Our Lady of Lourdes

Location: Lourdes, France
Date: 1858

Summary:
Bernadette Soubirous was born January 7, 1844, into a poor family.  Beginning February 11, 1858, Bernadette encountered Our Blessed Mother near “the grotto” in Lourdes.  The first apparition was of Mary in a golden cloud.  Initially, Bernadette’s mother would not allow her to return to the grotto, but eventually allowed her to to go back starting February 18.  For the next 15 days, Bernadette returned to the grotto where Mary appeared to her.  News of the apparition spread, and large crowds began to form.  During this time, Mary gave Bernadette a secret personal prayer never revealed, and had Bernadette dig a hole revealing a spring which she is told to drink and bathe her face in.  Mary asked that a chapel be built on this spot. The final visitation occured on July 16, 1858. After the apparition, Bernadette became a nun with the Sisters of Nevers.  She tried to keep a low profile, explaining that she was simply a broom once used by Our Lady.  Bernadette died April 16, 1879, at the age of 35.

Interesting Facts:
-After Bernadette dug up the spring at the grotto, it instantly became a source of healing, which is visited by crowds of pilgrims to this day.
-Mary described herself as the “Immaculate Conception” during the March 25 visitation.
-During one of the visitations Bernadette was not burned or injured by a candle flame which she put her hand through.
-In 1925, Bernadette’s body was exhumed and found to be incorrupt.  She was consequently beatified by Pope Pius XI.
-In 1933, Bernadette was canonized by Pius XI on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.