The year 2008 marks the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous. Over the last century and a half Lourdes has grown and developed as a center for pilgrims from all over the world, from every walk of life, from various Christian traditions and from other faiths.

 

In this special anniversary book, Jacques Perrier, the Bishop of Tarbres and Lourdes, looks to the future and sets out what he sees as the twelve missions of Lourdes. These include the mission to the sick and the disabled, to the young and the marginalized. Each chapter is followed by a personal experience relating to the particular theme. The 150th anniversary celebration of the Lourdes apparitions runs throughout 2008. This book is the official pastoral presentation of the event.

 

Jacques Perrier, born in 1936, was ordained priest in the Diocese of Paris in 1964. After fifteen years as a university chaplain, he became a parish priest, then Rector of NotreDame cathedral in Paris. He was Bishop of Chartres before becoming Bishop of Tarbres and Lourdes. He has written a number of books on catechesis and on other subjects.