# Religious activities and upcoming events in Lourdes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/religious-activities-and-upcoming-events-in-lourdes
> Updated: 2026-09-09T16:53:58.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Religious activities in Lourdes have transitioned from traditional local pilgrimages to preparations for major international events. Initially, pilgrims gathered for customary rites at the Grotto of Massabielle, including Stations of the Cross prayer walks and water blessing rituals at the Basilica of Saint Pius X.

Following these traditional observances, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes began preparations for a significant papal visit by Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for late September. This event is expected to attract roughly 150,000 participants. Additionally, a major pastoral initiative involving the relics of Saint Bernadette was announced, involving a multi-stage pilgrimage across the United States starting in September 2026, while a second reliquary remains in Lourdes for the papal visit.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Lourdes prepares for papal visit and Saint Bernadette relic pilgrimage

Lourdes prepares for a papal visit by Pope Leo XIV in late September, while the relics of Saint Bernadette are set for a year-long pilgrimage across the United States starting in 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lourdes-prepares-for-papal-visit-and-saint-bernadette-relic-pilgrimage

### 2026-09-06: Lourdes hosts Catholic pilgrims for traditional religious rites

Pilgrims visited Lourdes to participate in traditional religious rites, including the Stations of the Cross and the use of the sacred spring water at the Grotto of Massabielle.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lourdes-hosts-catholic-pilgrims-for-traditional-religious-rites

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Cite as: Religious activities and upcoming events in Lourdes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/religious-activities-and-upcoming-events-in-lourdes