Our mission: to welcome pilgrims
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Since the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, the primary mission of the Sanctuary of Lourdes has been to welcome people on pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Ever-increasing crowds
Crowds of believers and pilgrims had already been visiting the Grotto ever since the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, a young girl from Bigorre.
From 1862 onwards, following the official recognition of the apparitions by Bishop Laurence of Tarbes, it became necessary to respond to the Virgin Mary’s request to ‘come here in procession and build a chapel’.
A crypt was quickly erected, and the first chapel was named ‘the Immaculate Conception’. This was followed by two other basilicas, a church dedicated to Saint Bernadette and numerous chapels, always with a view to ensuring that the Sanctuary could provide the best possible welcome to the thousands of pilgrims who visit Lourdes every year.
Spreading the Message of Lourdes
The Sanctuary welcomes every pilgrim who enters its grounds. Whether they are practising Catholics or visitors passing through, every pilgrim who enters the Sanctuary is welcomed with the same respect by the Sanctuary’s host community. The Sanctuary of Lourdes is an open-air church that offers its pilgrims the opportunity to experience their faith and spirituality or to hear the Message of Lourdes in a peaceful and tranquil setting.
Participation in processions, masses and praying the rosary is free. There are also many activities on offer to help you learn about or rediscover the history of the apparitions and the life of Bernadette Soubirous. You can also light a candle in the chapels of light, drink water from the drinking fountains, where you can also wash your face and hands, and touch the rock in the Grotto.
