When I went to Lourdes in 1975, I had to walk through the town to get to the shrine. All noise and clatter, with stores full of religious claptrap. Then I walked through the gates it was if someone has turned off a loudspeaker. Nothing but quiet inside. I have seen imitation of the grotto, but nothing matches the real thing. Even the statue—which Bernadette thought so inadequate—takes on a special appearance in the setting, as if bathed in the aura of the Lady who once stood in the niche.
Vatican marks 150th anniversary of Lourdes girl's visions of Mary
Pope OKs plenary indulgence for Lourdes' 150th anniversary [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus}
On Lent... and Lourdes (Benedict XVI's Angelus address)
The challenge of finding peace in Lourdes
Anglicans keep Lourdes anniversary (8 bishops plan unprecedented pilgrimage)
Lourdes
Trips to Lourdes to Cut Time Spent in Purgatory
A Different Take On Health Care: A Trip to Lourdes (Catholic Caucus)
Catholic Church officials call for more clergy to work at Marian shrine in Lourdes
150th Anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes (Catholic Caucus)
Pope: >From Lourdes to Seoul, I entrust the world’s sick and suffering to Mary [Catholic Caucus] (Locked)
fear and loathing at Lourdes (French bishops shudder 'avec peur')
Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes
Woman whose healing is 67th Lourdes miracle tells her story
Catholic Church vets 67th Lourdes 'miracle'
Our Lady of Lourdes – February 11
Our Lady of Lourdes
Paralyzed Woman Cured at Lourdes Shrine
OUR LADY OF LOURDES:[Saint Bernardette Soubirous]
Lourdes Has Its 66th Officially Recognized Miracle