What Lourdes Means for a First-Time Pilgrim

It is said that there are no coincidences in Lourdes, and for us, this proved undeniably true. After two previous attempts to make a pilgrimage with our daughter fell through, our third and successful visit this fall aligned with the reopening of the baths for the first time since COVID. What followed were a series of moments so extraordinary, they felt divinely orchestrated. 

Immediately after our daughter’s immersion in the sacred baths, we met a small group of sisters from the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara. We have come to know them through charity work with the Hibernians, and these sisters who have been praying for our daughter since she was a baby, knew her only through a photo of her from her infancy.  

Seeing her now, at 12 years old, they were as surprised as we were by this chance encounter.  

Although we had researched the history of the apparitions and the Grotto before our trip, nothing could have prepared us for the deeply personal and spiritual experiences we encountered. Our daughter, born prematurely and living with pulmonary hypertension, relies on oxygen and needs assistance with walking long distances. Lourdes proved to be a place of unparalleled accessibility and kindness. The sanctuary and surrounding areas are remarkably wheelchair-friendly, making it easy to navigate even with her medical needs. 

Adding to the extraordinary nature of our visit, we had the privilege of spending considerable time with Dr. Alessandro De Franciscis, the esteemed president of the Bureau des Constatations Médicales de Lourdes. These experiences, woven together, felt like more than coincidence; they were exactly what we needed at that moment. 

As our trip came to a close, we couldn’t help but marvel at the extraordinary chain of events that unfolded. The reopening of the baths, the chance meeting with the sisters, the time spent with Dr. De Franciscis, and the accessibility of Lourdes for our daughter’s needs all came together in a way that felt deeply intentional. 

Lourdes is more than a destination—it is a place where faith and humanity meet in profound ways. For our family, it was a transformative experience that will remain in our hearts forever. Whether you go seeking healing, connection, or simply a moment of peace, Lourdes offers what you need, exactly when you need it.