The discovery of the spring

On 25 February 1858, during the ninth apparition of the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle, a significant event occurred. The Virgin asked Bernadette to "drink from the spring and wash". However, there was no visible spring there. Following Our Lady's instructions, Bernadette scratched the floor of the grotto with her hands and discovered a small puddle of muddy water.

At first, this gesture seemed strange and caused incomprehension among the witnesses present. However, the water gradually gushed out of the earth and eventually formed a real spring, now considered miraculous. This water, which became a symbol of healing and purification, soon attracted pilgrims from Lourdes and beyond.

The message of purification and penance

This ninth apparition reinforces the message of penance already delivered during the previous encounters between Bernadette and the Virgin. The request to wash and drink from the spring symbolises an act of purification, a call to inner conversion. The water from the spring thus becomes a powerful symbol of healing, not only physical, but also spiritual.

The Virgin Mary once again stresses the importance of praying for sinners, inviting Bernadette to perform these acts of penance for the redemption of humanity. Through this symbolic action, the Virgin guides believers towards a path of purification and return to God.

Reactions of witnesses and authorities

When Bernadette scratches the ground to find the spring, many of the witnesses present react with perplexity. The gesture seemed strange, and the water, initially murky and dirty, did not inspire confidence. However, Bernadette's perseverance and subsequent events would show that the spring was a divine sign.

The local and religious authorities continued to remain cautious about these events. Nevertheless, the first cures attributed to the water from the spring began to arouse curiosity and strengthen the faith of pilgrims.

A turning point in the apparitions

This ninth apparition marked a turning point in the course of Marian events at Lourdes. The discovery of the miraculous spring quickly attracted the attention of the faithful and transformed the grotto at Massabielle into a place of healing and prayer. The link between the water and spiritual purification was now established, and pilgrims began to flock to wash in the water.

With the ninth apparition, Lourdes was gradually transformed into a major place of pilgrimage, where thousands of people would come to pray and seek healing.

A miracle of purification

The ninth Marian apparition at Lourdes is a fundamental moment in the history of the apparitions. The discovery of the miraculous spring embodies the message of purification, penance, and faith that the Virgin Mary wishes to convey through Bernadette. On that day, Lourdes came even closer to its destiny as a place of healing and prayer for millions of believers around the world.