15th August, a religious feast day for Catholics and Orthodox, and a public holiday in some countries, celebrates the raising of the Virgin Mary to Heaven. In Lourdes, the feast of the Assumption is a major event for Catholics all over the world, with thousands of pilgrims flocking to the Shrine every year to take part in the Assumption celebrations and the French National Pilgrimage organised by the Assumptionists and the Hospitality of Notre-Dame du Salut.
The Assumption celebrations at Lourdes
In addition to the celebrations specific to the national pilgrimage, the Sanctuary of Lourdes offers activities and celebrations for pilgrims who are here for just a few hours or a few days, so that they can experience what it is like to be a pilgrim and discover the message of Lourdes.
Programme for the feast of the Assumption:
The eve of the feast:
9.00pm: Torchlight procession broadcast live on Lourdes + (via the “Prier avec Lourdes” app) and EWTN
The feast of the Assumption
10.00am: Mass live from the Sanctuary prairie broadcast live on Lourdes + (via the “Prier avec Lourdes” app) and EWTN
2.00pm: Bernadette’s footsteps. Discover the places where Bernadette lived in Lourdes.
2:00pm: Rosary at the Grotto live on Lourdes + (via the “Prier avec Lourdes” app)
3:00pm: Prayer for France at the Grotto live on Lourdes + (via the “Prier avec Lourdes” app)
5:00pm: Eucharistic Procession live on Lourdes + (via the “Prier avec Lourdes” app)
For the first time ever, the Sanctuary of Lourdes is holding a “Christian Book Festival” at the Grotto Bookshop, a must-see event for fans of Christian literature. From 13th to 15th August 2024, from 9am to 7pm, there will be book signings by authors who have come for the national pilgrimage or to present their latest publications.
Whether you’re an avid reader or a pilgrim in search of new inspiration, this event promises some great discoveries and memorable encounters.
