The Marian Apparitions – Lourdes, France
Lourdes, France is the most visited Christian shrine. It is the site of the famous 1858 Marian apparitions and a destination for millions of pilgrims each year. Marian apparitions are events where the Blessed Virgin Mary appears to certain individuals, quite often children. On February 11th 1858, 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous witnessed the first of 18 apparitions of a lady in white. The apparitions appeared in a grotto, or cave, called Massabiele near Lourdes. On her ninth visit to the grotto, Bernadette was instructed by the lady to drink from a puddle. A day later, the puddle had grown and a spring began to flow. It was not until the 16th apparition that the lady said to Bernadette, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”
Grotte de Massabielle
Bernadette Soubirous died in 1879 at the age of thirty-five. The Catholic Church canonized her as a saint in 1933 and her body is encased in a crystal tomb at the Convent of Saint-Gildard in Nevers, France. The Lourdes water that flows from the spring created by Bernadette is believed to have healing powers. Millions of people flock to the spring to drink and bathe in its waters. The Catholic Church has recognized several cures considered to be “true miracles” that have taken place after bathing in the waters.
While you are in Lourdes, you can visit the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Basilica of the Rosary, both amazing architectural works near the grotto. You can even visit the home of Bernadette’s parents. Lourdes is second only to Paris as a tourist attraction for France, so prepare to arrive in a tourist town. There are plenty of shops for souvenirs, from the tacky to the tasteful. Traveling to Lourdes will give you the chance to see the beauty of the Pyrenees Mountains and enjoy various activities including skiing, hiking and kayaking. You can also travel to nearby Spain once you have had your fill of religious cleansing.
Travel to Lourdes from the United States means passing through Paris. If you plan your pilgrimage just right, you will even have time to take in the Eiffel Tower and other Parisian marvels. From Paris, you can rent a car and drive or take the TGV (high speed train) to experience even more of the French countryside. Lodging in Lourdes is more than abundant, so you will have your choice of a place to rest your weary head, from “mom and pop” run hotels to luxury ones to any of the fully-equipped gîtes. There are several cities surrounding Lourdes that offer various experiences of their own. Pau, only 45 minutes away in the foothills of the Pyrenees, is the birthplace of King Henry IV. Zaragoza, four hours away, is another pilgrimage sight where a Marian apparition is said to have appeared centuries before the apparitions in Lourdes.
Basilica of the Rosary; Lourdes, France
When it comes to food, you will not find yourself hungry. Being such a tourist attraction, Lourdes has a wide variety of dining experiences available. You can go gourmet or casual, depending on your mood. Cuisine in this part of France differs greatly from that of Paris. In this region, expect heavier sauces, more herbes des Provence to be used and of course paired with excellent local wine.
When you consider the sacred apparitions that took place and combine them with the majestic location, it is no surprise that Lourdes is such a popular destination. Indeed, one might be inclined to insist that it’s no wonder the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared here on numerous occasions. She too, must have found the place too lovely to resist. You needn’t be religious to go on this unforgettable pilgrimage. Lourdes is home to a holy shrine that people of any religious beliefs can appreciate.
August 23 2010 11:35 am | Uncategorized