Church Cashes In
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Church Cashes In
The Catholic Church cashes in on Lourdes, offering cures (65 years of success !), the story of Bernadette, and the only brand of candles officially approved by the Virgin Mary
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 583425
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10033027
Approved Bernadette Brand Candles Corruption Cures Greed Lourdes Offering Officially Success Virgin Visions Years Paranormal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the bustling crowds at the grotto of Lourdes, France, a site of profound religious significance and reported miracles for over a century. The Catholic Church, with its ornate architecture and intricate details, looms in the background, a testament to the deep-rooted faith and devotion of the pilgrims. At the heart of this story is Bernadette Soubirous, a young shepherdess who, in 1858, claimed to have experienced a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary near the grotto. Her visions, which included the famous command to "drink from the spring and bathe in it," led to the discovery of the miraculous spring water, believed by many to have healing properties. The photograph, taken in 1904, shows the fervor and belief that continues to draw millions of visitors to Lourdes each year. The Church, which has overseen the site since Bernadette's visions, offers cures and blessings to the faithful. Over the past 65 years, there have been countless reported miracles and cures attributed to the water and the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Amidst the chaos and the hope, the only brand of candles officially approved by the Church for use in the grotto stands out. The significance of this detail speaks to the deep connection between the faithful and the Church, and the enduring belief in the power of prayer and miracles. However, this photograph also raises questions about the intersection of faith, religion, and commerce. While the Church's role in offering cures and blessings is rooted in tradition and belief, some critics argue that the commercialization of the site and the sale of souvenirs and cures detracts from the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage. The complex history of Lourdes and the Catholic Church's role in it continues to be a source of fascination and debate.
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