Our Spiritual Journey to Lourdes
Our visit to Lourdes turned out to be one of the most moving and spiritual experiences of our European journey. Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is world famous as a Christian pilgrimage site visited by millions every year. It became sacred after a young girl, Saint Bernadette Soubirous, reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Since then, pilgrims from around the world have travelled here seeking peace, blessings, and healing through the holy spring waters.
We spent the entire day exploring the magnificent Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, walking through churches, prayer halls, candle areas, and the famous grotto itself. Everywhere we looked there was devotion, silence, prayer, and emotion. Hundreds of sick and disabled pilgrims had arrived in wheelchairs and on stretchers, hoping for healing and comfort. The atmosphere all around was deeply spiritual and touching.
Although we are Hindus, we found the entire experience incredibly moving and peaceful. Faith truly has no boundaries.
One of the most memorable moments was the evening candlelight procession. My wife Hansa, Pushpabhabhi, and Meera joined the spiritual march along with thousands of pilgrims from different countries. People walked slowly carrying candles in their hands while singing “Ave Maria” as a life-size statue of Mother Mary was carried through the grounds. The sight of thousands of glowing candles moving together in prayer created an unforgettable atmosphere of devotion and unity.
After the procession, we filled bottles of holy water from the Lourdes spring to take back home for family and friends. We also stood patiently in the long queues to experience the assisted holy bath dip. Though it lasted only a few seconds, it was a unique and emotional experience shared by people from all over the world.
We spent time taking plenty of photographs and videos to capture the beauty and spirituality of Lourdes, but one unexpected incident added a little drama to our day. In the rush of filling holy water, Pushpabhabhi accidentally lost her mobile phone. Thankfully, her son Pratik had wisely installed a tracking app. After visiting the lost and found office, the phone was soon located and returned safely. We all smiled with relief and jokingly thanked “Ave Maria” for this little miracle.
As the peaceful evening came to an end, we returned tired but spiritually uplifted to our campsite, Camping D’Arrouach, carrying with us beautiful memories of a place filled with faith, hope, humanity, and kindness
