In 1858, a poor young girl named Bernadette Soubirous experienced something that would touch the hearts of millions for generations. She claimed to have seen a beautiful lady in a grotto near her village in Lourdes, France. This wasn’t just any vision—it was the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady of Lourdes. The question many people still ask today is: what did Our Lady of Lourdes say to Bernadette?
This is more than just a story—it’s a message of hope, prayer, and healing. Whether you’re curious, searching for spiritual inspiration, or teaching others, knowing what Our Lady told Bernadette gives deep insight into faith and divine love.
Let’s explore the powerful words spoken during those apparitions, what they meant, and why they still matter today.
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Who Was Bernadette, and What Did She See?
Bernadette Soubirous was a 14-year-old girl from a poor family in Lourdes. On February 11, 1858, while gathering firewood, she saw a “beautiful lady” standing in a grotto. This event wasn’t a one-time vision—it happened 18 times over several months.
The lady was dressed in white with a blue sash and golden roses on her feet. Though Bernadette didn’t know who it was at first, she later learned the identity through one of the lady’s messages.
🌟 Important moment: The lady didn’t reveal her name right away. Instead, she slowly built trust and asked Bernadette to return each day.
The Message of Prayer and Repentance
One of the main things Our Lady of Lourdes said to Bernadette was a call to prayer and penance. She asked Bernadette to:
- “Pray for sinners.”
- “Do penance.”
- “Go to the spring to drink and wash.”
These simple words carried deep meaning. Mary was urging people to turn back to God, pray from the heart, and live with humility.
🛐 What to take from this: Even the smallest prayers and acts of kindness matter. The message is about changing hearts, not showing off religious acts.
What NOT to say or think:
- “I’m not good enough to pray.” (Mary appeared to a poor, uneducated girl—showing all are worthy.)
- “Only saints get messages like that.” (Bernadette was just like anyone else—faithful and open.)
“I Am the Immaculate Conception”
One of the most powerful moments came when the lady finally told Bernadette:
“I am the Immaculate Conception.”
This happened during the 16th apparition on March 25, 1858. Bernadette didn’t even understand what those words meant, but the priest did. It confirmed that the lady was the Virgin Mary, who had been born without original sin.
💡 This phrase helped confirm the truth of the vision because it aligned with Church teaching—only recently declared at the time.
What this means today:
- Mary sees and hears ordinary people.
- God can use anyone—even a child—to share important messages.
The Discovery of the Healing Spring
During one of the apparitions, Our Lady told Bernadette:
“Go and drink at the spring and wash yourself there.”
At first, there was no spring. But when Bernadette scratched at the ground, water began to flow. That spring still exists today and is the site of thousands of reported healings.
💧 Real-life impact: Pilgrims visit Lourdes from all over the world to bathe in or drink the water, seeking spiritual and physical healing.
What NOT to assume:
- “The water itself is magic.” (Faith and trust are what matter most.)
- “Only sick people need to go.” (Many go for peace, hope, or connection.)
Why Mary Chose Bernadette
People often wonder: Why did Mary appear to Bernadette? She was poor, sickly, and couldn’t read or write. But that’s part of the message: God sees the heart, not status.
🌼 Bernadette was:
- Humble
- Honest
- Faithful
This shows us that we don’t need to be perfect or powerful to be close to God. Anyone can be chosen. Anyone can respond.
What to say:
- “Even I can do small things with great love.”
- “God speaks to the simple and sincere.”
Lessons We Can Learn Today
So, what did Our Lady of Lourdes say to Bernadette—and what does it mean for us now?
- Pray with your heart, not just your words.
- Show love and kindness, even in small ways.
- Trust in God’s plan, even when it’s hard to understand.
The message of Lourdes is still alive—bringing peace to hearts, healing to bodies, and faith to those who feel lost.
🙏 It’s not just Bernadette’s story—it’s a message for all of us.
Final Thoughts:
What Did Our Lady of Lourdes Say to Bernadette?
To answer the question “what did Our Lady of Lourdes say to Bernadette”, she gave a message of prayer, penance, and peace. She spoke with love, revealed her identity as the Immaculate Conception, and guided Bernadette to discover a spring that still heals people today.
Her words remind us that heaven is not far away, and that even the simplest soul can receive great grace. Keep this message close, and remember: you don’t need to be perfect—you need to be open.
