In 1854, Pope Pius IX solemnly proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Just a few years later, in 1858, a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous experienced a series of apparitions at Lourdes. During one of these, on 25th March, the lady revealed her identity with the words, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

Bernadette was a sickly child from a poor family with little formal education in the faith. She knew only a few basic prayers and struggled to describe what she saw, speaking simply of a beautiful young lady dressed in white, wearing a blue sash, with a rosary and golden roses on her feet. The lady treated Bernadette with great gentleness and respect, speaking to her with dignity.

Through Bernadette’s humility, Mary renewed the faith of countless people. Pilgrims soon began travelling to Lourdes from across France and beyond. In 1862, the Church officially recognised the authenticity of the apparitions, and devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes quickly spread throughout the world.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.