourdes hotels and the Domain (the Sanctuary surrounding the grotto). The Hotel RedCap duties can vary, depending on the requirements of pilgrims at that particular time. They can include working for the Lourdes authorities in an official capacity, taking part in a procession and carrying banners, socialising with the sick and assisting them by pushing wheel chairs, or taking part in liturgies during services and masses.
St Frai RedCap (age 16+) –
As with Hotel assisted pilgrims, St Frai assisted pilgrims also require RedCap assistance to travel to and from the St Frai during the pilgrimage. However, for logistical reasons, coupled with the fact that the St Frai operate to a slightly different pilgrimage timetable and a shift-based work schedule, the normal Hotel RedCap teams are unable to provide the required service. Therefore, a dedicated team of RedCaps are assigned to work in the St Frai.
Team Leader (age 18+ with at least two years experience working on the pilgrimage) –
On arrival in Lourdes, RedCaps are allocated a Team and a Team Leader. Team Leaders have a variety of responsibilities including allocating duties, liaising with group leaders and pilgrimage management and supporting the assisted pilgrims entrusted to them.
The role of a team leader also extends into preparation, planning and development of the pilgrimage.
St Frai Helper (age 18+) –
Some of the sick pilgrims in most need of support and medical care stay in a hospital like building called the Accueli St Frai in the centre of Lourdes. It is well-equipped for their care and they are looked after by a team of Doctors, Nurses and volunteer St Frai helpers.
The role of a St Frai helper is to support the nurses in providing the sort of care for which you do not need a medical qualification eg: helping pilgrims get up and reading in the morning, making tea, cleaning the wards, taking pilgrims to various pilgrimage events, socialising with them and putting them to bed at night. The timetabe is shared across two shifts.
Doctors and Nurses are also invited to assist with the pilgrimage.
There is a group called Reds which is for children / families. Some of our 18+ volunteers have worked with this group in the past. Their role has included leading games and activities and working with the team to engage the children in the liturgy. This role is a lot of fun.