Customer Reviews

Miracle of Lourdes

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I read the 1988 third revised edition by Ruth Cranston. From what I can gather, Ms Cranston was a woman who developed a strong interest in Lourdes and miracles. As a Protestant she approached the task as a researcher and gained the support of Catholic authorities, medical personnel and those who attended, worked there or had benefited from visits to Lourdes.

If you are considering an academic study of miracles I think you would find this book helpful as a 'near' ethnographic study as the author has attempted to remain unbiased (it is not one of the 'faithful' writing about 'faithful' things), has described the process of how miracles are officially recognised. Religious terms are used to describe religious events but it is not a 'religious' book per se and uses factual language and cites sources where known. It is also interesting in the individual stories and as she describes a 'year in Lourdes' as it unfolds from event to event. Although dated, I think it still a useful resource for any anthropological, theological, or healing systems research work.

I have been to Lourdes twice myself and read this after my first visit. Lourdes is a very tourist visited town - there are the souvenir shops and all that, catering for what is said to be the second most visited place in France (after Paris). However, on another level, Lourdes is unique in that everyone there is open to a hope and/or faith experience, which brings a sense of connection that Ruth Cranston reflects in her book. many receive healing on some level - if only from fulfilling a wish to be there, or to make some sort of personal journey, even if they did not know what they sought before they arrived. Healing takes many forms, as the book points out.

Ruth Cranston's book adequately describes the desperate hope of some, the quiet faith of others, the healing to those who are not of any religious faith. As well the rigorous and scientific process that cures are put through before being declared a miracle is described. There have been only 67 declared miracles since the early 1960's but with six million visitors a year, 'something' persists in the human response to Lourdes, and it is not limited to those of the Catholic religious faith.

This is a very compelling account of Lourdes written by a protestant,and, therefore ,would be a good present to give to someone who is suspicious of Roman Catholics, and their beliefs.
As a Catholic,I am not required to believe in any personal revelation,but a visit to lourdes is a must for all,irrespective of belief. This book will be a great help to those who are searching for meaning in their lives.

Medical cures with no scientific explanation--Well documented, easy to read. Should be read by all young people who have doubts about God. Written by a Protestant journalist.