After the 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous between 11 February and 16 July 1858, Lourdes became an essential place of pilgrimage for millions of believers around the world. These extraordinary events not only transformed Bernadette's life, but also had a profound impact on the local community, the Catholic Church and Christian spirituality. Read more...

Historical and Social Background At the time, France was in the midst of a period of social and political upheaval. Lourdes, a rural village, was affected by poverty and illiteracy. Against this difficult backdrop, Bernadette, from a modest family, went to the grotto at Massabielle with her sister and a friend to gather wood. This ordinary moment was transformed into an extraordinary encounter with the divine. Read more...

The revelation of the Immaculate ConceptionDuring this apparition, the Virgin Mary introduced herself to Bernadette as "the Immaculate Conception", a statement that strengthened the faith of many believers and underlined the profound significance of divine purity and grace. It was also at this meeting that the Virgin asked Bernadette to pray and to have a chapel built on the site of the apparitions, thus launching the construction of the basilica that attracts millions of pilgrims every year. Read more...

The Context of the ApparitionWhile France was going through a period of social and religious upheaval, Bernadette, a 14-year-old girl, continued to visit the grotto at Massabielle. During this apparition, she experienced a profound sense of peace and comfort, an experience that would mark her forever. The Virgin Mary, appearing as a luminous figure, invited Bernadette to pray for sinners and entrusted her with a divine mission. Read more...

The Context of the ApparitionIn a context of poverty and suffering, Bernadette Soubirous, a young girl of 14, regularly went to the grotto of Massabielle. That day, while gathering wood with her sister, she felt a divine presence. It was then that the Virgin Mary appeared for the fourth time, enveloped in a radiant light, affirming her message of love and compassion. Read more...