I greet all visitors to the website of "Friends of Lourdes". As we begin the observance of the 150th anniversary of the apparition at Lourdes, I invite you to consider how you might mark this occasion within your own family and community. Our Lady gives great graces to those who place themselves under the patronage of her Immaculate Conception; this I know personally as my religious community has done so, as has the Archdiocese of Chicago, where I serve as Archbishop.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Mary's apparition to St. Bernadette in Lourdes. Your faith will surely grow from reflecting more deeply on the gifts that Lourdes has brought to the Church and to the world. God bless you.

Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.
Archbishop of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Honorary Chairman

Lourdes is preparing for the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous between 11th February and 16th July 1858.

Since that date, at least three hundred million pilgrims have come to Lourdes. But thanks to modern means of technology, it is possible to be in touch with Lourdes, even from far away.

Thank you to those who took the initiative to construct this site. I hope it gives you a taste for Lourdes so that you will desire to come here one day either as a visitor or as a pilgrim.