The Sanctuary of Lourdes

Lourdes nestles in the foothills of the Pyrenees, in South-Western France. In 1858, Bernadette Soubirous was gathering wood along with her companions at a place called Massabielle, close to the River Gave. She found herself at a grotto, and there she saw a “beautiful lady”. Eventually the lady identified herself – “I am the Immaculate Conception”.

Since then, millions have accepted the invitation to come to Lourdes –to pray, to process, to wash in the waters of the spring she discovered at the grotto - as a sign of hope, faith, and conversion.

For 90 years pilgrims have travelled from the Diocese of Nottingham to Lourdes. You are to be among those pilgrims – you are a welcome guest in this blessed place. May your pilgrimage be a time of peace and renewal.