Why do people touch the walls at Lourdes?

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.



People Also Ask

Spiritually, in the Bible, the Rock symbolises trust in God, the stone on which the Church is built, the solid word on which we lean. Although the current health crisis does currently allow us to touch the Rock, you can make this gesture in your heart at the feet of the Virgin Mary.

MORE DETAILS

Instead, the volunteers of the Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes are inviting pilgrims to take part in the water gesture by washing their face, hands and forearms with water from the miraculous spring. The gesture can be done alone, but also with family, friends or those close to them.

MORE DETAILS

THE SIGNS. The rock, the light, the water, the crowds, the sicks and the helpers are signs of Lourdes.

MORE DETAILS

Since that time, many millions of pilgrims to Lourdes have followed the instruction of the Blessed Virgin Mary to drink at the spring and bathe in it. Lourdes water is considered non-liturgical holy water. Lourdes water has become a focus of devotion to the Virgin Mary at Lourdes.

MORE DETAILS

However, as of late December 2022, the baths remain closed for actual immersion, but they have developed an alternative plan.

MORE DETAILS

Do you have to be Catholic to attend Our Lady of Lourdes? No.

MORE DETAILS

Lourdes in 2 days With favorites like Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Massabielle Grotto, and Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, we'll make sure you don't miss out on all the must sees.

MORE DETAILS

The Sanctuary of Lourdes is open from 6am to midnight.

MORE DETAILS

A nice day at the lake A lovely day trip to the lake. Great for swimming and other water sports like paddleboarding, canoeing. Nice walk from the centre of Lourdes.

MORE DETAILS

Thursday, February 11th 1858 was the day Our Lady revealed herself to Bernadette in the grotto at Massabielle (Old Rock) by the river Gave just outside Lourdes. The grotto itself was not a particularly savoury place, full of river-swept debris and where pigs had been kept.

MORE DETAILS