The Chapelains
The “chapelains” are priests serving in the Sanctuary of Lourdes. They are the guardians of the chapel which the Virgin Mary requested from Bernadette Soubirous during the 13th apparition on 2nd March 1858. They belong to a variety of religious communities and dioceses, and come from various countries such as France, Italy, Benin , Argentina and Sri Lanka. They come under the direction of the rector, where they are responsible for the pastoral care of the Sanctuary and for welcoming pilgrims from all over the world.
The Guardians of the Chapel
The “chapelains” are the guardians of the chapel requested by the Virgin Mary, guardians of the actual building but also of the Church its the universal sense of the People of God.
The priest whose mission is to welcome pilgrims is called the “rector” He is appointed by the Permanent Council of the Conference of Bishops of France, at the suggestion of the bishop in charge of the Sanctuary.
The rector is supported by the “chapelains”, who share pastoral responsibility with him.
The “chapelains” come from several countries and welcome pilgrims in all languages.
Around 25 priests are resident at the Sanctuary to welcome pilgrims, accompany them in their pilgrimage process, introduce them to the message of Lourdes, meditate on the rosary and celebrate the sacraments (in particular mass and confession).
Confessions (also called the sacrament of reconciliation or forgiveness)
Every day of the year, the “chapelains” are on duty at the Chapel of Reconciliation to welcome people who wish to receive the sacrament of forgiveness.
How can I speak with a priest?
LISTENING HELPLINE
Whoever you are, whatever your situation and whatever you want to share, you will be welcome.
Ask to speak to a priest +33 (0)5 62 42 20 08
CHAPEL OF RECONCILIATION
The “chapelains” are here to welcome you every day, to listen to confessions and give God’s forgiveness.
Duration / 10-15 minutes (allow a 20/30-minute wait)
Enquire at the Information Centre for times
+33 (0)5 62 42 20 08
Mgr Jean-Marc MICAS
Bishop
Père Michel DAUBANES
Rector
Don Jean-Xavier SALEFRAN
Saint-Martin Community
Vice Rector
Brother Donatello ATZENI
O.F.M. Capuchins
Father Giovanni ATZORI
O.F.M. Capuchins
Father Simon-Pierre BADJI
Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Father Michel BAUTE
Father Maxence BERTRAND
Saint-Martin Community
Father Horacio BRITO
Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception
Father Augustin CAYLA
Fraternity of Saint Peter
Father Jan CHYLEK
Father Jean-Jacques COURTADE
Diocese of Tarbes & Lourdes
Father Paulo DALLA DEA
Father Dominique DERKONINGEN
Father Ignace DUCHATEL
Saint-Martin Community
Mgr André DUPUY
Father Mauricio ELIAS
Father Julien FAFART
Saint-Martin Communauty
Mr. François FOUYET
Permanent deacon
Father Klaus HOLZAMER
Brother Dennison JOHNSON
O.F.M. Capuchins
Father Maxime KOUASSI
Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists)
Abbé Régis-Marie de LA TEYSSONNIÈRE
Brother Jean-Paul LECOT
Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception
Father Henri LEFER
Fraternity of Saint Peter
Father Zbigniew Jozef MUSIELAK
Order of Regular Clerics for the Sick (Camillians)
Father Emmanuel MVOMO
Son of the Immaculate Conception
Father Joseph Manh NGUYEN
Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Father Blaise NTUNGA
Son of the Immaculate Conception
Father Martins OBIKARA
Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Father Mihai PERCA
Father Baptiste POCHULU
Diocese of Bayonne
Father Hervé RÈME
Diocese of Nîmes
Father Jean Marcel ROSSINI
O.F.M. Capuchins
Father Giuseppe SERIGHELLI
Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (Passionists)
Father Linus SOSAI
Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Father Jacques TURCK
Diocese de Nanterre
Father Nicola VENTRIGLIA
Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Father Anne-Guillaume VERNAECKT
Saint-Martin Community
Father Krzysztof ZIELENDA
Oblates of Mary Immaculate
History
The first “chapelains” arrived in Lourdes shortly after the apparitions.
In 1866, the Bishop of Tarbes, Mgr Laurence, entrusted Father Rémi Sempé and the Fathers of Garaison, missionaries of the Immaculate Conception, with the responsibility of welcoming the first pilgrimages which were starting to develop.
First rector of the Sanctuary, Father Sempé was the superior of the “chapelains” for twenty-three years. He was also responsible for initiating the construction of the first chapel that the Virgin Mary requested from Bernadette Soubirous, and of the constructions which followed, such as the Rosary basilica.
