February 11, 1858

Mary appeared and Bernadette believed

Faith

February 14, 1858

With this apparition Bernadette wanted so much to see the Lady

Hope

February 18, 1858

Bernadette fell deeply in love with Mary

Charity

At the moment of the Incarnation, Mary was about fifteen.

Bernadette was the same age.

Mary was a descendant of the royal family of David. At this time, the family of David had no prestige.

Bernadette was from a wonderful family of Lourdes, but at this time they lived in abject poverty.

Mary lived in the small town of Nazareth.

Bernadette lived in the small town of Lourdes.

Nathaniel said: "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" John 1:46

Mr. Dutour, a Lourdes politician said: "Can anything good come from the Soubirous home?"

After the sin of Adam and Eve, the devil kept roaming round the world. The world was in darkness.

It had been written that the Grotto of Lourdes was a picture of original sin. A desolate area, nonproductive ground, snakes moved about.

God had promised to send help. We remember the word about the serpent and the Woman.

Genesis 3:15

A wild rosebush grew there as a sign of better things.

"The angel came down from heaven."

Luke 1:28

On this day, February 19, 1858, Bernadette takes the path leading to the top of the Grotto. She went down the side so fast that no one could follow her. To go down that way you would have to hold with your hands, dig in your heels and still slide. Different witnesses said: "She came down in the wink of an eye...like a sparrow...like the wind." (It's the only time she came this way.)

As Christ came to Nazareth.

Mary comes to Lourdes at the Grotto of Massabielle.

Nazareth did not have a good reputation.

In the niche of the Grotto where Mary will appear there was a square stone of different composition from the Grotto which apparently at one time was used for pagan sacrifices.

"I will put enmity between you satan and the Woman, your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head while you strike at his heel."

Genesis 3:15

How appropriate and meaningful for Mary to stand on that stone since she is the one who came to crush the serpent's head through her Son.

"The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth."

Luke 1:26

As soon as Bernadette arrives, she kneels at the Grotto in front of the niche.

He came to announce the coming of Jesus.

She brought with her a candle of the Children of Mary. We know the candle represents Christ (Holy Saturday); so she had a candle in one hand, the Rosary in the other.

The angel came to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph of the house of David.

In all the pictures, we see the angel greeting Mary.

"The Virgin's name was Mary. Upon arriving, the angel said to her: Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you."

Luke 1:27-28

As she began the mystery of the Annunciation, Our Lady appeared. "Bernadette started greeting Mary with her hands and her head. It was really a joy to see her. It was as if, in all her life, she had never done anything else. At the same time, she kept repeating the "Hail Mary," bowing and greeting with her hands and head." A woman exclaimed: "How beautiful she is!"

"She was deeply troubled. The angel said: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name Jesus. Great will be his dignity. He will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord will give him the throne of David, his father. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever. His reign will be without end."

Luke 1:29-33

Bernadette smiled beautifully, her face changed. Her body bent forward as in prayer as she repeated the "Hail Mary." The candle in Bernadette's hand is a symbol of Christ, the light of the World.

There was a long preparation before the Incarnation, God speaking to one prophet after another.

Many times the recitation was interrupted with a dialogue between Mary and Bernadette. The beautiful smile that illumined her face was like currents of celestial joy going right through her.

Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God, something to be grasped at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave being born in the likeness of man.

Phil.2:6-7

Imagine the Son of God becoming a man, emptying himself. Bernadette became pale like wax. Her Aunt Bernarde said: "She is dying!"

"God the Father loved the world so much, he gave his only Son."

John 3:16

Bernadette's mother exclaimed: "O my God, don't take away my child."

The devil would have done anything to block this action, if he had known.

Catherine Emmerick in her vision of the Annunciation saw an ugly serpent at the door of Mary when the Angel Gabriel was talking to her.

All of a sudden, over the waters of the river Gave nearby, voices as of a quarreling crowd were heard: "Run away! Run away!" Bernadette said: "It made me shiver." The Lady raised her head and her eyebrow and the voices disappeared in every direction.

We can imagine how St. Joseph felt. He could not doubt Mary, but he did not know what to think.

Matthew 1:19

When her Aunt Bernarde (Bernadette's Godmother) heard the remarks of the people around her, she exclaimed: "Poor little one. How miserable I am."

