In 1858, in the small town of Lourdes in southern France, a poor fourteen-year-old girl named Bernadette Soubirous experienced a series of extraordinary events that would touch the world.
On 11 February, while gathering firewood near the grotto of Massabielle, Bernadette saw a beautiful Lady standing in a niche of rock. She was dressed in white, with a blue sash and a golden rose on each foot. The Lady greeted her with a gentle smile and asked her to return.
Over the following months, the Lady appeared eighteen times, inviting Bernadette to pray, do penance, and trust in God’s mercy. At one apparition, the Lady asked Bernadette to dig in the ground. To everyone’s surprise, a small spring began to flow. This water soon became known for remarkable healings, many of which have been medically verified.
When Bernadette asked the Lady her name, she replied:
“I am the Immaculate Conception.”
This confirmed a teaching of the Church that had only recently been proclaimed and convinced many of the truth of the apparitions.
Oh ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted,you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy.
When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.
I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request.
I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity. Amen.
