Our Lady of Lourdes
Apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes
The Blessed Virgin Mary made 18 appearances to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 in Lourdes, France between February 11 and July 16. Mary appeared as a young lady in white at the Massabielle grotto, urging prayer, penance, and the construction of a chapel. A miraculous healing spring was discovered there. Our Lady called for prayer and penance for the conversion of sinners. During the ninth apparition, the Lady instructed Bernadette to dig up some mud. When she did, spring water began to gush out from the spot. It soon flowed with water that has become known for miraculous healings.
On March 25, 1858, the Lady identified herself as "the Immaculate Conception," confirming a Catholic dogma defined only four years prior. The Church approved the apparitions in 1862. Today, Lourdes is one of the world's most visited pilgrimage sites, with about 70 Church-recognized miracles.
Bernadette Soubirous was later canonized as a saint in 1933. Her feast day is February 18, while Our Lady of Lourdes is commemorated on February 11.
Novena Prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes
Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. When you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy and maternal intercession.
(State your intentions here)
Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard by God. Immaculate Mother, show us your mercy, O Mother of God.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, our mother; to thee do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer us.
Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Saint Bernadette, pray for us!
Amen.