This page presents the 1875 “Greeting on arrival”, distinct from the modern DEV71 / V125 version. The French text is retained, with a translation below each verse. These translations convey the meaning; they are not official singable adaptations.

French lyrics and English translation

The origins of the Lourdes Ave Maria

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes dates the first performance of the Lourdes Ave Maria to 1873, during a pilgrimage from Vendée. Father Jean Gaignet, a director at the major seminary in Luçon, contributed its historical texts. His collection printed in Rodez in 1875 contains a narrative hymn of sixty stanzas and the eight-verse “Ave Maria des Vendéens”, a greeting on arrival reproduced here.

The Chantons en Église catalogue attributes the modern DEV71 / V125 version to Maurice Le Bas, published by Lethielleux. It is distinct from Gaignet’s historical text reproduced here.

What this pilgrimage hymn means

The verses describe pilgrims arriving and responding to Mary’s maternal invitation. They evoke Bernadette, the Gave river and the Immaculate Virgin, ending with a prayer for holiness. Their poetic images do not replace a detailed historical account of the apparitions. The Latin refrain “Ave Maria” means “Hail Mary”.

Questions about the Lourdes Ave Maria

Is this the Hail Mary prayer?

No. The Lourdes Ave Maria is a hymn with verses and a refrain. The Hail Mary is a separate prayer, although both address the Virgin Mary.

Why retain the French in every language?

The French text helps readers follow these verses when sung. The translation below each verse explains its meaning without changing the French words.

Can these translations be sung to the melody?

They are intended for understanding and meditation. Their metre and rhymes have not been systematically adapted to the music.

Sources and text version

Jean Gaignet’s historical text, 1875 edition
History of the processions at the Lourdes Sanctuary
Reference for the modern DEV71 / V125 version

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The Catholic world will have its eyes fixed on the Grotto of Massabielle. This Wednesday, February 11, 2026, marks not only the 168th anniversary of the first apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous; it is a historic day. Between the official recognition of a 72nd miracle, the powerful message from Pope Leo XIV for the World Day of the Sick, and the record attendance expected for the international mass, emotion will be at its peak.

Are you looking for mass schedules, how to follow the live stream, or details on the unexplained cure of Antonietta Raco? Here is everything you need to know to experience this event, whether on-site or from home.

📅 Official Program: Masses and Processions for February 11, 2026

The Sanctuary has planned an exceptional setup to welcome thousands of pilgrims. Here are the highlights not to be missed if you are on-site or in front of your screen.

Pilgrim Info: The “Water Gesture” at the Baths is accessible from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Expect wait times!

✨ The Spiritual Buzz: Antonietta Raco, the 72nd Miracle

It is the story going around the world and restoring immense hope to the sick present tomorrow. On April 16, 2025, the Church officially recognized the 72nd miracle of Lourdes.

• The Miraculated: Antonietta Raco, an Italian woman suffering from Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), an incurable neurodegenerative disease similar to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
• The Cure: Wheelchair-bound and paralyzed in all four limbs since 2009, she experienced her instantaneous cure after visiting the baths on August 5, 2009. She heard an inner voice and felt capable of standing up.
• The Proof: After 15 years of medical investigations, the International Medical Committee of Lourdes (CMIL) judged this cure “unexplained in the current state of science” in November 2024, canonically validated by Bishop Orofino in 2025.

Tomorrow, praying at Lourdes means praying with the certainty that the impossible exists.

🕊️ 34th World Day of the Sick: The Message of Pope Leo XIV

This February 11 is also the day dedicated to those who suffer. Pope Leo XIV has published a moving message titled: “The Compassion of the Samaritan: Loving by Bearing the Pain of the Other.”

The Holy Father invites us to step out of the “culture of indifference” and to “slow down” to care for our fragile brothers and sisters. He offered a special prayer that you can recite in union with the Sanctuary tomorrow:

“Sweet Mother, do not distance yourself, do not turn your gaze away from me. Come with me everywhere and never leave me alone. Since you protect me so much like a true Mother, make the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit bless me!”

📺 How to Follow February 11 Live?

Can’t make it to the Pyrenees? Join the “Lourdes United” community online.

• TV Lourdes: 24/7 broadcast of images from the Grotto on the official website.
• KTO TV:
  • 09:30: Special program “The Miracles of Lourdes” with Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis (Office of Medical Observations).
  • 10:00: Broadcast of the International Mass.
• Social Media Hashtags: Share your intentions with #Lourdes2026, #JMM2026, and #MiracleLourdes.

