Lourdes

Thousands visit Lourdes Domaine each day, welcomed by a beautiful statue of Holy Mary which is surrounded by stunning white rose bushes. The Domaine is filled with the sound of prayer, choirs, bells ringing out Ave Maria and mass or processions in progress. Wherever you walk the brightest green trees surround you and it’s clear Lourdes is situated within a beautiful mountain valley. Quiet spaces are in abundance. Birds can be heard singing. The river Gave runs through at a captivating speed and provides a hypnotic rushing water sound. Wherever you choose to sit, it’s peaceful, calming and prayerful.

Everyone is as one at Lourdes no matter age, race or physical ability. Hundreds of angelic care staff, nurses and volunteers are so sincere, so kind, so patient and full of love for every visitor. Their faces show total concern for each person they assist. The spirit of Holy Mary can be glimpsed in the eyes of each of them.

Two separate walking options provide the Stations of the Cross. A very thought provoking, peaceful and prayerful experience.

An arched area is set aside for lighting candles. It is possible to purchase different sized candles here although the shops around Lourdes Domaine also have candles of extreme sizes, some in the range of 2 metres high!

The Basilica and the Three-Tiered Church are breath-taking. Look out for the huge, intricate mosaics. Both buildings are supported by a choir who offer the amazing opportunity for visitors to join them as they accompany the Candle-lit procession, Mass and Procession of the sick.

The Grotto where Holy Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous is a calm, reflective place to sit and pray. A statue of Our Lady is positioned where she appeared during the apparitions. The first flow of water, dug up by Bernadette, is viewable here. Water still drips and can be touched, adding to this blessed place.

Visitors fill bottles, drink and wash in the water of Lourdes. A visit to the, very personal and spiritual, baths of Lourdes is an emotional and moving opportunity. For those who feel the strong pull to join the queue of people who wait to bathe in the waters of Lourdes this is an amazing experience. For those who don’t, just standing outside and watching visitors going in and out of the baths aided by nurses and volunteers, is a peaceful and uplifting vision to behold.

Holy Mary’s presence can be felt throughout Lourdes. Our Lady’s wish for the sick to bath in the waters and for processions and prayers to happen each day is truly being satisfied. Being at Lourdes felt spiritually cleansing and so challenging to describe in words. I hope you like my effort. Lourdes really is a true taste of Heaven on Earth.