Lourdes – Sacrament and Light Procession

In good weather, meaning dry and not too warm, there is an eucharistic procession at 5.00 pm. The procession starts on the Pilgrimage Meadow, near the Grotto, but on the other side of the River Gave de Pau. The procession concludes in the underground Basilica of Saint Pius X. This procession is known as the Holy Sacrament Procession, in which many pilgrims participate. This procession symbolises the pilgrim Church. Among the long procession of pilgrims are many sick people. This is because Lourdes is the place for the sick to visit Mary. During the service in the underground basilica, the anointing of the sick is also administered. In unsettled weather, when heavy rain, strong winds or very high temperatures make the circumstances less pleasant, the procession is not held, but there is a gathering in the underground basilica.

The second procession of the day is a pure Marian procession, held in the evening. This candlelight procession brings many pilgrims to the Sanctuary of Lourdes. The pilgrims carry candles, banners, and flags, and they come from many countries. The candlelight procession is an expression of great devotion to Our Lady. A lit processional statue begins its circuit at 9:00 PM. Regardless of the weather, this procession always goes ahead.

During the light procession, thousands hold a candle, and a protective cover shields the flame from the wind. The flame protector bears text in four parts, in German, English, French, Italian, Latin, Dutch, and Spanish.

During the singing of the “Ave Maria”, thousands of candles are held aloft. The procession isn't just about walking along with a candle and singing, but also about praying on the Esplanade of the Sanctuary of Lourdes. After about 45 minutes, the participants form dense rows in front of the Rosary Basilica.

At 10 PM the procession is over, and the loud prayers and singing give way to the silence of reflection. Experiencing the candlelight procession warms the heart.

The creator of the light procession is Father Marie-Antoine of Lavaur (1825-1907), born Léon Clergue in Lavaur. The Capuchin missionary is an apostle of Our Lady. In 1863, he introduced the light procession in Lourdes. He also initiated the great Way of the Cross on Espéluges hill. There is also a grotto on this Calvary. The memorial was consecrated on 31 August 2013 on the initiative of the “Association for the commemoration of Father Marie-Antoine”. Marie-Antoine of Lavaur is also called “the saint of Toulouse”.