Women Saints part 8

Our Lady of Lourdes

In 1858, from February 11 until July 16, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared eighteen times to young Bernadette at Lourdes. At the grotto of Massabielle, beside the River Gave, huge crowds gathered, even though no one could see her except Bernadette.

The Lady asked for a chapel to be built on the spot where she appeared. Our Lady asked for people to say prayers and do penance for sinners. Many miracles happened at the Shrine of Lourdes.

On March 25, the feast of the Annunciation, Bernadette asked the Lady what her name was. Three times she asked her name. The third time the Lady raised her hands toward heaven and answered. "I am the Immaculate Conception." Then the Lady smiled at Bernadette and disappeared.

Through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lord has healed the souls and bodies of many of His children throughout the world.