Return from Lourdes (South France)

Lourdes is a beautiful timeless place. Beyond all the tacky souvenir shops you see that it is a meeting place of believers from all over the world. Most people came from Italy, Germany, Spain and other parts of France. The coach trip was very long but it was well worth it the weather was amazing. We particapited in the Palm Sunday mass with over 15,000 people I was sure I was going to fall over at some point but by some miracle I didn't.

Glowing Virgin Mary's some of the random stuff you can find in Lourdes.

The truely magical Torchlight Procession that happens every night they all start filling up the square. It ends about 11.30 but it is really worth watching. One night we were watching and another night we were in it.

Amazing ice cream shop the range of flavours was incredible. My favourite's had to be Snickers, Kinder, Nutella and Mint with choc chips.

 

There was a huge hill with the sations of the cross it was a wonderful reminder on the lead up to Easter. In the photo you see people kneeling this is because to make you way up the steps you kneel. on every step you say a 'Hail Mary'. People found it hard to get up afterwards.

This was a station on the route and depites the crucifixion on Jesus what makes it even more amazing is the fact that the figures are life sized.

This is me filling up holy water from the taps during the day it is so busy. We went around midnight to see the grotto to get the right atmosphere reflective and peaceful not a place to be a tourist.

The churches are absolutley beautiful and stunning.

If you ever have a chance to go to Lourdes go! Although I am not Catholic I left Lourdes with a sense of self-satisfaction and at peace with myself it was a very humbling feeling. I have never been to a place like Lourdes and a doubt I will.

(Click any pictures to enlarge them)