by haslo04

Rochester, Minnesota

January 16, 2007

by MichaelJM

Nottingham, England

May 23, 2006

To begin with there was a regular trickle of local people making their personal pilgrimage to the now sacred site (approximately 30,000 a year) taking the spring water from the cave where the first vision had appeared and praying in or near to this grotto. By 1876 the first basilica was built directly above the grotto and the first signs of commercialism set in as the water from the sacred spring was piped to make it more accessible to the crowds. After the first mention of a miracle cure, attributed to Bernadette and the sacred spring, the trickle of Pilgrims became a veritable flood and the newly built Basilica became hopelessly overcrowded and the church began to focus on the need for additional space. In 1958 the current church was built to accommodate up to 20,000-seated faithful and ensure that the 5 million yearly visitors had access to a comfortable place of worship. Even so it is not uncommon for the outside plaza to be filled—scenes that must be reminiscent of a popular rock concert!

To the right of the church on the banks of the river is a large hospital type building where the chronically disabled will be fully immersed in one of the 17 curative pools. When we visited there were queues of people in wheelchair with family or members of the church patiently pushing them to the destination, which they were praying would cure them of their illness.

There’s a degree of reverence linked to the grotto as believers and non-believers pass through (it probably only holds 6 people at a time) and soak in the atmosphere. The Church is spectacularly beautiful and the original Basilica is hushed and sombrely lit. Around the church are hundreds, if not thousands of testimonials to the power of the site and collections pf crutches mark the fact that the disabled have left here walking.

The view off the "first floor patio" across the sculpture littered plaza and to the river is awe-inspiring as throngs of visitors pour down the steep streets towards the Basilica. If you feel fit take the route, the signs of the cross, up the hill for an interesting insight into the ways of the faithful in Lourdes. At the top you’ll be rewarded with a view across the town.

If you're wondering; my eldest son’s cramps disappeared shortly after visiting the grotto, and the bites on my other son’s face irritated less by the time we returned to the car. A miracle? I think not, but it certainly added to the mysticism of this venerated site.

by Bob Nicholls

Regina, Saskatchewan

August 5, 2000

Whether you are making the pilgrimage for healing, or for curiosity, Lourdes is fascinating. I would guess that many people visit only the religious 'site.' (Huge signs in many languages at the entrance warn of pickpockets, a strange greeting.) A huge subterranean church which can seat over 20,000 people, though not particularly attractive, is architecturally interesting for its open area construction and massiveness. The Basilique de Rosaire, on the other hand, is much more attractive. The grotto (with a statue of Bernadette), information centres, chapels, carts for the sick, park areas, and thousands of candles for sale all add to the atmosphere. People are encouraged to be silent in the grotto area, and to drink like Bernadette. At night, a candlelight procession is quite beautiful. Outisde the area of the 'site' are shops galore containing every bit of religious kitsch imaginable. Be it water bottles with a picture of Bernadette, or candies with her picture, just about any trinket you can imagine is available - the less pleasant side of the visit.

Unfortunately, many visitors to Lourdes may miss the delightful Musee Pyreneen in the Chateau Fort, located on a hill which overlooks the entire area. The museum contains a mix of traditional costumes, historical displays of agriculture, looms and other household items of the past, plus a bit of geology. There are superb models of area buildings, and beautiful gardens.

Visiting Lourdes is an experience, regardless of what you are looking for.