Further down is the grotto. People come here from around the world to light candles, leave flowers and pray. The day we went it was pouring rain. The picture was taken just after a 20 minute heavy downpour.
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On Thursday February 11th, 1858 accompanied by her sister and a friend, Bernadette-Marie Soubirous went to Massabielle on the banks of the Gave to collect bones and dead wood. Removing her socks in order to cross the stream, she heard a noise like a gust of wind, she looked up towards the Grotto : "I SAW A LADY DRESSED IN WHITE, SHE WORE A WHITE DRESS, AN EQUALLY WHITE VEIL, A BLUE BELT AND A YELLOW ROSE ON EACH FOOT." Bernadette made the Sign of the Cross and said the Rosary with the lady. When the prayer ended the Lady suddenly vanished. There were a total of 18 appearances of the Virgin Mary. The Cathedral was built over the Grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette. | |
To the right of the Cathedral is the entrance to the Grotto. As you enter, on the left, are water facets were you can collect Holly Water from the stream that Berandette crossed. You will see people carrying large bottles of water from the area back to their homes,
Further down is the grotto. People come here from around the world to light candles, leave flowers and pray. The day we went it was pouring rain. The picture was taken just after a 20 minute heavy downpour. |
| The area has been protected since the 3rd century by a fort built on the top of the mountain over looking the village. The fort has served as a place of refuge during attacks, a prison and a barracks. Today the fort serves as a museum for the area attracting over 100,000 visitors a year. Below are a few pictures of the fort. | |
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For more information or to plan a trip to Lourdes click here, and you will be connected to the "Official Lourdes Web Site."
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