What is the nightly procession in Lourdes?
What is the nightly procession in Lourdes? The Marian procession Every evening, once night has fallen on the town, thousands of pilgrims gather to walk and sing, flaming torch in hand, from the Grotto of Apparitions to the esplanade of the Rosary Basilica. At the head of the procession, a statue of the Virgin is carried by the pilgrims.
How do you spend a day at Lourdes France?
There is so much for you to see and do. Begin the afternoon in the city center and grab some local cuisine for lunch at one of the many restaurants, relax and take in the ambiance! Afterward, hop on the Petit Train Touristique (Little Train of Lourdes) to see some of the city`s highlights.
How long does the Lourdes pilgrimage take?
With 6 million pilgrims visiting Lourdes each year, there is no doubt that it is a place of enormous attraction for those seeking enlightenment through the footsteps of St. Bernadette. The itinerary can be either 3, 4, 5 or 7 nights.
Why do people touch the rock in Lourdes?
Spiritually, in the Bible, the Rock symbolises trust in God, the stone on which the Church is built, the solid word on which we lean. Although the current health crisis does currently allow us to touch the Rock, you can make this gesture in your heart at the feet of the Virgin Mary.
Why do pilgrims bathe in the water at Lourdes?
Like many pilgrimage sites, a chief lure of Lourdes is what many consider the healing power of its waters. Those waters come from a spring where Bernadette said she encountered the Virgin Mary.
What is the water gesture at Lourdes?
Instead, the volunteers of the Hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes are inviting pilgrims to take part in the water gesture by washing their face, hands and forearms with water from the miraculous spring. The gesture can be done alone, but also with family, friends or those close to them.