In Lourdes, one played for a long time between the singular and plural to speak about the sacred area. The term Sanctuary indicates a building of pilgrimage. In this way, the Chapel above the Grotto, i.e. the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception constitutes "the" original Sanctuary. Later on, the multiplicity of the churches and basilicas resulted in naming the whole area "the Sanctuaries", the collective entity having the Grotto as its focal point. The organisation of the Sanctuary
Private Property : 51 hectares with 22 places of worship Person in Charge : The Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes who appoints his representative named the Rector. Volunteer helpers : 7,000 in Hospitalité Notre-Dame de Lourdes and 100,000 in the different pilgrimage hospitalities. Priests, Brothers and Sisters : There are 30 Chaplains permanently in the Sanctuary. They accompany Pilgrims and Groups, celebrate the Sacraments and lead pilgrims in prayer. They come from different religious Congregations and Societies as well as different diocese. There are 5 communities of Religious Sisters working in the Sanctuary. Employees : 292 full-time employees and 120 seasonal workers in 63 different departments and services. Budget : 18 millions € Income : 90% of the offerings donations and legacies.
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Bernadette Soubirous
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