In 1858, Our Lady gave Saint Bernadette a mission, “have people come in procession.” Since then millions of pilgrims have come to Lourdes, and because of this great number the Hospitalité of Our Lady of Lourdes (Hospitalité de Notre Dame de Lourdes) came into being in 1872.

The Hospitalité is not a hospital. Its primary mission is the care of those on pilgrimage to Our Lady’s shrine and it relies on the goodwill and hard work of volunteers from around the world. Hospitalité volunteers are assigned to services as needed. Men are primarily assigned to greet and assist malades and pilgrims at the airport and train stations, and to direct and assist them throughout the Domaine. including the Baths.

Women Stagiaires are primarily assigned to direct and assist malades and pilgrims at the Baths and to clean and wash dishes for the malades and their companions. Other Hospitalité assignments include receptionist, interpreter, communications, office duties, first aide, and altar and vestment service. It is a privilege to serve as a Hospitalier in Lourdes.