Pilgrims filing through the Grotte de Massabielle in silence, touching the walls with their left hands as they progress

Lourdes

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October 10th 2011
10 October 2011 In May 2007 we saw the devotion of the pilgrims at Fátima in Portugal. Today we were equally moved as we joined the many visitors to the Grotte de Massabielle in Lourdes. The Grotte was the place where in 1854 a local girl, Bernadette Soubirous, had the first of 18 visions of the Virgin Mary. Since then it has become a major Catholic pilgrimage site, two large Basiliques and se ... read more

Europe » France

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Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader am... ... read more