For several centuries, the Catholic Church has dedicated the month of May to the Virgin Mary. This tradition, although popularised from the 18th century onwards in Europe, has its roots in much older devotion to the Mother of God. The month of May, synonymous with renewal, flowers and light, was naturally chosen to honour the Virgin Mary, also known as the "Flower of the Field", the "Queen of Heaven" or "Our Lady". This month is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Read more...

Every year, on 18 February and 16 April, the Catholic Church honours Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the young visionary from Lourdes to whom the Virgin Mary appeared in 1858. These dates are essential for the faithful and pilgrims who come together to pray and celebrate the humble and exemplary life of this French saint. The feast of 18 February corresponds to the date when, according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin promised Bernadette: "I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the next". As for 16 April, it marks the anniversary of Bernadette's death in 1879 and is the official date of her liturgical feast. Read more...

Every year on 11 February, Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This date marks the anniversary of the first apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, an event that profoundly transformed Lourdes and made it one of the world's greatest places of Marian pilgrimage. This festival is an occasion for prayer, meditation and spiritual renewal for the faithful. Read more...

Lourdes, situated at the foot of the Pyrenees in south-west France, is a world-famous place of pilgrimage, attracting millions of visitors every year. Whether you're coming for religious reasons or simply to explore this beautiful town, there are many ways to get to Lourdes. This guide will help you plan your trip, covering the different transport options, entry points, and practical advice to make your stay easier. Read more...

Lourdes is an emblematic place of healing and spirituality, attracting millions of pilgrims every year, including many sick people seeking comfort and healing. There are many reasons why the sick come to Lourdes, and they are deeply rooted in faith, tradition and hope. Here is an overview of the reasons why the sick make the pilgrimage to this shrine. Read more...