Why pilgrims come
A sacred place worth the journey.
The grotto of the 1858 apparitions and a beloved place of healing prayer.
Feasts & celebrations
Apparition timeline
18 recorded apparition dates
First apparition: the Lady dressed in white appears at Massabielle
Second apparition: the Lady smiles as Bernadette sprinkles holy water
The Lady asks Bernadette to return for a fortnight
Fourth apparition during the fortnight
Fifth apparition during the fortnight
Sixth apparition during the fortnight
The Lady teaches Bernadette a secret prayer
The message of penance, prayer and conversion
Bernadette uncovers the spring at the Lady’s instruction
Tenth apparition: the gestures of penance continue
Eleventh apparition: the gestures of penance continue
The Lady entrusts three secrets to Bernadette
The Lady asks for a chapel and a procession
The request for a chapel is renewed
Fifteenth apparition before a crowd of thousands
The Lady reveals her name: I am the Immaculate Conception
Seventeenth apparition, remembered for the miracle of the candle
Final apparition: Mary appears more beautiful than ever