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Nov 1, 2023, 5:26pm · ☁️ 13 °C Altitude: 404 m
FranceOccitaniaLourdesMaison paternelle de Bernadette43°5’56” N 0°2’46” W
Day 41 Lourdes 765 km

It felt like I was walking in Nanaimo today as the temperature was 8 C and it was raining. I wore every piece of my merino wool clothing and down vest to keep warm.
I found a great grocery store and bought some salads and fruit for lunch.
I visited a church however I cannot recall its name. It had a lot of stained glass windows. The front windows facing the altar were very unique. There were also paintings of each station of the cross. I have never seen anything like it.
I lit a candle for Les♥️ The candle table was under the picture of Bernadette.
I then made my way to the Grotto to collect my Holy water and touch the stone in the cave.
It wasn't too crowded meaning there was not a long line to stand waiting. Afterwards I attended what I thought was an outdoor Mass but was a lineup to do the three things that Bernadette was led to de by Mary:
Wash your hands with the Holy water
Wash your face
And finally drink the water.
I was allowed to stay for awhile afterwards. Each person was done individually and blessed🙏
I then went to where there are hundreds of lit candles for those to be remembered. I will post the picture of the prayer that went with it. I lit a candle for Les ♥️
The cutest thing I heard was a child trying to blow out a candle as if it were on a cake 😃
I walked up to the crypt at the top of the cathedral. The chapel was beautiful.
Afterwards I walked up the side of the hill to see the stations of the Cross.
The nicest part of Lourdes Cathedral grounds is that it is a very large property. The added size gives rise to a park like feel to it. It also helps with the throngs of people they can be spread out quite easily.
I gave up trying to get a coffee from a bar here ( many are closed for the end of the season) so walked to the train station. It was packed with people!!!
I was so looking forward to a hot bath/shower tonight except all the tub has is a hand held shower head you have to hold and fill the tub with. There is not a wall attachment to have a shower😓 But the biggest issue is no plug for the tub....and warm water.....not hot😭Read more
Traveler
That is so awesome you have had so many opportunities to light a candle for Les. My heart goes out to you.
Traveler Thank you ♥️
Traveler Sounds like a very special place! Except for the bath....
Traveler 😂🤣😂 It really is funny. I have experienced so many places with huge hot water tanks and no wall mount for the shower head . I think they want to discourage people that take long showers? Save money? I have no idea....