A growing spiritual contextOn 23 February 1858, Bernadette Soubirous witnessed her seventh encounter with the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle. At that time, the apparitions were attracting growing interest, with more and more pilgrims seeking signs of healing and comfort. Bernadette's reputation grew, and her determination to pass on the Virgin's message never wavered, despite the doubts and scepticism that surrounded her. Read more...

A landmark encounterOn 24 February 1858, during the eighth apparition at the grotto of Massabielle, Bernadette Soubirous saw the Virgin Mary in a burst of light. This encounter took place at a time when crowds were beginning to flock to witness extraordinary events. As the popularity of the apparitions grew, Bernadette remained humble and focused on her mission.During this apparition, the Virgin Mary asked Bernadette to pray for sinners and stressed the importance of faith. This message, although already present in the previous apparitions, is reaffirmed with new intensity. Prayer becomes a central theme, as the Virgin wants the faithful to turn to God for forgiveness and healing. Read more...

The discovery of the springOn 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. Read more...

A turning point in the Virgin's messageOn 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. Read more...

Lourdes, the eleventh apparition: a call to penance in humilityOn 28 February 1858, the eleventh Marian apparition at Lourdes marked a high point in the series of encounters between Bernadette Soubirous and the Virgin Mary. This apparition, although discreet, was essential to the overall message of the apparitions, with a particular emphasis on penance and humility. On this day, Bernadette continues to deepen her spiritual bond with the White Lady of the Massabielle grotto, while dealing with the growing influx of pilgrims. Read more...