Lourdes pilgrimage on NYE

We were in Lourdes at the end of May. The candlelight procession takes about 45 mins to an hour. There is no problem finding candles, our small hotel even sold them. Lourdes is easy to get around walking. We attended a mass in the late afternoon then the procession in the evening. My suspicion, not founded on fact, is that the procession happens every night. Once you are in Lourdes the services and times are well posted. The procession is a spiritual high for believers, and problably the same for those seeking the answers to the mysteries of life. We were very impressed with the physical beauty of Lourdes. There could be snow on the ground for your dates. and the procession could start earlier than 9 because it is dark much earlier that time of year. Hope you make the pilgrimaage! Hank Novato, Ca

Here's the website for the domain. It currently only provides the schedule to November; hopefully the schedule for the rest of the year should be posted soon.
http://en.lourdes-france.org/schedule

The website will also give you details about the domain. I was surprised by the size and range of worship opportunities. The first time I went I am only allowed about a day and a half. I went back a couple of days years later, and allowed about 3 1/2 days.

The Blessed Sacrament procession is late in the afternoon, so there is a significant break between that and the evening procession. Consider doing both if you possibly can.

If you have time and are up for a relatively long, uphill walk, I suggest you walk the high stations of the cross. If it's open in the winter, it goes up a hill that overlooks the whole domain and is quite beautiful.

Hi All,

Thanks for your kind response. Any recommendation for the accommodation?

Honestly, I thought that Lourdes is quite secluded and quaint area but after rough search, they even have an airport nearby! even held masses and processions daily throughout the year.

Hanks
ahh the snow, i even forget about that. that'd be beautiful but hopefully not too chilly for my mother.

Sherry
they even limit the time you're there before? Was it because it's too crowded and they did not have enough processions to accommodate all visitors? thanks for the uphill view recommendation. we'd try to get there hopefully the snow is not that heavy.

TIA

No, the time in the domain is not limited. In fact it's a very, very large area – think of a very large park, with multiple churches and other structures. Even during the pilgrimage season, I was quite unaware of how many thousands of people were there on a given day, until everyone gathered for a procession or liturgy. You are going off-season, so it should be even less crowded.

Hi All,

i just check the schedule on the website for December and the daily 5pm Blessed Sacrament Procession and 9pm Torchlight procession is not mentioned or is it a common knowledge that they're always held everyday nonetheless?
http://en.lourdes-france.org/schedule

Hi All,

just want to give an update for my visit on NYE. It was very quite with no Blessed Sacrament and Torchlight processions during winter time according to the information centre. so we spent the day going through the church's ground which was a delight and beauty on its own

you may find this helpful.

http://joinusinfrance.com/lourdes-episode-100/