Sacred Journeys with Bruce Feiler

S01E01 Lourdes

In 1858, a modest town in southwestern France became famous when 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous reported having 18 visions of the Virgin Mary. This revelation turned Lourdes into one of the most revered Catholic pilgrimage destinations globally, attracting over five million visitors each year who seek solace and healing from its holy waters. Since World War II concluded, soldiers from various nations have traveled to Lourdes for a week-long event called the International Military Pilgrimage, where they come together in hopes of healing and camaraderie.