MARIAN APPARITION AT LOURDES


Marian apparition at Lourdes
Image of Bernadette, Marian apparition at Lourdes

By Edward Matulanya

Discover the story of Our Lady of Lourdes in France (1858), where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette. Explore its significance in Roman Catholic faith, miracles, and pilgrimage traditions.

Introduction 

Our Lady of Lourdes (France, 1858) is the Marian apparition to Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl from Lourdes, France (Zimdars-Swartz, 1991). Marian Apparition occured at Grotto of Massabielle, Lourdes, France (McNamara, 2007). The apparition occured from February 11 to July 16, 1858 (Vatican News, 2020).

1. First Apparition 

The first Marian Apparition to Bernadette occured on February 11, 1858. Bernadette reported seeing a beautiful lady dressed in white, with a blue sash and a yellow rose on each foot. The lady smiled and silently observed her. Bernadette felt a deep sense of peace and holiness during the encounter (Vatican News, 2020).

2. Subsequent Apparitions

Over 18 apparitions, Mary spoke to Bernadette, instructing her to pray, do penance, and build a chapel at the site. Mary revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception on March 25, 1858, emphasizing her sinless nature (Zimdars-Swartz, 1991). She encouraged devotion to God and prayers for sinners, often requesting that people come to the grotto to pray and drink from its waters (McNamara, 2007).

3. The Miraculous Spring

Mary indicated a spring of water at the grotto. The spring became known for its healing properties, and many pilgrims have reported miraculous cures, confirmed by the Lourdes Medical Bureau (Vatican News, 2020).

4. Significance of Marian Apparition at Lourdes

Explore the significance of the Marian apparition at Lourdes, France, and its impact on Roman Catholic faith, devotion, miracles, and global pilgrimage traditions

4.1. Religious Significance 

Strengthened devotion to the Immaculate Conception and encouraged prayer, penance, and trust in God (Zimdars-Swartz, 1991).

4.2. Cultural Significance 

Lourdes became a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions annually (McNamara, 2007).

4.3. Theological Significance 

Emphasized Mary’s role as intercessor and mother of mercy.

5. Church Approval of Marian Apparition at Lourdes 

Approved by the Catholic Church in 1862.

6. Feast day of Marian Apparition at Lourdes 

The liturgical Celebration of Marian apparition at Lourdes is on February 11.

7. Pilgrimage site

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, visited by millions seeking spiritual and physical healing.

8. Messages of Our Lady of Lourdes

The messages conveyed during the apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous emphasized prayer, penance, and devotion to God, and were communicated both verbally and symbolically:

8.1. Call to Prayer and Penance

Mary encouraged Bernadette and the faithful to pray for sinners and perform penance. The emphasis was on conversion of heart and reconciliation with God (Zimdars-Swartz, 1991).

8.2. Revelation of Her Immaculate Conception

On March 25, 1858, Mary identified herself as the Immaculate Conception, affirming her sinless nature. This reinforced devotion to the Immaculate Conception, which had been formally defined by Pope Pius IX just four years earlier, in 1854 (McNamara, 2007).

8.3. Significance of the Spring

Mary directed Bernadette to drink and wash in the waters of the grotto, which became a site of miraculous healings. This act symbolized spiritual and physical cleansing and trust in God’s providence (Vatican News, 2020).

8.4. Call to Build a Chapel

Mary instructed Bernadette to inform the local clergy to construct a chapel at the grotto, creating a place for public devotion and pilgrimage. This highlighted the importance of a visible space for prayer and community worship (Zimdars-Swartz, 1991).

8.5. Emphasis on Humility and Simplicity

Bernadette, a poor and uneducated girl, was chosen as the seer, conveying Mary’s message that God’s grace is accessible to all, regardless of social status (McNamara, 2007).

References

McNamara, P. (2007). Lourdes: A journey of faith. Dublin, Ireland: Veritas.

Vatican News. (2020, July 15). Lourdes to host first online world pilgrimage. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-07/lourdes-to-host-first-online-world-pilgrimage.html

Zimdars-Swartz, S. L. (1991). Encountering Mary: From La Salette to Medjugorje. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

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