Participer à une procession
Participer à une procession
Did you know ?
The eucharistic procession dates back to 1874. When the weather is less favourable, it takes place directly inside the Basilica of St. Pius X.
At 5 pm every day, from April to October, the Lourdes pilgrims gather for the eucharistic or Blessed Sacrament procession. The procession begins in the Sanctuary meadow and ends at the Basilica of St. Pius X with time for the prayer of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the blessing of the pilgrims, the sick first and foremost.
The Marian procession or torchlight procession has existed at the sanctuary since 1872. It takes place daily at 9 pm, from April to the end of October.
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. This is followed by participants walking in groups behind their pilgrimage banners. Sick pilgrims are always anxious to attend when they can.
You can carry a candle with its paper wind protector on which the traditional song of Lourdes is printed, recalling the story of the Apparitions. Whether you take part or just watch, it is always touching to witness this “magic” moment that brings people together from the four corners of the earth. It’s impossible not to be swept away by the power and beauty of all those flames, whose light spreads far beyond the sanctuary.
The processions take place in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes:
Avenue Mgr Théas
Sanctuaire ND de Lourdes
65100 LOURDES
Parking:
There are several parking areas available near the Sanctuary.
By train
If you are coming by train, Lourdes station is about 1 kilometre away from the St. Michael’s Gate entrance to the Sanctuary.
By bus
Take the L4 or L5 bus.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes covers an area of 52 hectares. Within the Domain, you will find 22 places of worship. Some of these gathering places really must be experienced during your visit. From the Massabielle Grotto to the Church of St. Bernadette through the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, set forth to discover the Sanctuary and its history.