Lecomt/our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hosp - Family Medicine Residency

Church building located in Hautes-Pyrénées, in France

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (French: Sanctuaire de Notre-Matriarch de Lourdes) or the Domain (equally information technology is virtually commonly known) is an surface area of ground surrounding the Catholic shrine (Grotto) to Our Lady of Lourdes in the boondocks of Lourdes, French republic. The Sanctuary is a destination for pilgrimage; sick pilgrims are reputed to exist miraculously healed by Lourdes water. This ground is owned and administered by the Roman Catholic Church, and has several functions, including devotional activities, offices, and accommodation for ill pilgrims and their helpers. The Domain includes the Grotto itself, the nearby taps which dispense the Lourdes h2o, and the offices of the Lourdes Medical Bureau, as well every bit several churches and basilicas. It comprises an area of 51 hectares, and includes 22 separate places of worship.^[1] There are six official languages of the Sanctuary: French, English, Italian, Castilian, Dutch and High german.

Grottos intended as replicas of the one at Our Lady of Lourdes, and other grottos in laurels of Our Lady of Lourdes, are often described as "Lourdes grottos".

History [edit]

The shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, in French republic, began in the 19th century AD. In 1858 from Feb eleven to July 16, a fourteen-year-onetime peasant girl, called Bernadette Soubirous, saw a vision of the Virgin Mary while playing in the stream with her sister and friend. The vision was of Mary standing next to a rose bush at the entrance to the Massabielle grotto, on the left bank of the stream. Bernadette saw this vision 18 times. She told her sister not to tell their parents, but her sister was bad at keeping secrets and told them anyway. Her parents became mad and forbid them to go to the grotto again. Bernadette ignored their orders. She was told by the Lady that a spring would appear there, and that people were to come in procession.

On land bordered by a loop of the Gave de Pau river is an outcrop of rock chosen Massabielle, (from masse vieille: "sometime mass"). On the northern aspect of this rock, near the river bank, is a naturally occurring, irregularly shaped shallow cave or grotto, in which the apparitions took place.^[2]

At the time of the apparitions, the grotto lay well outside town, on common footing which was used by the villagers variously for pasturing animals, collecting firewood, and every bit a garbage dump, and it had a reputation for being an unpleasant place.^[3]

The figure always appeared in ane place, a niche to a higher place the master cavity of the grotto, in which a wild rose bush was growing. Among the instructions from 'the Virgin' were "Become and potable from the bound", "Go and tell the priests to build a chapel here", and "Accept the people come hither in procession". These three instructions in particular were to prove pivotal in the development of the Domain and its ceremonies.

Public involvement in the apparitions grew, and curious visitors began to be replaced past pilgrims from increasingly far abroad, fatigued by compelling stories of apparitions and miracles.

A local priest, Abbé Dominique Peyramale, together with his bishop, Monsignor Bertrand-Sévère Mascarou Laurence, bought the grotto and the land around information technology from the commune in 1861, 3 years subsequently the apparitions. Immediately they set about modifying the area to brand information technology more attainable to visitors, and started piece of work to build the starting time of the churches, which is now known equally the Catacomb.

In 1864, the Lyonnais sculptor Joseph-Hugues Fabisch was commissioned to create a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes based on Bernadette's descriptions. Although it has get an iconic symbol of Our Lady of Lourdes, it depicts a figure which is not merely older and taller than Bernadette'due south description, but also more in keeping with orthodox and traditional representations of the Virgin Mary. The statue rests in the niche where the Virgin appeared to Bernadette. The original wild rose bush was destroyed shortly after the apparitions by pilgrims seeking relics, but a newer one has been planted nearby.^[4]

Due to French political upheaval resulting in an enforced separation of Church building and Land, the property and grounds of the Domain were confiscated from the Church building and returned to the ownership of the town in 1910. The and so bishop, Mgr. François-Xavier Schoepfer, contested this confiscation and was permitted to rent the Domain from the town until the outbreak of World War I in 1914.^[5]

Later, a visit to Lourdes past Marshal Pétain in 1941 provided official recognition of the Domain. Church officials successfully petitioned Pétain to allow the Church to reclaim buying of the Domain.^[five]

Administration [edit]

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, ordinarily known as the Upper Basilica, Lourdes.

The Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes is responsible for the spiritual governance of the Domain. He appoints a local representative, who is called the Rector. The Domain is run independently of the parish of Lourdes, which is responsible for the spiritual needs of the Lourdais themselves.

Xxx total-fourth dimension chaplains piece of work in the Domain, from dioceses and religious communities worldwide. Every bit of 2010^[update] there were 292 full-time lay employees and a further 120 seasonal employees working in 63 different divisions, with an annual running budget of €18 meg, ninety% from donations.^[1]

The Domain is open all year round. In wintertime in that location are many fewer visitors, a reduced timetable of services and devotional activity, and no processions. The winter flavor runs from 1 November (the feast of All Saints) until Easter.^[6] On 11 Feb, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a full programme of activities usually takes place.

The Domain is fully active betwixt Easter and All Saints each year, and has a programme of devotional activities including Mass, processions (run into below), Adoration of the Blest Sacrament, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many activities are carried out in several languages; in some services the liturgy is repeated in different languages.

The grounds are open up daily from 5 am until midnight;^[7] outside these times the Grotto is attainable via the Lacets Gate behind the Upper Basilica.

An estimated 200 million people take visited the shrine since 1860 [3]. The Roman Cosmic Church has officially recognized 70 miracle healings, the 70th of which was the cure of Sister Bernadette Moriau, recognised on Feb 11, 2018.^[8]

About 800 tonnes of wax is burnt annually in devotional candles.^[4]

The Domain publishes the monthly Lourdes News, with news and featured articles about the Domain and Lourdes generally.

Lourdes water [edit]

Lourdes h2o flows from a spring at the aforementioned spot where it was discovered by Bernadette. The original spring tin be seen within the Grotto, lit from below and protected past a drinking glass screen. Pilgrims drink Lourdes water due to its reputed healing ability. The water is accessed from individual taps located between the grotto and the baths, The water from Lourdes was thoroughly analysed past independent chemists in 1858 and 1859, and does not announced to accept a latent power to cure and has no special scientific or medicinal properties. Despite this, the water is itself a potent symbol of devotion for Lourdes pilgrims, and many buy statues and rosary beads containing small vials of information technology, and accept domicile big plastic containers of it.

Baths [edit]

Each yr near 350,000 pilgrims bathe in the water at the baths (Piscines).^[nine] During the pilgrimage season, the baths are open eight:thirty am –12:30 pm / 1:30 – 6:00 pm on weekdays and 10.00 am-12.00 noon / 2.00 pm-iv.00 pm Sundays and Holidays,

Processions [edit]

Processions are held in the Domain, with the Torchlight Procession beingness perhaps the best-known and most visually impressive

Blest Sacrament procession [edit]

The Blessed Sacrament procession is held daily at v:00 pm. The procession begins at the open-air altar on the prairie beyond the river from the grotto and is led by sick pilgrims followed by a priest, bishop or key conveying a monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. Typically the bearer of the Blessed Sacrament is sheltered from the elements by a mobile awning/canopy, called a baldachin, carried past four administration. The Blessed Sacrament is accompanied by bearers conveying candles, incense burners or other devotional symbols. These bearers are lay helpers chosen from the pilgrims. Following directly backside the Blest Sacrament, both during the procession and the Blessing of the Sick, volition exist a representative grouping of doctors from the diverse pilgrimages. Lastly, there are groups of pilgrims, some post-obit their parish or diocesan banner. The procession makes its way across the river, past the Crowned Statue, along the esplanade and down into the St. Pius 10 underground basilica where the ill pilgrims are placed at the front of the altar. During the procession in that location are meditations, prayers, hymns and chants, in several languages. When all the participants have assembled, there is a menstruation of Eucharistic Adoration, followed by the Approval of the Ill.^[ten]

During extreme weather weather, the procession will take place within the basilica.

