Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes is represented as she appeared in a vision to the young Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, in the grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes. This Marian representation is among the most loved and venerated in the Christian world, symbolizing prayer, conversion, penance and hope.

According to the story, Bernadette was gathering firewood when she saw the Virgin and described the apparition as follows: “I saw a lady dressed in white, with a blue belt and a golden rose on each foot, the same color as her rosary.” From this description comes the famous image of the “White Lady”, still venerated today in the grotto of Massabielle, where countless faithful kneel every day in prayer.

At first Bernadette was frightened by the figure, but after the Virgin made the sign of the cross, she prayed the rosary together with her. Bernadette experienced a total of 18 apparitions. The main messages of the Virgin Mary were conversion and penance, encouraging people to open their hearts to God and welcome Him into their lives.

Following the Virgin’s instructions, Bernadette discovered a spring, which today is the destination of many pilgrimages. Through prayer and the miraculous properties of the water, around 7,000 unexplained healings have been recorded, of which approximately 2,500 have been classified as extraordinary by the International Medical Bureau, and only 67 officially recognized by the Church as miracles.

Even today, thousands of people travel daily to Lourdes to praise the Lord together. Masses are celebrated every day in different languages, bringing together people from every nation, culture and background. Among them are many sick and disabled people, who come not only seeking healing, but above all searching for strength, comfort and hope.

Our Lady of Lourdes may be depicted with or without a crown. The crowned Madonna stands before the Basilica of the Rosary and the Upper Basilica, while the uncrowned representation is found in the grotto of Massabielle, the mystical place of the apparitions.

Iconography: Our Lady of Lourdes is depicted dressed in white, with a blue sash, a rosary, and golden roses on her feet.

Feast day: February 11.

Patronage: She is especially invoked by the sick, pilgrims, and all those seeking comfort, faith and hope.