About Lourdes
Grotto Photo by Michelle Babyak
"At the Grotto of Apparitions under the rock is the the source of the Lourdes Water and the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Grotto is the place where the apparitions took place in 1858: 18 meetings between the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, and Bernadette Soubirous, a 14 year old girl." Lourdes Sanctuaire

Mary asked Bernadette,"Will you give me the grace to come here for a fortnight?" Mary addressed her on a personal level showing love and respect to this poor and simple girl, expressing that everyone is loved by God.

Mary's words to Bernadette:

  • ​"Go to the source, drink and wash yourself there."
  • " Penance, penance, penance. Pray for sinners. " 
  • "Come in procession."
  • "Let a chapel be built."
  • "I am the Immaculate Conception."

Following Mary's requests Pilgrims coming to Lourdes:

Following Mary's requests Pilgrims coming to Lourdes:
  • Visit the Grotto
  • Drink and wash with the waters, many of which bathe in the waters at the baths.
  • Process and pray the rosary in the nightly Candlelight Procession.
  • Receive the sacrament of Confession.
  • Attend Mass in the various chapels and basilica in many languages.
  • Take part in the Eucharistic procession.
Picture
Saint Bernadette
L’Hospitalité Notre Dame de Lourdes was created to care for the Sanctuary and the Pilgrims coming to Lourdes. The Hospitalité is a volunteer organization dedicated to welcoming and accompanying the thousands of pilgrims each year, especially the sick. Our Lady's Pilgrimage, OLP, joins these volunteers each summer.
OLP's work with the Hospitalité includes two different levels: new volunteers and stage volunteers. To learn more visit the Hospitalité page.