Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Lourdes, world center of pilgrimages
Before February 11, 1858, the date of the first apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes to Bernadette Soubirous, nothing foreshadowed the destiny of this small town.
Since then, more than 6 million pilgrims or visitors have stayed in Lourdes each year with an organized pilgrimage, with family or for a simple visit to the Sanctuaries.
An international pilgrimage center
Each year, more than 6 million pilgrims and visitors come to stay in Lourdes, whether:
- During a pilgrimage organized by dioceses or associations,
- With the family to live a unique spiritual experience,
- Or for a personal visit to the Sanctuaries, to discover the Grotte de Massabielle, the Basilica of Saint Pius X and other sacred places.
Pilgrims have various motivations: some come for a spiritual quest, others for a moment of meditation, to ask for a grace or simply to feel the special atmosphere of this place full of peace and serenity. Lourdes is also a place of exchange and fraternity, where solidarity and hospitality are at the heart of each visit.
A true international pilgrimage center, Lourdes offers everyone a unique human and spiritual experience that leaves a deep mark on hearts and minds.
A unique meeting place
Pilgrims come from more than 140 countries, merging into a community to help the sick and give thanks to the Virgin Mary.
The pilgrimage to Lourdes is first and foremost a hope for all the sick, motivated by the hope of physical or spiritual healing.
Highlights in Lourdes
Every year millions of pilgrims come to participate in the various events in Lourdes, here are the main ones:
- The anniversary of the apparitions from February 9 to 12
- The Knights of the Order of Malta in May
- Belgian national pilgrimage
- Military pilgrimage every year in May
- The Assumption from August 12 to 16
- Lourdes cancer hope in September
- The Italian national at the end of September
- The Rosary from the 1st Tuesday of October
- The guardians biannual pilgrimage at the end of October
The Sanctuaries of Lourdes
Place of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette and of the famous grotto of Lourdes.
Today there are 22 places of worship on the grounds of the Sanctuaries.
Tel. : 33 (0)5 62 42 78 78