Mary never told her secret to anyone. Imagine Mary's joy when Joseph told her about his dream and the clear word to take Mary as his wife.

Bernadette received three secrets that she never told to anyone. Bernadette came out of ecstasy and threw herself in the arms of her aunt. "I never asked her what the Lady said and she never told me. I did not know what to think."

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, hence the holy offspring to be born will be called Son of God."

Luke 1:35

That night Josephe Ouros called in Bernadette, listened to her story and offered her a medal of the Blessed Mother. Her husband, a cobbler, made her a leather cord.

"Let it be done to me as you say."

Luke 1:38

And Mary was with child.

Bernadette wore a medal of the Blessed Mother.

God was smiling over the world. It was the beginning of redemption. Remember the words of prophecy: "Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior."

Isaiah 45:8

During this apparition, the sun rose and rain began to fall.

During Advent, the Church sings the beautiful song: "Rorate Coeli Desuper" - the Savior like the sun came down in the womb of the virgin as rain falls on the grass.

(There were seven or eight persons present.)

"Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!"

Song of Songs 2:10

Bernadette hears the deep calling of the Lady in her heart.

In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country to a town of Judah."

Luke 1:39

She leaves the Grotto and runs down the hill jumping like a deer.

"O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see you, let me hear your voice."

Song of Songs 2:14

Bernadette comes because there in the cleft of the rock, the Lady will come and her voice is "gentle, gentle, sweet, sweet."

Mary "entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth."

Luke 1:40

Bernadette here plays the role of the Blessed Mother. She bends forward in beautiful salutations.

Imagine the joy of Mary and Elizabeth in each other's presence, greeting one another with Zechariah joining in.

Our Lady inspires a young girl, Rosine Casenave, to play unknowingly the role of Elizabeth. Rosine later wrote: "Coming to the Grotto, the thought to recite an Ave came to my mind in case it were the Blessed Virgin. Bernadette was kneeling at my left. She turned a bit to look at me and I did the same. When the Hail Mary was finished, I went with Germaine to place myself in front of Bernadette, near the rock, with my back to the Grotto..."

"And it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary...filled with the Holy Spirit she cried out: Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!"

Luke 1:41-42

So Rosine greeting Bernadette kept saying: Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

The Angel had said to Zechariah: "You will be mute, unable to speak until the day these things take place."

Luke 1:20

Germaine knelt there but, as Zechariah, did not say one word. The rest of the mystery is acted out between Bernadette and the Lady.

In her joy Elizabeth exclaimed: "Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth cried out in a loud voice: 'Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!'"

Luke 1:41-43

Bernadette greets Mary with beautiful salutations, the celestial smile on her face is so visible people exclaim "Now she sees her." It's not the same Bernadette. Her face is so radiant people comment: "angels must be like that."

"The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby leapt in my womb for joy."

Luke 1:44

Louise Baupe testified, "I heard from Bernadette's mouth or chest a prolonged 'yes' like a deep breath that made me so happy."

"Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord's word to her would be fulfilled."

Luke 1:45

Zechariah doubted and became dumb.

At a certain point, Bernadette seemed sad and pensive. It could have been the sadness of Mary realizing the condition of Zechariah because of his lack of faith.

Then Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness."

Luke 1:48

During this apparition, Mary taught Bernadette a new, personal prayer.

"Henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed."

Luke 1:48

Words of admiration were overheard throughout the crowd and can still be heard today.

This prayer of the Blessed Mother is her Magnificat, a wonderful hymn of thanksgiving.

This unknown prayer was probably a hymn of thanksgiving. (Estrade, Sempé)

As Mary spent three months away from home in the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

So for two days (yesterday and today) Bernadette is away from home. She eats and sleeps at Mrs. Millet's.

The visitations end with the deep greeting of Elizabeth and Mary.

Bernadette concludes this apparition with a grateful greeting.

At the time of the birth of Christ, a mighty Emperor ruled over the Roman Empire. He had progressively attained the peak of his power after having disposed of his associates. The wars were over, peace reigned completely. The Emperor occupied himself in reform and the numbering of his subjects. His name was Caesar Augustus.

At the time of the apparitions of Lourdes, history repeats itself. All that has been said of Augustus can be applied to Napoleon III. The state of the French Empire during the events of Lourdes recalls perfectly the state of the Roman Empire at the time of the birth of Christ, according to the words of St. Pius X. It was a time of peace.

