150th anniversary of Lourdes apparitions
Sat 8 Dec 2007 - Mon 8 Dec 2008
From December 8th 2007 to December 8th 2008, Lourdes and the many pilgrims that make their way there will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the town.
To mark the landmark of such an iconic event in the history of Christian faith, the pilgrimage season has been extended to last a whole year, meaning that people are no longer restricted to the spring-autumn window in which to make their visit.
Mary first appeared in Lourdes on February 11th 1858. At the Grotto of Massabielle, Our Lady is said to have been sighted by St Bernadette Soubirous as the girl and her friends were looking for wood.
Over the course of the following two weeks, the Virgin reportedly appeared a further 14 times, before been seen another three times by July. According to the St Bernadette, Mary told her to build a chapel at the grotto.
A century and a half later, Christians flock to thegrotto to pray for sinners. The wider area has become known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the waters that run there are believed by some to have healing powers. A number of churches and basilicas can be found in the Sanctuary, while a statue of Mary stands in the grotto.
Make the pilgrimage to Lourdes.
| Bookmark with: | ||||
 Delicious |  Digg |  reddit |  Facebook |  StumbleUpon |
Recommended Lourdes Breaks
4* Mercure Lourdes Imperial from £299
The Mercure Lourdes Imperial Hotel has 93 comfortable bedrooms. The hotel is situated in the centre of town, close to the famous Grotto. More Info
4* Gallia et Londres Hotel from £319
The Gallia et Londres Hotel is a traditional hotel decorated in Louis XVI style. The hotel is situated at the entrance to the Sanctuaries. More Info
Lourdes Articles
Send to a Friend
Email Newsletter
Subscribe to the railbookers.com newsletter for all our latest special offers and news.
