Offer the Gesture of the Water
The Gesture of the Water (Geste de l’eau) at Lourdes is a sacred ritual inviting pilgrims to engage with the spring water revealed to St. Bernadette in 1858. This act of faith and devotion involves drinking and washing with the water, symbolizing purification and spiritual renewal.
How the Gesture is Carried In your Parish
- Preparation:
The pilgrims are guided by a priest or a hospitalier, they approach the designated fountains near the Grotto, reflecting on personal intentions for healing and grace. Follows a prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes. - Washing:
Pilgrims wash their hands and face with the water, embracing the symbolic act of cleansing and openness to divine grace. - Drinking the Water:
They drink from the spring, recalling the Virgin Mary’s invitation to “drink at the spring.” - Prayer:
A moment of silent prayer follows, allowing individuals to offer their intentions and connect deeply with the experience.
The Gesture of the Water is accessible to all and can be performed individually or with guidance from volunteers at the Sanctuary.
Here we are going to put either a slide show or a series of images to show how it is done.
The Gesture in your parish
To bring this meaningful practice to your community:
Sacred Space:
Designate an area in your church with a statue or image of Our Lady of Lourdes and basin of blessed water.- Guided Reflection:
Provide materials or lead meditations to help participants prepare their hearts and minds. - Community Participation:
Encourage parishioners to partake during special services, such as Healing Masses or Marian feasts, or have a day dedicated to people coming to receive the waters of Lourdes. Trained volunteers help guide participants through the process. - Educational Resources:
Offer information about the history and significance of the Gesture to deepen understanding and engagement.
In parishes outside Lourdes, the water of Lourdes is generally poured by a priest, religious, or volunteers from pitchers over a large bowl, allowing the faithful to perform the gesture. This act may be preceded by the gesture of the Rock (touching a fragment of the rock from the Grotto of Massabielle to entrust everything to Christ, our Rock in this world) and followed by the gesture of Light (lighting a candle or votive).
By incorporating the Gesture of the Water into your parish life, you extend the healing and grace of Lourdes to your local community, fostering a deeper connection with the universal Church.
Go drink and wash in the spring.
Our Lady to St. Bernadette, Lourdes, 1858