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3 clusters · 4 sources · 15 days · First seen · Last updated

Religious pilgrimage in Lourdes

Overview

Lourdes continues to serve as a major center for Catholic pilgrimage, supporting a large hospitality sector despite a stagnant and aging local population in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. In 2025, visitor numbers reached 3.4 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

The 153rd National Pilgrimage of the Assumption recently took place, focusing on the visibility of vulnerability, disability, and aging. During the opening mass, individuals in wheelchairs were given prominent placement in the front rows to emphasize the Church’s attention toward those living with illnesses and physical health challenges.

A significant delegation from the Diocese of Ticino, consisting of over 400 pilgrims traveling by special train, participated in various liturgical events led by Bishop Alain. Their activities included the administration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, visits to the Massabielle Grotto, and services at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the underground Saint Pius X Basilica. The group also visited the Moulin de Boly, the birthplace of Saint Bernadette, and engaged with volunteers from the Hospitalité Notre Dame De Lourdes. The delegation included diverse participants, such as seminarians from the Brazilian ‘Mar a Dentro’ community.

Entities

Lourdes · Bishop Alain · Hautes‑Pyrénées department · Assomption France · Ticino

Timeline

  1. 26 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Lourdes hosts pilgrimage for Ticino religious groups

    Over 400 pilgrims from Ticino have traveled to Lourdes for religious services, including the administration of sacraments to the sick and visits to major sanctuary sites led by Bishop Alain.

  2. 29 days ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Lourdes hosts 153rd National Pilgrimage of the Assumption

    The 153rd National Pilgrimage of the Assumption is being held in Lourdes, focusing on the spiritual experiences and visibility of pilgrims living with disabilities and illnesses.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Lourdes pilgrimage draws millions while local economy grapples with aging population

    Assomption members gathered in Lourdes for a three‑day unity event as the town hosts 3.4 million pilgrims in 2025, supporting a large hotel sector despite a tiny, aging local population.

Sources

catt.ch · la-croix.com · spgame.com.tw · tullingesk.se

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history