The Pilgrimage of Lourdes
In 1854, in , a small village in the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl, , eighteen times over six months. Young Bernadette came from a very poor family and was illiterate. As the apparitions continued, the number of believers grew. The grotto where the Virgin appeared quickly became .
A chapel was built, which later became a basilica. have occurred at the spring discovered by Bernadette Soubirous. This is one reason why pilgrims flock here. They can pray near the Massabielle Grotto, in the sanctuary, or in the Basilicas of the Immaculate Conception or the Rosary. Lourdes lies at the foot of the Pyrenees.
Indeed, it is the first and largest French Catholic pilgrimage, welcoming 4 to 6 million pilgrims annually. Christians come to touch the grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared, pray for her graces, or bathe in the spring’s waters uncovered by Saint Bernadette Soubirous at the request of the Savior’s mother. Embarking on a pilgrimage to Lourdes is thus a deeply personal journey.
The Different Pilgrimages
Pilgrimage of the Alliance
"Many feel isolated in their situation. Married, then separated, they still seek to move forward with the Lord. They choose to remain alone but wonder about the sacrament they received and God’s role in their lives. In Lourdes, these seekers, these pilgrims, will journey, trust in Providence, and open their hearts to rediscover the beauty and graces of the sacrament of marriage, which gives life and connects them to the Lord," said Emmanuel Houssin, director of the first Pilgrimage of the Alliance, held from April 6 to 8, 2024. This pilgrimage gathered 150 people experiencing marital breakdown. Its theme was "The Lord Always Remembers His Covenant" (Psalm 104).
The next Pilgrimage of the Alliance will take place from March 28 to 30, 2025.
Order of Malta Pilgrimage
The Order of Malta lives its vocation, encapsulated in its motto “Defense of the Faith and Service to the Poor,” in over 120 countries worldwide. Its pilgrimage brings together 44 nationalities from five continents. Fervor, joy, prayer, and reflection are hallmarks of this gathering of thousands.
The pilgrimage will occur from May 2 to 6, 2025.
International Military Pilgrimage
Each year in May, the Bishop to the French Armed Forces gathers the international military family in Lourdes, the “sentinels of peace” as termed by Pope Saint John Paul II.
Three days of pilgrimage are organized for Ministry of Defense personnel and their families. They are invited to encounter Christ through the Virgin Mary. Many military pilgrims receive sacraments of reconciliation, Eucharist, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and sometimes even baptism.
The 65th International Military Pilgrimage will take place in Lourdes from May 16 to 18, 2025.
Motorcyclists’ Pilgrimage
The sanctuary and town of Lourdes host an annual Motorcyclists’ Pilgrimage. This event combines camaraderie and prayer for riders and their families. In 2024, the 32nd edition drew thousands of motorcycles.
The pilgrimage will occur on June 14 and 15, 2025.
Assumptionists’ Pilgrimage
During the 151st national pilgrimage in 2024, over 7,000 Christians gathered. The next theme is “Look to the Star,” aligning with the Jubilee Year of Hope, inviting followers to walk Mary’s path and embrace her star of hope and love.
This pilgrimage is for everyone. Groups are organized for children, teens, the sick, disabled individuals, parents, and adults. Participants can also serve as helpers for the ill or disabled.
Pilgrims over 18 may join regional, mosaic, or Eastern Christian pilgrimages. Special pilgrimages include “Pélé Espoir” for adults with mental disabilities and one for the deaf or hard of hearing.
The pilgrimage will take place from August 11 to 16, 2025.
Italian National Pilgrimage
Organized by the Italian association UNITALSI and led by Archbishop Rocco Pennacchio of Fermo, this pilgrimage unites 4,000 Italians from all regions. It has been held for 120 years.
UNITALSI is a Christian association fostering spiritual growth and evangelization through service to the sick and disabled via volunteers.
Rosary and Gardians’ Pilgrimage
For over 115 years, the Rosary Pilgrimage has offered thousands a three-day spiritual renewal, deepening devotion to Our Lady through prayer and faith.
The pilgrimage will occur from October 1 to 4, 2025.
Prayer by Pope Pius XII for Lourdes Pilgrims
"Docile to the invitation of your maternal voice, O Immaculate Virgin of Lourdes, we hasten to your feet near the humble grotto where you deigned to appear to show the lost the path of prayer and penance and to bestow upon the afflicted the graces and wonders of your sovereign goodness.
Receive, O compassionate Queen, the praises and supplications that peoples and nations, burdened by bitterness and anguish, confidently raise to you.
O white Vision of Paradise, dispel the darkness of error from minds through the light of Faith! O mystical Rose Garden, comfort weary souls with the heavenly fragrance of Hope! O inexhaustible spring of healing water, revive parched hearts with the streams of divine Charity!
Grant that we, your children, comforted by you in sorrow, protected in danger, and sustained in struggle, may love and serve your sweet Jesus so well that we merit eternal joys near your throne in heaven. Amen."
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