Torchlight Procession [edit]

Rosary Basilica at night, looking across Rosary Square during the Torchlight Procession

The Torchlight Marian Procession takes place daily at nine.00pm. It begins near the Grotto and continues around the esplanade ending in the Rosary square. In extreme conditions an indoor ceremony may be held in the Cloak-and-dagger Basilica instead. The procession is led by sick pilgrims followed by volunteers carrying a replica of the Cabuchet Statue of the Virgin Mary. Most participants behave a candle.

The focus of this procession is the rosary. All five decades are recited, usually in a variety of languages. The Lourdes Hymn is too sung, with verses in different languages. Intercessions may be invoked followed by the Laudate Mariam. At that place is a final blessing in Latin, and then an invitation to commutation the Sign of peace with fellow pilgrims.^[11]

Principal churches of the Domain [edit]

Crypt [edit]

The Crypt was the first of the churches to be completed in the Domain, and is today among the smallest. Structure was started by Abbé Peyramale and Mgr. Laurence. Bernadette'south begetter worked on its structure and was present at its official opening, on Pentecost Sunday, 1866.

The nave is pocket-sized and a notable feature as are the enormous pillars which support the weight of the Upper Basilica, which was constructed on elevation of information technology.

The Crypt is entered forth a corridor, whose archway is dominated by a big bronze statue of St. Peter, belongings the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Opposite stands a statue of Pius X. The walls of the corridor and nave are lined with small marble plaques, known as ex voto plaques, donated in cheers of spiritual favours received.^[12]

Upper Basilica [edit]

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, known widely as the Upper Basilica, was the second of the churches to be completed, consecrated in 1876. Information technology is an impressive, elaborate building in Gothic style, designed by builder Hyppolyte Durand, and on ane side seems to emerge directly from the stone of Massabielle (the sanctuary is directly to a higher place the Grotto). The walls are lined with ex voto plaques, and banners from official National Pilgrimages of the past. It has a series of stained-glass windows depicting diverse events in the story of Lourdes; the clerestory windows depict Mary as the 2d Eve.

The outside is dominated past a 70m spire, and 2 bottom spires (not completed until 1908). In a higher place the entrance is a mosaic depicting Pope Pius Nine, who defined the dogma of the Immaculate Formulation in 1854.^[13]

Rosary Basilica [edit]

The Rosary Basilica is the third of the churches to be completed, in 1899, and designed by builder Leopold Hardy. Information technology was consecrated in 1901 and has a capacity of i,500 worshipers. Its style is influenced by Byzantine architecture. The nave is open up and circular, surmounted by a dome. The exterior of the dome is surmounted past a dramatic gilded crown and cantankerous, which were a gift from the people of Ireland in 1924.

The exterior facade of the basilica was modified in 2007 to include a depiction of the Luminous Mysteries, which are not a role of traditional fifteen, just of an extended version of it past Pope John Paul Ii in 2002.

Crowned Statue and Rosary Square [edit]

Looking out onto Rosary Square from the roof of the Basilica, with Château fort de Lourdes in the background on the loma

The open up space in front of the Rosary Basilica is known as Rosary Square.

The entrances to the Crypt and the Upper Basilica, both of which are built on elevation of Massabielle, are far above ground level. To facilitate access, two enormous ramps were constructed, which curve down either side of Rosary Square. The paradigm of the entrance of the Rosary Basilica, flanked by the two ramps and surmounted past the spires of the Upper Basilica, has become one of the iconic symbols of Lourdes, and a stylised form of this image has been adopted by the Domain itself equally its logo.

The Statue of the Crowned Virgin, frequently known every bit the "Crowned Statue" (French: La Vierge Couronnée), stands across Rosary Square from the Rosary Basilica and faces the entrance. This prominent statue is a familiar landmark and a traditional meeting bespeak. The statue is two.5m high and cast in bronze, painted white and blue in the traditional colours. Her rosary is of the Birgittine mode and incorporates six decades.^[4]

Behind the Crowned Statue is the Esplanade, a large open walkway which is used for the processions.

Underground Basilica [edit]

The Basilica of St. Pius X, known equally the Underground Basilica, is the largest and nigh controversial of the Domain's churches. It was designed by the architect Pierre Vago and completed in 1958 in anticipation of the enormous crowds expected in Lourdes for the centenary of the Apparitions. A modern, concrete building, it is almost entirely cloak-and-dagger (part of the building lies below the Boulevard Père Rémi Sempé above). When full it can adapt 25,000 worshippers.

