WelCom August 2020
The Marian Shrine at Lourdes has hosted the first ever online world pilgrimage on the anniversary of the final apparition to St Bernadette Soubirous in the mid-19th century. Healthcare measures put in place as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have meant that only a very limited number of pilgrims can attend the shrine in person. The online pilgrimage, on 16 July, featured processions, rosaries and prayer. A television broadcast allowed religious and civil personalities to share their stories of the role that Lourdes plays in their lives. Live music, videos and behind-the-scenes reports explained the mission of the world-famous shrine. The online pilgrimage ran from 7am to 10pm local time.