Lourdes, une histoire… très belge: « On donnait même le prénom de Bernadette aux petites Belges »

Pope Leo XIV will visit the Marian shrine of Lourdes on September 26 and 27.

The visit highlights the historical connection between Belgium and the site. Over the years, Belgians have built many replicas of the Lourdes grotto within Belgium. The devotion to the site is also reflected in Belgian naming traditions, where the name Bernadette was frequently given to young girls.