The Permanence opened in 1956 thanks to the initiative and perseverance of two great Legionaries of the time: Veronica O’Brien, sent by the Legion of Mary in Ireland, and Germaine Getten, a Legionary from southwestern France.

The house is a gift that was given to the Legion through Mrs. Colomer-Soubirous, a descendant of the family of Saint Bernadette. The house was expanded in 1958 thanks to the generosity of French, Belgian, and Swiss Legion members, as well as with the help of Divine Providence. From April 1 to October 31, during the pilgrimage season, the house is able to accommodate teams of volunteers from all over the world who come to serve the Legion’s mission in Lourdes.

The house also hosts a team of Legion members who work in collaboration with other Catholic associations in the pastoral ministry of the Sanctuary, in particular:

To help pilgrims who are not participating in an organized pilgrimage discover and understand the message and devotional practices of Lourdes, both inside and outside the Sanctuary.

The parvis

To participate daily in the Eucharistic and Marian processions, carrying the flag during the afternoon procession and the illuminated Vexillum during the evening procession.

The procession with the banner

The procession with the Vexillum

To welcome Legion members visiting Lourdes on pilgrimage or in transit, and to direct them to the activities and programs specially organized for them by the Sanctuary.

The reception room

Finally, to promote and distribute the Medal of the Immaculate Conception—commonly known as the “Miraculous Medal”, typical of the Legion’s apostolic work.

The holy Mass

Contacts:

curia@legiondemarie-lourdes.org