Each year, millions flock to Lourdes seeking physical, spiritual help

Published: 2008-02-11

LOURDES, France (CNS) -- Every year, more than 6 million people -- including about 500,000 American Catholics -- travel to Lourdes, ask for healing and forgiveness, and often leave with a bottle of holy water. But without the spiritual and historical context, such journeys and their traditions can seem odd. Pilgrimages are as old as worship, according to Ann Ball, author of the "Encyclopedia of Catholic Devotions and Practices." Prehistoric man felt the need to visit where his gods lived, the early Christians felt the need to visit where Jesus lived and the tradition continued, Ball said in the book. Father Jeffrey Keefe, spiritual director of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers, told Catholic News Service people participate in such pilgrimages because of a special devotion to Mary, and they often take a problem -- physical, spiritual or with relationships -- and offer it up to God at places "known to have good effects."

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