Lourdes, France – I never knew that a single place could make such an impact on my life. My first visit to Lourdes was borne out of curiosity while the second was a thanksgiving for answered prayers. What started out as an adventure trip of sorts turned into a personal discovery of the power of reflection, surrender, and prayer.
Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in the southern part of France, the small town of Lourdes has been welcoming visitors from all over the globe for well over 160 years. One may wonder, what is it that draws people to this place? It is home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a widely known pilgrimage site not just for Marian devotees but for anyone seeking to have a meaningful experience.
Upon entering the Sanctuary, one may be taken aback just by how vast it is. Spanning approximately 51 hectares, it is composed of different areas of devotion and worship, each thoughtfully planned with the pilgrim’s journey in mind. At the heart of the Sanctuary is the Grotto of Massabielle, the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to the young Bernadette Soubirous, and where many miracles have since taken place.
The “The Pilgrim’s Way”, as it is called, is the primary guide of devotional activities that visitors may take:
- Go to the Grotto
- Inarguably the most significant part of the Sanctuary, the Grotto is where pilgrims pause and gaze at the Virgin Mary, where they offer prayers of thanksgiving and petition.
- Make a gesture with the water
- The water from Lourdes has been associated with many healings throughout the years.
- Light a candle
- Lighting a candle at Lourdes and praying for Our Lady’s intercession.
Aside from these, visitors are also encouraged to take part in many other activities which include participating in daily Mass, going to confession, and the Marian procession. Taking part in these, however, is not compulsory. There will be no guard, marshal, nun, or priest who will record your attendance. In fact, the beauty of the experience lies in everything being done voluntarily. In the Sanctuary, you will find volunteers of all ages who serve as guides, lectors, altar servers, readers, and even caregivers to pilgrims in need of assistance. It is a unique place where virtues of camaraderie, service to others, and selflessness are witnessed daily.
For those who may be curious, there are exciting places to visit outside the Sanctuary as well. The town of Lourdes may be known essentially for its religious significance, but it is also a bustling town with its own beauty and charm. A quick walk outside the Sanctuary will reveal streets lined with restaurants, inns, hotels, and shops. Since Lourdes has been an attraction for people from all over the world, the restaurant scene is very much alive with numerous cuisines and themes to choose from.
For the tourist who likes to shop, there is an endless selection of souvenirs available, from keychains to bags, clothing to jewelry, to various religious items and labeled water containers. There will surely be something that will catch your eye.
Another fascinating place to visit while in Lourdes is the Chateau Fort de Lourdes. From this historic fortress which also houses a museum, tourists will be treated to amazing views of the city and the Sanctuary. Truly, there is something for everyone in Lourdes!
Going back to the question, what is it that draws people to this place? Why do people flock to Lourdes? Is it for inspiration, meaning, or joy? Honestly, it could be anything. A trip to Lourdes is personal, an experience that is unique to each traveler. It is an opportunity to pause, pray, and ponder. And if you’re lucky, it could even spark a renewed sense of purpose. I consider myself incredibly blessed to have had the chance to visit the place twice; the first one with my Mom and the second one with my husband, Jan. With God’s grace and Mama Mary’s intercession, I sincerely hope that we will be able to go back one day. This time with a toddler in tow – our daughter whom we named Lourdes.