Only 15,000 people live in Lourdes, but every year between five and six million pilgrims come to this French sanctuary. A place that has been the scene of numerous miraculous healings.
In fact, in December the 71st miracle was recognized. It happened in 1923 to a British veteran of World War I, who was cured without explanation of paraplegia and other war wounds.
The first apparition of Our Lady at Lourdes was on February 11, 1858 to a little girl named Bernadette. The sanctuary became a place of pilgrimage to which many sick people flock.
It is also very significant that it was the last trip of John Paul II in 2004, when he was already very ill. The Polish pope had already been there in 1983.
Also, Pope Benedict XVI, visited the Sanctuary in 2008. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady to the young Bernadette.
Pope Francis has prayed for the sick at the Madonna of Lourdes which is located in the Vatican. It is a replica of the original grotto in France.
JH
