Today we left the farm and went to visit the town of Lourdes, which is only about 30 minutes from where we are staying.
Lourdes is a very famous city in France and a place where millions of Christian pilgrims come to pray and pay homage to the Virgin Mary.
Under the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, there is a grotto where it is said that the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times before Bernadette Soubirous, a young 14 year old girl. According to Bernadette’s testimonies in 1858, the beautiful lady wore a white flowing robe with a blue sash around the middle and yellow roses on her feet.
During one of the visits, a spring of healing waters emerged from the grotto and has flowed ever since. The waters have healed a number of people with different illnesses and afflictions. Today, people from all over the world, come to the grotto to touch the sacred alter and receive the healing waters. It was especially moving to see those who were ill, touch the grotto and pray.
Bernadette was sainted in 1933 by the Catholic church who finally believed her visions.
Everyone is supposed to bring a candle; hundreds burn throughout the day. People can even order candles to be lit for them via the Internet!
There are multiple masses everyday in a variety of languages. During the summer, thousands of people gather in the evening for candlelight processions. It is a very moving place.
Regardless of nationality, religion or faith, Lourdes is a peaceful place where people come to reflect and pray for health, hope and peace. We really enjoyed our visit to this special place.
Comments
9 responses to “Our Lady of Lourdes”
No matter what the ‘religion’ when the faith is peaceful and honourable, people come to the monuments in a respectful manner. The site is very beautiful .
HI Herta,
You are so right…we saw people of all nationalities and faiths there to visit – it was a beautiful and peaceful space.
K:)
Thank you for sharing this lovely blog! If there are any Andy Williams fans viewing this blog, you may want to hear him sing about the Village of St, Bernadette. Please see Youtube Andy Williams – Village of St. Bernadette
HI There,
Here’s the link if you want to hear it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv0038l4gvc
K:)
Hi, Katina, thank you for this posting. I always wanted to go to either Lourdes or Fatima on a Pilgrimage. I hope you said a prayer for us. There was a book and a movie about the visions and the live of Bernadette, and her struggles to convince people and the church that she had seen the Virgin Mary. Love the photos.
Hi There,
I’m not sure if this is the book you were thinking of, but here’s a link to one particular title:
http://www.amazon.com/Bernadette-Ladys-Little-Servant-Vision/dp/0898707609
And this is a movie reference I found…if it’s different – please post a link:
http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/81404%7C0/The-Song-of-Bernadette.html
Cheers,
K:)
Hi, Katina, thanks for the links, yes that is the movie and I have the book in German. We learned about Bernadette in religion class. XOXO’s
Went to Lourdes two years ago Katina. So inspiring and never experienced something of that magnitude when it came to seeing ill people lined up with so much for faith. An awesome experience for my family.
I hope you lit a candle at the Grotto!
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
So nice to hear from you! You’re so right…it was inspirational to see those who were ill go and touch and pray at the grotto. The strength of their faith was incredible.
A very moving place indeed.
Take care,
Kat:)