Church building of St. Bernadette [edit]

The near recent of the major centres of worship is the Church of St. Bernadette, which was consecrated in 1988. It was built reverse the Grotto beyond the River, on the spot where Bernadette stood during the terminal (18th) Apparition.

The Church of St. Bernadette is a mod building with comparatively fiddling adornment. It was designed to allow as much natural light as possible into the nave, and light-coloured materials accept been used, making it noticeably brighter than the Underground Basilica. Information technology was designed by the architect Jean-Paul Felix.

It is also a more versatile building. The nave has provision for 5,000 seated worshippers and 350 wheelchairs, but partitions can be fatigued which divide the nave into smaller sections. In improver, it includes the Hemicycle, a large lecture room which may exist used for worship, and an assortment of conference rooms and smaller rooms which may be used for devotional or non-devotional activeness.^[14]

Chapel of Reconciliation [edit]

The Chapel of Reconciliation formerly occupied a site slightly more remote, at the entrance of the Upper Stations of the Cross. It was moved several years ago into a more prominent position, into the building previously known every bit the Accueil Notre Dame, about the Crowned Statue and facing the Esplanade.

The Chapel of Reconciliation is somewhat unusual in that no Masses or other services take place there; instead information technology is given over entirely to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Priests from different countries detect a duty roster, which means that, at nearly any time of day, pilgrims from Europe (and occasionally further away) tin can find a priest who will hear their confession in their own linguistic communication.

St. Joseph'south Chapel [edit]

St. Joseph's Chapel, named in honor of Mary's husband Saint Joseph, is situated at the far terminate of the Esplanade, well-nigh St. Michael'due south Gate. It is a modern, concrete church, more often than not underground, with picayune natural light. It was also designed by Pierre Vago, and was consecrated on 1 May 1968. It has provision for 450 seated worshippers and 80 wheelchairs.^[15]

Project of the Grotto Center of Lourdes [edit]

Begun at the end of 2014, piece of work on the Project of the Grotto Eye of Lourdes was completed in early on spring 2018.^[16] The Buildings of French republic and the INCA architectural firm took function in this project which lasted four years.

The piece of work resulted in the post-obit developments:^[17]

A Sported space,
The Grotto,
The Garden of Fountains,
Pools,
The New Sacristy,
The Grotto Bridge,
Chapels of Lights.

New infinite in front of the Grotte de Massabielle
The new wooded expanse upstream of the Grotto
The new span of the Grotto can ascent in case of the inundation of Gave
The new chapels of lights
The candle burners within a chapel of lights
New awning at the entrance of the pools
The new fountains

Grotto of Massabielle [edit]

The Grotto of Massabielle

In contrast to the grandness of Rosary Foursquare and the various basilicas, the grotto at Massabielle where St Bernadette'south visions took place is very simple and stark. The recess of the grotto itself is undecorated, although a obviously stone altar and lectern accept been placed there then that Mass tin exist celebrated. Above the main recess is the niche where the apparitions took place and Fabisch's statue now stands. A large stand up of candles next to the altar is kept called-for throughout the year. During the pilgrimage flavor, ii pilgrimage Masses are normally historic each morn at the grotto.

The spring Bernadette is said to accept dug can be seen at the rear of the grotto, shielded past a glass encompass. When Mass is not being celebrated, pilgrims can process through the grotto where it is traditional to touch on the rocks directly under the statue; indeed so many people accept done this that the stones take become polished. Also at the rear of the grotto is a metal box into which written prayers or petitions may exist deposited; they are collected daily and burnt.

Rows of benches allow visitors to sit down and pray or contemplate. Pilgrims are asked to remain silent while in the vicinity to create an atmosphere of devotion. One of the spots where Bernadette prayed to the Virgin is marked past a special paving slab.

Some of the rock walls around the grotto comport articulate signs of deliberate amending, presumably to better access for pilgrims. Information technology is therefore no longer clear what the original configuration of the grotto was.

