Bringing “Lourdes” Home!
Since 1858, millions of faithful have embarked on pilgrimages to Lourdes to pray at the Grotto, draw water from the spring, immerse themselves in the pools, and adore the Blessed Sacrament.
Since 2017, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has been dedicated to spreading the blessings received in this holy place, responding to the desire of communities worldwide to welcome Lourdes Missions and the relics of Saint Bernadette.
In collaboration with bishops and pilgrimage directors, numerous nations have already experienced the joy of receiving missionaries from Lourdes and the relics of Saint Bernadette. The chaplains of the Sanctuary, driven by a missionary spirit, travel to dioceses, parishes, sanctuaries, and even the “existential peripheries” of society to share the message of Lourdes.
Countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom have already been blessed by the Missions of Our Lady of Lourdes.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15)
Welcoming a Lourdes’ Mission means answering the call to evangelization with generosity. These missions provide a unique opportunity to address the spiritual needs of communities by offering them an encounter with Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette.
They are sacred moments to invite prayer, entrust oneself to Mary, offer thanksgiving, and seek divine graces. Furthermore, they allow communities to experience a pilgrimage not merely as a journey but as a spiritual event that unfolds through processions and prayerful gatherings within their own daily lives. This spiritual dynamism enriches not only the sick but also pastoral workers, hospital volunteers, and all the baptized.
The missions also serve as a moment to introduce the Archconfraternity of the Family of Our Lady of Lourdes, a spiritual union that gathers believers from around the world in prayer to Mary.
Missions Planned for 2025
Guided by a renewed zeal, missions are planned in France, Belgium, Italy, and the United States, with invitations extended to Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Each mission offers a chance to live Marian devotion authentically, tailored to diverse cultural expressions.
Every mission becomes a miniature pilgrimage, with the celebration of the Eucharist, processions, confessions, and catechesis—just as in Lourdes. Organizing a mission requires an invitation from the diocesan bishop or a national Episcopal Conference. The Sanctuary is committed to making this experience of grace a reality.
What Is a Mission of Our Lady of Lourdes?
Experiencing the Grace of Lourdes
Our Lady of Lourdes Missions offer a special opportunity to renew the blessings of a pilgrimage to Lourdes. The Virgin Mary invites the faithful to come in procession to this holy place to draw from the spring of God’s abundant mercy and His work of salvation for humanity.
Discover the miracle of Lourdes: the conversion of hearts and the renewal of faith and spiritual life
Lourdes in Your Home
Our Lady of Lourdes Missions are a way to share the grace of encountering Mary, just as Saint Bernadette did. Regardless of one’s parish, diocese, background, or personal circumstances, everyone is invited to find peace and joy in this encounter and to become missionary disciples.
With the Chaplains of the Sanctuary
The chaplains of the Sanctuary, who are priests, travel to respond to invitations from various communities, dioceses, parishes, and sanctuaries so that the message and charism of Lourdes can reach even those far from the holy site.
Like Saint Bernadette, they seek to witness and proclaim that God is near and that, in Him, every life can open to the joy of eternity, starting today.