THE SanctuaRY
OF OUR LADY OF LourdeS
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Our vision
To remain a world centre of pilgrimage.
A sanctuary for the healing of bodies and the consolation of hearts.
LOURDES IS THE WORLD THE RIGHT WAY ROUND, WITH SICK AND DISABLED PEOPLE AT THE FOREFRONT OF SOCIETY, AS THEY SHOULD BE.
Since the first of the 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, thousands, then millions of pilgrims from all over the world have gathered at the Grotto of Lourdes. They come to be nourished by Mary’s message and inspired by Bernadette’s testimony. It was at the Grotto of Lourdes that Our Lady introduced herself to Bernadette as “The Immaculate Conception.”
Whether believers or not, everyone is touched by what happens at Lourdes. Everyone hopes to experience the grace bestowed in the Sanctuary.
Lourdes is renowned for the large number of physical and spiritual healings that take place there.
Our mission
This request came explicitly from Mary:
“Go and tell the priests that a chapel should be built here and that people should come here in procession!”
THE MISSION OF THE SANCTUARY OF LOURDES IS TO WELCOME, SERVE AND LOVE ALL THOSE WHO COME HERE, ESPECIALLY THE SICK AND THE MOST VULNERABLE.
The Sanctuary welcomes pilgrims to the Grotto of Massabielle so that they can physically replicate Bernadette’s gestures (touching the rock at the Grotto, drinking the water from the spring, lighting a candle, praying the rosary with Mary and meditating on her).
Whether on organised pilgrimages, in groups or individually, the Sanctuary welcomes pilgrims and visitors as they are, from all geographical, religious, cultural and social backgrounds. Our aim is to make Mary’s message and Bernadette’s testimony better known.
The Sanctuary provides adapted accommodation and catering facilities to serve all the sick and disabled people who come to Lourdes. Lourdes is a ‘school of life’ where the spirit of service, compassion and fellowship is passed on from generation to generation, and where hospitalier expertise is passed on.
Our values
Putting into practice the virtues of hospitality, inclusivity, generosity, simplicity, humility and respect.
HOSPITALITY: THIS IS ONE OF THE KEYWORDS OF LOURDES. MARY WAS BERNADETTE'S GUEST AT THE GROTTO, AND SHE INVITED HER: “WOULD YOU DO ME THE HONOUR OF COMING HERE FOR FIFTEEN DAYS?”
Lourdes is for everyone. The Sanctuary is open to all, without condition. It strives to make the message of Lourdes accessible to all, in as many languages as possible, and to facilitate dialogue between all cultures. Lourdes is a concrete manifestation of the catholicity of the Church.
Like the Church as a whole, the Sanctuary works in an economy of giving rather than trading, where money is a bad master but a good and necessary servant.
Bernadette Soubirous was poor and illiterate – but at the same time radiant during the 18 apparitions she experienced. The Sanctuary strives to maintain a simple expression of the message of Lourdes and a modest level of comfort in its facilities.
All those who work at the Sanctuary – priests, employees, volunteers, hospitaliers, religious communities – have no other objective than to bring the message of Lourdes to as many people as possible. This means adapting it to the realities of the present day and making it sustainable by anticipating future developments.
