The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is returning to normalcy, reopening the baths for full immersion for the first time in four years. The shrine was initially closed due to the pandemic, but remained closed afterward for renovations. Now, the general public will once more be allowed to seek healing through full immersion in the famed waters of Lourdes.
According to Catholic World Report, the grotto has not been expressly closed for the last four years, but the baths have not permitted pilgrims to take part in the full immersion bathing at the pools. There were, however, accommodations made for pilgrims during that time; pilgrims were able to drink the water, as well as sprinkle or pour the water over themselves.
Pilgrims have been given the opportunity to drink and wash their face and hands with water from the pools. While many of the pilgrims who visit Lourdes arrive in the hopes of healing in the full immersion baths, for the last few years they have only allowed immersion in the baths by special request and approval from the rector.
The reopening of the baths came just in time for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Father Sébastien Anthony, president of France’s annual Lourdes pilgrimage for the Assumption, called the reopening of the baths a “return to normal,” noting how important it was for the shrine to welcome pilgrims and the sick with dignity.
The Assumption pilgrimage, which ends August 16, will allow pilgrims to visit the baths for about 12 hours per day, with 3,000 volunteers working to keep the baths clean and to assist the many pilgrims hoping for spiritual or physical healing.
