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THE TORCHLIGHT (MARIAN) PROCESSION The Torchlight procession dates back to the earliest times when pilgrims would end their day’s pilgrimage by saying the Rosary together and singing hymns to Our Lady and takes place every evening, starting at 9.00pm. As a pilgrimage we take part in the procession on one evening during the week, but pilgrims may take part on other evenings if they wish. On the evening when we are officially processing as a diocese we will gather and form up behind the diocesan banner. Pilgrims in wheelchairs or on stretchers gather in one area, walkers in another, the two groups coming together when the procession begins. This start is symbolic as we will journey from separation to unity. All participants carry a lighted candle which is a reminder of our baptism, when we received the gift of faith. In Lourdes, the candle-lit procession bears witness to our faith, hope and love of God and a reminder that we are called to be “the light of Christ” to all we meet in the world. During the procession the Rosary will be prayed in a variety of languages, reflecting the different nationalities present in Lourdes at the time. However the ‘Glory be’ is always said in Latin, because Our Lady joined in with Bernadette on the Glory Be of each decade that she recited. The following two hymns are also usually sung: “Immaculate Mary” and “Holy Virgin, by God’s decree” – these hymns are often printed on the paper candle holder. Having processed right round the Esplanade, those using wheelchairs are placed at the foot of the Basilica steps. While this is happening walkers are directed into processing from side to side of rosary square, which prolongs the procession and creates a wonderful weaving of light, as night falls. Eventually all those processing are gathered in front of the Rosary Basilica and the evening concludes with a hymn to Our Lady, usually the “Salve Regina”, after which pilgrims will be invited to offer one another a sign of peace. After the procession some people like to go to the Grotto or to the candle bank to continue their prayer. 86
