Lecture Notes: Our Lady of Lourdes and the Apparitions to Bernadette Sobirous

Introduction

• The Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to Bernadette Sobirous in 1858.
• Series of apparitions occurred in Lourdes, a town in southwest France.

Bernadette Sobirous

• Born in 1844 in a poor family.
• Suffered from asthma and had no formal education beyond Catholic teachings.

First Apparition

• Date: February 11, 1858.
• Circumstances: Bernadette, 14, went to gather wood with sister and friend.
• Experience:
  • Heard a noise like a storm but nothing moved.
  • Saw a beautiful lady in white at a grotto, described as:
    • Dressed in white with a blue sash.
    • A veil on her head, rosary in hands, yellow roses at her feet.
    • Appearance of a young girl aged 16-17.
  • Bernadette attempted to make the sign of the cross but was initially paralyzed until Mary did it first.
  • The lady moved the rosary beads but did not speak during the prayer.
• Outcome: Bernadette narrated the event to her sister, instructed to keep it secret.

Subsequent Apparitions

• Second Apparition:
  • Bernadette’s mother forbids her, but later allows her to return.
  • Bernadette brings holy water; Mary smiles upon its use.
• Third Apparition:
  • Mary requests Bernadette to visit daily for 15 days.
  • Promises happiness in the afterlife, not in this life.

Reactions and Impact

• Family and Public Response:
  • Initial skepticism by Bernadette's mother.
  • Public began to gather at the grotto.
• Fifth Apparition:
  • Mary teaches Bernadette a secret prayer.
  • Instructs Bernadette to always bring a candle.
  • Presence of a doctor who confirms Bernadette's normal physical and trans-like mental condition.

Challenges and Restrictions

• Public Concerns:
  • Meetings held about the dangers of large crowds.
  • Officials attempt to forbid Bernadette from the grotto.
• Police Interaction:
  • Bernadette is questioned but remains consistent in her account.
  • Police monitor her visits, one occasion with no apparition.

Conclusion

• Bernadette remained diligent in her visits and promises despite opposition.
• The apparitions significantly impacted the community and Bernadette's life.