The Grotto reopens to pilgrims
Since 17th March, the date on which lockdown started in our country, the priests, deacons and religious in the service of the Sanctuary have been at the Grotto of Massabielle, one after another, from morning to night, presenting our suffering world to Mary Immaculate. They have been offering to her the more than 130,000 prayer intentions that you have sent us in all languages and from all continents of the world. It was a splendid mission and a weighty responsibility for all of us.
We lived through it in communion with you because we knew that, through televisions and social media networks, you were in communion with us. We prayed together. This continuous prayer ended with the Pope’s meditation in front of the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican gardens on Saturday 30th at 5:30 p.m.
Travel is possible once again in France and will be soon in Europe. The “chapelains” will of course continue to pray for all the intentions which they receive, especially on the 11th of each month and during the rosaries which will continue to be broadcast every day in several languages. But the Grotto is now open to pilgrims who can once again offer their prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes. A new phase is starting: a phase which will see the return of pilgrimages, and pilgrims. Lourdes needs them and they need Lourdes.
Come to the Grotto of Massabielle; you know that Mary’s smile is waiting for you there!
Mgr. Olivier RIBADEAU DUMAS
Rector of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
1 av. Monseigneur Théas
