From April to August 2022, the relics of Saint Bernadette toured the United States for the first time, bringing the grace of Lourdes to parishes across the country.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes https://www.lourdes-france.org/en/ organized the pilgrimage of the relics in partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, North American Volunteers, Hospitalité of Miami and the Order of Malta.   https://www.stbernadetteusa.org

Why do we venerate relics?

At the heart of the veneration of the relics of the saints, we find the Catholic faith, in particular the dogma of the resurrection of the flesh and the confidence in the power of intercession of the saints. The relics are not worshipped (veneration must be clearly distinguished from adoration and worship, which are due to God alone), but the relics of the martyrs are venerated to adore the One whose martyrs, that is to say witnesses, they are. The veneration of relics is all about FAITH-- we thank God for the faith of His saint, and as we reflect on and learn more about this saint's faith, we pray that God will renew and increase it in ourselves.

About St. Bernadette (January 7, 1844 - December 8, 1933)
Learn more about St. Bernadette Soubirous here.

Apparitions
From February 11 thourgh July 16, 1858, 18 apparitions appeard to St. Bernadette. Learn about them here.

Plenary (full) Indulgence Granted 
Confession removes sin. A plenary (meaning full) indulgence frees one from the temporal consequences of sin. Even after we’ve been forgiven, we may still experience the consequences of sin.

When we do these things and truly show we have taken to heart what we have done, a plenary indulgence is granted - 
•    Visit the relics
•    Go to confession and communion - within 10 days on either side of the indulgence
•    Pray for the intentions of the Pope

Pilgrims are encouraged to pray silently in front of the reliquary.

Due to anticipated crowds, pilgrims should be respectful of others in line when venerating the relics and only expect to spend a minute in front of the relic.

A free-will offering will be taken to support the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France

(Say for nine days in preparation of the visit)

Dear Saint Bernadette, Chosen by Almighty God as a channel of His Graces
and Blessings, and through your humble obedience to the requests of Our
Blessed Mother, Mary, you gained for us the Miraculous waters of Spiritual
and physical healing.

We implore you to listen to our pleading prayers that we may be healed of our
Spiritual and physical imperfections.

Place our petitions in the Hands of our Holy Mother, Mary, so that She may
place them at the feet of Her beloved Son, Our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, that He may look on us with mercy and compassion: (Make Petition)
Help, O Dear Saint Bernadette to follow your example, so that irrespective of
our own pain and suffering we may always be mindful of the needs of others,
especially those whose sufferings are greater than ours.
As we await the Mercy of God, remind us to offer up our pain and suffering
for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins and blasphemies
of mankind.

Pray for Saint Bernadette, that like you, we may always be obedient to the will
of Our Heavenly Father, and that through our prayers and humility we may
bring consolation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate
Heart of Mary that have been so grievously wounded by our sins.
Holy Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, Pray for us.

AMEN

© Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pierre Vincent, do not reproduce without written authorization, do not use for commercial purpose.