Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes facts for kids
.JPG)
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a special Catholic place in Lourdes, France. It is a Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Many people visit this site for pilgrimage.
The sanctuary has many religious buildings. These are built around the grotto of Massabielle. This grotto is where important events happened in 1858. Three basilicas are part of the sanctuary. They are the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Rosary Basilica, and the Basilica of St. Pius X. People call them the upper, lower, and underground basilicas.
Many sick and disabled people visit Lourdes. They come because the Lourdes water from the grotto is said to have healing powers. The local Roman Catholic Diocese of Tarbes-et-Lourdes owns and runs the area. It offers places for prayer, offices, and rooms for sick pilgrims and their helpers.
Besides the grotto and basilicas, there are fountains with Lourdes water. There are also baths for people to dip in the water. An esplanade is used for processions. There is also a calvary and offices for the Lourdes Medical Bureau. All these are spread over a large area of about 52-hectare (130-acre).
Lourdes is one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world. About four million people come here every year. The grotto of Massabielle is the most famous spot. Hundreds of copies of this grotto exist worldwide. They are known as "Lourdes grottos".
Contents
History of the Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes started because of special events. These were the Marian apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Bernadette was a 14-year-old girl.
On February 11, 1858, Bernadette was playing near the grotto of Massabielle. This grotto was by the Gave de Pau river. She said she saw a "lady" standing on a rose bush. The bush was in a niche above the grotto.
At that time, the grotto was outside the town. Villagers used it for animals, firewood, and even as a dump. It was not a pleasant place.
Bernadette told her sister not to tell their parents. But her sister did. Her parents then told them not to go back to the grotto. Bernadette did not listen and kept going. From February 11 to July 16, 1858, Bernadette saw the "lady" 18 times.
The "lady" finally told Bernadette her name. She said she was the Immaculate Conception. This was a special title for the Virgin Mary. Pope Pius IX had declared this title in 1854. This made the local priest, Dominique Peyramale, believe Bernadette. He thought she truly saw the Virgin Mary.
During these visits, the "lady" gave Bernadette instructions. These instructions were important for the sanctuary. Bernadette was told to drink water from a spring in the grotto. She was also told to wash herself with it. The "lady" also asked her to tell priests to build a chapel at the grotto. People were to come there in processions.
After the apparitions, more and more people became interested. Curious visitors turned into pilgrims. They came from far away, drawn by stories of visions and miracles.
In 1861, the local priest, Dominique Peyramale, and bishop, Bertrand-Sévère Laurence, bought the grotto. They also bought the land around it from the town. They quickly made the area easier for pilgrims to visit. They started building the first church, now called the "Crypt."
In 1864, a French artist named Joseph-Hugues Fabisch made a statue. It was a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. He based it on Bernadette's descriptions. This statue is now a famous symbol of Lourdes. It stands in the niche where the Virgin appeared. The original wild rose bush was destroyed by pilgrims. A new one has been planted nearby.
Later, due to changes in French law, the Church lost ownership of the sanctuary. The town of Lourdes took it over in 1910. The bishop at the time, François-Xavier Schoepfer, rented the area back. This lasted until World War I began in 1914.
In 1941, Marshal Pétain visited Lourdes. This visit gave official recognition to the sanctuary. Church leaders asked Pétain to let the Church own the sanctuary again. He agreed.
How the Sanctuary is Run
The Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes is in charge of the sanctuary's spiritual side. He chooses a local leader called the rector. The sanctuary is run separately from the local parish.
About thirty full-time chaplains work at the sanctuary. They come from different parts of the world. As of 2010, there were 292 full-time staff members. Another 120 people worked seasonally. They worked in 63 different areas. The sanctuary's yearly budget is about €18 million. Most of this money, 90%, comes from donations.
The sanctuary is open all year. In winter, fewer people visit. There are fewer services and activities. The winter season runs from November 1st to Easter. On February 11th, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, many activities usually take place.
The sanctuary is very busy between Easter and All Saints' Day. During this time, there are many religious activities. These include Mass, processions, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and confession. Many activities are offered in different languages.
The grounds are open daily from 5 AM until midnight. Outside these hours, you can still reach the grotto. You can use the Lacets Gate behind the Upper Basilica.
