Our Lady of Lourdes is an apparition of Mary that occurred in France in 1878 over the course of a few days. This apparition shares connections with the Fatima, Garbandal, and Medjugorje apparitions, namely with Our Lady revealing secrets to the children she appeared to.
One day, while collecting firewood with her sister, a 14 year old girl named Bernadette Soubirous stopped to take off her stockings before wading through nearby water. As she stopped, she noticed the sound of two large gusts of wind nearby. Even so, the nearby trees and bushes did not sway. In a nearby alcove, Bernadette noticed a dazzling light, as well as a figure clad in white. There she noticed a lady, wearing all white with a blue belt around her waist and yellow roses on each foot. The lady carried a rosary with white beads and a chain that was the same color as the roses on her feet. The lady smiled at Bernadette and asked her to pray the Rosary with her.
Three days later, Bernadette returned to the Grotto with holy water in hand to ensure that the apparition was not of evil origin. They threw the holy water, and the lady just smiled and bowed. When Bernadette got home, her parents ordered her to not visit the Grotto again. Four days later, however, Bernadette visited the lady anyway.
The lady requested that Bernadette visit the Grotto every day for fifteen days. The lady did not state the reason for these visits, but she promised Bernadette that even though she may not be happy in this world, she would be in the next. Each time Bernadette would visit the Grotto, more and more people would come to see what was taking place. The onlookers could not see the lady, but it was apparent that something was happening as Bernadette’s face became transfigured and illuminated during the apparitions.
During the eleventh apparition, the lady asked Bernadette to tell the clergy to build a chapel on the site of the Grotto. It wasn’t until the sixteenth visit, which happened to be on the feast of the Annunciation, that the lady revealed who she was… “I am the Immaculate Conception.” After the eighteenth and last apparition, Bernadette joined the order of the Sisters of Charity. Bernadette lived to be 35, and was canonized a saint 54 years later.
Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
Ever Immaculate Virgin Mother of Mercy, Health of the sick, refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; look with mercy on me. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure for their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.
I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.
