11 FEB - OUR MOTHER OF LOURDES (FRANCE)

 At the Grotto of Massabielle, the Virgin appeared 18 times to Bernadette between February 11 and July 16, 1858. Her apparitions literally put Lourdes on the map. 

    This venerated site is accessible to pilgrims both day and night and Mass is celebrated there every day. The Statue of Our Mother depicts the Virgin in the posture 

    she reputedly appeared, saying to Bernadette in Pyrenean dialect, "I am the Immaculate Conception." At the back of the Grotto, on the left of the Altar, 

    is the Miraculous Spring that reportedly spouted on February 25 when Bernadette scraped the earth as instructed. The Virgin is said to have commanded her, 

    "Go and drink at the spring and wash there." On the west side of the square is the Rosary Basilica with two small towers holds up to 4,000. 

    Inside, 15 chapels are dedicated to the "Mysteries of the Rosary.




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