Pilgrims of Hope: Reports from the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Pilgrims of Hope: Reports from the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, which took place from September 23rd to 27th, attracted numerous believers from the Diocese of Augsburg. The pilgrims included both healthy and sick people who came together in search of consolation and hope. They were accompanied by an experienced doctor, loving nurses, dedicated carers and volunteers from the Sick Fraternity who looked after the needs of the participants and ensured that the trip was unforgettable for everyone.

Lourdes, an outstanding pilgrimage site at the foot of the Pyrenees, attracts nearly six million people every year. The reason for this immense attraction are the Marian apparitions that 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous experienced in 1858. For a long time, the grotto was a place for dumping rubbish and keeping pigs, until Bernadette discovered a healing spring there, which motivated many pilgrims to visit the holy places. In fact, over 6,000 healings have been documented to date, 70 of which are officially recognized as miracles. Katholisch.de highlights that Lourdes is the third largest Marian pilgrimage site in the world.

A program full of hope

The motto of the pilgrimage was “Pilgrim of Hope”, in keeping with the Holy Year 2025. Hope was the central element that ran through the services and devotions. The highlights of the pilgrimage included the holy masses at the Apparition Grotto, the international Eucharist celebration, a meditative Way of the Cross and sacrament and candlelight processions. In the evening, thousands of lights illuminated the sky as pilgrims from all over the world came together to take part in the atmospheric procession of lights.

The quiet moments in which we prayed the rosary together were particularly touching. These moments of prayer and reflection provided space for personal conversations between pilgrims, especially between the healthy and the sick, and were characterized by a deep sense of community. The pilgrimage itself has a tradition of over 60 years, which was initiated by Auxiliary Bishop Rudolf Schmid and Spiritual Councilor Eugen Mundorf and is still accompanied today by Auxiliary Bishop Josef Grünwald.

An environmentally friendly journey

Pilgrims had the opportunity to travel to Lourdes by both plane and train. Many people consciously decided to take the train in order to choose an environmentally friendly travel route. The spiritual accompaniment was provided by Pastor Johannes Rauch together with Deacon Andreas Martin, who supported the pilgrims during this special time.

In Lourdes, the most significant sights are the grotto, decorated with a statue of Joseph-Hugues Fabisch, as well as the impressive churches and the hospital for sick pilgrims, where many have an intense spiritual experience. Wikipedia describes the sacred precinct, which includes the grotto, various churches and the spa, as a place of profound strengthening of faith.

Given the turbulent times in which we live, the pilgrimage to Lourdes offers many people a place of hope and coming together. Amid prayers, songs and moments of silence, the pilgrims felt the power of community and the opportunity to find new hope.