Due to health restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the number of pilgrims visiting the Shrine of Lourdes was reduced in 2020.

Newsroom (18/08/2022 19:35, Gaudium Press) The Marian shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, located in France, received last Sunday, the 14th, eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, about 15,000 pilgrims.

Candle procession and distribution of water from Lourdes

The faithful, coming from different countries, gathered to celebrate this important Feast in honour of the Mother of God. Many pilgrims came to give thanks for graces obtained or to petition Our Lady.

Among the main activities held on the occasion were: the traditional candle procession, held just after sunset; and the distribution of water from the grotto of Massabielle, where the apparitions of Our Lady to Saint Bernadette Soubirous took place.

Increase in the number of pilgrims

Because of the sanitary restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the number of pilgrims visiting the Sanctuary of Lourdes was reduced in 2020. Before the pandemic, the site received around 3.5 million pilgrims annually. In 2020, the shrine received only 800,000.

From 2021 onward, the number of pilgrims began to increase, reaching 1.6 million. According to the communications director of the French Shrine, David Torchala, the same number of pilgrims is expected for 2022. It is important to point out that the place is financed exclusively by donations from visitors. (EPC)

Compiled by Dominic Joseph