The beginning of Advent has a special significance. The liturgical year opens with a quiet period of waiting: waiting for God to come, waiting for a world full of hope, waiting for hearts that are preparing to welcome the Light.
In Lourdes, Mary teaches us this heart-centred approach. During the apparitions, she took her time, allowing Bernadette Soubirous to engage in a relationship of trust, contemplation and silence. This fruitful silence is like that of a woman carrying a child: before seeing its face, she waits for it, senses it, prepares for it.
And it is the same with our journey towards Christmas: a time to learn to welcome God who draws near to us.
Programme from 30th November to 23rd December
10.00 a.m.: Mass at the Grotto of the Apparitions
2.00 p.m.: Walk in the footsteps of Bernadette
3.00 p.m.: Rosary at the Grotto
8.30 p.m.: Torchlight rosary
Every day, from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm, Christmas lights and background music to highlight the Sanctuary’s Christmas cribs.
From 30th November to 25th December, listen to the words of the priests who serve in the Sanctuary of Lourdes. Each day, the ‘chapelains’ will be sharing a memory, an anecdote, a special moment and answering the question: ‘What does Christmas mean to me?’ Join the Lourdes ‘chapelains’ as they lead you on a journey from the Grotto of Massabielle to the Grotto of Bethlehem, to Jesus through Mary. Twenty-six episodes to watch alone, with loved ones or with family, as an invitation to welcome, with Mary, the birth of the Baby Jesus.
Daily episodes, like an invitation to welcome, with Mary, the birth of the Baby Jesus. (FR)
A Foretaste of Grace
Here in Lourdes, the beginning of the liturgical year coincides with the first preparations for the new season. As pilgrims become fewer and the Sanctuary enters a quieter period, the teams, hospitaliers and volunteers are already looking ahead to the coming year.
In 2026, the theme that will guide the prayer and mission of Lourdes will be: The Annunciation.
In Lourdes, these words became reality. On 25th March 1858, the date on which the Church celebrates the Annunciation, the lady dressed in white who appeared to little Bernadette finally revealed her name: ‘I am the Immaculate Conception’.
‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.’ Grace becomes encounter, joy becomes service, and Mary’s ‘yes’ continues to resonate in the heart of Bernadette and every pilgrim. It is an invitation to embrace, like Mary, a spirit of acceptance and trust. Prior to any action, God first asks us to welcome His grace, to allow ourselves to be loved. Mary, filled with this grace, becomes the living dwelling place of God; she teaches us that true joy comes from the presence of the Lord within us.
The angel’s greeting to Mary reminds us that all grace begins with an encounter. Advent is the time when God draws near, when his presence takes flesh in our lives. Like Mary, we are invited to embrace this grace, to say ‘yes’ to the new life that is coming.
Prayer
Hail Mary, full of grace;
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen !
