On 7th September, the sudden flooding of the Gave de Pau affected the Sanctuary of Lourdes, generating images that were seen around the world. Father Michel Daubanes, rector of the Sanctuary, looks back on a day marked by both devastation and a remarkable outpouring of solidarity.
A difficult and very emotional day
“It was both a difficult and a very special day,” confides Father Daubanes. He describes the sadness of seeing the famous Grotto, a world-famous place of prayer, flooded up to halfway up the altar, covered in mud and dirt. Worried calls poured in from all over the world, testifying to the importance of this place for so many people.
However, over and above this crisis, he emphasises the emotion generated by the rapid and generous mobilisation of the Sanctuary’s staff. As soon as the alert was deemed serious, in the middle of the night, security teams and management put in place measures to protect the sacristies and secure the entire site. Many employees, even those who were not on duty, came to lend a hand, alongside the volunteers who set about cleaning and restoring the site.
“It was also a very special day thanks to all this solidarity,” emphasised Father Daubanes. Because of everyone’s efforts, the Grotto was quickly able to reopen and welcome pilgrims. The 6pm rosary in Italian was even broadcast live from the Grotto, and the liturgical programme was successfully completed.
Worldwide support, notably from Pope Francis
Pope Francis, who is visiting Papua, has sent a message of support, a gesture deeply appreciated by Father Daubanes. “I didn’t see the Pope’s message straight away because I wanted to preside at Mass at 10am at the Grotto, but I passed on his words of support to all the “chapelains.” The message was particularly moving as it was read during the handover of the “chapelains”’ crosses to the Grotto’s new guardians, underlining the importance of the universal Church’s spiritual support.
Damage and challenges ahead
The protection system put in place after the 2013 floods has proved effective on the whole, although it was unable to prevent the flooding entirely.
The most worrying issue remains the state of the Sanctuary’s various bridges, which were already weakened by the floods of 2012, 2013 and 2018. In the coming weeks, underwater surveys will be carried out to assess their condition in more detail.
Vigilance and hope
In the light of these events, Father Daubanes insists on the importance of remaining vigilant, while keeping hope alive. “The Sanctuary must move forward with joy and vigilance. Faith gives us peace, but we must remain alert.”
