Lourdes Pilgrimage

My pilgrimage to Lourdes was a transformative journey, it was deeply rooted in my faith and spiritual journey.

A little bit about what I learned about Lourdes. It is a small town nestled in the Pyrenees of southwestern France which became a significant pilgrimage site following the 1858 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to a young peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous.

We traveled by bus through the Pyrenees which was stunning in sites and narrow winding roads throughout the trip.

Many pilgrims from around the world travel to Lourdes, drawn by the possibility miraculous healings and profound spiritual experiences.

The evening candlelight procession occurs rain or shine and people come out from all over. Crowds of thousands would gather in in lines about 10 to 20 people deep and stretch well past the Grotto. During the procession singing and praying of the Rosary in many different languages would be heard.

The hotels and pilgrim groups give you a candle with cones to light your way. The comradery of lighting strangers' candles that are standing next to you or in front or in back of you. The atmosphere is serene, and the feeling of unity and devotion of our Blessed Mother is in the air.

For many including myself, this journey is not just about seeking physical healing, but finding peace, solace, and a deeper connection with their faith.

March 2 1858
The Lady said: "Go and tell the priests to have a chapel built here: I want people to come here in procession."

The weather was absolutely beautiful every day. Being here instilled a peacefulness and a holiness around me each day. I spent time in adoration with my lord Jesus. I lit a candle in memory of my mother and father, that I miss and wish I could have told of the extraordinary trip. I visited three churches on this property, two in the above ground famous Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Basilica of the Rosary and one underground Basilica of St Pius X. I share those pictures as well below.

The pilgrimage main attraction begins at the Grotto of Massabielle, the site of the apparitions.

Here we were able to buy any size candle as seen below and light candles with a prayer. The candles are maintained by someone on the grounds, so you don't have to worry about your candle going out. I did pray and light candles for my parents with a friend of mine.

We also collected water from the sacred spring to bring home for our friends. People believe this water to possess healing properties. The baths don't exist anymore in Lourdes; however you could experience what they call a Water ceremony. You go into a private room to experience three steps, first water is poured into your hands to wash your hands, second more water is pour into your hands to wash your face and third water is poured into your hands to drink.