Procession of lightsour lady of lourdes basilica
A basilica was built upon the rock of Massabielle by M. Peyramale, the parish priest. In 1873 the great "national" French pilgrimages were inaugurated. Three years later the basilica was consecrated and the statue solemnly crowned. In 1883 the foundation stone of another church was laid, as the first was no longer large enough. It was built at the foot of the basilica and was consecrated in 1901 and called the Church of the Rosary.
The exterior of the baisilica is somewhat impressive ,Its hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and mosaics dazzle the senses and evoke awe . It is visited by literally millions of pilgrims each year.
