"Welcome, serve, love”
The volunteers at the Sanctuary of Lourdes play an indispensable role in welcoming and facilitating the stay of millions of pilgrims and tourists.
These volunteers from all over the world embody the spirit of Lourdes through their dedication and generosity. Their service can be summed up in three words: “welcome, serve, love.”
Volunteers from different backgrounds and of all ages come for a minimum of one week. Around a hundred of them come regularly throughout the year and live locally near Lourdes.
The team is made up of around twenty volunteers each day, a number that doubles during the summer. The Sanctuary is particularly busy in April, May and August, as well as during religious festivals. It is at these times that the presence of volunteers is essential.
The two Muriels and Thomas make up the team at the International Volunteer Centre. They take a keen interest in building bonds between volunteers.
A diverse role
Volunteers carry out a wide range of essential tasks at the Sanctuary. Here are a few examples:
- Welcoming and providing information for pilgrims at the entrances to the Sanctuary: as the first point of contact with visitors, volunteers guide them, direct them and answer their questions.
- Facilitating the accompaniment of pilgrims in different parts of the Sanctuary: welcoming them to the chapels of light, guiding them and supervising their waiting in the confession chapel…
- Pastoral leadership: Volunteers accompany pilgrims on different trails, such as “Discovering the Sanctuary”, “In Bernadette’s Footsteps”, Stations of the Cross…
More “technical” tasks: Volunteers help out with certain services such as arranging bouquets, sewing, archiving, preparing torches, etc.
Experience great joy
Volunteers bring that “little extra” to pilgrims, who appreciate their presence. What starts as a simple request for information can turn into a slightly more in-depth discussion. “People often say to me: ‘You don’t know how much good this time with you has done me’”, says Anne-Marie, a volunteer for 18 years.
By giving their time and energy, the volunteers experience great joy. They meet pilgrims from all over the world.
They also forge close bonds with one another. The International Volunteer Centre is one big family. All the volunteers are on a first-name basis, which makes it easier to get to know each other.
There are frequent get-togethers. They meet formally or informally to pray, to share a drink, a coffee, a discussion…
Every Tuesday, a get-together is organised at Martha and Mary, their home where they sleep, pray and socialise!
The two Muriels and Thomas are always on hand to ensure a warm welcome.
Training and integration of volunteers
New volunteers receive training when they arrive. This is divided into several phases: technical training (introductory videos and on the job training, presentation of the different missions), as well as pastoral training (life of Bernadette, catechesis on the message of Lourdes, participation in the international mass and the mass for volunteers).
They also have time off, which allows them to take some time for themselves and discover the region.
What they have to say
Anne-Marie
“For the last 18 years, I’ve been coming here one day a week. Serving at the Sanctuary makes me happy, and allows me to forget my day-to-day worries. I help the pilgrims and those who are struggling. The conversations can be intense, and it’s essential to be present and to listen.”
Théotime
“I’m a student in Paris. After two weeks hiking in the Pyrenees, which I started in Hendaye, I arrived here a bit by accident and discovered the option of becoming a volunteer. I really enjoyed giving up my time this week.”
Mario
“I’ve been a volunteer for 3 months. Being here was my dream. It’s an honour and a pleasure to serve Mary. I love being in contact with people and serving them. Sometimes they confide in me, sharing their emotions and their pain. People who are suffering inside and out come to the Sanctuary. Volunteering is unique because you’re in contact with pilgrims.”
Philippe
“I used to work on cruise ships. Now I don’t travel any more, but the world comes to me through the pilgrims I meet from all over the world.
I’ve been volunteering at Lourdes for ten years now, and six times I’ve been godfather to people I’ve met here. One of them was a young man from Lyon who came into the Sanctuary one day and asked me what was going on here. After I explained what was happening, he told me that he had been impelled to take the train to Lourdes, that he was an atheist and knew nothing about religion. I took him to the Grotto, then he asked me some questions and I directed him to a priest. Back in Lyon, he decided to follow the catechumenate and asked me to be his godfather.
The other people I have sponsored come from different backgrounds. One of them had just spent seven months in prison; I met her during a procession and asked her to help us carry the torches. I then helped her find a home.
For me, the best thing is to be out in the field, in contact with people. It’s a great way to meet people. What’s more, we’re lucky enough to have the two Muriels and Thomas, who are fantastic. There’s faith and a real family spirit here.”
