The Miracle Doctor of Lourdes

Candlelit procession ICN/JS

Heart and Soul, on the BBC World Service recently broadcast this programme about Lourdes.

Presenter John Laurenson to hears pilgrim stories and meets Dr Giana Monami whose job is to investigate imiracles. Her 'Bureau de Constatation' brings the cold analysis of science to claims of instant, otherwise-inexplicable, permanent healings. There have been 72 so far.

Dr Monami talks about her investigations and the other miracles that happen here. Those that are healed in their hearts. That find God. That end addictions. And there is another Lourdes miracle: the extraordinary solidarity shown by the thousands of mostly-very young 'hospitalier' volunteers who help the sick and disabled people who come - also in their thousands - to turn their pain into joy and their suffering into hope.

Listen to the programme here: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0033dmp

(It's available for over a year)