Riley and Sarah

Let me start by simply saying, Lourdes is kind of an odd little town. The place is super religious, old, and outdated. Everything looks like it hasn’t been updated since at least before I was born; including the post cards. We spent some time trying to figure out what it is about Lourdes that we don’t really like. We finally decided on a good word for Lourdes – tacky.

The religion is so overdone and it’s used as a sales tool. There are an overwhelming amount of poorly-lit shops selling all kinds of tacky religious paraphernalia. It’s weird and annoying. They’ve decided to use religion as a materialistic tool. And they don’t even sell over-priced nice stuff! 

So, we didn’t like Lourdes particularly, yet it was an interesting experience nonetheless.

We went to the grotto where the community has preserved the area in which St. Bernadette is said to have seen The Virgin Mary many times. It has become a place of pilgrimage. We spent time taking it all in, but not being catholic, the whole thing was strange to us. There was so much devotion to this site. I think even if I was catholic I would consider this a bit much. However, even though it seemed over the top to us, it did make me think about my own devotion.

Some people wait their whole lives to go to the grotto – this sacred place. Many pilgrims drop to their knees on the hard cement in prayer, purchase and light gigantic candles, and collect holy water in specially-made bottles. People wait in lengthy lines to walk under the grotto and some bring handkerchiefs and articles of clothing to rub on the rock face underneath. Mass is held daily and vigils are common place in Lourdes.

Is there anything in my life that I can honestly say I am that devoted to? Although my beliefs differ from those of the catholic pilgrims who call this place sacred, it causes me to reflect on how devoted I am to my faith.

Am I so devoted that I would travel across the world for something I believe in? Would I do things that on-lookers think are strange or over the top? Would I risk looking like a fool for something I see as truth?

So yes, Lourdes was tacky, overdone, using religion to make a buck, and – to be perfectly honest – a little creepy. But, Lourdes did make me think.

Sarah