Young People

Each year the Lourdes authorities publish a series of documents to aid with the planning of pilgrimages. The following are ideas for reflection.

Discover

The footsteps of Bernadette

Lourdes would mean nothing if it had not been for the story of Bernadette Soubirous. Visit the places where she lived to discover the meaning of the Message of Lourdes.

The Sanctuary

Enter the journey of faith by discovering the Sanctuary where pilgrims, sick or healthy, come to seek hope and courage.

Bartrès

Learn more about Bernadette by discovering her daily life, her daily chores, her spare time.

The Pavilions

There are fifteen pavilions in the town of Lourdes and on the Boulevard Rémi Sempé. They show the presence of the Church towards those who suffer: they deal with many aspects of life;

  • Pavilion for the Disabled and their Families
  • Pax Christi
  • CCFD (the French organisation against famine and for Third World Development
  • Pontifical Mission Society
  • Aid to the Church in Need
  • Catechumenate
  • Vocations
  • Legion of Mary
  • The Immaculate Mission
  • Family Pastoral Ministry
  • Chemin de Niglo (for the Travelling People)
  • Life Centre
  • Faith and Life
  • Le Nid
  • the Eucharistic Union “Pro Vita Mundi”

Understand

“Come to me all you who suffer!”

Our invitation brings us closer to each other, like God comes close to men and women, like the Virgin Mary came close to Bernadette.

Catechesis

Explore the meaning of the beauty and riches present - the Blessed Sacrament Procession, the Torchlight Marian Procession, the signs of Lourdes, the sacraments,

Celebrate

Participate in different ministries - readers, musicians, singers

The Youth International Mass

In July and August

The baths

Remembering baptism

The Way of the Cross

Reflect, pray and prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Adoration

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in the Tent of Adoration, the Adoration Chapel and the Crypt.

Ask Our Lady to help us love her Son more deeply and, through her intercession, to understand in a deeper way the mystery of his Incarnation.

Prayer Vigil

In the chapel of St. Joseph in July and August.

The Sanctuaries’ Celebrations

International Mass

Take place in the Basilica of St. Pius X each Wednesday and Sunday from April to October; a unique opportunity of experiencing the international dimension of Lourdes.

The Processions

The Blessed Sacrament Procession and the Blessing of the Sick each day. Meet at 4.30pm in the Tent of Adoration.

The Torchlight Marian Procession each evening at 9pm. Assemble under the Arches.

Family Pilgrimage

The official Lourdes Youth Service (Service Jeunes) offers help with family pilgrimages.

Learn and Share

Ecole de l’evangile

The Gospel School is open to young people from all over the world (on condition they can speak french and be capable of living in community). Nine months of traing and service.

Help

For Scouts

The Youth Village and the Youth Reception Desk offer help in organising summer camps.

Volunteer Helpers

Why not you?

Help is needed in the Youth Village and the Youth Service. A good knowledge of French is required. Contact the Youth Village

Proposals

  • Build on the rock - the interior of the Grotto symbolises God’s strength
  • Discover - remain open to the unexpected
  • Let oneself be loved
  • Rediscover God in one’s life
  • Accept oneself
  • Live truthfully
  • Help others
  • Walk along with… - you are not a Christian by yourself.

The site was designed by Brian Dowd