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The pilgrimage site of Lourdes is in France, near the Pyrenees mountains.

Every year, it is visited by millions of pilgrims, particularly Catholics. They come to Lourdes to see the site of a famous vision experienced by a young girl called Bernadette Soubirous and to be healed by its supposedly miraculous waters.

Bernadette Soubirous was born in 1844 to a poor miller. One day, while collecting firewood, Bernadette is said to have seen Mary, the mother of Jesus, dressed in white with a blue sash and a yellow rose on each foot. Bernadette is said to have witnessed the same vision many times.

During one vision, the figure of Mary asked Bernadette to drink at the spring beneath her feet. Even though this area was muddy, the next day, the ground flowed with clear water. Bernadette was then told to have a chapel built in the exact spot where the vision had taken place.

Christian pilgrims now visit and pray in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and worship at the grotto where the vision is said to have taken place.

Pilgrims also take part in a Torchlight Marian Procession which occurs every evening before a service of mass in the grotto. Pilgrims also confess their sins at the Reconciliation Chapel.

Nature and importance

Lourdes is considered a special place to visit because prayers and services are believed to bring real blessings to the pilgrim.

Pilgrims may visit in the belief that they may be cleansed of their sins, and millions of visitors come to Lourdes each year in the hope of being cured because it is believed that spring water from the grotto can heal people if they are sick.

The opportunity to focus closely on their faith helps pilgrims feel secure in the belief that God will look after them, forgive them for their sins and even cure them of their illnesses.