A place of prayer, healing, hope and consolation, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a spiritual treasure for the universal Church. By entrusting it with all or part of your estate, you are furthering your commitment as a believer and helping to spread Mary’s message to Bernadette for future generations.

The Sanctuary is a registered charity and is exempt from all inheritance and transfer duties. In this way, 100% of the money you donate goes towards its missions: caring for the sick, conserving the Grotto, maintaining the places of worship, accompanying pilgrims and fostering prayer.

Why give to the Sanctuary of Lourdes?

“Leaving a legacy to the Sanctuary is an act of faith. It means trusting Mary that my last gesture will be a lasting prayer.”
— Testimonial from an anonymous donor

What can I give?

You can bequeath or endow:

What is the difference between donations, asset transfers and legacies?

Leaving a legacy to the Sanctuary of Lourdes

A legacy allows you to define in a will to whom your assets will revert after your death. The will can be changed at any time. There is no ‘forced heirship’ in the UK. Inheritance rules stipulate that, provided you have a clear and valid will, you can leave your assets or ‘estate’ to any individual or organisation you desire.

What if I’ve recently inherited?

You can use a Deed of Variation, i.e. pass on part of the inheritance you have just received, as a gesture of gratitude or support. It must be agreed upon by all beneficiaries who would be affected by the changes and it must be created and signed within two years of the date of death.

How can I make a will without a solicitor?

It is possible to draw up a self-written will (written, dated and signed in your presence by two witnesses who are not beneficiaries). This document has legal value if it meets certain legal criteria. However, for greater security, you can consult a solicitor or ask us for advice.

What is a universal legatee?

A universal legatee is someone who is named in a will to receive everything in your estate that is left over after specific gifts have been given to other people.

The Sanctuary of Lourdes may be named as universal legatee or as legatee for a specific asset or sum of money.

Why make a living asset transfer?

An asset transfer is an act that allows you to pass on an asset immediately. It’s a simple way of seeing the fruits of your generosity bear fruit during your lifetime, while benefiting from certain tax advantages.

Life insurance: how do I designate the Sanctuary as beneficiary?

All you have to do is include the following in the beneficiary clause of your policy:
“‘The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes – 1 avenue Mgr. Théas – 65108 Lourdes Cedex – France”’.

This sum will be entirely tax-free and will be allocated to the Sanctuary’s mission in accordance with your wishes.

And what happens for tax purposes?

As a charitable organisation, the Sanctuary is exempt from paying tax on gifts, legacies, donations and life insurance policies. No inheritance tax is payable. Your generosity is therefore passed on in full, without deductions, to the work of Lourdes.

Request more information about legacies, gifts and life insurance.