Flooding Closes Lourdes Shrine

Flooding this week in southern France forced the shrine at Lourdes to close. 

The grotto and pools were inundated and Masses could only be held indoors, at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, which was not damaged.

Two people died in this week's flooding. Some pilgrims had to be evacuated from the shrine, and various pilgrims cancelled plans to visit the shrine and its pools, which are considered to have healing waters.

French President François Hollande said Thursday that a state of natural disaster would be declared for Lourdes.

To make a donation: 

http://en.lourdes-france.org/content/flood-solidarity-2013