Baths
The baths are a unique feature of Lourdes and every year around 400,000 pilgrims are bathed there. During the 9th apparition of Our Lady to Bernadette, on Thursday 25th February 1858, Our Lady said, "… go drink at the spring and wash there… you will eat of the grass which is there…". The baths are there to respond to many pilgrims’ need to bathe at the spring. It is worth noting that the water at the taps and the new "Water Walk" also comes from the spring, in addition to the water which supplies the baths. It is therefore perfectly possible to fulfil Our Lady’s injunction to Bernadette without setting foot in the baths.
Nonetheless many pilgrims continue to visit the baths which are a special place of prayer. The atmosphere whilst waiting can often be quite noisy, but it is hoped that as each pilgrim bathes they have the opportunity for a moment of silent prayer, supported by the men and women who work in the baths.
As many misconceptions exist about the baths, you can click on a link below to a guide to what you can expect if you visit the baths and the prayers and instructions which you are likely to hear there (given in English, French and Italian). The guide is based on proceedings in the women’s baths. It should be noted that the women’s and men’s baths are separate. Only female helpers work in the women’s baths and only male helpers in the men’s. The only exception is that young boys may accompany their mothers and bathe in the women’s baths.
The "piscinières" or bathing helpers are there to help you and pray for you as you bathe, they will endeavour to communicate with you as quietly and calmly as possible, even when they do not speak your language. Many "piscinières" will be wearing a badge with national flags indicating the languages that they speak. If you have a problem, you should always make it clear to the "directrice" (the helper in charge of your "cabine") who should be in a position to resolve any difficulty.
Some people are not sure whether they are able to be bathed. If travelling as a CA pilgrim they should seek advice from the chief doctor of the pilgrimage, the chief nurse, the chief handmaid or the chief branc.
It is worth noting that pilgrims who have a catheter can bathe.
Menstruating women can also bathe. They are requested not to remove their underpants and not to sit in the water.
Very few pilgrims will not be in a position to receive a "lotion", however sick pilgrims with difficulty ascending and descending steps, should consider entering the baths on a stretcher. The floor of the baths is made of stone and is often very wet.
Baths guide
The perspective of a baths helper
The instructions for the baths (English, French, Italian)
The baths prayer (English, French, Italian)
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