Latest Posts
Welcome to "my mother's house"
This is how it all began...
The Grotto of Lourdes is a recognized archaeological site and an important meeting point of Faith.
The Major of the Argentine Army, Milo Fernández Barbieri, stationed in the Puerto Deseado Regiment, discovered this place while doing routine physical exercises. He then approached the Salesians Fr. Manuel González and Fr. Mauricio Ducó, who attended the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Guardia in Puerto Deseado, and proposed to them to convert this canyon into a grotto in honour of the Virgin of Lourdes.
In 1947, the work of removing rocks and leveling the ground, among other tasks, began with the active participation of the pupils of the Salesian school San José. With the help of some companies and the Deseado community, the water runoff ditches were deepened and the entire canyon was cleaned in order to reduce the danger that pilgrims could face. During the rainy season, a 9-meter-high waterfall is formed that flows into a natural ditch. There, a large cross was placed, modeled by the local meat packing plant (CAP) with materials donated by the YPF company.
On November 23, 1947, accompanied by the Salesians González and Ducó, Major Fernández, along with his wife and members of the parish community, held the first procession to the site, carrying the images of the Virgin of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette, which were placed in the place they occupy today.
Since then, on the last Sunday of November, "Feast of Christ the King", an annual pilgrimage takes place from the city of Puerto Deseado to the grotto of the Virgin of Lourdes.
In addition, in February, to commemorate his day, another annual pilgrimage takes place with the participation of many faithful from all over the country and abroad.
Explore some of the Sanctuary's sites!
AVE MARIA IN LANGUAGES
We pray the Hail Mary with the world!
The initiative to display signs with the Hail Mary in different languages at the Grotto of Lourdes seeks to promote inclusion, cultural diversity and spirituality. By presenting the Hail Mary in multiple languages, people of different nationalities and backgrounds are invited to join in prayer, thus fostering a sense of global community. The Grotto of Lourdes is a place of pilgrimage that welcomes visitors from all over the world. The multilingual signs recognise and value this diversity, creating a space for encounter and unity.
VIA LUCIS
What is a Via Lucis?
A Via Lucis (Way of Light in Latin) is a graphic representation of the Via Crucis, the path that Jesus took to his crucifixion. It is generally made up of a series of panels or stations that show scenes from the Passion of Christ, accompanied by biblical texts or reflections. These paths are usually located in open spaces such as parks, gardens or sanctuaries, and are designed so that the faithful can take a meditative and contemplative journey.
Manger
The Nativity !
The Nativity Scene project at the Grotto of Lourdes is an initiative that seeks to celebrate Christmas in an original and meaningful way. The Nativity Scene is a universal symbol of Christmas and its installation in the sanctuary seeks to strengthen this tradition in the community. The Nativity Scene invites reflection on the birth of Jesus and prayer, offering a place of encounter and spirituality. The construction of the Nativity Scene on the selected site seeks to highlight local identity and create a link between faith and the natural environment.
Explore some of the Sanctuary's sites!
HOLY ROSARY
An Open-Air Prayer Path!
The installation of signs with the Holy Rosary in the Grotto of Lourdes in Puerto Deseado is an initiative that seeks to create a space for prayer and reflection in the open air. The Rosary is one of the most popular prayers in Catholicism and this initiative seeks to promote its practice in a natural and spiritual environment. By installing the signs along a path, the faithful are invited to take a meditative journey, reciting the prayers of the Holy Rosary while contemplating the natural surroundings. The incorporation of the Holy Rosary into the visit to the grotto offers a more complete and meaningful experience for pilgrims and visitors.
LIFE OF MARY
A visual tour through the life of the Virgin Mary!
This initiative proposes to create a visual journey through the life of the Virgin Mary, from her Birth to the Assumption, by installing posters with representative images of each of these moments. By presenting the key moments of Mary's life in a visual manner, the aim is to encourage Marian devotion and reflection on her role in the history of salvation. Through the images and brief explanations, visitors can be educated about the importance of Mary in the Christian faith and her role as a model of virtues. The carefully selected and framed images will contribute to beautifying the surroundings of the grotto and creating an atmosphere of serenity, faith and devotion.
INSIDE
A new chapter in the history of a sanctuary!
The project to enhance the interior of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is an initiative that seeks to enhance the natural and spiritual beauty of this sacred place, improving its conditions and offering a more enriching experience to visitors. The aim was to protect and preserve the geological formation of the grotto, as well as the religious and artistic elements that compose it. Accessibility is improved by facilitating access to the grotto for people with reduced mobility, guaranteeing a safe and comfortable journey for all pilgrims, offering an environment conducive to prayer and reflection.
Landscaping - Recovery of old plaques and the great annual Festival - !
ANNUAL PARTY
An Open-Air Prayer Path!
The installation of signs with the Holy Rosary in the Grotto of Lourdes in Puerto Deseado is an initiative that seeks to create a space for prayer and reflection in the open air. The Rosary is one of the most popular prayers in Catholicism and this initiative seeks to promote its practice in a natural and spiritual environment. By installing the signs along a path, the faithful are invited to take a meditative journey, reciting the prayers of the Holy Rosary while contemplating the natural surroundings. The incorporation of the Holy Rosary into the visit to the grotto offers a more complete and meaningful experience for pilgrims and visitors.
LANDSCAPING
A visual tour through the life of the Virgin Mary!
This initiative proposes to create a visual journey through the life of the Virgin Mary, from her Birth to the Assumption, by installing posters with representative images of each of these moments. By presenting the key moments of Mary's life in a visual manner, the aim is to encourage Marian devotion and reflection on her role in the history of salvation. Through the images and brief explanations, visitors can be educated about the importance of Mary in the Christian faith and her role as a model of virtues. The carefully selected and framed images will contribute to beautifying the surroundings of the grotto and creating an atmosphere of serenity, faith and devotion.
OLD PLATES
A new chapter in the history of a sanctuary!
The project to enhance the interior of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is an initiative that seeks to enhance the natural and spiritual beauty of this sacred place, improving its conditions and offering a more enriching experience to visitors. The aim was to protect and preserve the geological formation of the grotto, as well as the religious and artistic elements that compose it. Accessibility is improved by facilitating access to the grotto for people with reduced mobility, guaranteeing a safe and comfortable journey for all pilgrims, offering an environment conducive to prayer and reflection.
GALLERY - VIA LUCIS
GALLERY - AVE MARIA
Gallery: Nativity scene
Gallery: Holy Rosary
Gallery: Life of Mary
Gallery: Interior
Gallery: Annual Festival
Gallery: Landscaping
Gallery: Plates
Gallery: Income