At least one contemporary business relationship describes a series of chambers behind the statue's niche, which can only be reached by climbing "similar a cadger" through clefts in the rocks.^[xviii]

Accueils and hospitals [edit]

Across the river from the grotto and the churches is the Accueil Notre Matriarch, a modern facility built in 1996 to house sick pilgrims during their time in Lourdes.

The Accueil Notre Dame was built to supercede the 2 older Accueils that were nowadays within the Domain. The onetime Accueil Notre Dame stood opposite the Cloak-and-dagger Basilica, and has been extensively remodelled, being divided into two buildings by removing a section. One building now contains the Chapel of Reconciliation, which used to exist the refectory, and also houses the convent of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. The other department is now known as the Accueil John Paul Two, and contains several chapels (e.chiliad. St Creation & St Damien), the Showtime Aid postal service and Dispensary, and the offices of the Hospitalité. The other was the Accueil St. Bernadette, which stood across the river from the erstwhile Accueil Notre Dame, and was demolished to make style for the new one.

Since Easter 1997 ill pilgrims from all over the earth have been housed in the Accueil Notre Dame, an airy mod edifice. The Accueil is organised into two wings, each consisting of 6 storeys, with the Reception area on the ground floor and the Transit Lounge on the fifth. Each floor from ane to iv is named after a specific saint, with female saints honoured on one side and male ones on the other. Each floor has a key refectory area where pilgrims congregate to eat.

The rooms, each with bath and shower, accommodate from one to six people. Each room has a window, with some fortunate ones having a view of the Grotto, and storage cupboards and a table and chairs. Each room opens onto a communal expanse.

Linking the ii sides is the Assistants Expanse, with 2 panoramic lifts bringing visitors to each floor. The administration offices are on the sixth and 7th floors, and in that location are kitchens for each side.

Typically, pilgrims arrive at the Accueil Notre Matriarch in particularly adapted buses, either from Lourdes airport or railroad train station, and will be welcomed in the transit lounge from where they are taken to their rooms.

Another accueil, the Accueil Marie St. Frai, is located a brusque distance outside the domain; information technology is like in blueprint and atmosphere to the Accueil Notre Dame.

Prairie [edit]

Beyond the Gave from the Grotto is a wide, open, uncluttered infinite covered with grass and known in French as the prairie, or in English, the meadow.

In the corner of the prairie is the tent-like Chapel of Adoration, consecrated in 1995 and given over entirely to veneration of the Blest Sacrament, There is as well an open-air altar for outdoor ceremonies.

Also on the prairie is a series of candle holders called 'brulières' where pilgrims can place candles of varying sizes. Some pilgrimages send large candles from their respective parishes. The brulières are tended by feutiers, attendants whose task is to ensure candles are burnt safely and evenly and to remove the trays of melted wax which collects under each brulière.

In 2002 the Water Walk was introduced, across the Gave and slightly downstream from the Grotto. It consists of a series of nine stations at which there is a modest Lourdes water font.

A typical brulière total of devotional candles

Scepticism and criticism [edit]

Since the earliest of the Lourdes apparitions, there has been intense fence regarding their veracity. The earliest investigators, including the priest Abbé Dominique Peyramale and the Chief of Constabulary, Dominique Jacomet, were both initially convinced they were dealing with a hoax (both later changed their minds), and several researchers take since chosen several aspects of the Lourdes miracle into question.

The apparitions at Lourdes took place against the backdrop of a rich network of popular piety, which was common throughout the Pyrenean region in the 19th century. In the decades leading up to 1858, several children in small Pyrenean villages (on both sides of the edge) claimed to see apparitions of the Virgin Mary in remote locations. Many consider that Bernadette was only repeating a well-tried fob to gain attending and notoriety. Believers contend that this is not likely, since Bernadette claimed the Lady chosen herself "the Immaculate Conception", referring to a doctrine formally established just four years previously, and which Soubirous may not have been familiar with.^[19]

Modern Lourdes contains many souvenir shops. Some visitors may dislike the commercialism of parts of Lourdes, with neon-emblazoned shops overflowing with what Malcolm Muggeridge, a supporter of the shrine, called "tawdry relics, the bric-a-brac of piety".^[xx] Lourdes has been called the "Disneyland of the Cosmic Church building".^{[ citation needed ]} Critics argue that the Lourdes phenomenon is aught more than a significant money-spinner for the town and the region, which therefore has a strong vested interest in keeping the pilgrims coming.^[21] The church, even so, distances itself from commercialisation. The many trinket stalls are privately owned, and hawkers are strictly forbidden inside the sanctuary.

