The history of Lourdes is deeply linked to a major religious event that took place in the 19th century, involving a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous. This is the story of Lourdes:
The apparition of the Virgin Mary:
The story of Lourdes begins on 11 February 1858 when Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl, accompanied by her sister and a friend, went to the grotto of Massabielle near Lourdes, a small town in the French Pyrenees. It was there that Bernadette claimed to have seen a beautiful lady who revealed herself to be the Virgin Mary in several apparitions.
The apparitions:
Bernadette recounted that the Lady had appeared to her 18 times between 11 February and 16 July 1858. During these apparitions, the Lady is said to have asked Bernadette to pray for the conversion of sinners, to build a chapel on the site of the apparition, and to drink and wash in a spring of water that gushed out at that spot.
The miracle of the spring:
On 25 February 1858, the Virgin Mary is said to have told Bernadette to dig the ground at the spot where she had seen the apparition. Bernadette obeyed, and a miraculous spring of water gushed up from the ground. This spring, now known as the "grotto spring", is renowned for its alleged curative properties.
The ecclesiastical investigations:
The apparitions and Bernadette's accounts were greeted with scepticism by the local religious authorities. However, after a thorough investigation, the Catholic Church eventually recognised the authenticity of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette.
The construction of the chapel:
In response to the Virgin Mary's request, a chapel known as the "Chapel of the Virgin" or "Chapel of the Grotto" was built on the site of the apparition. It has become a major place of pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world.
Lourdes becomes a place of pilgrimage:
Over the decades, Lourdes has become one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the world, attracting millions of faithful every year. Pilgrims come to pray, wash in the spring waters, and hope for miraculous cures.
The shrines of Lourdes:
The shrines of Lourdes, including the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of the Rosary, and the Grotto of Massabielle, are important reference points in the town and host regular religious ceremonies.
Papal recognition:
In 1933, Pope Pius XI canonised Bernadette Soubirous, recognising her as a saint of the Catholic Church.
The history of Lourdes is therefore closely linked to the Catholic faith and the presumed apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous. The town continues to welcome millions of pilgrims every year and remains a symbol of faith, hope and healing for many people around the world.
