Lourdes. France’s biggest pilgrimage site. So big, it’s the next city after Paris to have the most number of hotels all over the country.
A sleepy town in the south of France is transformed into a place of pilgrimage after Bernadette Soubourios allegedly saw the Virgin Mary. After numerous apparitions, miracles and investigation by the Church, the place came to be known around the world as site for healing one’s bodily ailments as well as the soul’s.
Today, Lourdes still possesses a small town charm albeit pilgrims all over the world (mostly Italians) keep the town alive and busy. The experience is overwhelming. Seeing old people, sick people brave the cold and visit the site where the spring dug by St. Bernadette is located. Some people swim in the pools filled with these waters. Emerging from the pools, it is surprising to see them with tears in their eyes.
In Lourdes, the question if anyone in Europe still believes in God is answered with a resounding yes.
I recommend visiting this place especially for Filipinos because it’s place to meet other kababayans and to love the Catholic Faith more.
Mama Mary, pray for us, for our country and for the whole world.
