Article in El Mercurio (daily newspaper of Santiago, Chile) about our church,
March 28, 2010

SHRINE AND BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
  The grotto, which was built in 1908, sustained severe damages. The upper part of the statue of the Blessed Virgin was partially destroyed. The bell-tower is detached from its base and leaning on its side. A number of alcoves with images of Our Lady's apparitions to Bernadette reveal serious cracks and defacement caused by the earthquake. In the Basilica, cracks in the dome and central nave are visible. The main cross atop the dome is now hanging to one side and presents a danger to passers-by on Santo Domingo Street. Large pieces of cement and brick in the residence of the priests and brothers have fallen to the ground. The alcove that enshrines the main statue of the Blessed Mother suffered major damage to several pillars. Several of the magnificent stained glass windows have fallen out and need to be restored by the workshop where they were originally made "Atelier Loire", in Chartres (France). The estimated cost of repairs: $350,000, not counting the costs to repair the stained glass windows.

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