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JamalChristophr
Guest
What did you think of your experience? Would you go again? Since tomorrow is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, I thought I would ask. I love Bernadette and, of course, Our Lady.
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adamhovey1988
Guest
I have not, but I would like to go. I do like the story about what happened, however.
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StephieNorthCo
Guest
One of the ladies at Church goes to Lourdes every 2 or 3 years, and has done so for as long as I have known her. She enjoys it. She usually brings me (and several others) a bottle of Lourdes Water. They have little bottles you can get apparently.
From her descriptions, it would be a wonderful place to visit.
Blessings,
Stephie
From her descriptions, it would be a wonderful place to visit.
Blessings,
Stephie
po18guy
Well-known member
DW and I went to Lourdes in 1985 while be-bopping around the continent. For some unknown reason, we just had to go there. Was not even baptized at the time. She, being Catholic,
“suggested” that I cross myself with water from the grotto. I did, and
began crying. Coincidentally, a week later we happened to stop in the
path of Pope Saint John Paul II’s motorcade and received his apostolic
blessing. Had no idea what it all meant. I was in R.C.I.A. the next
year. Came into the Church at the Easter vigil 1987.
FF 21 years to 2008. Bear with me here. Cancer arrived. Bad cancer.
Stage IV, 50+ tumors in my lymphatic system. Since then, I have relapsed
twice, mutated into two different cancers and developed a third cancer
from treatment. 18 anti-cancer drugs in nine regimens, five “salvage”
regimens, three clinical trials, 1000+ years of background radiation,
too many PET/CT scans and biopsies to remember, a stem cell transplant
with the resulting graft-versus-host-disease, and from treatment:
hypertension, type II diabetes, Osteoporosis, cataracts, peripheral
neuropathy. Advised by a doctor last month that I had a 0.5% chance of
being alive.
Our Blessed mother appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous.
The Patron Saint of those with bodily illness.
It still brings tears.
“suggested” that I cross myself with water from the grotto. I did, and
began crying. Coincidentally, a week later we happened to stop in the
path of Pope Saint John Paul II’s motorcade and received his apostolic
blessing. Had no idea what it all meant. I was in R.C.I.A. the next
year. Came into the Church at the Easter vigil 1987.
FF 21 years to 2008. Bear with me here. Cancer arrived. Bad cancer.
Stage IV, 50+ tumors in my lymphatic system. Since then, I have relapsed
twice, mutated into two different cancers and developed a third cancer
from treatment. 18 anti-cancer drugs in nine regimens, five “salvage”
regimens, three clinical trials, 1000+ years of background radiation,
too many PET/CT scans and biopsies to remember, a stem cell transplant
with the resulting graft-versus-host-disease, and from treatment:
hypertension, type II diabetes, Osteoporosis, cataracts, peripheral
neuropathy. Advised by a doctor last month that I had a 0.5% chance of
being alive.
Our Blessed mother appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous.
The Patron Saint of those with bodily illness.
It still brings tears.
J
JamalChristophr
Guest
Wow, that’s quite a testimony!!
So, why are you still with us again? Hmmn, you must be like the terminator or something.
I’ve never heard a story like yours before. Sounds like you have suffered more than hmmm…I don’t know…more than 1 in 1000 people.
Bernadette is one of my favorite favorite saints. She is so likable once one gets to know her. And for those who study her life, especially the last 5 years. I don’t know of any saint that suffered more physically than she did. It progressively got worse, but, wow, how much she suffered physically.
Our Lady said to her at Lourdes, “I do not promise you happiness in this life, but in the next.”… and Bernadette’s life bore out the truthfulness of Mary’s words. I’m reading a fairly comprehensive biography of Bernadette now. Most people have no idea what some of the saints have suffered.
You’re pretty amazing yourself. Thanks for sharing your story.
So, why are you still with us again? Hmmn, you must be like the terminator or something.
I’ve never heard a story like yours before. Sounds like you have suffered more than hmmm…I don’t know…more than 1 in 1000 people.
Bernadette is one of my favorite favorite saints. She is so likable once one gets to know her. And for those who study her life, especially the last 5 years. I don’t know of any saint that suffered more physically than she did. It progressively got worse, but, wow, how much she suffered physically.
Our Lady said to her at Lourdes, “I do not promise you happiness in this life, but in the next.”… and Bernadette’s life bore out the truthfulness of Mary’s words. I’m reading a fairly comprehensive biography of Bernadette now. Most people have no idea what some of the saints have suffered.
You’re pretty amazing yourself. Thanks for sharing your story.
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Isca
Guest
When you fly home from Lourdes, the luggage carousel is full of big containers of water. 
I spent a week there in 2015 on our Archdiocesan annual trip - it’s not far from the UK, of course. My husband is disabled and hundreds of young people volunteer to come along as helpers. When he wanted to go to a Mass or event, a couple of teenagers would bring a wheelchair to our hotel and push him all the way there and back.
I loved it there.
I spent a week there in 2015 on our Archdiocesan annual trip - it’s not far from the UK, of course. My husband is disabled and hundreds of young people volunteer to come along as helpers. When he wanted to go to a Mass or event, a couple of teenagers would bring a wheelchair to our hotel and push him all the way there and back.
