Lourdes, France, 2005
About six milion pilgrims from all parts
of the world visit the sanctuary in Lourdes every year. Those
six milion pilgrims have a deep impact on the economy of
Lourdes. The little town is stocked by hotels, souvenirshops
and restaurants.
In 1858 the "Immaculate
Conception" (Holy Virgin Mary) appeared 18 times to 14
years old Bernadette Soubirous in a cave (Grotto) just outside
the village of Lourdes. Lourdes is situated in the first
Pyrenean foothills in south-western France. During one of those
appearings a water spring started in the cave. The spring water
is believed by some to possess healing properties. The Roman
Catholic Church has recognized several miraculous heal-ings.
Pilgrims are given the possibility to drink the water and bath
themselves in it. Because Bernadette oft carried a burning
candle with her during the appearings of Holy Virgin Mary a
light up candle has become a second symbol for the sanctuary.
(Read further on next page.)
