In the mood for a refreshing, peppy cocktail?
Nathalie and Frédéric have come up with a non-alcoholic lemon and ginger recipe for a quick, easy and deliciously invigorating drink!
A concentrate of freshness and energy to enjoy on any occasion.
Pxl 20250801 173237608.mp The recipe for the lemon-ginger cocktailAn invigorating duo!
La Cité Saint-Pierrean indirect heir to Henri Lasserre's Rotonde
Rotonde Des Pelerins433 Credit Archives Sanctuaire Ndl Copy 1On the 70th anniversary of the Cité Saint-Pierre, let’s take a look in the rear-view mirror.
What did exist in the 20th century, before the Cité Saint-Pierre, for the precarious pilgrims who wanted to stay in Lourdes? Not much!
Then, shortly after the apparitions, a shelter was built: the “Rotonde”.
Financed by Henri Lasserre for the Œuvres de la Grotte and designed by the architect Rondy (who at the time was responsible for the embellishment of the Bois de Boulogne), it was built in the Sanctuary on the site where the information centre now stands.
Henri Lasserre, historian and first biographer of Bernadette Soubirous and the Lourdes apparitions, felt deep pity when he saw the innumerable multitudes coming to the Shrine in search of a place to sit and a roof over their heads.
Shortly after the apparitions, he helped to promote Lourdes and pilgrimages through his various works, which became best-sellers in the 19th century.
Far from the makeshift shelter often described, the Rotunda, which was entirely free of charge, was minimalist but carefully decorated. With its thatched roof, it had 70 beautiful marble tables as well as a head table. According to the press at the time, it could hold 1,200 pilgrims. It also had a beautiful statue of Notre Dame and a fountain at its centre.
Like the Cité Saint-Pierre, the Rotonde was forbidden to “merchant monopolies” – anyone could bring their own provisions.
Built in 1872, this simple yet beautiful structure disappeared in 1879, after only 7 years of existence. It wasn’t until 1 August 1955 that Secours Catholique took up the idea of welcoming pilgrims to Lourdes unconditionally and without compensation.
Jérôme
Creation WeekMeeting with Arnaud Favart
Arnaud Favart, a priest of the Mission de France, spoke at Cité Saint-Pierre as part of Laudato Si’ Week.
In this issue of La Bergerie, Arnaud shares his thoughts on Cité Saint-Pierre’s approach and commitment to integral development.
Myriam
Living Laudato Si'at Cité Saint-Pierre
In this special period of the ‘Time of Creation’ (1 September to 4 October 2025), let’s take a look back at the 10 days of Laudato Si’ experienced here.
These days were an opportunity to reconnect deeply with creation, to reflect on our responsibility towards nature and to strengthen our links with others, with the Creator and with ourselves.
These experiences are not limited to these ten days: they accompany us and are lived throughout the year, in our daily actions, in our choices and in our encounters.
Here’s a summary of some inspiring moments.
Annick, Riccardo & Sandrine
"We need a conversion that unites us all, because the environmental challenge we are facing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all".
Encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis
Lourdes, a pilgrim's way
Welcome to “Lourdes, a pilgrim’s way”, the logbook for those who walk… not just to move forward, but to find themselves!
Here, each episode is a stop, a moment’s pause on the pilgrim’s way. Whether you’re already on the move, about to set off, or simply in search of meaning, this podcast invites you to listen to the steps, the silences, the encounters… and the inner voices.
We’ll be talking about faith, doubts, landscapes, fatigue, light – the little things that become essential when you move forward slowly, carried along by something bigger. So lace up your shoes, open your heart… and let’s walk together.
Véronique
Lourdes-un-chemin-pelerin.mp3Lourdes, un chemin pèlerin.
News Cité Saint-Pierre1955-2025: 70 years serving the little ones!
Dear friends,
Dear volunteers,
What a pleasure it is to share with you some of the highlights of this year’s Cité Saint-Pierre!
Cité Saint-Pierre is celebrating its 70th anniversary! It welcomes many pilgrims on the pastoral theme “for 70 years, pilgrims of hope, witnesses of resurrection”.
To carry out its mission, the Cité Saint-Pierre benefits from the kindness of many people whom we would like to honour.
Over the years, they have helped to build and enliven this unique place: the Shrine and the bishops, the delegations and the entire Secours Catholique network, pilgrims from all walks of life, those working to combat poverty, volunteers, benefactors, employees, partners and official representatives.
From April to October, a number of events are planned to celebrate together the four pillars of the Cité Saint-Pierre’s mission: welcome, charity, fraternity and commitment.
Laudato Si' Weekfrom 12 to 21 May 2025
For the second year running, our community took part in the international Laudato Si’ movement, which marked the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical.
The staff team rallied round to organise a number of events inspired by the encyclical: a workshop on making household products run by the Housekeeping department, a walk to the summit of Béout with the Technical Services and Bursar’s office team, a seasonal meal prepared by the Kitchen team and, finally, visits to local initiatives, such as the recycling centre in Vic-en-Bigorre, organised by the Events team.
We were also delighted to welcome Arnaud Favart, a priest from the Mission de France and delegate for the rural mission for the Conférence des Évêques de France, who gave a talk on the theme: “Can ecology encourage dialogue between people, with nature and with God? We invite you to watch his interview a little further up in this Bergerie.
These times of sharing have enabled us to revisit our relationships with God, with others, with nature and with ourselves.
I would like to extend my warmest thanks to the entire team of employees who worked so hard, and Cité Saint-Pierre looks forward to seeing you again next year.
70 Years Mass
70 Years Speech
70 Years Apero
70 Years Gateau
70 Annual Dance Party70 years of the Cité Saint-Pierre! 🎉1st August 2025
We celebrated a highly symbolic anniversary: 70 years of Cité Saint-Pierre serving the most vulnerable! In 1955, Cité Saint-Pierre was born out of a strong conviction on the part of Monsignor Jean Rodhain, founder of Secours Catholique: to enable anyone in a very precarious situation to experience the Lourdes pilgrimage in dignity.
To mark this anniversary, pilgrims, volunteers, partners, friends of the Cité Saint-Pierre and members of the Réseau Saint Laurent joined us in a joyful and fraternal atmosphere.
The evening began with an open-air mass at the Cathédrale de Verdure, presided over by Father François Odinet – general chaplain of Secours Catholique, in the presence of Father Michel Daubanes – rector of the Lourdes Sanctuary and Father Jean-François Penhouet – chaplain of Cité Saint-Pierre.
Following the celebration, a convivial aperitif prepared by our kitchen team was served on the forecourt of the Accueil. This was followed by a flashmob by the Saint Laurent Network, which got everyone’s hearts and faces dancing, and whose presence was particularly significant. This network, which brings together people living in very precarious conditions, was itself created 20 years ago, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Cité Saint-Pierre.
During the convivial dinner, the participants blew out the candles on the anniversary cake, as a sign of communion and hope for the future. The Cité Saint-Pierre volunteers then performed a sketch full of humour and humanity. Singing and dancing brought the evening to a close.
La Cité saint-Pierre continues to inspire and bring together, 70 years after its creation, women and men determined to build a fairer and more humane society.
We hope to see you soon to continue this wonderful mission together!
Guilhem, Director of La Cité Saint-Pierre
