Marian Apparitions: Lourdes
Lourdes, France, 1858
Witness
St. Bernadette Soubirous
Summary
On February 11, 14-year-old Bernadette saw a 'Lady in White' praying the Rosay when separated from her companions near a Grotto. Two days later she returned but her companions could not see the 'Lady' with whom she prayed.
On a third visit the 'Lady' asked her to return to the Grotto for more fifteen times which she did when she felt an 'interior impulse'.
A Madame Millet and a few others recognized the reality of what was happening despite the fact that she, like everyone else but Bernadette, could not see or hear anything and gave support and encouragement to the young girl.
A miraculous spring, a visible sign, was found where Bernadette was instructed to dig on February 25, which some began to bottle and distribute with often miraculous results.
On March 25, the Lady revealed her long sought-after name saying "I am the Immaculate Conception". On April 7 the flames of a candle burning under Bernadette's fingers during her 'ecstasy'
failed to damage her skin (in the presence of a doctor and over 3,000 witnesses). The final appearance was on July 16.
Messages/Prophecies
Feb: 18: "I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the next"
Young Bernadette was subjected to teasing, harsh accusations and hostility by everyone from government officials to members of her own family. She suffered from
asthma and unending, unwanted attention (stating she was "gawked at" like "some freak animal"). Tuberculosis of the bone eventually crippled and took her life at age 35. Her body is still incorrupt and on display in Nevers in a glass coffin.
Feb. 21: "Pray for the sinners"
Feb: 24: "Penitence...penitence...penitence"
Feb. 25: " Go, drink and wash in the fountain"
Bernadette's digging uncovered a muddy trickle which because a steady stream whose waters have been responsible for countless cures (many publicly verified).
Feb. 27: "Go and tell the Priests to have a Chapel built here"
Mar. 2: "I wish people to come here in procession"
After initial incredulity and resistance on the part of local priests, a Basilica was finally completed in 1871. Over four million pilgrims visit there yearly accompanied by many healings and answered prayers.
Mar. 25: "I am the Immaculate Conception"
On the Feast of the Annunciation, the 'Lady' identified herself in a way that young Bernadette could not have theologically understood, which added a supernatural confirmation of the Pope Pius IX's proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception three years previously.
Additional Online Resources
Extensive Account of the Apparitions
Lourdes Info and Listing of Documented Cures
Books About Lourdes
(After entering the site, click on 'Subject Listing' and then 'Apparitions')
Return to Apparitions Page