This pocket guide combines a mix of practical information, history, devotional commentary, prayers and readings for pilgrims to Lourdes today. Universally known

Lourdes was at the very centre of nineteenth century debates on religion, science and medicine. Both the Church and secularists championed the 'miracle' town as

A novel.

Bernadette, a poor uneducated girl from Lourdes claimed to have seen apparitions at a rock face in 1858. On 25th February, she said that the lady had asked her

Filmmaker Lourdes Portillo sees her mission as "channeling the hopes and dreams of a people." Clearly, political commitment has inspired her choice of subjects.