Relics of St. Bernadette: The Apparitions

07-24-2022Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

There were no less than 18 Apparitions where Our Blessed Mother appeared to St. Bernadette at the grotto in Lourdes, France. They began on February 11, 1858.

February 11 - First apparition: the first contact.

Bernadette came with two other girls to collect firewood. She felt a gust of wind, although the trees did not move. All of a sudden, there was a light in the grotto. The light had the shape of a young girl.

Bernadette rubbed her eyes. She was afraid. She took out her rosary. She wanted to make the sign of the cross. She was unable to do so. The Apparition made the sign of the cross. Bernadette copied her. She said the rosary. No word was exchanged.

February 14 - Second apparition: the smile.

Bernadette's parents did not want her to return to the grotto. But they allowed themselves to be convinced. Was the Apparition from God or from the devil? To be clear about it Bernadette took holy water from the parish. When the lady appeared, Bernadette sprinkled her with it. The lady smiled, but she still did not speak.

February 18 - Third apparition: the promises.

The apparition did not come from the devil. But who was she? What was her name? When Bernadette asked her to write it, the lady replied: "it is not necessary." The lady proposed a daily meeting to Bernadette: "Would you do me the favor of coming here for two weeks?" Bernadette was completely astonished. The Lady had spoken to her in a very respectful way. Bernadette promises. The lady responded with another promise: "I promise you happiness, not in this world but in the other."

February 19-23 - Fourth to seventh apparitions: prayer.

Bernadette was faithful to her promise. She came every day. The 22nd of February, the lady did not appear: it was a test for Bernadette. The town authorities wanted to stop her from going to the grotto. She was accused of causing public disorder. They threatened her with prison. The apparitions were, above all, a time of prayer. The face of Bernadette radiated such beauty that the crowd increases daily in order to see her. The lady and Bernadette talk, but Bernadette repeated nothing: it was the time of personal secrets.

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