The presence of sick people in Lourdes
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The uniqueness of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes lies in the presence of and importance given to sick people who come on pilgrimage.
In Lourdes, the poor and the sick take precedence.
Healings and miracles began to occur as soon as the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette. From then on, Lourdes welcomed large numbers of vulnerable, frail and sick people. The pilgrimage to Lourdes developed and evolved around these pilgrims, bringing them to the feet of the Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Conception.The carers and volunteers devoted themselves to serving the sick and organised themselves by creating hospitality groups. The Notre-Dame de Salut and then Notre-Dame de Lourdes hospitality groups were founded for this purpose, right from the beginning of pilgrimages to Lourdes. Many other hospitality groups accompanying the sick to Lourdes then sprang up all over the world.
Why do sick people flock to Lourdes?
Lourdes is a place of healing for bodies and hearts. Every pilgrim who enters the Sanctuary is seeking healing of some kind. The Sanctuary is a place of grace that attracts people who are suffering in body or soul. They come here to seek healing, the strength to carry on and move forward, and the opportunity to lay down their burdens and sins at the Grotto.
There are countless testimonies of graces received and healings, as evidenced by the 72 recognised miracles, which are tangible signs that God is at work in this sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Specialised accommodation
Reception centres are provided to welcome and accommodate sick pilgrims. Today, the Accueil Notre-Dame and Accueil Marie-Saint-Frai are special accommodation facilities designed to welcome sick people on organised pilgrimages to Lourdes.
