The history of the Rosary Pilgrimage is closely linked to Marian devotion and the Rosary, practices deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. Initiated at the end of the 19th century at the instigation of the Dominicans, over the decades this pilgrimage has become one of the most important spiritual gatherings in Lourdes. Every year, this annual event attracts thousands of pilgrims wishing to pray and meditate together under the protection of the Virgin Mary.
The origins of the Rosary prayer
Before understanding the history of the pilgrimage, it is essential to look back at the history of the Rosary prayer itself. The Rosary is a meditative prayer, made up of the repeated recitation of traditional prayers such as the "Hail Mary" and the "Our Father", interspersed with the contemplation of various mysteries from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
The history of the Rosary dates back to the Middle Ages, when it took on its current form under the influence of St Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers, or Dominicans, in the 13th century. He is credited with spreading this form of Marian prayer, although it has evolved over the centuries. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to St Dominic and gave him the Rosary as a means of combating heresies and leading souls to conversion.
It was therefore only natural that the Dominicans should play a crucial role in promoting the Rosary throughout the world, and that they should later initiate a pilgrimage dedicated to this prayer, in a place as symbolic as Lourdes.
The birth of the Rosary pilgrimage
The Rosary pilgrimage began in Lourdes in 1908, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Marian apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous. The pilgrimage was initiated by the Dominican Order. The Dominicans, as guardians and promoters of the Rosary prayer, wanted to offer the faithful an opportunity to pray together in this emblematic Marian place at the foot of the Pyrenees.
In its early days, the Rosary pilgrimage brought together only a few thousand pilgrims. However, it quickly gained in popularity, due to the strong spiritual dimension of the event, combining Marian devotion with the mystique of the Lourdes apparitions. Pilgrims went in groups, often accompanied by Dominican friars, to pray together, take part in the processions and meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary.
The development of the pilgrimage in the 20th century
Over the years, the Rosary pilgrimage grew considerably. From the 1920s onwards, it became one of the biggest spiritual events organised in Lourdes. The Dominican family, which includes religious, lay people and fraternities, is fully involved in the organisation of this event, which is increasingly taking the form of an international gathering.
The pilgrimage traditionally takes place at the beginning of October, around the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on 7 October. This date has a special significance in the history of Catholicism, as it commemorates the victory of Lepanto in 1571, a victory attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, invoked through the Rosary prayer.
During the inter-war years, and then after the Second World War, the pilgrimage continued to grow. The faithful flocked not only from France, but also from other countries, attracted by the universal dimension of the Rosary prayer and the unique atmosphere of meditation that reigns at Lourdes.
Organisation of the pilgrimage
The Rosary pilgrimage is structured around several highlights, which punctuate the pilgrims' stay at Lourdes. Each year, a specific theme is chosen, linked to the Rosary prayer or an aspect of Christian life, enabling pilgrims to enjoy a profound and enriching spiritual experience.
The days of the pilgrimage are marked by several key events:
The International Mass: Celebrated in the Basilica or at the Grotto of Massabielle, this mass brings together all the Rosary pilgrims. It is a moment of intense communion, when the faithful pray together for peace, for the sick, and for their personal intentions.
The processions : Two major processions punctuate each day of the pilgrimage. The Eucharistic procession, during which the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the shrine, and the torchlight procession, a particularly moving moment when thousands of pilgrims, candles in hand, sing hymns in honour of the Virgin Mary.
Praying the Rosary: Naturally, praying the Rosary is at the heart of this pilgrimage. Pilgrims gather together to recite the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the Rosary, meditating on the major events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.
Confessions and times of personal prayer: Lourdes is also a place conducive to reconciliation and recollection. Pilgrims have the opportunity to go to confession, to meditate in silence in front of the Grotto or to take a moment to pray individually.
The role of the sick and hospitaliers
One of the special features of the Rosary pilgrimage is the importance given to the sick. Lourdes is known as a place of healing, both physical and spiritual, and the Rosary pilgrimage is no exception. Every year, hundreds of sick people are welcomed and accompanied by volunteers, the hospitaliers, who help them to live this spiritual experience to the full.
The sick, often transported in wheelchairs or stretchers, are at the heart of the pilgrimage's prayer intentions. They take part in Masses and processions, and many hope to find healing at Lourdes, or at least relief from their suffering.
As for the hospitaliers, they are volunteers who devote several days of their time to accompanying the sick. Their service is a concrete expression of Christian charity, and their presence is essential to ensure that the pilgrimage goes smoothly.
The pilgrimage today
The Rosary pilgrimage remains a major event in the Lourdes spiritual calendar. Every year, between 15,000 and 20,000 pilgrims take part in this gathering, coming from all over France and other countries. Despite changes in society, praying the Rosary retains a central place in the spiritual life of Catholics, and this pilgrimage is a fine illustration of this.
The Dominicans continue to play a key role in organising this event, providing catechesis, preaching, and guiding pilgrims in prayer and meditation. The presence of the sick, the importance given to Marian prayer, and the community dimension of the pilgrimage make it a unique moment of meditation and fraternity.
Conclusion
The Rosary Pilgrimage to Lourdes is much more than just a religious journey. It is a genuine faith experience, where prayer, meditation and solidarity between pilgrims are at the heart of the event. For over a century, this pilgrimage has enabled the faithful to recharge their batteries, pray together and entrust their intentions to the Virgin Mary in this very special place, Lourdes. With its rich past and deep-rooted tradition, the Rosary pilgrimage remains an unmissable event for anyone wishing to deepen their faith and have a powerful spiritual experience.
