The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has established a new accreditation system for priests and deacons who wish to celebrate in the precinct, with the aim of strengthening the verification of their canonical authorization.
According to the Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, Monsignor Jean-Marc Micas, the measure involves the systematic verification of the celebret, the ecclesiastical document that certifies that an ordained minister is authorized to exercise his ministry.
Mandatory Verification of the celebret
Every year, Lourdes receives thousands of priests from various countries. In this context, the diocese seeks to ensure that all ministers who celebrate in the sanctuary meet the canonical requirements established by the Church.
Although the obligation to carry this accreditation is not new, from now on its verification will be mandatory in all cases. This decision is framed within the commitments adopted by the bishops of France, which include the implementation of an electronic celebret for ordained ministers.
Two Procedures Depending on the Type of Pilgrimage
The new system distinguishes between those who attend organized pilgrimages and those who do so individually.
In the case of groups, organizers must pre-register priests and deacons on the sanctuary’s platform, certifying that there are no restrictions on them. Upon arrival, they will receive nominative credentials valid for the current year.
For ministers traveling on their own, the procedure is carried out directly at the sanctuary’s Information Center, where they must present their celebret to obtain their accreditation.
In both cases, it is emphasized that the document must always be carried with them, regardless of the prior registration system.
A Measure Due to the High Influx of Pilgrims
The implementation of this system responds to a desire to strengthen control and accountability mechanisms in the exercise of the ministry, especially in a place of international influx like Lourdes.
Bishop Micas has pointed out that the application of the new procedure may require an adaptation period, so he has asked for understanding and collaboration from priests and deacons who come to the sanctuary.
Likewise, he has urged to widely disseminate this information in the dioceses to ensure that all ministers are informed before their arrival.