Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes — Attraction in Argelès-Gazost

+JMJ Have been blessed to visit Lourdes twice, once when serving in the USNavy and another time on my own in September 1998 as a member of a Catholic lay apostolate called the Legion of Mary. There is a Legion of Mary house there called "The Permanance" (I can't find the address, otherwise, I would write a separate review) that invites active member from round the world to participate in giving helpful guidance to pilgrims and tourists. I spent one glorious week there!! There were lots of highlights of being present at Lourdes: (1) Being with believers and non-believers from all parts of the world. (2) The atmosphere for me was prayerful. (3) And, the respect shown and care given to the sick who traveled to Lourdes in hopes of physical and spiritual restoration of their health was more than heart-warming. Additionally, was grateful for the opportunities to immerse myself in the natural and spiritual beauty inside and outside the Churches. The most impressive spiritual moments of my time spent were the afternoon Eucharistic procession, the nightly Rosary concluded by the singing of the "Salve Regina" and participation in a group that walked the Stations of the Cross. Those statues were life sized and made the walk even more poignant. Something else memorable about the nightly Rosary was that everyone present sang the "Salve Regina." The singing of that hymn in Latin by all nationalities transcended all language barriers and transported me to the ante-chamber of Heaven! And, the Lourdes Grotto is anointed!!! A quote from the book "Song of Bernadette": "For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't believe no explanation...

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the entire world. It is located in the south of France, where a local girl named Bernadette experienced a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary during 1858. In the years that followed, a series of churches were built up around the Grotto where Bernadette had her visions, forming what is today the Sanctuary in Lourdes.

Just atop the grotto, you will find the highlight churches, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (1862-71) along with a Crypt (1866), which the Virgin Mary requested the people to build through St. Bernadette. This is also where you can visit the Byzantine style Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary (1899).

Other chapels and houses of worship line the outer grounds of the Sanctuary, including another major Basilica of St. Pius X (1958) which is uniquely built underground. There is an outdoor chapel of candles and hillside Way of the Cross walk amongst other points of interest.

Church services are held throughout the day at the various chapels and churches around the Sanctuary. Check online for service time and locations by language. You can also pick up a daily schedule at the Information Centre within the Sanctuary grounds.

While on the Sanctuary grounds, visitors can collect holy water from the grotto springs. It is believed that these waters contain healing powers. There are even bathing opportunities in the healing waters as well. Prayer candles can also be left at the chapel of candles. In the evenings, visitors can participate in a nightlight candle processions that are held daily during the warmer months...

Visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes was an incredibly moving and spiritual experience. This sacred site, known worldwide for its history and miraculous significance, truly lives up to its reputation as a place of peace, healing, and deep faith.

The sanctuary is beautifully maintained, with stunning architecture and serene gardens that invite reflection and prayer. Walking through the grounds, you can feel the sense of reverence and devotion that has drawn millions of pilgrims over the years. The Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette, is the heart of the sanctuary, and standing before it is an awe-inspiring moment that resonates deeply with visitors.

The atmosphere throughout the sanctuary is one of profound calm and reverence, making it easy to find a quiet spot for contemplation or to join in one of the many services and processions held daily. The multilingual Masses and the opportunity to participate in the famous candlelight procession add to the sense of universal connection among pilgrims from all over the world.

The sanctuary is well-organized, with helpful staff and clear signage that makes navigating the large site easy. Whether you’re here for spiritual reasons, historical interest, or simply to experience the peaceful ambiance, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a place that touches the...