Bernadette and the Miracle at Lourdes

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Because of the number of pictures included the show moves along quickly, there are times when you WILL HAVE TO STOP THE SHOW IN ORDER TO READ THE INFORMATION SLIDES!

Prior to 1858, Lourdes France was a quiet little village of 15,300 inhabitants situated at the foot of the Pyrenees in the South West of France. That all ended when the Virgin Mary appeared to a teenager, Bernadette Soubirous, on February 11th of 1858.

This region of France was a strategic stronghold during medieval times. Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees, the medieval castle of Lourdes provided protection against foreign forces. During the Hundred Years War, the French captured the region from the English in 1406 after an 18-month siege. The medieval castle was used as a state prison from the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715) until the beginning of the 19th century. It was in 1858 when Lourdes' importance as a military and state stronghold ended and its spiritual importance began.

Following the visitation, Lourdes became the most famous pilgrim shrine of the present day. In terms of number of visitors per year and hotel rooms, Lourdes is 2nd only to Paris.

The story of both Lourdes and Bernadette is fascinating and that is the topic of this slide show.


Lourdes facts:
**The most visited pilgrimage shrine in the Christian world, Lourdes is not an ancient site but of more recent development. Lourdes is the site of a Marian apparition in 1858.
**The pilgrimage season at Lourdes lasts from April through October, with the main day being August 15, the Marian Feast of Assumption.
**Four to six million pilgrims from around the world visit the shrine each year and it is estimated that more than 300 million pilgrims have come to Lourdes since 1860.
**Other important Marian apparitions have occurred in La Salette, France in 1846; Pontmain, France in 1871; Knock, Ireland in 1879; Castelpetroso, Italy in 1888; Fatima, Portugal in 1916-1917; Garabandal, Spain in 1961-1965; Zeitoun, Egypt in 1968-1968; and Medjugorje, Yugoslavia in 1981.

Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes:
"O ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comfort of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; deign to cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors, and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities both spiritual and corporal, I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence, to implore your material intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory, and bless you in eternity".

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As per usual, I do not claim copyright to either the music or the pictures that I have used.

May God bless you and yours.

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Be well
Nina