Lourdes flood - update and appeal

Jun 28th, 2013

As the clear-up and reconstruction operations continue at Lourdes, Fr Horacio Brito, Rector of the Sanctuary, has sent out an urgent appeal for donations. He writes:

On June 18th, the Sanctuary was submerged by the rise of the river Gave de Pau. Thanks to a tremendous coming together in solidarity, the Grotto was able to be reopened on 22 June. But many places are ruined like the St Pius X Basilica, the baths, the Way of the Cross for the sick; others are seriously damaged, like the confessional chapel, St Bernadette Chapel, Ave Maria, that welcomes the hospitaliers …. The bridges are partly destroyed. The sound system, the lighting and the tarmacadam pathways are all in need of repair.

On Wednesday 19th June, seeing the distressing sight, I am not ashamed to tell you that tears came to my eyes because we had, all together, made such efforts to repair the damage of the previous flood which took place in October 2012. The clean state in which the Sanctuary finds itself at present should not hide the fact that enormous spending will have to be made to repair the buildings along with what is cracked, destabilised, and in danger.

Thank you for the help you give so that the Sanctuary will become again this privileged place of welcome for all. I have confidence in you to support this action standing alongside our Bishop Mgr Nicholas Brouwet

The Sanctuary belongs to the pilgrims. On our part, we are here to serve. I am happy and proud to be of service along with you.

I assure you of my prayers for your intentions to Our Lady

† Horacio Brito, Rector of the Sanctuary of Lourdes

Send donations to:

By cheque made out to the Association Diocésaine de Tarbes et Lourdes
at the following address:

Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes
Solidarité Inondations 2013
1, avenue Monseigneur Théas
65108 LOURDES Cedex

by making a gift online here

by bank transfer on the account below :

IBAN : FR7630003020510003726308089
Adresse SWIFT (code BIC) : SOGEFRPP

For all the latest information about Lourdes, including films and webcam, visit the official Lourdes site here: http://en.lourdes-france.org/