Many people remain sceptical about Lourdes and its supposed healing power, arguing that any comeback offered by the shrine is no more than the placebo effect, and that the ceremonies and processions are no amend than faith-healing on a chiliad scale.^{[ citation needed ]}

Similar history as Our Lady of Guadalupe in United mexican states [edit]

The origin of this large church building complex inspired by a vision in France is similar to the origin of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. Bernadette Soubirous'due south vision of 1858 which gave ascent to the growth of Lourdes is like to the case of Juan Diego'south vision in 1531 in United mexican states. Both saints reported visions in which a miraculous lady on a hill asked them to asking that the local priests build a chapel at the site of the vision. Both visions had a reference to roses. Like Our Lady of Lourdes in France, Our Lady of Guadalupe is a major Catholic symbol in Mexico and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe circuitous is ane of the largest and nearly visited Catholic churches in the Americas.

References [edit]

^ ^a ^b "Lourdes".
^ Ruth Harris, Lourdes: Trunk and Spirit in the Secular Age, Penguin Books, 1999, p. 52.
^ Ruth Harris, Lourdes: Torso and Spirit in the Secular Age, Penguin Books, 1999, p. 53.
^ ^a ^b ^c Oliver Todd, The Lourdes Pilgrim, Matthew James Publishing, 2003, p. 41.
^ ^a ^b Ruth Harris, Lourdes: Body and Spirit in the Secular Age, Penguin Books, 1999, p. 365.
^ Oliver Todd, The Lourdes Pilgrim, Matthew James Publishing, 2003, pp. 52–53.
^ Oliver Todd, The Lourdes Pilgrim, Matthew James Publishing, 2003, p. 77.
^ Herald, Catholic. "70th official miraculous healing at Lourdes". catholicherald.com . Retrieved 4 February 2020.
^ "Lourdes".
^ Oliver Todd, The Lourdes Pilgrim, Matthew James Publishing, 2003, p. 151.
^ Oliver Todd, The Lourdes Pilgrim, Matthew James Publishing, 2003, p. 155.
^ Oliver Todd, The Lourdes Pilgrim, Matthew James Publishing, 2003, p. 42-3.
^ Oliver Todd, The Lourdes Pilgrim, Matthew James Publishing, 2003, p. 43.
^ Oliver Todd, The Lourdes Pilgrim, Matthew James Publishing, 2003, p. 45.
^ Oliver Todd, The Lourdes Pilgrim, Matthew James Publishing, 2003, p. 46.
^ "Inauguration du Projet Grotte, Coeur de Lourdes - [ Site d'informations en ligne, sur Lourdes et le Pays de Lourdes]" (in French). 4 April 2018.
^ "Lourdes : les travaux de réaménagement de la Grotte de Massabielle débutent mercredi". French republic three Occitanie (in French). Retrieved 8 January 2019.
^ Ruth Harris, Lourdes: Body and Spirit in the Secular Age, Penguin Books, 1999.
^ Francis Trochu. Saint Bernadette Soubirous:1844-1879. Pantheon. pp. 156–158.
^ Muggeridge contrasts the "tawdry relics, the bric-a-brac of piety" with the spiritual phenomena he describes experiencing in Lourdes. (Jesus Rediscovered, A Visit To Lourdes, Fontana 1969.[one]
^ "Consuming Visions—Mass Culture and the Lourdes Shrine, Suzanne Kaufman", Book reviewed by Lawrence S. Cunningham University of Notre Dame, Commonweal 23 September 2005.[two]

External links [edit]

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes – Official website
The Grotto of the Apparitions – Online transmissions
The cures at Lourdes recognised as miraculous by the Church building

Coordinates: 43°05′51″N 0°03′xxx″Due west / 43.09750°N 0.05833°W / 43.09750; -0.05833

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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctuary_of_Our_Lady_of_Lourdes