Expressions of ‘liminality’ among post-Covid-19 visitors to Lourdes

Abstract

This study examines the extent of the applicability of Victor Turner’s ‘communitas’ to ‘liminality’, as experienced by pilgrims to Lourdes, a holy shrine for Christians, especially for Catholics. The study is based on empirical research conducted in multiple languages on location at the time when the Covid-19 restrictions were being lifted. A socio-linguistic approach is used to establish the value scales used by the pilgrims, using a validated instrument, the Hall-Tonna Values Inventory. The findings point out that liminal transformations need not always be part of communal experiences, even if they are superficially perceived to be taking part in the public sphere. The findings contribute to a further analysis of religion in modern society as perceived by Thomas Luckmann in his classic work Invisible Religion.