Museum pieces at Lourdes

There is an interesting museum at Lourdes, across the road from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. It is interesting because there is an air of uncertainty about it. Various vestments are on display but a small-print notice says that the vestments may be used occasionally.

Here is a set donated by the Scots Bishops in 1920 for Masses for those who died in the first World War:

Then there is a set donated by the French Bishops for the consecration of the Basilica of the Rosary in 1901:

And here is a chasuble made specially for the consecration of the Basilica of St Pius X by Cardinal Roncalli in 1958 (he became Pope John XXIII later that year):

This is one of the altars set up in the grotto itself. It was made of wood, decorated with silver:

I mentioned the relics of St Bernadette. Here are the altar rails that were originally placed in front of the outside altar - autel, not hotel as I rather foolishly misunderstood:-) (Thanks to commenters for pointing this out.)

The model in the middle is the projected shrine for the relicsof St Bernadette. It was never realised but perhaps one day...

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