ℹ️ Practical Info: Access and Weather

If you are hitting the road to the Bigorre region tomorrow morning, here is the latest logistical info:

• Parking: Good news, surface parking (blue zone) is free in the city center to facilitate pilgrim access.
• Shuttles: The TLP Mobilités network is reinforcing its lines. Shuttles run every 30 minutes in the morning and every 20 minutes in the afternoon towards the Sanctuary Gates.
• Weather: February remains cold at the foot of the Pyrenees. Dress warmly, especially for the Torchlight Procession at 9:00 PM!

Did you know? While Lourdes prays, the story of Bernadette will also resonate in Eastern France. The musical show “Bernadette de Lourdes” is holding an exceptional performance at the Strasbourg Zenith this Wednesday evening. A sign that the message of the little girl from Bigorre transcends all borders!

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes to all pilgrims of hope!

📺 How to Follow February 11 Live?

Can’t make it to the Pyrenees? The Sanctuary comes to you thanks to an immersive digital setup.

🔴 The Essential: www.lourdes.live (24/7)

To experience the pilgrimage as if you were there, connect right now to www.lourdes.live. This site is the true “digital lung” of the Sanctuary. It broadcasts high-definition images of the Grotto 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether to follow the international mass at 10:00 AM, the rosary at 3:30 PM, or simply to reflect silently before the Rock in the middle of the night, this is the unique link to keep. No registration is necessary: click and pray in real-time with millions of internet users.

The Other Broadcasters

• KTO TV:
  • 09:30: Special program “The Miracles of Lourdes” with Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis.
  • 10:00: Broadcast of the International Mass with commentary.
• Social Media: Share your intentions with #Lourdes2026, #JMM2026, and #MiracleLourdes.

The post Lourdes February 11, 2026: Masses, Miracle, and Live Stream – The Complete Guide appeared first on Lourdes Live.

Our Lady of Lourdes, we pray to you!
Our Father – 10 Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

The last mystery of this series opens our hearts to the dimensions of the world. Like Mary looking at Bernadette with tenderness, we pray here for all humanity.

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Inspire the Church that Christ built on the faith of Peter: gather it in unity and give all its members, nourished by the bread of life, the knowledge to face this international health emergency full of faith.

Our Lady of Lourdes, you who are filled with the Holy Spirit, model of Christians and maternal face of the Church, we pray to you.
Our Father; 10 Hail Marys; Glory be to the Father.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

The third mystery reminds us of the ecclesial dimension of the apparitions. Mary asked Bernadette to “build a chapel” and to come in procession.

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The Immaculate Conception is a cry of hope: evil, sin, and death are no longer the victors. Mary, a precursory sign, dawn of salvation!

Our Lady of Lourdes, you are our refuge, we pray to you.
Our Father; 10 Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

This first mystery plunges us into the very heart of the message of Lourdes. “I am the Immaculate Conception”: it is by these words that the Lady revealed herself to Bernadette.

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V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. And the Word was made Flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Each day at noon, the bell of the Basilica rings the Angelus, inviting pilgrims to pause to meditate on the Incarnation. This prayer, punctuated by three “Hail Marys,” commemorates the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary.

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The Accueil Saint-Frai is an emblematic place of the Sanctuary of Lourdes. Managed by a religious congregation, it has been dedicated to welcoming the sick and people with reduced mobility since its foundation in 1885. This historic establishment bears the name of Saint Frai, a 9th-century Benedictine monk, known for his charitable works.

Remarkable architecture

The Accueil Saint-Frai is distinguished by its unique architecture. Built of ashlar stone, it is inspired by the neo-Gothic style, very popular at the end of the 19th century. Its multiple chapels, prayer rooms and reception areas testify to its primary vocation: to offer a place of reflection and care for sick or disabled pilgrims.

A place adapted to the needs of pilgrims

In addition to its remarkable architecture, the Accueil Saint-Frai has been designed to meet the specific needs of sick pilgrims. It has numerous equipped rooms, elevators, and access ramps to facilitate movement. In addition, a team of trained volunteers is permanently present to accompany pilgrims during their stay.

A spiritual dimension

The Accueil Saint-Frai is much more than just a place to stay. It embodies the spirit of charity and compassion that is at the heart of the mission of the Sanctuary of Lourdes. It allows the sick to fully live their pilgrimage, despite the difficulties they may encounter.

