Visiting Lourdes

[jmr_1985]

Greetings from Barcelona! My wife and I are traveling around Europe on our honeymoon. We will be in Lourdes for the day on Tuesday. We arrive around 8:30 am on the train and will depart around 8:30 pm on another train. I’ve been wanting to go since I converted and am very excited. I was hoping someone who has been can give me some advice on visiting for 12 hours… I’d like to go to Mass, confession, the baths, etc. Thanks for your help!

JMR

 

[jnjinnc]

Greetings from Barcelona! My wife and I are traveling around Europe on our honeymoon. We will be in Lourdes for the day on Tuesday. We arrive around 8:30 am on the train and will depart around 8:30 pm on another train. I’ve been wanting to go since I converted and am very excited. I was hoping someone who has been can give me some advice on visiting for 12 hours… I’d like to go to Mass, confession, the baths, etc. Thanks for your help!

JMR

Wife and I were there 2 years ago. Wonderful!

No problem with Mass or Confession. Just walk up to a Priest and ask if he will hear your confession; he most probably will, on the spot. Likewise, for a more formal setting, the Chapel of Reconciliation has ongoing confessions.

Mass schedule varies, but we found Mass most all day long in the Basilica of the Rosary (lower) or the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (upper). If in doubt, find a tour group speaking your language and ask if they are having a Mass, where and when. Our small group of 30 had daily Mass in one of the side chapels and always had outside folks not from our group in attendance.

The Baths - COLD! Run from about 9am to noon and then 1 to 5. They do close for a while at noon. There are lots of volunteers who can tell you when they are open. It is a very spiritual experience. No talking allowed near the baths. The Grotto itself is likewise a very holy place.

Congratulations on your marriage. Please say a prayer for us as you visit this very holy place. Our anniversary (#46) is August 25.

John

 

[JimR-OCDS]

My wifeand myself went to Lourdes and other parts of France, for our 25th anniversary, back in 1998.

Congratulations on your marriage.

I can only add that it’s too bad you’re leaving at 8:30 PM.

You’ll probably miss the evening procession from the Grotto to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Every night, 20,000 people with lit candles make this procession. They pray the decades of the Rosary and the choir sings a hymn between each decade. It is absolutely awesome.

God Bless
Jim

 

[jmr_1985]

John and Jim,
Thank you so much for your advice! My wife and I moved our train tickets to stay for the vigil. What an amazing experience!!! I cannot wait to return. Off to Mass at St. Peter’s tomorrow.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

John and Jim,
Thank you so much for your advice! My wife and I moved our train tickets to stay for the vigil. What an amazing experience!!! I cannot wait to return. Off to Mass at St. Peter’s tomorrow.

Jim