Lourdes shrine again closed by floods

June 18, 2013

Flooding has forced Church officials to close the Marian shrine at Lourdes, France, for the 2nd time in less than a year.

The grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous was closed to the public on June 18, as the water level continued to rise and public officials sought to minimize damage with sandbags and other barriers.

Flooding had forced the evacuation of the Lourdes shrine in October 2012, and caused serious damage before the waters receded. Another bout of heavy rain brought on the new flooding.

 

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Further information:

• La grotte de Lourdes inondée et fermée au public (Midi-Pyrenees)
• Clean-up begins after massive flooding at Lourdes shrine (CWN, 10/23/12)