The Basilica of St Pius X in Lourdes, Underground Masterpiece and Shrine of Fait

Located at the heart of the Lourdes sanctuary, the Basilica of St Pius X is a unique site. This underground masterpiece, built to accommodate thousands of pilgrims, combines architectural prowess with spiritual significance. Let's discover together the history and features of this iconic basilica.

History and Background to the Construction

Origins of the Project

The Basilica of St Pius X was born of the vision of Pierre-Marie Théas, bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, who, with the support of Pope Pius XII, wanted to provide a shelter capable of protecting pilgrims during processions in the event of bad weather. In 1956, a vast project was launched to build this underground sanctuary. The idea was to create a space large enough to accommodate the huge crowds that visit Lourdes every year.

Chronology of the Construction

The work began in March 1956, after the destruction of the ‘Monument of Peace’, and was carried out with impressive speed. The site was blessed in May 1956 by Cardinal Gerlier, and the basilica was consecrated on 25 March 1958 by Angelo Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII. This consecration coincided with the centenary of the apparitions of the Holy Mary to Bernadette Soubirous.

Dedication to Saint Pius X

The basilica is dedicated to Saint Pius X, who was canonised in 1954. Pius X, nicknamed the ‘Pope of the Eucharist’, played a crucial role in opening up access to this sacrament, particularly for children. This link with the Eucharist is particularly resonant at Lourdes, where Bernadette Soubirous' faith, centred on this sacrament, is omnipresent.

Architectural features

A subterranean basilica

Built entirely beneath the esplanade of the sanctuaries of Lourdes, the Basilica of Saint Pius X is a unique architectural work. It is located below the level of the Gave de Pau, which meant that the construction required a great deal of technical prowess. Architect Pierre Vago, in collaboration with engineer Eugène Freyssinet, designed a pre-stressed concrete structure that resists the constraints of the soil and groundwater.

Architectural engineering

The basilica was built using state-of-the-art techniques for the time, making extensive use of prestressed concrete. This material was used to create concrete porticos that support the vault while freeing up the interior space. The management of underground water, evacuated by pumps, was another technical feat that enabled the integrity of this underground structure to be maintained.

Space and capacity

The Basilica of St Pius X has an ellipsoidal shape with a length of 201 metres and a width of 81 metres. Despite its limited height of 10 metres, it can accommodate up to 25,000 people. The central altar is visible from all the seats, thanks to an ingenious arrangement of porticoes. The two wide entrances, located at opposite ends, allow a fluid and organised flow of pilgrims.

Art and Furniture

The Gemmaux

The gemmail stained glass windows in the Basilica of St Pius X are a veritable artistic treasure trove. There are three main themes: the Way of the Cross, the mysteries of the Rosary, and Bernadette's path of light. These works, by renowned artists such as Denys de Solère and René Margotton, captivate visitors with their beauty and spiritual depth.

The hangings

Forty-eight hangings adorn the interior perimeter of the basilica, depicting saints and blessed from every era and every continent. These hangings, suspended from the ceiling, symbolise the universality of the Church and the communion of saints. They are displayed in chronological order, according to the dates of their liturgical feasts.

The Organ

The organ in St Pius X Basilica is an imposing instrument, with four manuals, a pedalboard and fifty-four stops. It was built in the Spanish Basque country and inaugurated in 1969. After restructuring in the 1990s and rebuilding after the 2013 flood, this organ remains a central element of the ceremonies celebrated in the basilica.

The ‘Pax Christi’

Chapel

The Relics

The ‘Pax Christi’ Chapel houses precious relics, including those of Saint Pius X, Saint John Paul II, Hildegard of Bingen, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. These relics are venerated by pilgrims who come to meditate and pray for the reconciliation of peoples, a central theme in this chapel.

The Pax Christi Chapel is dedicated to peace and reconciliation between nations. It is a place of intense prayer, where pilgrims gather to ask for peace in the world, drawing on the example of the saints whose relics are kept here.

Current Use

Masses and Events

The Basilica of St Pius X is the setting for the Lourdes International Masses, which bring together thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. These celebrations, marked by their solemnity and fervour, are among the most important moments in religious life at Lourdes.

Impact of the 2013 Floods

The 2013 flood was a landmark event for the Basilica of St Pius X, which found itself transformed into a lake. Efforts to restore the basilica after this disaster were considerable, and today it continues to serve as a place of prayer and recollection for pilgrims.

Conclusion

The Basilica of St Pius X is more than just a religious building. It is a place where faith and human ingenuity come together to create a unique space, capable of welcoming thousands of faithful who come to pray and meditate. On your next pilgrimage to Lourdes, be sure to visit this impressive basilica, a symbol of the universal welcome offered by the shrine.

To find out more about the history and significance of the Assumption, you can visit our previous article on the Assumption.