Lourdes also featured a weekend for couples, inviting both heterosexual and homosexual couples. A flyer released by the Lourdes diocese Friday urged: "Come to Lourdes to say I love you." It was part of an effort called "Operation St. Valentine," meant to encourage visitors to the pilgrimage site in light of decreasing numbers over the past few years.Sanctuary treasurer Thierry Castillo clarified that the weekend was "open to all kinds of couples -- married, not married, homosexual ..."