Photo was taken of Bishop John Buckley celebrating Mass under the grotto at Lourdes, France

Today marks the 150th anniversary of the apparitions in Lourdes. Over 7 million people pass through Lourdes each year. This year that number is expected to swell considerably to mark the 150th anniversary. Naturally hotels and commercialism have grown to meet this volume of traffic. But once you step into the grounds and grotto area you are stepping into a different world. Our thought below explores this a little more.