Nativity of the Virgin Mary: Pope Francis prays for the Sanctuary of Lourdes in the face of flooding

On the day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (September 8) and at the conclusion of Mass in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), Pope Francis directed his thoughts to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Lourdes, affected by a flood.

“And today, which in our liturgical calendar is the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, our thoughts turn to the Sanctuary of Lourdes which has been flooded due to recent heavy rains,” the Holy Father noted.

This Saturday, the level of the Gave de Pau river, which flows next to the sanctuary, rose and caused a partial flood of the sanctuary, also in the grotto where the image of Our Lady of Lourdes is located.

However, it explains the venue websiteAfter several hours of work, the sanctuary is once again accessible to the public and pilgrims.

“Thanks to the efforts of the teams at the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Lourdes, the Grotto has been cleaned and reopened to pilgrims following the flooding that occurred today, Saturday, September 7, 2024,” the website states.

“The emergency plan against floods has proven its effectiveness,” he continues and states that “the celebrations once again take place at the usual hours in all the basilicas and places of worship of the Sanctuary, starting with the rosary at six in the afternoon. in the Grotto.”

In addition, they specify that “no pilgrimage has been cancelled” and “water leaks in the pools will require a thorough cleaning and verification of the facilities, so the reopening will be postponed for a few days.”

“The chapels of Light will be accessible starting tomorrow, Sunday, September 8,” he concludes.