A turning point in the Virgin's message
On 27 February 1858, Bernadette Soubirous witnessed the tenth apparition of the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle. By this time, the apparitions were already arousing great fervour among the people of Lourdes, and pilgrims were beginning to flock to witness these miraculous events. In this tenth apparition, the Virgin insisted on the importance of prayer, penance and faith, while subtly introducing the theme of spiritual healing.
The symbolism of water continues
This apparition follows closely on the heels of Bernadette's discovery of the miraculous spring within the grotto. The faithful begin to recognise this water as a symbol of purification and healing, not only physical, but also spiritual. The Virgin Mary encouraged Bernadette to continue this mission of faith, using the water as a means of drawing closer to God and purifying souls.
More and more pilgrims came to the grotto, not only to witness the apparitions, but also to drink and wash with this water, hoping for miraculous cures. Water thus became a central element of the apparitions, reinforcing the message of penitence and purification.
A call to conversion and prayer
During this tenth apparition, the Virgin Mary reiterated her call to pray for sinners and to convert hearts. Bernadette, with her unshakeable faith, continues to pass on the messages she receives from the Virgin, even if she does not always fully understand their significance. Her mission becomes clearer and clearer: she must help others turn to God, through prayer, penance, and faith.
On this day, Bernadette, as usual, kneels humbly in the grotto, surrounded by the faithful. The atmosphere was charged with silent prayer and recollection, with an increasingly large crowd coming to seek divine grace.
Bernadette's faith in the face of scepticism
While the Virgin's message continued to resonate through Bernadette, the local and religious authorities remained sceptical. Despite the growing fervour surrounding the apparitions, many officials still doubt their authenticity. Bernadette, humble and discreet, remains focused on her mission, refusing to be distracted by criticism or the growing notoriety of the events.
This tenth apparition strengthens the faith of Bernadette and the pilgrims, reminding them that prayer and penance are essential keys to spiritual healing.
A step towards spiritual healing
The tenth Marian apparition in Lourdes marks an important milestone in the spiritual journey of Bernadette and the faithful. Through the miraculous water and the calls to prayer, the Virgin Mary continues to guide everyone towards inner purification, stressing the importance of conversion and faith. This moment of recollection in the grotto of Massabielle, though discreet, helps to anchor Lourdes as a place of healing and prayer for millions of pilgrims around the world.
