Gardamas Lourdes was built on a slope next to St. Roch Church in the early 20th century. The niche, made of fieldstones, is about 1.8 meters high. People tell different stories about the origin of the Lourdes. Some say the Virgin Mary appeared at this spot, while others say a man who didn’t believe in God had his child miraculously healed here. In gratitude, the man built the Lourdes. During the Soviet era, the statue’s head was smashed and thrown into the Tenenis stream. This happened while priest Vaitkus was serving; he later oversaw the restoration of the statue.
In front of the Lourdes, there is a spring that never freezes or runs dry. When there was no water on the hill, townspeople would carry buckets to fetch it from the Lourdes. Pilgrims from nearby villages and other parishes would collect the water in bottles to take home as healing water. On the right side of the Lourdes, there are 14 stone steps leading up to the church — the same number as the Stations of the Cross. Elderly people say that climbing these steps is like “walking the stations.”
Our Lourdes is beautiful! It is a place where flowers always bloom and candles always burn. A place where people quietly share their sorrow and joy. A place whose water brings hope and renewal.