Bassenge/Bitsingen – Lourdes Cave

Bassenge/Bitsingen is located in the province of Liège, not far from the border with the Netherlands.

The Lourdes Grotto was created by François Nouwen (1832-1902). He was chaplain in Saint-Jean in Liège and became seriously ill for a long time. When he was in a state of improvement, the priest went to the French pilgrimage site of Lourdes to be completely healed. On returning from Lourdes, François Nouwen was completely recovered. The chaplain is convinced that the healing is due to Mary. Out of gratitude, he made the plan to build a grotto that resembles the one he saw in Lourdes. His intention was realized when he became pastor in Bitsingen (1875-102). First, in 1876, he placed a Lourdes statue in the church. François Nouwen did not go to Lourdes until after the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in 1858. At that time, it was quite an undertaking to go to the southern French town of Lourdes.

The cave was financially realized through donations. The dedication of the Lourdes Cave took place on December 8, 1889, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception. This was done by Martinus-Hubertus Rutten (1841-1927), vicar-general of the diocese of Liège from 1879 to 1901) and later bishop of Liège (1901-1927).

The Mariabeeldd stands in the upper part of the cave and the halo mentions the words; “Je suis l’Immaculée Conception” (I am the Immaculate Conception). In the lower part of the cave candles are burning and ex votas have been placed next to the Lourdes grotto. Many benches are placed in front of the cave. A statue of Bernadette is not visible.

The well-maintained Lourdes grotto forms an important part of the pilgrimage site of Klein-Lourdes.

Around the day of the Assumption of Mary, August 15, there are festivities.

A visit to the Grotto of Lourdes and Little Lourdes is highly recommended.

Address: Rue Nouwen 14, 4690 Bassenge/Bitsingen.

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