An anticipatory contextOn 18 February 1858, during the fifth apparition, Bernadette Soubirous came face to face with the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle. By this stage, the apparitions were beginning to attract larger and larger crowds, and the enthusiasm around these spiritual events was growing. Rumours of previous encounters spread quickly, and people came in search of healing and comfort. Read more...

A spiritual context in full effervescenceOn 21 February 1858, Bernadette Soubirous experienced her sixth encounter with the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle. The apparitions attracted an increasing number of faithful, and the atmosphere was marked by a deep spiritual fervour. As Bernadette continued to pass on the Virgin's messages, the Lourdes community began to realise the importance of these extraordinary events. Read more...

A growing spiritual contextOn 23 February 1858, Bernadette Soubirous witnessed her seventh encounter with the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle. At that time, the apparitions were attracting growing interest, with more and more pilgrims seeking signs of healing and comfort. Bernadette's reputation grew, and her determination to pass on the Virgin's message never wavered, despite the doubts and scepticism that surrounded her. Read more...

A landmark encounterOn 24 February 1858, during the eighth apparition at the grotto of Massabielle, Bernadette Soubirous saw the Virgin Mary in a burst of light. This encounter took place at a time when crowds were beginning to flock to witness extraordinary events. As the popularity of the apparitions grew, Bernadette remained humble and focused on her mission.During this apparition, the Virgin Mary asked Bernadette to pray for sinners and stressed the importance of faith. This message, although already present in the previous apparitions, is reaffirmed with new intensity. Prayer becomes a central theme, as the Virgin wants the faithful to turn to God for forgiveness and healing. Read more...

The discovery of the springOn 25 February 1858, during the ninth apparition of the Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle, a significant event occurred. The Virgin asked Bernadette to "drink from the spring and wash". However, there was no visible spring there. Following Our Lady's instructions, Bernadette scratched the floor of the grotto with her hands and discovered a small puddle of muddy water.At first, this gesture seemed strange and caused incomprehension among the witnesses present. However, the water gradually gushed out of the earth and eventually formed a real spring, now considered miraculous. This water, which became a symbol of healing and purification, soon attracted pilgrims from Lourdes and beyond. Read more...