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In this special episode, the Reverend Kate Bottley visits the sacred Christian pilgrimage site of Lourdes in south west France, revealing how she first went as a child.

Each year around six million people make a pilgrimage to this small town where many believe miracles can happen. Back in 1858 a young girl saw a vision of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, in a grotto on the edge of her village of Lourdes, and ever since many Christians have considered it to be a place of spiritual and physical healing. We hear the remarkable story of one man who believes his terminal illness was cured here over 50 years ago. Around 100 people each year claim to have been cured in Lourdes, and Kate meets Dr Alessandro Franciscis from the International Medical Committee of Lourdes, who assess people’s claims to have been miraculously healed. A highlight of the trip for Kate is when she joins a pilgrim from the Leeds diocese and together they bathe in the holy waters.

And music from around the UK, including a stunning performance of Ave Maria from Mary Jess and Joanna Forest.

Music:
Praise To The Holiest In The Height – Our Lady’s Church, York
We Cannot Measure How You Heal – Stockbridge Church, Edinburgh
Ave Maria – Mary-Jess and Joanna Forest
I Will Give Thanks – Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace – All Saints’ Church, Northampton
Christ Be Our Light – St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon
Tell Out My Soul – St John The Baptist, Tideswell