What Makes Lourdes a Popular Pilgrimage Destination?

LOURDES

In the mid 90’ies we spent some days in Lourdes at the foot of the French Pyrenees. In 1858 The Virgin Mary appeared before a young girl named Bernadette. Afterwards a well sprang at the place, and the water is said to have healing properties. Millions of pilgrims visit Lourdes every year in hope of getting healed.

Clergy and caregivers escorting people in wheelchairs during a serene outdoor procession near a historical church.
People pushing wheelchairs with patients on a tree-lined street, likely during a procession or event.
Nuns guide a large group of people in wheelchairs during an outdoor gathering, surrounded by observers under lush trees.
Group of people with mobility aids gathered outdoors, some in wheelchairs, in a park-like setting with trees overhead.
Nuns assist individuals in wheelchairs outdoors, surrounded by trees and a historic building, capturing a caring community moment.
A group of people in a park with individuals pushing others seated in wheelchairs, surrounded by tall trees and greenery.
A religious procession on a street, where people are kneeling on the grass in reverence, observing the event.

Discover the Allure of Lourdes:

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains in South of France, Lourdes has captivated the hearts and minds of millions of visitors for over 160 years. Known as one of the top pilgrimage destinations in the world, this enchanting town beckons not only the devout but also photographers. With its sacred grotto, healing waters, and rich spiritual history, Lourdes offers a multitude of photographic opportunities that tell stories of faith and hope. 

At the heart of Lourdes lies the famous Grotto of Massabielle, where in 1858, a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous encountered the Virgin Mary. After the revelation, a well sprang at the place. This event transformed Lourdes into a site of pilgrimage and spiritual healing. For photographers, the grotto presents a stunning tableau with its natural rock formations and the peaceful sound of flowing water. 

Twice a day there is a procession of pilgrims with physical or mental disabilities. Nurses and helpers come driving with wheelchairs and hospital beds to pray and hold devotions in front of the basilica. It is so positive with the large apparatus that has been set up to give the pilgrims hope back. You must never lose that.

I am not a believer myself, but I fully respect those who do. When there are millions of pilgrims, helpers and visitors every year, a lot of other things automatically follow. Hotels and restaurants must be there, but what I think is the noisy part of that, are the names of the places – the holier the better and preferably something with Bernadette and/or the Virgin Mary. But the worst is all the tourist souvenir shops and their products – small plastic bottles depicting the Virgin Mary, where her crown is also the bottle’s stopper. If you then use it to fill with water from the spring, it probably works twice as well. Like this bottle, the souvenir shops are full of junk that you don’t really need. Now it’s not all negative, because there are also many motifs to photograph here.

 

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