I loved it there.
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ora_pro_nobis
Guest
I went 10 years ago and it was the most wonderful experience! I would thoroughly recommend going - the Rosary procession every evening is amazing - and the Grotto itself is deeply moving. To actually place your hands on the rock where Our Lady met St Bernadette is beyond words.
If you get the chance, go!
If you get the chance, go!
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JamalChristophr
Guest
Amazing Lourdes Cinematography … starts at 20 seconds. :raising_hand_man:
Thankyou, Bishop Barron!
Thankyou, Bishop Barron!
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graciew
Guest
Beautiful!
Bishop Barron is so interesting to listen to…
Thanks ,Jamal.
Bishop Barron is so interesting to listen to…
Thanks ,Jamal.
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dallas_r
Guest
I have never been to lourdes, but it looks amazing!
I would like to go there, but I would need to save a lot of money lol
I would like to go there, but I would need to save a lot of money lol
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JamalChristophr
Guest
Thankyou, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”, Bernadette, and Word on Fire apostolate and Bishop Barron.
Glad you liked it, Gracie and all.
Glad you liked it, Gracie and all.
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oldgraymare2
Guest
Hi Everyone,
Here is a link to the Lourdes’ website, if anyone is interested in taking a look at it:
https://www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes
You can look at the Grotto at Lourdes live through the website, through Lourdes TV.
You can also leave a prayer petition if you want, through the website.
I think that it’s a really nice website to visit, and to look around at.
To me, I think it’s a great place to look around, if you aren’t able to go there.
Here is a link to the Lourdes’ website, if anyone is interested in taking a look at it:
https://www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes
You can look at the Grotto at Lourdes live through the website, through Lourdes TV.
You can also leave a prayer petition if you want, through the website.
I think that it’s a really nice website to visit, and to look around at.
To me, I think it’s a great place to look around, if you aren’t able to go there.
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frumacat
Guest
Visiting Lourdes is definitely on my ‘things to do before my death’ list.
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DeepDeepTrouble3
Guest
Yes, I have been there. What struck me most was the quiet prayerfulness of all those sitting in front of the grotto. I loved that. Definitely returning when in the south of France again.
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JimR-OCDS
Guest
My wife and myself went to France back in 1998 for our 25th Anniversary.
We visited Lourdes first and all I could say is, it is holy ground.
20 thousand people each night meet at the Grotto with candles lighted from the larger candles at the grotto itself. Then, all make a procession around to the esplanade in front of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Along the procession, a decade of the Rosary is said and in between each decade, a hymn is sung. When they sang Ave Maria, tears ran down our faces, it was just like at the end of the movie, “The Song of Bernadette,” which we watched growing up.
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We were fortunate in that each week two Nations are in charge of reciting the Rosary and it happened to be the United States and Italy. So, one decade was said in Italian and the next in English.
We visited all of Lourdes important places like the home of St Bernadette and her family, which of course was an abandoned jail. We also visited the grave sites of her family.
After two days in Lourdes, we then headed up to Paris where we got our hotel. We then traveled to Nevers where we saw the incorrupt body of St Bernadette and we attended Mass in the chapel where she is.
Next day, we then went to Lisieux to the home of St Theresa. We visited the house she grew up in, the cathedral where she was Baptized and the convent she became a nun at. We attended Mass in the chapel at the convent. We also visited the cemetery where her parents are buried.
Lastly, we visited the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Paris. We saw the incorrupt body of St Catherine Laboure and attended Mass there.
We also visited some secular places in Paris.
It’s a trip well worth making, even if it’s just to visit Lourdes.
We’d go back in a heart beat if it came to be.
Jim
We visited Lourdes first and all I could say is, it is holy ground.
20 thousand people each night meet at the Grotto with candles lighted from the larger candles at the grotto itself. Then, all make a procession around to the esplanade in front of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Along the procession, a decade of the Rosary is said and in between each decade, a hymn is sung. When they sang Ave Maria, tears ran down our faces, it was just like at the end of the movie, “The Song of Bernadette,” which we watched growing up.
.
We were fortunate in that each week two Nations are in charge of reciting the Rosary and it happened to be the United States and Italy. So, one decade was said in Italian and the next in English.
We visited all of Lourdes important places like the home of St Bernadette and her family, which of course was an abandoned jail. We also visited the grave sites of her family.
After two days in Lourdes, we then headed up to Paris where we got our hotel. We then traveled to Nevers where we saw the incorrupt body of St Bernadette and we attended Mass in the chapel where she is.
Next day, we then went to Lisieux to the home of St Theresa. We visited the house she grew up in, the cathedral where she was Baptized and the convent she became a nun at. We attended Mass in the chapel at the convent. We also visited the cemetery where her parents are buried.
Lastly, we visited the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Paris. We saw the incorrupt body of St Catherine Laboure and attended Mass there.
We also visited some secular places in Paris.
It’s a trip well worth making, even if it’s just to visit Lourdes.
We’d go back in a heart beat if it came to be.
