After Bernadette: The Story of Modern Lourdes

After Bernadette: The Story of Modern Lourdes by Don Sharkey is a comprehensive account of the history and evolution of the famous pilgrimage site of Lourdes in France. The book explores the transformation of Lourdes from a small, rural town to a bustling center of religious tourism and devotion, tracing the development of the shrine and its significance to the Catholic Church and the world at large.The story begins with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, which brought worldwide attention to Lourdes and led to the construction of the famous grotto and basilica. Sharkey then delves into the subsequent growth of the shrine and the various individuals and organizations that have played a role in its development.Throughout the book, Sharkey also examines the controversies and challenges that have faced Lourdes over the years, including the tension between commercialization and spirituality, the rise of secularism and skepticism, and the ongoing debate over the authenticity of the apparitions.Drawing on extensive research and interviews with key figures, After Bernadette provides a fascinating and nuanced portrait of one of the most beloved and complex religious sites in the world.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.