About 200 million people have visited the shrine since 1860. The Catholic Church has officially recognized 70 miracle healings. The 70th healing was of Sister Bernadette Moriau. It was recognized on February 11, 2018.
Lourdes Water
Lourdes water comes from a spring inside the grotto of Massabielle. This is the same spot where Bernadette Soubirous found it. You can see the original spring inside the grotto. It is lit from below and protected by glass.
Pilgrims drink Lourdes water because it is believed to have healing power. You can get the water from taps between the grotto and the baths. Scientists studied the water in 1858 and 1859. They found it has no special scientific or medicinal properties.
Even so, the water is a strong symbol for pilgrims. Many buy statues and rosary beads with small amounts of the water. They also take large containers of it home.
Processions
Processions are special walks held at the sanctuary. The torchlight procession is very well-known and impressive.
Blessed Sacrament Procession
The Blessed Sacrament procession happens every day at 5:00 PM. It starts at an outdoor altar across the river from the grotto. Sick pilgrims lead the way. A priest, bishop, or cardinal follows, carrying a monstrance. This holds the Blessed Sacrament.
Often, a special canopy called a baldachin covers the person carrying the Blessed Sacrament. Candle bearers and incense burners walk with them. These helpers are chosen from the pilgrims. Doctors from different pilgrimages follow close behind.
Groups of pilgrims come next, some with their parish banners. The procession crosses the river and goes past the Crowned Virgin statue. It then moves along the esplanade. Finally, it goes into the St. Pius X underground basilica. Here, pilgrims with disabilities can easily reach the altar.
During the procession, people meditate, pray, and sing hymns. These are often in many languages. After everyone gathers, there is a time of Eucharistic adoration. This is followed by a blessing for the sick. If the weather is bad, the procession takes place inside a basilica.
Torchlight Procession
The torchlight Marian procession happens every day at 9 PM. It starts near the grotto. It then moves through the paths of the esplanade. It ends in Rosary Square. If the weather is very bad, a ceremony is held inside the Underground Basilica.
Sick and disabled pilgrims lead this procession. Volunteers carry a copy of the Virgin Mary statue. Most people in the procession carry a candle.
The main focus of this procession is the rosary. All five parts of the rosary are recited. This is usually done in different languages. The Immaculate Mary, which is the Lourdes hymn, is also sung. Its verses are in various languages. Prayers for help may be said, followed by the Laudate Mariam. There is a final blessing in Latin. Then, people are invited to share a sign of peace with others.
Basilicas
Upper Basilica
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is also called the "Upper Basilica." It was made sacred in 1876. It is a grand building in the Gothic style. It looks like it comes right out of the Massabielle rock.
The walls inside have many ex voto plaques. These are small signs of thanks for prayers answered. Banners from past pilgrimages also hang there. Stained-glass windows show different events from the Lourdes story. Windows higher up show Mary as "the Second Eve".
Outside, a 70 m (230 ft) spire stands tall. Two smaller spires were added in 1908. Above the entrance is a mosaic of Pope Pius IX. He defined the idea of the Immaculate Conception in 1854.
The basilica has a crypt below it. This crypt was the first church built at the sanctuary. It was finished in 1866. Bernadette's father helped build it. He was there when it officially opened in 1866. The main part of the church, the nave, is small. Huge pillars support the Upper Basilica above it.
You enter the crypt through a corridor. A large bronze statue of St. Peter stands at the entrance. He holds the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Across from him is a statue of Pius X. The walls of the corridor and nave are covered with small marble plaques. These are ex voto plaques, given to say thank you for spiritual favors.
Lower Basilica
The Rosary Basilica is known as the "Lower Basilica." It was finished in 1899. Architect Leopold Hardy designed it. It was made sacred in 1901. It can hold 1,500 people. Its style is like Byzantine architecture.
The main part of the church is open and round. It has a dome on top. The outside of the dome has a golden crown and cross. These were a gift from the people of Ireland in 1924.
In 2007, the outside front of the basilica was changed. It now shows the luminous mysteries. These are extra parts of the rosary added by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
Underground Basilica
The Basilica of St. Pius X is called the "Underground Basilica." It is the largest church at the sanctuary. Architect Pierre Vago designed it. It was finished in 1958. This was for the 100-year anniversary of the apparitions. Many people were expected to visit.