Jim
B
BlackFriar
Guest
Here at the moment.
I would come again but not for the feast of the IC.
It really is rather cold (-5o C) and wet at this time of year.
I caught a very bad cold after the procession and have had to stay at the hotel. Must be doing my penance on earth.
J
JamalChristophr
Guest
@BlackFriar
Awww…that does not sound very fun. Sorry you are sick…Now you are in fraternity with all the rest of the malades at Lourdes, it seems.
Awww…that does not sound very fun. Sorry you are sick…Now you are in fraternity with all the rest of the malades at Lourdes, it seems.
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MonteRCMS
Guest
During World War Two, my best friend was a tail gunner on a B-17 bomber. He was about 18 years old.
On one particular mission, their airplane got shot full of holes and they lost two engines.
Because of the loss of power, they could not keep up with the rest of the bomber formation, so they dropped out.
They were sitting ducks for German fighters.
My friend was sitting in the tiny tail gunner’s compartment. It was super noisy. It was freezing cold. And my friend was scared to death.
All of a sudden, a calmness came over him and he knew everything would be alright.
Well, they limped all across Germany, and France and made it back to England.
45 Years Later, at a reunion, my friend asked the pilot of the B-17 bomber if he recalled that particular mission … and he talked about the feeling of calmness.
The pilot said, … that he did remember that mission and that feeling of calmness that came over him as well.
The pilot said … “that was when the Blessed Mother appeared to me in the cockpit.”
So, my friend, although a relatively non-religious protestant, witnessed an apparition of the Blessed Mother.
The pilot received Holy Communion daily and , after the war, visited Lourdes many times.
On one particular mission, their airplane got shot full of holes and they lost two engines.
Because of the loss of power, they could not keep up with the rest of the bomber formation, so they dropped out.
They were sitting ducks for German fighters.
My friend was sitting in the tiny tail gunner’s compartment. It was super noisy. It was freezing cold. And my friend was scared to death.
All of a sudden, a calmness came over him and he knew everything would be alright.
Well, they limped all across Germany, and France and made it back to England.
45 Years Later, at a reunion, my friend asked the pilot of the B-17 bomber if he recalled that particular mission … and he talked about the feeling of calmness.
The pilot said, … that he did remember that mission and that feeling of calmness that came over him as well.
The pilot said … “that was when the Blessed Mother appeared to me in the cockpit.”
So, my friend, although a relatively non-religious protestant, witnessed an apparition of the Blessed Mother.
The pilot received Holy Communion daily and , after the war, visited Lourdes many times.
E
Erikaspirit16
Guest
Yes, I’ve been to Lourdes. I always want to see things first-hand, not get a 3rd or 4th hand report. I don’t really believe in Lourdes, Fatima, etc. although I have always been a practicing Catholic. “Too politically convenient” is my response–mid-19th c. France, anti-clericalism, and poof…Lourdes. Nope. Don’t buy it. Too politically convenient. However, if it helps others, good for them.
There is a very good 2009 Austrian-German-French movie (in French, with subtitles) called simply “Lourdes” about a wheelchair bound girl who goes to Lourdes and is “cured,” but ambiguously enough to allow several points of view. It goes through the daily routine of pilgrims; it’s a drama, but shot in Lourdes and very realistic as far as the pilgrim routine is concerned. If you’re curious what goes on, this is the movie to see.
A couple observations:
Little old Italian peasant women dabbing handerkerchieves on the wall of the cave passed beyond (for me) piety and veered off into good old superstition.
The basilica is badly in need of repairs. Surely they have the money. It probably wasn’t a brilliant idea structurally to build it above the grotto–wet.
Souvenir shops, etc. are mercifully kept at a distance in the town. I didn’t even give them a glance.
The candlelight procession is impressive, but to me it was disappointing because each delegation sang in its own native language. Same song, different words. Why not Latin? Showing unity? No? Too pre-Vatican II? But in my opinion it would have been much more effective.
I had no particular wave of religious feeling while there. Interesting, yes. But I might as well have been visiting a Hindu temple.
There is a very good 2009 Austrian-German-French movie (in French, with subtitles) called simply “Lourdes” about a wheelchair bound girl who goes to Lourdes and is “cured,” but ambiguously enough to allow several points of view. It goes through the daily routine of pilgrims; it’s a drama, but shot in Lourdes and very realistic as far as the pilgrim routine is concerned. If you’re curious what goes on, this is the movie to see.
A couple observations:
Little old Italian peasant women dabbing handerkerchieves on the wall of the cave passed beyond (for me) piety and veered off into good old superstition.
The basilica is badly in need of repairs. Surely they have the money. It probably wasn’t a brilliant idea structurally to build it above the grotto–wet.
Souvenir shops, etc. are mercifully kept at a distance in the town. I didn’t even give them a glance.
The candlelight procession is impressive, but to me it was disappointing because each delegation sang in its own native language. Same song, different words. Why not Latin? Showing unity? No? Too pre-Vatican II? But in my opinion it would have been much more effective.
I had no particular wave of religious feeling while there. Interesting, yes. But I might as well have been visiting a Hindu temple.
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