The 18 apparitions

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.