We visited Lourdes in September, 2001. Lourdes is renowned for 18 apparitions of a young girl surrounded by light seen by Bernadtte (Marie-Bernarde Soubirous); the first of which was February 11, 1858. The Grotto (right) is a natural rock opening where the event occurred. At the bottom of the white marble statue are the words “Que soy era Immaculada Conceptiou” (I am the Immaculate Conception) recalling the words to Bernadette on March 25, 1858.

Lourdes is situated in the southwest of the Hautes-Pyrenees at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. The 3298 meter mount Vignemale can be seen from the town. A fortress stands on Lourdes rock in the center of town which, legend has it, Charlemagne in 778 turned it into a state prison.

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception or “Upper Basilica” is quite spectacular. In the picture at left a temporary roof has been built over the Dome of the Rosary Basilica (right).

The lead clad dome was being refurbished; there was a small army of workers forming the sheets of lead and attaching and soldering to the dome. We were quite surprised that lead was being used given its health impacts. The workers did not wear gloves or masks which really surprised us.

The inside of the Rosary Basilica was quite spectacular - many mosaics on the walls that were stunning. Unfortunately, no pictures.

The Basilica is situated adjacent to the Le Gave river (below, left) which runs through Lourdes. The Grotto is located out of view in the lower left portion of the picture - where all of the people are facing. The entire complex is known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and covers 52 hectares with 297 full-time and 95 part-time lay employees who work in 63 departments. There are also 7,000 volunteers.

A tremendous number of people make the pilgrimage to the site to pray, take the water and light candles. There is a Hospital to help look after sick pilgrims during their pilgrimage.

For more information see www.lourdes-france.com.

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