The prophet Micah wrote: "and thou Bethlehem art not the least for out of thee shall come forth the ruler of my people."

Micah 5:1

Long ago, wonderful things were announced concerning Lourdes. Thirty-six years before, the Pastor, just before dying, predicted that something wonderful would happen here and St. Pius X added: "Bringing the world into a more intimate relationship with Christ our Savior."

Bethlehem was an old fortified city with its tower half-destroyed, a stop-over point in the heart of the mountains for weary travelers and their caravans.

Lourdes too was at one time a fortified city with its old castle and triple tower. A good one-night stop for the diligence (stage coach) going through the mountains.

Water from Solomon's pool near Bethlehem, through aqueducts improved by Pontius Pilate, fed the cisterns at the temple in Jerusalem.

Waters from the Grotto in Lourdes daily goes around the world to quench the thirst and heal a people of faith.

The Grotto of Bethlehem until then had been the refuge of animals.

The animals went so frequently in the Grotto of Lourdes that they had polished the stones.

Caesar Augustus ordered a census, so Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth to Bethlehem because they were of the house of David.

Luke 2:1-5

Bernadette on this Sunday came to the Grotto following a personal request of Mary.

The world in darkness...would see a great light.

St. John compares Christ to the light of the world in the prologue of his Gospel.

Bernadette knelt in front of the Grotto. She held in her hand a lighted candle, always considered in liturgy as the symbol of the Body of Christ. Her candle was shining in the dark.

"The real light which gives light to every man was coming into the world."

John 1:9

The wax represents the Body of Christ; the wick represents his soul; the flame represents his divinity.

"The real light shines in the darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it."

John 1:5

Soon her face is transformed. It lights up with heavenly beauty. It is evident that now she sees the Lady.

St. Joseph is refused from door to door...Christ, the light of the world, came unto his own, and his own received him not.

At the beginning of the apparition, wind kept blowing out the candle, to signify how Christ, the light of the world, was not accepted.

"There was no room for them where travelers lodged."

Luke 2:7

Mary unceasingly presents her child to the world. Those who accept become children of God.

But it was clear to Bernadette that the candle had to remain lit. Each time it was extinguished, Bernadette presented her candle to different bystanders, who, each in their turn, relit the candle. It's the fight of light against darkness.

There was a man named John sent by God, who came as a witness to testify to the light so that through him all men might believe.

John 1:6-8

On this day, February 21, Dr. Dozous came to check Bernadette's movements. He gave his witness: "I took her arm, placed my fingers on the radial artery. The pulse was calm, regular, the beating easy." No nervous disorders. Naturally, there was nothing abnormal.

Because there was no room in the inn, Mary and Joseph went to the Grotto.

"When I let go her arm", Dr. Dozous said, "Bernadette stood up and walked into the Grotto." It is important to note that for the first time in the series of the 15 apparitions, Bernadette enters the Grotto.

Mary brought forth her firstborn son and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6

As Jesus wanted the poor people, the shepherds, to adore him first in the manger, there were shepherds in the field keeping night watch.

Luke 2:8

On this day, Mary wanted her people at the Grotto.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them; you have nothing to fear. I come to proclaim good news to you, tidings of great joy...

A savior has been born...in a manger; you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.

An eye witness said: "Her face looked like that of a newborn babe."

Suddenly a multitude of angels were with the Angel praising God: Glory to God...peace on earth.

Luke 2:10-14

On her face--the expression of radiant beauty and the most perfect peace anyone ever saw.

As "the shepherds said to one another: 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this event that the Lord has made known to us.'"

Luke 2:15

So, a group of laborers profiting of the leisure of this Sunday came to the Grotto.

The thought of sin dominates the mystery of the Incarnation. Jesus came for sinners--for us and for our salvation. And yet, how many still have no room in the inn and go on sinning.

"The Lady looked over my head in the distance and was really sad." Two tears ran down the cheeks of Bernadette. "When I asked Mary the reason of her sadness, she said: 'Pray for sinners.'" Bernadette's colors changed. She became pale "like a dead child in a crib." (Callet) "Then Mary looked at me again and reassured me with an expression of goodness and serenity. Then she disappeared."

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God."

Luke 2:20

They returned home and told everyone on the way. All who heard were filled with admiration.

