Our Lady of Lourdes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Our Lady of Lourdes |
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rock cave where Soubirous saw the apparition
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| Location | Lourdes, France |
| Date | 11 February 1858 |
| Witness | Saint Bernadette Soubirous |
| Type | Marian apparition |
| Approval | 1862, during the pontificate of Pope Pius IX |
| Shrine | Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Lourdes, France |
Our Lady of Lourdes is a special name for the Virgin Mary. Many people believe she appeared in a small town called Lourdes, in France. The first time was on February 11, 1858. A 14-year-old girl named Bernadette Soubirous saw her. Bernadette reported seeing the Virgin Mary 17 more times that same year.
Contents
The Story of Bernadette and the Apparitions
The story of Our Lady of Lourdes began with a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous. She was 14 years old and lived in Lourdes, France. On February 11, 1858, Bernadette was gathering firewood with her sister and a friend near a cave called Massabielle.
The First Vision
As Bernadette was taking off her shoes to cross a stream, she heard a sound like a gust of wind. When she looked up, she saw a beautiful lady in the cave. The lady was dressed in white with a blue sash and held a rosary. Bernadette was the only one who could see her.
More Appearances
After the first time, Bernadette saw the lady in the cave many more times. These sightings are called Marian apparitions, which means appearances of the Virgin Mary. During these visits, the lady spoke to Bernadette. She asked for a chapel to be built at the grotto and for people to pray and do penance.
The Miraculous Spring
During one of the apparitions, the lady told Bernadette to dig in the ground. When Bernadette did, a spring of water began to flow. This spring still flows today, and many people believe its water has healing powers. Thousands of sick people visit Lourdes every year hoping for a cure.
The Shrine of Lourdes
Over time, the site of the apparitions became a very important place for Catholics. A large church and other buildings were built around the grotto. This area is now known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world.
Pilgrimages to Lourdes
Every year, millions of people from all over the world travel to Lourdes. They come to pray, to drink or bathe in the spring water, and to experience the peaceful atmosphere. Many sick and disabled people visit, hoping for healing.
Approval by the Church
The Catholic Church carefully investigated Bernadette's claims. After four years of study, in 1862, the Church officially approved the apparitions as real. This approval happened during the time of Pope Pius IX. Bernadette later became a nun and is now known as Saint Bernadette Soubirous.
Images for kids
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Studio photograph of Bernadette Soubirous (age 14) in daily attire. (c. 1 January 1858)
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Painting of the Virgin Mary apparition to Bernadette Soubirous in the Grotto at Massabielle, near Lourdes, France.
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The venerated image of Our Lady of Lourdes was granted a decree of canonical coronation on 1 February 1876 by Pope Pius IX. The coronation ceremony was executed on 3 July 1876. During that same year, an oversized golden laurel wreath was placed at the base as well as a stellar halo being attached to the head of the image; both no longer present.
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The sanctuary basilica built at Lourdes directly above the grotto of the apparitions
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Pope John Paul II in 1983 at the Grotto of Massabielle of the Lourdes Shrine.
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Pope Benedict XVI placing a crown on Our Lady of Lourdes for the plenary indulgence he attached for pilgrims of the World Day of the Sick. 11 February 2007, Saint Peter's Basilica.
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The venerated Marian image in Quezon City, canonically crowned by formal decree of Pope Francis for the Philippines on 22 August 2020.
See also
In Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Lourdes para niños
