The sixth edition of the Acamps Summer Festival (ASF) officially began this Wednesday, July 15, taking place for the first time in Lourdes, France. The event runs through Sunday (July 19) at the Village des Jeunes and has brought together more than 350 participants from over 10 European countries.
The official opening was marked by the celebration of Holy Mass in the Upper Basilica of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, presided over by Bishop François Touvet of Fréjus-Toulon. Following the celebration, participants gathered for an evening of fellowship featuring dinner, music, and performances by DJ Cristian and the band Les Guetteurs.
Over the course of five days, ASF offers a program that integrates prayer, formation, and community life through Eucharistic celebrations, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Life in the Spirit Seminar, the YouCat course, pilgrimages, sports activities, concerts, and moments of sharing.
According to Father Edie Betlhem, local leader of the Shalom Mission in Avignon and organizer of the event, hosting Acamps in Lourdes provides a unique opportunity to experience the festival in one of the world’s most important Marian shrines.
“Because this is such a special place, we invited pilgrimage groups to come together with their families — parents, children, and adults — so they could experience the particular grace of this sanctuary. In this edition, in addition to the festival program, we will have pilgrimage moments such as the closing Mass at the Grotto of the Apparitions and participation in the traditional Candlelight Procession.”
Father Tiago, Regional Leader of the Shalom Catholic Community in Europe, explained that holding the Acamps Summer Festival in Lourdes had long been a dream of the Community.
“We have always dreamed of holding an Acamps in Lourdes. About a year ago, we began praying and working concretely to make this gathering possible. Our hope is that every young person will have a profound encounter with God in this place marked by so many graces, and that the greatest miracle will be the transformation of hearts.”
The priest also emphasized that the program was designed to lead participants into an experience of faith through moments of prayer and pilgrimage throughout the Sanctuary grounds.
“We will rely on the intercession of the Virgin Mary, walk the Path of Saint Bernadette, and experience moments in different locations throughout the Sanctuary complex. These will be days of joy, fellowship, and above all, encounter with God, while asking for Our Lady’s intercession.”
The Acamps Summer Festival program continues through Sunday (July 19), featuring formation sessions, group activities, musical performances, and the closing celebration at the Grotto of the Apparitions.
