Deserted for Easter, the sanctuary of Lourdes will however be reopened for the Ascension, one of the great Christian festivals. The Marian city, which had to close its pilgrimage sites since March 17 due to the epidemic of coronavirus, will be able to welcome the faithful again as of Saturday announced the rector of the Notre-Dame sanctuary.
Reopening of the Sanctuary: Saturday May 16, 2020, at 2 p.m.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes reopens for individual pilgrims. Discover the measures taken by the Sanctuary.https: //t.co/Dcx9S5UDis pic.twitter.com/C84yjhAPWC
This reopening in the afternoons is dedicated for the time being to "local pilgrims". Wearing a mask will be mandatory and respecting the distances between believers is also required. The pilgrims by ten will be able to meditate in front of the cave where the Virgin appeared according to the Catholic religion to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, as well as to the chapels of Light and the water taps of the Cave. The pools will however be closed.
During the confinement period, and at the request of the prefecture, the Accueil Notre-Dame had been transformed into a shelter for patients with Covid-19 in precarious situations. A structure that usually receives sick or fragile people wishing to make a pilgrimage.
€ 8 million loss
This closure is a first in the history of Lourdes. And it is not without consequence on the finances of the sanctuary which foresees 8 million euros of losses. “Since the start of the crisis, organized pilgrimages have canceled their participation every day. The Sanctuary sees an almost white season, devoid of the presence of sick pilgrims. The resources of the Sanctuary are intimately linked to the attendance of pilgrims. Without their presence, without their offering on the spot, Lourdes cannot live ”, notes its officials who had just found a financial balance.
The @lourdes_france sanctuary will reopen on Saturday, May 16 in the afternoon. We will resume welcoming pilgrims every day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the interests of everyone's safety. This reopening is a great joy and a source of hope.
- O.RIBADEAU DUMAS (@ORDUMAS) May 13, 2020“The reopening this Saturday May 16 is a great sign of hope! I rejoice very much and on this occasion I want to launch this appeal: Help the Sanctuary to get up! ", Said its rector, Olivier Ribadeau Dumas during a call for donations to maintain the activity of this place frequented each year by millions of people.
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