Notre Dame de Lourdes Candle Holder
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The Guardians of the Light
The felt-makers of the Sanctuary
Otlourdes Felt-Making Workshop: A Closer Look
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In February 1858, Bernadette Soubirous brought a lit candle to the Grotto of Massabielle during the fourth Apparition. As the days went by, more and more pilgrims began to leave candles there.
Very soon, maintaining them became a necessity and gave rise to a trade specific to the Sanctuary: that of the candle-maker.
Every day, the candle-makers tend to the seven chapels of light situated opposite the Grotto. They remove wax residue, collect the paraffin for recycling, replace burnt-out candles and prepare the areas before visitors arrive.
They also look after the votive candles in the basilicas and chapels, as well as the large candelabra in the Grotto.
Otlourdes Felt-maker
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Feutier Sanctuary
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Notre Dame de Lourdes Candle Holder
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Chapelle des Lumières, Hdp.vincent, Ot Lourdes 2018
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The work of the candle-makers is not limited to maintaining the candles. They also respond to requests from people who wish to have a candle placed but are unable to travel to Lourdes. Ordered online, by telephone or by email, these candles are lit by the candle-makers at the Sanctuary.
On duty throughout the day at the chapels of light, they also assist visitors when they come to light their own candles.
The Chapels of Light can hold more than 4,000 candles at any one time. Even during the Sanctuary’s exceptional closure in spring 2020, the candle-keepers continued to tend the flames and light the candles entrusted to them remotely by pilgrims.
