The Pilgrimage to Lourdes
A procession of Lourdes pilgrims. Photo
Nicholas Thompson.
More pilgrims, including a pair of nuns. Photo
Nicholas Thompson.
Pilgrims collect holy water from the spring at the grotto. Photo
Anthony.
From March (Palm Sunday) to October, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is the goal of mass pilgrimages from Europe and other parts of the world. August is the most popular month for pilgrimages to Lourdes, so book your hotel early if you travel then.
Every day during this period at 4:30pm, the Procession Eucharistique (Blessed Sacrament Procession) takes place, with pilgrims carrying banners along the Esplanade des Processions. Torch light processions are held nightly at 8:45 PM from the Massabielle Grotto. It can be a spectacular sight with the majestic snowcapped Pyrenees in the background.
Never has a sanctuary attracted such throngs. At the end of the year 1908, when the 50th anniversary of the apparition was celebrated, although the record really only began from 1867, 5297 pilgrimages had been registered and these had brought 4,919,000 pilgrims. Individual pilgrims are more numerous by far than those who come in groups. To their number must be added the visitors who do not come as pilgrims, but who are attracted by a religious feeling or sometimes merely by the desire to see this far-famed spot.
Every nation in the world furnishes its contingent. Out of the total of pilgrimages given above, 464 came from countries other than France. They are sent by the United States, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Italy, England, Ireland, Canada, Brazil, Bolivia, etc. The bishops lead the way. At the end of the year of the 50th anniversary, 2013 prelates, including 546 archbishops, 10 primates, 19 patriarchs, 69 cardinals, had made the pilgrimage to Lourdes.
On August 15, 2004, Pope John Paul II made a pilgrimage to Lourdes to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. You can read his remarks here.
- Coming on Pilgrimages - official website of Lourdes
- Lourdes Office de Tourisme
- Notre-Dame de Lourdes – Catholic Encyclopedia
- Lourdes Travel Guide – Virtual Tourist
- Lourdes Travel - TripAdvisor
- Introduction to Lourdes – Frommers
- Lourdes, France – Lonely Planet
- Lourdes – Let's Go Guides
- A Visit to Lourdes – Spirituality.org
- A Pilgrimage to Lourdes – Savvy Traveler. A non-religious account.
- We're Saved by a Jehovah's Witness – June 1, 2001