It is a modern building made of concrete. It is almost entirely underground. When full, it can hold 25,000 people.
Grotto Area
The "grotto of Massabielle" is where Bernadette Soubirous saw the Lourdes apparitions. It is the most famous place in the sanctuary. The Lourdes water flows from a spring inside this cave.
From 2014 to 2018, the area around the grotto was changed. This was to make it easier for pilgrims to move around. A new open area was built by the river. Taps for the spring water were moved away from the grotto. New fountains for pilgrims were made. The baths were updated, and a new bridge was built. Chapels of light were built for pilgrims to light candles.
Grotto of Massabielle
The grotto at Massabielle is very simple. This is different from the grand Rosary Square and basilicas. The grotto itself is plain. A simple stone altar and lectern are there for Mass.
Above the main part of the grotto is a niche. This is where the "lady" seen by Bernadette Soubirous stood. Now, Fabisch's statue of Our Lady of Lourdes stands there. A large candelabra with 96 candles burns all year. During pilgrimage season, two Masses are usually held here each morning.
The spring Bernadette found is at the back of the grotto. It is covered by glass. When Mass is not happening, pilgrims can walk through the grotto. It is a tradition to touch the rocks under the statue. So many people have done this that the stones are smooth.
Also at the back of the grotto is a metal box. People can put written prayers or requests inside. These are collected daily and burned.
Benches allow visitors to sit and pray. Pilgrims are asked to be quiet to create a prayerful mood. A special stone marks one spot where Bernadette prayed. Some rock walls around the grotto show signs of being changed. This was probably to make it easier for pilgrims to access.
Water Taps and Fountains
Lourdes water used to be available at taps near the grotto. Now, the sanctuary has two separate places for water. One place is for drinking water and filling bottles. The other is for pilgrims to make a religious gesture. This is like what Bernadette Soubirous did.
New fountains were made for this "water gesture." They are on the western side of the grotto. They are shaped to make it hard to fill bottles. They have a slow water flow. New water taps were built on the river bank. These are for filling bottles with Lourdes water, away from the grotto.
Baths of Water
Pilgrims can also dip into baths filled with Lourdes water. These are called piscines in French. This also repeats a gesture by Bernadette Soubirous. She washed herself with the water as the "lady" told her.
The first baths were built in 1862. The current baths were built in 1955. They are on the western side of the grotto. Volunteers help pilgrims fully immerse themselves. About 350,000 pilgrims bathe each year. Taking pictures or videos is not allowed.
Chapels of Light
Lighting a votive candle is another religious gesture. Bernadette Soubirous did this during the apparitions. Now it is part of the Lourdes pilgrimage. Pilgrims used to light candles near the grotto.
Now, they cross the Gave de Pau river on a new bridge. This leads to the "chapels of light." All candles are meant to be lit here. About 800 tons of wax are burned each year. Pilgrims can place candles of different sizes. Some bring large candles from their home churches.
Staff called feutiers take care of the candles. Their job is to make sure candles burn safely. They also remove trays of melted wax. In July 2022, a fire damaged four candle chapels. They are currently closed.
Other Religious Sites
Besides the three basilicas and the grotto, the sanctuary has other places of worship. It also has places for pilgrims.
Church of St. Bernadette
The Church of St. Bernadette is one of the newest main worship centers. It was made sacred in 1988. It was built across the river from the grotto. This is where Bernadette Soubirous stood during her last vision on July 16, 1858.
The Church of St. Bernadette is a simple concrete building. It has little decoration. It was designed to let in a lot of natural light. Light-colored materials were used. This makes it much brighter than the Underground Basilica. Jean-Paul Felix designed it.
It is also a very flexible building. The main area can seat 5,000 people. It can also hold 350 wheelchairs. Walls can be moved to divide the area into smaller sections. It also has a large lecture room. This room can be used for worship. There are also conference rooms and smaller rooms. These can be used for religious or other activities.
Chapel of Reconciliation
The chapel of reconciliation used to be in a more distant spot. It was moved several years ago to a more visible place. It is now in the building that was the Accueil Notre Dame. It faces the esplanade.