Herod did not have to fear the son of the carpenter...

Till then, the authorities kept aloof.

But, behold, wise men came from the East to adore the Messiah.

On this day, Dr. Dozous, one of the most respected men of Lourdes, witnessed the apparition and testified that "Bernadette is perfectly normal and that what is happening appears to be supernatural." His testimony drew everybody's attention.

Herod summoned all the chief priests and the scribes.

Matthew 2:4

To find out where the Messiah was to be born.

The squadron chief of Tarbes was notified, witnessed the apparition, told the authorities to have a guard at the Grotto and send regular reports...The mayor, the imperial procurator, and the police commissioner had a meeting at the city hall to see how they could stop these events at the Grotto. They said they were concerned about the popular reaction. The imperial procurator said: "What good can come out of the Soubirous home?"

He is the son of the carpenter.

Months before, Mr. Soubirous had been accused, right or wrong, of having stolen a piece of wood. So there was danger here of disturbing the peace of the city.

Herod was troubled and privately called the wise men and diligently learned from them the exact time the star appeared.

Matthew 2:3-4

Mr. Jacomet secretly called Bernadette, and asked her innumerable questions making believe he was interested, hoping by persuasion to put an end to this affair. "Don't be afraid, I want to know everything for myself...what you say is very interesting." Bernadette was answering every question with no difficulty and no hesitation.

Once Herod realized that he had been deceived by the astrologers, he became furious.

Matthew 2:16

Herod decided the best way was to get rid of this child. He ordered the Massacre of all the boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity.

Matthew 2:16

Realizing that Bernadette throughout this questioning was neither getting tired nor confused, but that he was becoming confused, Jacomet all of a sudden changed his attitude and language. He took a horrible and menacing attitude: "You're lying," he screamed, "you're deceiving everybody. If you do not confess the truth right away, I'll have the police pick you up. I will put you in prison. I will punish you."

Mr. Jacomet* stood up...all of a sudden Mr. Soubirous, Bernadette's father, stormed into the office of the police commissioner, claimed his daughter, promised to keep her away from the Grotto and walked out with his daughter.

The angel told Joseph: "Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt."

Matthew 2:13

Bernadette on this day is also questioned by the imperial procurator and by Abbe Pène, parish assistant.

*Later Bernadette said he was so mad he could not find the opening to the ink well.

"When the days came to purify them according to the law of Moses, the couple brought him up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord. For it is written in the law of the Lord 'Every first-born male shall be consecrated to the Lord.' They came to offer in sacrifice 'a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons' in accord with the dictate in the law of the Lord...the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him the customary ritual of the law...so they fulfilled the prescriptions of the law.

Luke 2:22-24, 27, 39

As we remember yesterday, there was quite an episode in Lourdes with the law in the police Commissioner's office. Today there is another law that comes into play. Mr. Soubirous promised to the police that Bernadette would not go to the Grotto, so now there is the question of the authority of the parents and the obedience they deserve. However, for Bernadette there was also a higher law that had a hold on her: she had promised the Lady to come for fifteen days.

Mary clearly gives a lesson of obedience to the law in submitting herself to all the prescriptions for the purification. Jesus would be obedient for thirty years (greatest lesson He taught) and then obedient unto death and death on the cross.

The Soubirous parents insist on February 22nd Bernadette will not go to the Grotto in the morning but go to school, with the possibility of a change of mind in the afternoon. So Bernadette put her alphabet book in her basket and went to school. In the afternoon, there is no change, Bernadette is to go to school. This was very hard for Bernadette, really a dilemma. She said "I have to disobey you or the Lady."

However, when Bernadette reached the top of the hill, near the police station, a mysterious hand prevented her from going any further. She tried in vain. She could not go forward. Some police in the window watched her feet just stamping the ground without moving forward. The only way her feet could go is to turn towards the Grotto.

On February 2nd, we celebrate the Feast of the Purification of Mary and we bless the candles in Church. It is a feast of lights and the candle procession reminds us that Christ is the light of the world.

Bernadette says "bring me my godmother's candle." This was a candlemas candle blessed on February 2nd for the Feast of the Purification. It's one o'clock. Bernadette heads for the Grotto, flanked by two gendarmes and about fifty women and children.

Mary is faithful to the law.

Bernadette is accompanied by law enforcers to fulfill the law.

