5 fundamental things that make Lourdes the great Sanctuary of Mary
The rock
Touching the rock represents the embrace of God, who is our rock. Tracing history, we know that caves have always served as a natural shelter and have stimulated the imagination of men. Here in Massabielle, as in Bethlehem and Gethsemane, the rock of the Grotto has also repaired the supernatural. Without ever having studied, Bernadette knew instinctively and said: "It was my sky." In front of this hollow in the rock you are invited to go inside; you see how smooth, shiny the rock is, thanks to billions of caresses. As you pass, take the time to look at the inexhaustible spring, at the bottom left.
The light
Near the cave, millions of candles have been burning incessantly since February 19, 1858. On that day, Bernadette arrives at the cave carrying a blessed lit candle which she holds in her hand until the end of the apparition. Before leaving, the Virgin Mary asks her to let him consume in the Grotto. Since then, the candles offered by pilgrims have been consumed day and night. Each year, 700 tons of candles burn for you and those who could not come. This sign of light is omnipresent in Holy History. The pilgrims and visitors of Lourdes in procession with a torch in their hands express hope.
The water
"Go drink and wash at the source", this is what the Virgin Mary asked Bernadette Soubirous on February 25, 1858. The water of Lourdes is not blessed water. It is a normal and common water. It has no specific therapeutic virtue or property. The popularity of Lourdes water was born with miracles. The healed people got wet, or drank the spring water. Bernadette Soubirous herself said: “You take water like medicine…. we must have faith, we must pray: this water would have no virtue without faith! ". The water of Lourdes is the sign of another water: that of baptism.
The crowds
For over 160 years, the crowd has been present at the event, coming from every continent. At the time of the first apparition, on 11 February 1858, Bernadette was accompanied only by her sister Toinette and a friend, Jeanne Abadie. In a few weeks, Lourdes enjoys the reputation of "city of miracles". At first hundreds, then thousands of faithful and curious people flock to the place. After the official recognition of the apparitions by the Church, in 1862, the first local pilgrimages are organized. The notoriety of Lourdes took on an international dimension in the early twentieth century. But it is after the Second World War that statistics indicate a phase of strong growth…. From April to October, every Wednesday and Sunday, at h. 9,30 am, an international mass is celebrated in the basilica of San Pio X. During the months of July and August, in the Sanctuary there are also international masses for young people.
Sick people and hospitaliers
What strikes the simple visitor is the presence of numerous sick and handicapped people inside the Sanctuary. These life-injured people in Lourdes can find some comfort. Officially, around 80.000 sick and handicapped people from various countries go to Lourdes every year. Despite illness or infirmity, they feel here in an oasis of peace and joy. The first healings of Lourdes occurred during the apparitions. Since then the sight of the sick has deeply moved many people so as to push them to offer their help spontaneously. They are the hospitaliers, men and women. Healing of bodies cannot however hide the healing of hearts. All, sick in body or spirit, find themselves at the foot of the Grotto of the Apparitions, in front of the Virgin Mary to share their prayer.