Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes is one of the most revered Marian apparitions in the Catholic Church, which took place in Lourdes, France, in 1858. The apparitions occurred over a period of several months, from February 11 to July 16, when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared eighteen times to a young peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous. These events have since transformed Lourdes into a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of visitors annually who seek physical and spiritual healing.

The first apparition took place in a grotto near the Gave de Pau river. During these appearances, the Virgin Mary revealed herself to Bernadette as the Immaculate Conception, a title that had been recently defined by the Church. She instructed Bernadette to drink from a spring in the grotto and to build a chapel on the site. Although no spring was visible at the time, Bernadette followed the instruction and began to dig in the ground. Soon, a small stream of water appeared, which has since become a source of miraculous healings and a focal point for pilgrims.

The message of Our Lady of Lourdes emphasizes faith, penance, and prayer. The Virgin Mary did not deliver any specific messages but her presence and the subsequent miracles associated with the spring have inspired countless people to deepen their faith and trust in God's mercy. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, built around the grotto, now includes several churches, chapels, and facilities for pilgrims. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X are among the notable structures.

Pilgrims from all over the world visit Lourdes, often bringing the sick and infirm, hoping for cures or spiritual comfort. The International Medical Committee of Lourdes (CILM) carefully investigates reported healings, and only those that cannot be explained by medical science are officially recognized as miracles. The devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes continues to grow, and her intercession is sought by many in times of need, making Lourdes a symbol of hope and healing for the faithful.