Le pèlerinage de Lourdes

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The Massabielle grotto

In the encyclical Le Pèlerinage de Lourdes ( French : The Pilgrimage of Lourdes ) of July 2, 1957, Pope Pius XII. the "100. Anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Mother in Lourdes ”as an occasion to“ warn against materialism ”. In his circular he addressed the French episcopate and recalled his personal pilgrimage to Lourdes.

About the appearance

In the extensive first part, Pius XII describes. the history of the origin of the pilgrimage site Lourdes and the first apparition of the Mother of God . He explains the significance of these events, praises the pious life of the " Bernadette of Lourdes " and points out the veneration and promotion of the site. He writes that his predecessors and himself were ardent admirers of the Virgin Mary , and that this was also shown in the pilgrimages of some popes.

About materialism

The second part uses Pius XII. to warn of increasing materialism, and laments that it is causing devastating damage. It also writes that materialism finds its expression in the excessive desire for comfort and the abandonment of the pious life. Furthermore, encourage this way of life to unrestrained search for pleasure and entertainment.

In the final part, the Pope calls on all clerics and Catholics to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes to implore the assistance and help of the Mother of God .

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