The shrine in Lourdes is recognised by the Roman Catholic Church as the site of 18 visions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Since then, Lourdes has been a major site of pilgrimage, especially for Roman Catholics.
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The shrine in Lourdes is recognised by the Roman Catholic Church as the site of 18 visions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Since then, Lourdes has been a major site of pilgrimage, especially for Roman Catholics.
If you are a Roman Catholic, the religious significance of Lourdes is obvious, but even non-Catholics can enjoy a visit to the Sanctuary, its facilities, and this French town in the foothills of the Pyrénées. Lourdes is an easy trip from Pau, about 45 kilometers (29 miles), less than an hour's drive.
Many miracles have been attributed to bathing in or drinking the water at Lourdes as well as to participating in the Eucharistic Procession and Adoration. Pilgrims may experience healing in body, mind or spirit and leave with a deeper sense of God's presence and love in their lives.
Wandering the streets of Lourdes is an unforgettable experience, but the city's underground also features some landmarks. The Basilica of St. Pius X is a massive religious building within the Boulevard Père. This architectural marvel was completed in 1958 and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers.
Miraculous cures have been associated with Lourdes ever since. Lourdes today is far different from the isolated mountain hamlet of 1858. During the main pilgrimage season that runs from Easter through the end of October, an average of 25,000 pilgrims gather here each day in the shrine located in the center of Lourdes.
Since then, Lourdes has become one of the holiest Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, visited annually by more than five million people who come in search of healing from its sacred waters.
Soon, pilgrims began coming to Lourdes from far away. They were attracted by stories of apparitions and miraculous healings that occurred when infirm people bathed in the spring water. After four years of skepticism, the Roman Catholic Church validated Bernadette's claims that she had seen the mother of Jesus.
The best time to visit Lourdes runs from June to September, since it is the warmest and driest period of the year. May and October, though rainier, may be fine too, although it can sometimes get cold, especially in the first half of May and in the second half of October.
Tap water (“eau du robinet”) is always safe to drink, unless you have a sign that says otherwise (“eau non potable” is the most common), which is often the case in public bathrooms for instance. Note that in most restaurants for instance, tap water is always an option (“une carafe d'eau”).
With 6 million pilgrims visiting Lourdes each year, there is no doubt that it is a place of enormous attraction for those seeking enlightenment through the footsteps of St. Bernadette. The itinerary can be either 3, 4, 5 or 7 nights.
The Grotto of Massabielle is a must for all visitors to the Shrine of Lourdes, whether they are ordinary visitors or believers. The visit to the Grotto is silent, most people touch the wall of the Grotto with their fingers in respect or to make a wish or a prayer. Processions are organised too for infirm pilgrims.
The “secret of Lourdes is the Eucharist,” the renowned shrine's chief medical officer told OSV News. “The fabulous part of Lourdes is that we are invited, convened (here) by our Blessed Mother, but we end up discovering and possibly making friends with Jesus Christ, who is very present in Lourdes,” said Dr.
There is so much for you to see and do. Begin the afternoon in the city center and grab some local cuisine for lunch at one of the many restaurants, relax and take in the ambiance! Afterward, hop on the Petit Train Touristique (Little Train of Lourdes) to see some of the city`s highlights.