“A Flame, a Presence”

In Lourdes, millions of candles have been burning continuously since 18th February 1858. On that day, Bernadette arrived at the Grotto with a lighted candle which she held in her hands until the end of the apparition of the Virgin Mary. Before leaving, the Virgin asked her to leave it burning in the Grotto. On the same day, other people placed lighted candles at the same place. We have never stopped replenishing them.

By asking for a candle to be lit in Lourdes, you are participating in this great and beautiful outpouring of faith.

For you and for those who cannot come physically to Lourdes, why not have a candle lit in Lourdes?

Each day, these candles can be lit for you and placed in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, right next to the Grotto of Lourdes. Curls of smoke carry millions of intentions. Each flame is the sign of a presence, your presence. Each flame radiates Hope!

When the Bible talks about the state of humanity, it often uses the image of darkness. In contrast, the salvation brought about by Jesus Christ is presented as deliverance and enlightenment. And to give a concrete sign, the priest blesses the fire and the light of the candles during the Easter celebration, before blessing the water for baptism.