This chapel is special because no Masses or other services happen here. Instead, it is only for the sacrament of reconciliation (confession). Priests from different countries work here. This means pilgrims can almost always find a priest. They can confess in their own language.
St. Joseph's Chapel
St. Joseph's Chapel is named after Saint Joseph, Mary's husband. It is at the far end of the esplanade. It is near St. Michael's Gate. It is a modern concrete church. Most of it is underground, with little natural light. Pierre Vago also designed it. It was made sacred on May 1, 1968. It can seat 450 people and hold 80 wheelchairs.
Rosary Square
The open area in front of the Rosary Basilica is called "Rosary Square." The entrances to the Upper Basilica and its crypt are high up. To make it easy to reach them, two huge ramps were built. They curve down on both sides of Rosary Square.
The image of the Rosary Basilica, with the two ramps and the spires of the Upper Basilica, is a famous symbol of Lourdes. The sanctuary uses a simplified version of this image as its logo.
Crown Statue
The Crowned Virgin statue is like the statue in the grotto. It is a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is called the "crowned statue" because it was officially crowned on July 3, 1876.
The statue stands across Rosary Square from the Rosary Basilica. It faces the entrance. This large statue is a well-known landmark. It is also a common meeting point. The statue is 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) tall. It is made of bronze and painted white and blue. These are traditional colors. Her rosary has six decades, which is a special style. Behind the Crowned Statue is the Esplanade. This is a large open walkway used for processions.
Prairie
Across the Gave river from the grotto is a wide, open, grassy area. It is called the prairie in French, or meadow in English. In one corner of the prairie is the chapel of adoration. It looks like a tent. It was made sacred in 1995. It is only used for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There is also an outdoor altar for ceremonies.
In 2002, the Water Walk was added. It is across the Gave and a bit downstream from the grotto. It has nine stations of the Cross. Each station has a small Lourdes water font.
Calvary
The sanctuary has a calvary on the Espelugues hill. This hill is south of the grotto and basilicas. The missionaries of Garaison bought the land on this hill. They were in charge of the sanctuary. The first station was built in 1901. The calvary was officially opened in 1912.
The stations of the Cross have 115 characters. They are a bit larger than human size. The calvary path is about 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) long. It starts near the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. It climbs up to the 13th station. Then it goes back down to the basilicas and grotto. It includes the fourteen traditional stations of the passion of Christ. A fifteenth station, the resurrection of Christ, was added in 1958. To reach the first station, there are 28 stone steps. Some pilgrims climb these steps on their knees. This is like the Scala Sancta in Rome.
Accommodation for Pilgrims
Across the river from the grotto and churches is the Accueil Notre Dame. This is a modern building built in 1996. It provides housing for sick pilgrims when they visit Lourdes.
The Accueil Notre Dame replaced two older places for pilgrims. The old Accueil Notre Dame was across from the Underground Basilica. It was changed a lot. It was divided into two buildings. One building now has the Chapel of Reconciliation. It also houses the convent of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. The other part is now called the Accueil John Paul II. It has chapels, a first aid post, and offices.
Since Easter 1997, sick pilgrims from all over the world have stayed at the Accueil Notre Dame. It is a bright, modern building. It has two wings, each with six floors. The reception area is on the ground floor. The transit lounge is on the fifth floor. Each floor from one to four is named after a saint. Female saints are on one side, and male saints on the other. Each floor has a central dining area where pilgrims eat.
The rooms have bathrooms and showers. They can hold one to six people. Each room has a window. Some lucky rooms have a view of the grotto. They also have storage and a table with chairs. Each room opens onto a shared area.
The Administration Area connects the two sides. Two glass lifts take visitors to each floor. The administration offices are on the sixth and seventh floors. There are kitchens for each side.
Pilgrims usually arrive at the Accueil Notre Dame by special buses. These come from the Tarbes Airport or Lourdes train station. They are welcomed in the transit lounge. From there, they go to their rooms.
Another place to stay, the Accueil Marie St. Frai, is a short distance outside the sanctuary. It is similar to the Accueil Notre Dame.
|
See also
In Spanish: Santuario de Lourdes para niños
- Roman Catholic Marian churches
- Shrines to the Virgin Mary
- Faith healing
- List of Christian pilgrimage sites
- Wax Museum of Lourdes
