Pastoral theme of the Sanctuary of Lourdes
Lourdes, theme of the year 2027
“In those days Mary set out
and went with haste”
Abbé Augustin Cayla et Abbé Charles Formery,
Chaplains of the Sanctuary of Lourdes
Each year, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes presents a theme which is a basic pastoral and planning framework for pilgrimage organisers and leaders, providing ideas for the organisation of pilgrimages and events in the Sanctuary during the year.
Over the next three years, the Sanctuary of Lourdes is inviting us on a spiritual pilgrimage, a journey to the heart of the Virgin Mary’s story :
2026 : the Annunciation
2027 : the Visitation
2028 : the Magnificat and 170 years of apparitions
In 2027, our theme is the Visitation: “In those days Mary set out and went with haste.” (Lk. 1:39)
We will follow the Gospel step by step:
1. Mary’s journey and arrival;
2. The welcome she receives from Elizabeth and the child she is carrying;
3. The blessing that Elizabeth gives her.
The conclusion of the account of the Visitation – namely, Mary’s response – will be next year’s theme, enabling us to sing with her of the Lord’s mercy on the 170th anniversary of the Apparitions. In 2028, we shall be praying through the words of Mary’s hymn, the Magnificat: “His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” (Lk. 1:50)
Having stepped into the house in Nazareth for the Annunciation, let us now accompany Mary on her journey to the home of her cousin Elizabeth.