As Mary went to the temple for purification.

Bernadette went to the Grotto for purification.

Mary went to the temple with Jesus for the purification they did not need. She gave a beautiful lesson of obedience, respect and submission to the law.

As soon as she arrives at the Grotto, Bernadette kneels, lights her candle and recites her Rosary with her eyes fixed on the niche where Mary usually appears. But this time Mary does not come. After Bernadette prayed a long time, she understood that there would be no apparition and she seemed very sad. "I don't know how I failed the Lady." This is a real purification for Bernadette.

As long as the law was in the way, Bernadette could not see the Lady.

Someone asked her. "Do you see her?" Bernadette answered: "The Marshal is there. I can't see anything." The Marshal cut in: "If you were not a stupid little girl, you would know that the Virgin is not afraid of the police, since she is without sin. You, why are you afraid? Could it be that you feel a little guilty of lying? I am looking and I can't see a thing and that's clear to you too..." Her aunt blew out the candle and walked away with Bernadette.

Bernadette left the Grotto. A deep sadness came over her. She wondered if she had done anything wrong, if she had offended in any way. She was inconsolable. (Was she crying over our need of purification?)

She stopped at the Savy Mill and sat in a chair. Bernadette's mother was there next to her daughter, sweating profusely. Miss Estrade asked: "Do you know the girl." "I am the sad mother." She was breathing sorrowfully.

Your heart will be pierced by a sword...your child will be a source of contradiction...

(Could it be this was done a day earlier to put all the suffering on this day and all the joy in the next?)

That evening Bernadette went to see Father Pomian in the confessional. He told her: "They don't have a right to stop you from going."

The mystery of the Presentation is, above all, the mystery of the vocation of Christ. Coming into the world, he was able to say:

"Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts or sin offering you sought not then said I 'Behold I come.' In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, to do your will, O my God is my delight and your law is within my heart."

Psalm 40:7-9

In today's apparition, Bernadette discovers her vocation. Today, February 23rd, Bernadette, so glad to see the Lady, is in profound ecstasy. Father Pène wrote: after the first decade, her rosary stopped sliding between her fingers, everything in her denoted that she was deeply absorbed by a mysterious presence. Her face was transformed. First could be seen an unexplainable ravishing joy beyond description and at the same time, a supernatural beauty, something so pure, so gentle that the spectators were just thrilled. While all eyes were riveted on her, Bernadette seemed to be completely isolated from everything, neither seeing, nor hearing anything around her.

She had a heavenly face. She seemed afraid to lower her eyelids for fear of losing the object of her contemplation...clearly looking like ecstasy and beatitude (Estrade).

During the apparition, greetings, large signs of the cross interrupt the slow recitation of the Rosary. Bernadette signifies yes, no, is sad, smiles. A conversation seems to be going on. Questions, answers, surprises, confidences, secrets were multiplied. Whatever was happening in Bernadette's soul was reflected in her face.

Behold, I come to do your Will.

Later she explained:

Jesus offered himself to the Father. From now on he would be completely at his disposition.

"While I was praying, the Lady called me by name, Bernadette, and I answered: 'Here I am.'"

There lived in Jerusalem at the time a certain man named Simeon. He was just and pious and awaited the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not experience death until he had seen the anointed of the Lord.

Luke 2:25-26

The Pastor of Lourdes invited Mr. Estrade "a just and God fearing man" to go to the Grotto. "Go, accompany those women, said Rev. Peyramale. I would not be at all angry that someone serious witnessed what is happening."

He came to the temple, now inspired by the Holy Spirit, and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus to perform for him the customary ritual of the law, he took him into his arms and blessed God.

Luke 2:27-28

So Mr. Estrade came to the Grotto for the first time on February 23rd. Right from the beginning of the ecstasy he was charmed and thrilled.

"The child's father and mother were marvelling at what was being said about him."

Luke 2:33

He wrote: "Spontaneously, mechanically us men who were there removed our hats and bowed like humble women."

After the apparition he said: "I was like a man coming out of a dream. I could not get over my emotions. A whole world of thoughts were going through my soul. Even though the Lady was hidden from me, yet I felt her presence and I was convinced that her maternal glance had rested on my head. O solemn hour of my life!"

"Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace; because my eyes have seen the salvation which thou has prepared before the face of all peoples."

