MARIAN APPARITION AT LOURDES
Marian apparition at Lourdes By Edward Matulanya Our Lady of Lourdes (France, 1858 ) Seer Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl from Lourdes, France (Zimdars-Swartz, 1991). Location Grotto of Massabielle, Lourdes, France (McNamara, 2007). Date February 11 – July 16, 1858 (Vatican News, 2020). Description of the Apparitions: 1. First Apparition (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...