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...

An anticipatory contextOn 18 February 1858, during the fifth apparition, Bernadette Soubirous came face to face with the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle. By this stage, the apparitions were beginning to attract larger and larger crowds, and the enthusiasm around these spiritual events was growing. Rumours of previous encounters spread quickly, and people came in search of healing and comfort. Read more...

A spiritual context in full effervescenceOn 21 February 1858, Bernadette Soubirous experienced her sixth encounter with the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle. The apparitions attracted an increasing number of faithful, and the atmosphere was marked by a deep spiritual fervour. As Bernadette continued to pass on the Virgin's messages, the Lourdes community began to realise the importance of these extraordinary events. Read more...