Lourdes - 150 anniversary in May

If you are planning to be in Lourdes around the 29-30 May, book your accommodation now! Journalists, editors, publishers, marketing professionals and all those involved in the field of social communications will join in a special jubilee celebration in Lourdes this May, as part of the itinerary marking the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady.
The first day will focus on interreligious dialogue, with the theme "Mary, Pilgrimages and the Great Religions of the World."
The second day will focus on "Means of Communication as Agents of Peace and Dialogue" and will include activities following in the footsteps of St. Bernadette Soubirois.

Re: Lourdes - Pope to visit France

The French episcopal conference confirmed today the dates for Benedict XVI's trip to France marking the 150th anniversary of the Lourdes apparitions.
The Pope will arrive in Paris on Sept. 12. He is scheduled to meet with civil leaders, including President Nicolas Sarkozy. Later on, he will give a discourse directed to the world of culture.
That evening in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Holy Father will celebrate vespers with priests, deacons, religious and seminarians. Afterward, he will give an address to youth.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Pontiff will celebrate a public Mass. Also during his time in the capital city, Benedict XVI will meet with representatives of other Christian confessions, as well as Jewish and Muslim leaders, the French bishops reported.
Saturday afternoon, the Holy Father will travel to Lourdes, where he will give an address to the pilgrims.
Sunday, Sept. 14, the Pope will preside over a solemn Mass with the pilgrims. That afternoon, he will meet with French bishops and participate in a Eucharistic procession.
The next day, the Holy Father will administer the anointing of the sick during a Mass. He will return to Rome that Monday afternoon.