Bringing back water from Lourdes is a tradition deeply rooted in the faith and spirituality of the pilgrims who visit this famous Marian shrine. The water of Lourdes, drawn from the spring discovered by Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, has become a powerful symbol of healing, purification and blessing. This gesture of taking water home has a variety of meanings, both religious and personal, and is seen by many as an extension of their spiritual experience at Lourdes. Here are some of the reasons why so many pilgrims choose to take this sacred water home.

A symbol of healing and protection

Lourdes water is best known for its miraculous virtues. Since the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, thousands of people have claimed to have been physically healed after using or drinking this water. Although the Church is cautious and rigorous in recognising miracles, there are powerful and moving accounts of healings associated with this water. Bringing home water from Lourdes means carrying with you a tangible symbol of protection and healing, not only for yourself but also for your loved ones.

An act of faith and devotion

For many believers, bringing home water from Lourdes is an act of faith. It enables them to continue their pilgrimage beyond the shrine, incorporating this water into their daily lives or their moments of prayer. It is a constant reminder of the divine presence and benevolence of the Virgin Mary. In this way, the water becomes a sacred object, used to bless the home, family members or even those who can't make it to Lourdes. This act of bringing back water also echoes the gesture of Bernadette, who discovered the spring on the Virgin's instructions.

A way of sharing grace with others

Bringing back water from Lourdes also allows us to share the grace and spirituality of this sacred place with those who were unable to go. Many pilgrims offer this water to friends, family members or sick people as a sign of kindness and support. It's a generous gesture that shows a desire to spread hope and comfort beyond the shrine's borders. The water from Lourdes then becomes a spiritual bond between the giver and the receiver, strengthening their shared faith.

A reminder of the spiritual experience at Lourdes

Visiting Lourdes is often a profound and life-changing experience for pilgrims. Bringing water from the spring allows this spiritual experience to be extended at home. Every time the water is used, whether for drinking, praying or blessing a place, it revives the memory of that moment of intense faith. For many, Lourdes water becomes an object of meditation, a way of staying connected to the shrine and the benefits felt during the pilgrimage.

A gesture of spiritual purification

Lourdes water is also a symbol of purification. According to Christian teachings, water has often been associated with the purification and renewal of the soul, particularly in the rites of baptism. Using the water at Lourdes to wash one's hands or bathe is seen as a gesture of inner purification, a way of drawing closer to God and freeing oneself from one's sins or spiritual burdens. This symbolic gesture, accompanied by prayers, reinforces faith and hope in spiritual healing.

Bringing back water from Lourdes is much more than a simple souvenir of a pilgrimage. For believers, this sacred water embodies hope, healing, and divine blessing. It is a tangible link with the spiritual power of Lourdes, making it possible to prolong and share this unique experience. Whether to heal, bless, or pray, the water of Lourdes continues to play a central role in the lives of the millions of pilgrims who visit this shrine every year.