Christmas is much more than a festive time when the streets sparkle with lights and homes are filled with the scent of Christmas trees and sweet treats. It’s a time to reflect, to get back to basics, and to open our hearts. While material preparations often take up a great deal of time, let’s take a moment to explore the spiritual side of this celebration and its call to welcome others in all their richness.
Advent: an invitation to prepare our hearts to welcome the Saviour
Advent, the period leading up to Christmas, is a time of preparation. Traditionally, it is marked by four weeks of meditation, prayer and gathering around the Advent wreath. These moments symbolise waiting and hope, just like the shepherds and magi on their way to the manger.
Advent reminds us that Christmas is not just an outward celebration, but an opportunity to prepare our hearts to welcome the Light.
To help us prepare for the coming of the Saviour, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is offering a series of podcasts produced by its ‘chapelains’, in which they are invited to share an experience, a place, an event, an encounter or an important moment in their lives. These 25 episodes can be listened to alone, with friends or family, as an invitation to welcome, with Mary, the birth of the Infant Jesus.
The Sanctuary will be illuminated until Epiphany
Come and experience the birth of Jesus in Lourdes, in this place loved by God, the place where on 25th March 1858 (feast of the Annunciation), the Virgin Mary revealed her name to Bernadette: ‘I am the Immaculate Conception.’
Come and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of light and music during this time of waiting for the Saviour. The Sanctuary will be lit up every evening in preparation for the event.
PROGRAMME of Christmas celebrations
Christmas is the feast of the Incarnation, a moment when God became close to humanity; vulnerable and approachable. This event calls us to welcome others with kindness and love.
Sunday 15th December
Blessing of the Baby Jesus in the crib at all Masses in the Sanctuary.
Come along and have your baby Jesus from your own crib blessed.
Tuesday 24th December
10.00 am: Mass at the Grotto broadcast live by TV Lourdes
2.00 pm: In the Footsteps of Bernadette
3.00 pm: Rosary at the Grotto
4.15 pm: Christmas catechesis
9.30 pm: Night Mass at the Basilica of Saint Pius X, followed by a procession to the Grotto
Wednesday 25th December
10.00 am: Mass at the Grotto, live on TV Lourdes, presided over by Mgr. Jean-Marc Micas
11.15 am: Mass at the Rosary Basilica
3.00 pm: Rosary at the Grotto
6.00 pm: Vespers at the Rosary Basilica, followed by a time of adoration.
8.30 pm: Rosary by torchlight at the Grotto
The Information Centre will be closed to the public on 25th December 2024 and 1st January 2025.
Illuminate Christmas Eve by lighting a candle in Lourdes.
Through this light, you are invited to pray for your families and loved ones, whether they are with us or not, for those who are suffering and those who need comfort.
The Virgin Mary, who appeared in Lourdes, gave birth to the Son of God. The Prince of Peace, He is the Light that enlightens the world.
Light a candle at Lourdes and illuminate Christmas Eve.
New: A week to spend with the family (28th December – 4th January)
This year, on Saturday December 21st and from December 28th to January 4th (except December 29th), the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is offering activities for families with children aged 0 to 15. The aim is to highlight the Feast of the Holy Family (Sunday 29th December), by giving families visiting Lourdes the chance to spend a special moment in the company of Bernadette and her family.
