All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday celebrated every year on 1st November, dedicated to all saints, known and unknown. It is followed the next day by the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, when families honour the memory of their departed loved ones by putting flowers on their graves. This time of reflection and prayer is particularly important for Christians, and Lourdes is an ideal place to experience the spirituality of All Saints’ Day.
Celebrating All Saints in Lourdes
10.00am: Mass at the Grotto
11.15am: Mass at the Rosary Basilica
3.00pm: Rosary at the Grotto
5.00 pm: Eucharistic Adoration at the Basilica of Saint Pius X or procession
9.00 pm: Marian torchlight procession
What does All Saints mean?
All Saints is a day that pays tribute to the saints and martyrs of the Catholic Church. Its purpose is to celebrate not only the canonised saints, but also those who, in their daily lives, lived a holy existence without necessarily being officially recognised by the Church. It is a feast of joy and hope, marking the powerful link between believers and the hope of eternal life.
It is followed on 2nd November by All Souls, a day dedicated to the memory of loved ones who have passed away. This is not a day of mourning, but rather an opportunity to pray for their souls and to reflect on the resurrection and the afterlife.
2nd November, All Souls
10.00am: Mass at the Grotto
11.15am: Mass at the Rosary Basilica
3.00pm: Rosary at the Grotto
5.00pm: Eucharistic Adoration at the Basilica of Saint Pius X or procession
9.00pm: Marian torchlight procession
2nd November is dedicated to the commemoration of the dead. On this day, at the Sanctuary of Lourdes, in this place where light was given to an impoverished child, in the hollow of a dark recess in the rock, we want to come together in friendship and prayer.
Why light a candle in Lourdes to celebrate All Saints' Day?
Lighting a candle on All Saints’ Day is a way of honouring the saints, praying for the dead, and affirming that love is stronger than death.
In Christian tradition, the candle represents the light of Christ, the ‘Light of the World’ (cf. Jn 8).
Lighting a candle is an act of faith and hope, and a way of saying that life continues beyond death, that the light of God’s love will never be extinguished.
Lighting a candle also means praying for someone, for the saints celebrated on All Saints’ Day, and especially, the following day (2nd November, All Souls’ Day), for deceased loved ones.
The flame symbolises prayer rising up to heaven.
The Sanctuary invites you to personalise a candle for the person you wish to bring before the Virgin Mary.
The Grotto of Massabielle, the site of the apparitions, is the spiritual heart of Lourdes. On All Saints’ Day, many pilgrims come here to meditate in silence, pray the rosary or light a candle for their departed loved ones. The atmosphere here is one of peace and serenity, offering a special opportunity to turn to Mary and entrust your loved ones to her care.
Whether you’re here on your own, with your family or with a group, All Saints’ Day in Lourdes is an enriching and memorable experience. The celebrations, prayers and encounters in this sacred place allow everyone to experience a special moment in a spirit of prayer and remembrance.
