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Be a part of our Virtual Torchlight Procession
The Tradition of the Torchlight Procession in Lourdes
As early as 18th February 1858, the day of the third Apparition, one of the two people accompanying Bernadette had carried a candle. After this, Bernadette herself always came with a candle. The iconic Lourdes Torchlight Procession, known throughout the world, was introduced in Lourdes in 1863 by Father Marie-Antoine, a Capuchin also known as the ‘Saint of Toulouse’. The Marian Procession is the most popular celebration in Lourdes. Pilgrims come with their banners and sick pilgrims are always anxious to attend when they can. You can carry a candle with its paper wind protector on which the traditional Ave Maria of Lourdes is printed recalling the story of the Apparitions.
During the Procession, and depending on the day, the pilgrims recite the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful or Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. At the beginning of each decade, a few words in several languages give direction to the prayer so that it does not become a monotonous repetition. The Ave Maria and other hymns can be heard in many languages. In the serenity of the evening, each pilgrim carries his or her own personal intentions as the prayer gathers the assembly “of all nations, people and languages” with the Virgin Mary, like the disciples in the Cenacle after the Ascension of Christ. The procession always takes place regardless of the weather: the Lourdes pilgrim is prudent and knows when to carry an umbrella.
What are we doing?
We are going to recreate virtually, as best we can, a Lourdes Torchlight Procession. We are asking people to submit videos of them praying The Hail Mary.
These videos will then be edited together to replicate the Torchlight Procession of Saturday 4th July, praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
How can you be involved?
Send us your videos. Simply record a video using your mobile phone as you, or your family pray. If possible, as we would if we were praying in the procession in Lourdes, it would be nice if you could pray with a lit candle.
We are going to recreate virtually, as best we can, a Lourdes Torchlight Procession. We are asking people to submit videos of them praying The Hail Mary.
These videos will then be edited together to replicate the Torchlight Procession of Saturday 4th July, praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
How can you be involved?
Send us your videos. Simply record a video using your mobile phone as you, or your family pray. If possible, as we would if we were praying in the procession in Lourdes, it would be nice if you could pray with a lit candle.
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Here are some things that you need to know:
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