Family Pilgrimage to Lourdes: A Journey of Faith and Exploration

Echoes of Bernadette: A Day of Faith and Healing in Lourdes

Today in Lourdes was a profound experience, a day of walking in the footsteps of Saint Bernadette and reflecting on the power of faith and healing. It’s amazing how this little town, nestled in the Pyrenees, holds so much history and spiritual significance. Priya, Aarav, and I set out early, eager to immerse ourselves in the story of this remarkable saint.

Our first stop was the Maison Paternelle de Sainte-Bernadette, the Soubirous family's former home. It's a modest dwelling, a simple two-story building that speaks volumes about the humble beginnings of Bernadette. Stepping inside, I felt a sense of stepping back in time. The rooms were sparsely furnished, with only the bare necessities. It was humbling to see where Bernadette grew up, understanding the environment that shaped her unwavering faith.


Explore the life and legacy of St. Bernadette at Maison Paternelle, a unique museum experience in Lourdes, France, combining history, spirituality, and culture.

The guide shared stories of the family's hardships, their struggles with poverty and illness. Yet, despite these challenges, their faith remained strong. It was inspiring to learn about their resilience and their deep connection to each other. Aarav was particularly interested in the small details, like the wooden toys and the old cooking utensils. It brought the history to life for him, making it more relatable. The Maison Paternelle is now managed by the 5th generation of the Soubirous family. The Maison Paternelle is open to visitors and includes a shop.

From there, we walked to the Molino de Boly, the mill where Bernadette was born. This was a place Bernadette called the mill of happiness. It's a short distance from the Maison Paternelle, but it felt like a world away. The mill is set on the banks of the Lapacca stream, which in Bernadette's time powered the watermill. The building itself is charming, with its stone walls and wooden beams. Inside, we saw the room where Bernadette was born on January 7, 1844, as well as the kitchen and the old millstones that have been restored.


Explore the birthplace of Saint Bernadette at Molino de Boly in Lourdes, a captivating museum revealing the profound history and spiritual significance of the site.

It was fascinating to learn about the mill's history and its importance to the local community. The guide explained how Bernadette's family worked there, grinding wheat and corn to make flour. It was a physically demanding job, but it provided them with a livelihood. Standing in that room, I couldn't help but imagine the sounds of the mill, the rushing water, and the rhythmic grinding of the stones. It was a sensory experience that transported me back to Bernadette's time.

The waters of Lourdes are a symbol of hope, renewal, and the boundless love of God.

After a morning filled with history, it was time for lunch. We headed to L'Epi d'Or, a restaurant known for its Italian cuisine. The restaurant is located near the old historic city center, at the foot of the Château Fort de Lourdes. It was a welcome break, and we enjoyed a delicious meal of pizza and pasta. Aarav was thrilled to have his favorite Margherita pizza, and Priya and I savored the flavors of the Parmigiana di melanzane.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at L'Epi d'Or in Lourdes, where every meal is a celebration of Italian culinary tradition.

With renewed energy, we made our way to the Lourdes Baths, perhaps the most iconic site in Lourdes. This is where pilgrims come to experience the healing waters of the spring that Bernadette discovered. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and reverence. I joined the queue, feeling a mix of emotions – hope, trepidation, and a deep sense of humility.


Experience spiritual renewal at the Lourdes Baths, where millions have sought healing and solace in the sacred waters since the apparitions of 1858.

As I waited, I observed the other pilgrims, each with their own stories and intentions. Some were visibly ill, their faces etched with pain and suffering. Others were strong and healthy, seeking spiritual renewal and guidance. There was a shared sense of purpose, a collective desire for healing and connection with the divine.

When my turn came, I was led into a small, private room. Two attendants, kind and gentle, helped me disrobe and wrapped me in a simple cloth. Then, they guided me to the bath, a stone basin filled with the cool, clear water of the spring. With their assistance, I lowered myself into the water, feeling an initial shock of cold that quickly gave way to a sense of peace.

The immersion was brief, just a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity. As the water enveloped me, I closed my eyes and prayed for healing, for myself and for my loved ones. I thought of my work as an immigration consultant, and the many people I've helped to build new lives in Canada. I prayed that I could continue to be a source of support and guidance for them. I also thought of my family, Priya and Aarav, and I prayed for their health and happiness.

Emerging from the bath, I felt strangely calm and refreshed. The attendants helped me dry off and dress, and I stepped back into the world with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Whether it was the physical properties of the water or the power of faith, I couldn't say for sure. But I knew that I had experienced something profound. Some describe a feeling of spiritual warmth after the immersion. Some pilgrims report that they do not feel cold after emerging from the baths despite the water temperature.

Before heading back to our hotel, we stopped at the Palais Du Rosaire, a shop near the Sanctuary. This shop has been open since 1914 and offers a wide selection of Christian and religious items. I wanted to purchase a few small souvenirs to remind us of our pilgrimage. The shop was filled with an array of religious items, from rosaries and statues to candles and books. We bought a few small items, including a rosary for Priya and a small statue of Saint Bernadette for Aarav.


Discover the finest selection of artisanal gift baskets at Palais Du Rosaire, where local culture and craftsmanship come together in Lourdes.

For dinner, we chose Restaurant Le Belfry, known for its refined and seasonal cuisine. The restaurant is part of the Hotel Belfry. The meal was a delightful end to a day of reflection and renewal. The atmosphere was elegant and welcoming, and the food was simply outstanding. The chef's creative use of local ingredients was impressive, and each dish was a work of art.


Experience authentic French cuisine at Restaurant Le Belfry in Lourdes - where every dish tells a story.

As I reflect on today's experiences, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Saint Bernadette and to experience the healing power of Lourdes. It was a day of faith, reflection, and renewal, a day that I will cherish forever.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Grottes de Bétharram, Épicentre - Maison Sismique, and La Ferme Du bon'air. It will be another day of discovery and adventure, and I am excited to see what Lourdes has in store for us. We also plan to have breakfast at Le Seven, lunch at Restaurant Africain CHEZ YACOU, and dinner at Chez Tonton's Lourdes, restaurant pizzeria. If we have time, I would like to stop by L'EDEN Bar Brasserie.

“Lourdes is a place where hope is palpable—where the impossible becomes possible through faith”.

Goodnight from Lourdes.