How to Host an Our Lady of Lourdes Mission?
Invitation from the Bishop
Our Lady of Lourdes Missions are organized at the invitation of a bishop or an Episcopal Conference.
Steps for the Request:
- Purpose: What is the pastoral project of the diocese? Would you like to host the relics, a chaplain, or both?
- Dates: When and for how long would you like the mission to take place?
- Location: Does the request involve the entire diocese, multiple parishes, or specific locations?
- Coordinator: Who will be the local contact responsible for organizing the mission?
Contact Information:
The bishop can send the request via mail or email to:
Father Emmanuel Mvomo
Coordinator of Our Lady of Lourdes Missions
1 avenue Monseigneur Théas, 65100 Lourdes
Email: emmanuel.mvomo@lourdes-france.com and charles.biondi@lourdes-france.com
Mission Formats
Missions adapt to the devotional and cultural characteristics of each location and the availability of the Sanctuary’s chaplains. They may include:
- Missions with or without relics.
- Missions with or without the presence of a Lourdes chaplain, although their participation is highly recommended.
- Missions on a national scale with the support of an Episcopal Conference, or locally in a diocese, sanctuary, or parish.
Priority is given to missions that:
- Involve entire communities.
- Focus on youth, those distant from the Church, and individuals with disabilities or illnesses.
- Amplify the message of Lourdes to those most in need of hope and consolation.
Suggested Mission Program:
Each mission is tailored to the local context, but we recommend including:
- Holy Mass with a homily on the message of Lourdes.
- Marian Procession as done in Lourdes.
- Catechesis on the message of Lourdes.
- Rosary Prayer.
Available Resources:
- Liturgical guides, Mass booklets, and prayers.
- A statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.
- A fragment of the Grotto’s rock.
- Water from the Grotto.
- Vials, candles, and devotional materials.
- Images of Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette.
- Religious books and objects.
Special for Youth and Families
The youth pastoral team collaborates to organize activities for children, adolescents, and families: games, catechesis, vigils with relics, and the water gesture for young people.
Costs and Budget
There is no fixed cost for hosting a mission; finances should never be an obstacle. However, the host is typically responsible for:
Travel and accommodation expenses for the chaplains.
Transportation costs for the relics, if included.
A voluntary donation to the Sanctuary is encouraged to support the organization of the mission.
