St. Bernadette Relic Tour

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has announced a national tour of the relics of Saint Bernadette throughout the United States. The relics departed Lourdes, France in September, and the national opening celebration took place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception from September 18-20. The relics arrive in our diocese Friday, October 23rd, and there are opportunities for the public to venerate the relics at six locations, as well as two “virtual pilgrimages,” with touching of Grotto rocks, Lourdes Water experience, decade of the Rosary, and live music. 

The relics tour seeks to bring the message of Lourdes to communities throughout the nation and to invite the faithful into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ through the witness of Saint Bernadette Soubirous. In 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to 14-year-old Bernadette in Lourdes, France. Since then, Lourdes has become one of the world's most important pilgrimage destinations, welcoming millions of pilgrims seeking prayer, healing, hope, and spiritual renewal.

The tour is being organized by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in collaboration with dedicated Catholic partners in the United States, including the Order of Malta and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers, whose longstanding commitment to pilgrimage, hospitality, and service to the sick reflects the mission and spirit of Lourdes.