A place of prayer and sharing

In addition to the care provided, the Accueil Saint-Frai is a place of prayer and sharing. Masses are celebrated daily, and times of prayer are organized to allow pilgrims to recollect themselves. Sharing and fraternity are also at the heart of the life of the Accueil, with many moments of exchange and conviviality.

In conclusion, the Accueil Saint-Frai is an essential place of the Sanctuary of Lourdes. It embodies the spirit of charity and compassion of this holy place, while offering a suitable and caring space for sick pilgrims. Its rich history, unique architecture and spiritual dimension make it a place to discover during a pilgrimage to Lourdes.

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History of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary began in 1883 and was completed in 1889. It was designed by the architect Leopold Hardy in order to respond to the increasing influx of pilgrims. Consecrated in 1901, the basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Architecture of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is a remarkable example of the Byzantine style. Its Greek cross structure, its central dome, as well as its three naves are typical of this style.

Architectural details

The basilica has 15 chapels symbolizing the mysteries of the Rosary. The mosaics that adorn them were made by artisans from Venice. The dome, 32 meters high, is decorated with mosaics representing the coronation of the Virgin.

Spirituality of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is a place of prayer and devotion to the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims come from all over the world to participate in the Rosary processions that take place daily.

The Rosary and the Virgin Mary

The Rosary is a traditional Catholic prayer dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is thus a privileged place for the recitation of this prayer. In addition, the Virgin Mary is particularly venerated in Lourdes, where she is said to have appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.

Visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is open all year round and admission is free. Guided tours are organised to discover the history and architecture of this exceptional place.

Whether for the richness of its history, the beauty of its architecture or the depth of its spirituality, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is a must for any visitor to Lourdes.

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Historical context of the monumental Stations of the Cross of Espélugues

The Stations of the Cross of Espélugues was inaugurated in 1905, at the initiative of Bishop Schoepfer, Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes. The objective was to visually represent the different stages of the Passion of Christ, in order to allow pilgrims to meditate on these crucial moments in the life of Jesus.

The architecture and large statues of the Stations of the Cross of Espélugues

A monumental work of art

The Stations of the Cross of Espélugues is a true masterpiece of monumental art. It consists of 15 stations, each representing a stage of the Passion of Christ. These stations are adorned with large bronze statues, created by the French sculptor Raffl.

The architectural route of the Stations of the Cross

The route of the Stations of the Cross extends over more than a kilometer and a half, on the hill of Espélugues. The path, lined with trees and greenery, offers an atmosphere of contemplation and serenity. The stations, arranged at regular intervals, are connected by a stone path that winds through the hill.

The spiritual dimension of the Stations of the Cross of Espélugues

More than a place of art and history, the Stations of the Cross of Espélugues is above all a place of spirituality. It offers pilgrims a space for meditation on the Passion of Christ, allowing a deeper communion with the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Many pilgrims walk this path each year, especially during Holy Week, to relive the last moments of the life of Jesus.

In conclusion, the monumental Stations of the Cross on the hill of Espélugues is an essential place in the Sanctuary of Lourdes. Combining art, history and spirituality, it offers pilgrims a unique experience of meditation and communion with the Passion of Christ.

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Cité Saint-Pierre is a place of solidarity accommodation located in Lourdes, France. Managed by Secours Catholique, it offers affordable accommodation to pilgrims, thus promoting access to the Sanctuary of Lourdes for all.

History of Cité Saint-Pierre

Creation and mission

Cité Saint-Pierre was founded in 1955 by Secours Catholique, with the aim of enabling people in precarious situations to go on pilgrimage to Lourdes. Its mission is to promote solidarity and hospitality for all, regardless of the financial means of the pilgrims.

Architecture of Cité Saint-Pierre

A community living space

The architecture of Cité Saint-Pierre has been designed to promote community life. The site includes several accommodation buildings, a chapel, a library, a performance hall and several green spaces. The whole offers a peaceful and spiritual setting.

The spirit of solidarity of Cité Saint-Pierre

A commitment to welcoming all

Cité Saint-Pierre is committed to welcoming all pilgrims, regardless of their financial situation. It offers moderate rates and financial assistance for those who need it. This solidarity welcome policy allows everyone to experience the pilgrimage to Lourdes in dignified conditions.

Conclusion

Cité Saint-Pierre is a unique place, managed by Secours Catholique, which allows everyone to experience the pilgrimage to Lourdes. Its history, its architecture and its spirit of solidarity make it a place to discover and support.

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