The town of Lourdes where Bernadette had 18 apparitions of Mary in 1858 is significant to Christians. Apparition meaning a remarkable or unexpected appearance and the appearances of Mary to Bernadette are Marian Apparitions which are remarkable, unexpected appearances of Mary. During the 9th apparition where Mary had told Bernadette to scratch loose gravel of the ground to find that their was a spring beneath the floor. She was asked to drink from it and wash her face in it. This spring water is believed to bring miraculous healing from God which is why many pilgrims visit this site. These visions Bernadette had were declared authentic by Pope Pius IX in 1862 and the respect of Mary our Lady of Lourdes was authorised. This is a special place of meeting between God and people.
The main reason Mary visited Bernadette in the first place is to seek a healing spring which was underneath the ground. Nobody had known that such a thing existed right beneath the feet of those who stood in the Grotto. Also to be reminded that the Grotto was a dirty place which gives us the sense that Jesus and Mary will always give us guidance and support even if we are 'unclean' and if we are sinners. He will always be divine, gracious, loving and forgiving because he is the son of God. Although he is son of God he acts as if he is a servant to others, he's the one who sacrificed his life for everyone's sake, for the forgiveness of sins.
These people that take a pilgrimage which is a journey of faith, visit Lourdes so that they can strengthen their faith and because they believe in the miraculous events that have occurred in the place of Lourdes. The strengthening of faith means that the bond between you and God is stronger. This pilgrimage site, like all have a spiritual connection between God and the person.
Another reason of Lourdes' significance to Christians is because during the apparitions words and actions are exchanged between the Virgin Mary and Bernadette between the 11th and 18th apparition at the Grotto. This Grotto at that time was a dirty hidden, damp and cold place. This place was referred as the ''pigs shelter'' because it was here where the feeding of pigs took place. But out of all possible areas the Virgin Mary appeared here, with white clothing, the colour white representing purity, the sign of love from God. The contrast between the Virgin Mary, ''the Immaculate Conception'' and the Grotto remind us of he Gospel: the fulfilment of goodness and purity of God and the poverty of the human person. Jesus goes to sit at the table of sinners, '' because he came to search out that which was lost.
The story behind the the sacredness of Lourdes starts off with a special young girl named Bernadette. She started off living a life without conflict but only peace but then it all changed when her father was accused of stealing a 2 sacks of flour which resulted in the family living in a single room that was generally meant for jail. Living in this jail was harsh and caused Bernadette to catch a disease called cholera which caused her to suffer high fevers that made her suffer for the rest of her life. Bernadette was still treated as if she was an outcast, unable to receive holy communion with her friends, looked as if she was different. This young girl in fact moved the hosts of heavenly hearts. She was blessed with the 18 divine apparitions.
In each apparition a beautiful lady would appear to Bernadette with instructions of what to do and during one apparition after another the crowd would grow larger. Even on the first day when that beautiful lady had appeared to her, her faith was strong and she had believed what she had seen was sacred instantly, even when her mother had told her it was just an illusion she didn't believe that she was deceived and could never shake off what she had just seen.Bernadette's faith and belief in this Beautiful lady was strong, she had never thought twice one what she had been told to do. She had went to the extent of risking and being courageous just to follow her will, she was completely devoted and determined to do anything required.
The Lady that had appeared to Bernadette 18 times was in reality Mary the Mother of God. Throughout Bernadette life she had still felt sickness but had still filled in for her duties and obligations. She had died a holy death when she was at the age of 34 on the 16th of April, 1879. She is recognised as a religious and sacred figure.
This is an image of Bernadette and Mary the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette at the left and Mary at the right.
Visiting Lourdes, hearing all the stories of all the miraculous events that have occurred in that very area I will expect to have a spirit filling pilgrimage, getting in touch with God as if I have a much more strengthened connection between the 2 of us. It will be a very honorable pilgrimage to visit such a site with my unworthiness and ungratefulness but once I have arrived there I will believe that I will be purified with the love of God. I predict once I have entered the premises of Lourdes I will start to feel inside of me that I have been cleansed from sin and evil and the poverty in my heart will become ''flavoured'' and cleansed. Day after day pilgrims visit this site because of their strengthened belief. This place appears to be very divine and this is a place where people who are sick, poor, with mental breakdowns and disadvantages find encouragement, comfort and hope. The visit to this sacred, pure place where the blessed virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette fills the hearts of those who enter and experience the joy, enlightenment and hope it gives.
I will most likely after this pilgrimage be able to have a much more clearer and brighter perspective of life and what my purpose is. In a sense I would say it gives a vision of the kingdom of heaven, God helping those who are in troubles, who are in need to have a much more clearer perspective of things. Lourdes will teach me the ways of God, helping others etc. Just the meer sight of the place will open my eyes and heart more than I have ever imagined and will benefit me in everyday life. Spreading the good news of the spiritual appearances of God, Jesus and Mary which strengthens us Christians faith. The activities I will most likely do is pray the rosary and visit all the sacred sites within Lourdes like the shrine of Mary.
In my opinion, the importance of this to me is moving. I recommend that everyone who is in doubt and troubles visit this place for a spiritual change. I predict that the conditions and weather will suit the holiness of this site. A warm sunny weather, calm winds and beautiful scenery of the flora and fauna. I will travel this magnificent place by plane which may cost a lot but totally worth the it. I'm hoping to learn so much things beyond what the eye sees. Lourdes in my perspective signifies hope to us Christians.
