Key Facts

• The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has 72 medical miracles recognized by the Catholic Church.
• The Lourdes Office of Medical Observations investigates reported cures to separate medical explanations from possible miracles.
• Lourdes is a small town in southern France that attracts about 4 million visitors every year, more than pilgrimages to Mecca or Jerusalem.
• Many sick and poor people travel to Lourdes seeking healing through prayer and the shrine’s natural spring water.
• Sister Bernadette Moriau suffered from a serious nerve disorder causing paralysis but traveled to Lourdes after exhausting medical treatments.
• Some visitors, like Kim Halpin, come hoping for healing from incurable illnesses but also value the spiritual experience.
• Volunteers help many pilgrims, including those with severe disabilities like cerebral palsy.
• Visitors often speak of finding inner peace and spiritual healing, even if physical cures do not happen.