It was another short travel day to Lourdes. We passed through some very scenic countryside and had some wonderful views of the snow capped Pyrenees Mountains. But alas, there were no good places to take advantage of the Kodak moments.

We easily arrived at the Information Center, complete with parking, but it was closed for lunch. We took the hint and went and had lunch as well. The young woman working at the info center was most helpful. She even called the hotel to make sure there was a vacancy. With specific directions we headed to the car and hotel. Then the challenge began. Every road we needed to take was one way the wrong way. We probably could have walked in 15 minutes but it took us more than 1 hour down, around and up some very interesting narrow streets. One had a10 degree grade and a dead end! Fortunately, the dead end was flat and we were able to turn around.

Our hotel, Montfort, is on a hill next to a river and walking distance to the Grotto and other sights. The area is quite crowded with tourists (or should we say pilgrims) pretty much all about our age. Glad we are able to do this now rather than in summer. Following a short rest we headed out the complex of related buildings churches called the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The sanctuary is very impressive. It’s about 56 hectares and has 3 basilicas along with several other facilities. Despite the number of people around there was an air of reverence. We were advised to allow at least 2 hours to see it all. We wandered around for about that amount of time and hope to go back tomorrow to see a little more. Walking in St. Michael’s Gate we had a wonderful view of the Rosary Basilica and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception directly behind it. We visited the Rosary Basilica first. It is beautiful. In addition to the main altar, it has altars with spectacular mosaics of each of the mysteries of the Rosary. Peggy’s 12 years of Catholic education kicked in. The art work was truly magnificent and the whole atmosphere inspired awe and reverence. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was as impressive.

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We were able to walk within a few feet of the Grotto where Mary appeared to Bernadette. There are also benches and kneelers arranged in a semicircle for people to sit or kneel and pray. Even though it was outside it was as quiet as being in church. We also visited the Underground Basilica of St. Pius X. In sharp contrast to the other Basilicas, it’s architecture is 20th century with a square altar in the center and pews on all 4 sides. We arrived near the end of the mass. The music was beautiful and there was a wonderful procession out of the church. After that we wandered around the outside of the Basilicas and chapels admiring the views. We walked along the river, had crepes and then headed back to our room to relax on the balcony and watch the river flow by with the steeple of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in the background. All in all it has been a wonderful day.

Bonne Nuit
Wayne and Peggy