Liturgy and Processions

During the 13^th apparition, on 2^nd March 1858, Our Lady said, "go and tell the priests that people should come here in procession…". It is from this request that the two processions of Lourdes were born. Below are brief descriptions of both processions and other liturgical events which are of particular importance in Lourdes.

Blessed Sacrament Procession

This procession takes place every afternoon from April to October at 5.00 p.m. A bishop or priest carries the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. The procession begins outside the Chapel of Adoration, passes the Church of St Bernadette, crosses the Gave, then processes around the Esplanade before entering the Underground Basilica (the Basilica of St Pius X). A service of Benediction follows and is ended with a blessing of the sick.

Torchlight Procession

One of the most spectacular sights of Lourdes is the torchlight procession, held every night from April to October at 9.15 p.m..

Many of the pilgrims present in Lourdes that day assemble alongside the Gave. Each pilgrim carries a lit candle. The thousands of candles illuminate the Esplanade as the pilgrims process reciting the rosary and singing the Lourdes hymn.

As the pilgrims draw near to the Rosary Basilica, the sick pilgrims are brought to the front for the prayers and blessing which conclude the ceremony of joy and celebration.

Mass (International Mass)

In Lourdes each day, many masses are said, in many different languages. However, at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays from April to October, the International Mass is celebrated.

Here the mass is said in Latin and in the languages of the principal pilgrimages present that day, reflecting the unity and diversity of the Church.

The other masses will combine a mixture of those celebrated by the Chaplains of Lourdes and those celebrated by the different pilgrimages present.

For more information on what is mass, see above in the section on belief.

Eucharistic Adoration

Catholics believe that in Jesus Christ is truly present in the bread and wine consecrated during mass. It has therefore become a custom for a portion of the bread to be reserved in a tabernacle. Catholics will pray before a tabernacle and know that they are in the presence of Christ. Likewise, Catholics pray before the exposed host (referred to in this context as the Blessed Sacrament).

This prayer is known as adoration and is a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. In Lourdes it is possible to pray before the Blessed Sacrament at all times. From April to October, this is in either the Chapel (from the end of the Blessed Sacrament procession until 8 a.m.) or Tent of Adoration (from 8 a.m. until the Blessed Sacrament procession), or by participating in the Blessed Sacrament Procession.

Anointing of the Sick

Not organised by the Sanctuary of Lourdes itself, whilst in Lourdes most pilgrimages will hold a mass at which this sacrament is celebrated.

For more information on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, see above in the section on belief.

Confession

Many pilgrims to Lourdes will wish to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation during their visit. In addition to any arrangements available through individual pilgrimages, the Sanctuary of Lourdes has a Chapel of Reconciliation (opposite the statue of the Crowned Virgin) where confessions are heard in many languages.

Confessions are heard in the Chapel of Reconciliation in English from 10.00 a.m. to 11.15 a.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. (April to October). During the winter the hours are shorter: 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m..

Stations of the Cross

This devotion is carried out in a spirit of penance (most parishes celebrate it during Lent) and reparation. It is a devotion which has a special place in Lourdes.

There are three Ways of the Cross in Lourdes:

1. The principal way of the cross is on the hillside in a steep wooded area across the road from the Upper Basilica (this way of the cross is not wheelchair accessible). It is 1,500 metres long.
2. The way of the cross on the level is alongside the Gave (on the opposite side to the Grotto).
3. The Stations of the Cross are depicted in stained glass on the walls of the Underground Basilica.

Most pilgrimages celebrate the Stations of the Cross during their time in Lourdes.

If visiting as an individual pilgrim, please be advised that the hillside way of the cross is open daily from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. (April to October) and from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (November to March).

The prayers for the Way of the Cross are given above in the section on prayer.

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