Luke 2:25-31

O Mother, my hair is white, I am close to the tomb...I do not dare look at my iniquity and more than ever I need to take refuge under the mantle of your mercy. When, at the supreme hour, I will appear before your majestic Son, deign be my protectress and remember that you saw me on the days of your manifestation kneeling and believing under the sacred vault of your Grotto of Lourdes. (Divine Comedy #129-130.)

The father and mother were in admiration of what was being said of the child.

In the temple there was a dialogue that provoked admiration in Joseph and Mary and three secrets that caused:

sadness - his child is for the fall

joy - and the rise of many in Israel

fear - your heart will be pierced by a sword so that the thoughts of many may be laid bare.

Many times the joy in Bernadette's face changed into sadness but neither one nor the other can be compared to anything here below. At certain moments Bernadette listened, then she spoke; we could not hear her voice. We could only see the movements of her lips; but this movement, whether slow or fast or brusquely interrupted or cut by intervals of rest was all in harmony, clearly showing the emotions of the seer, her admiration and her joy, her fear and her sadness. It was really impossible not to see there a real conversation between the child and a supernatural person. (Divine Comedy Fr. Pène.)

Then, Simeon revealed this secret to the Blessed Mother: "This child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be opposed. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce...so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare."

Luke 2:34-35

Today, three secrets are confided to Bernadette that she brought with her in the tomb. From these secrets "she probably drew a lot of understanding and strength to accomplish faithfully and in a holy way the Mission she received." (Fr. Bouix - her Confessor)

Already, in the Presentation, we can discern the passion of Christ and the Mother of Sorrows.

On this day, Bernadette made many signs of the cross, "so pious, so noble, it seemed they could be made only in heaven." These signs of the cross represent perfectly the passion.

"There was also a certain prophetess, Anna by name, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was constantly in the temple, worshipping day and night in fasting and prayer. Coming on the scene at this moment, she gave thanks to God and talked about the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem."

Luke 2:36-38

Fr. Pène's sister also was at the Grotto in the role of Anna. He wrote: "I still can see her, when she came back from Massabielle. She too seemed to be coming from another world. She narrated what happened at the Grotto with such enthusiastic conviction that I found myself all caught up in the same emotions." (Divine Comedy 130.)

When Jesus was presented by Mary in the temple, he was coming to make up for the sin of Adam and Eve. "The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes and desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it..."

Genesis 3:6

Anna Dupas, a poor woman, that day wanted so much to give something to Bernadette. Apples were very scarce at that time and she had a nice red one left. She really wanted to give it to Bernadette. "She thanked me but did not want it. I really insisted, no matter what I did she always refused." (Cros 237.)

Often we see Mary depicted with the Christ Child on her lap and John the Baptist standing nearby.

That evening, Bernadette was seen with a child in her lap, next to her was the little boy Jean Marie.

The parents of Jesus used to go every year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.

Luke 2:41

Bernadette went to the Grotto each day for the rendezvous with the Lady. Today, February 24th Mary will play the role of Jesus and Bernadette the role of Mary.

The city of Jerusalem was overflowing with people for the feast.

There were so many people at the Grotto. Everyone is at Massabielle. There is a lot of pushing. Everyone seems to be fighting for the first place.

"When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. And after they had fulfilled the days, when they were returning, the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it."

Bernadette kneels, lights her candle, makes the sign of the cross and begins the rosary. At the end of the first decade, her face turned white, like a cloud passed over her face. Where is the Lady? Sighs were heard four of five times.

"They had come a day's journey before it occurred to them to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances."

She begins an anxious search for her, trembling, walking slowly inside the Grotto, looking towards the vault.

"And not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him."

Luke 2:42-45

Will we ever understand the anguish of Joseph and Mary seeking the child? Or for us the horror of losing Jesus?

Not finding her, she comes back down with two tears fixed on her cheeks. Then she was really crying profusely. Others began to cry; some of the men were deeply moved.

During about an hour (the time of the apparition), this search was repeated four or five times. The last time she was walking all bent forward as though under a terrible weight. She was asked to kiss the ground. The Lady said: "Do you mind?" "O no." She goes up the incline, but at each step she stops, kneels and kisses the ground.

Suddenly her anxiety was felt by all. When the people saw how pale she was they cried out: She is going to die!

As in the Presentation, there is a glimpse of calvary: rise and fall of many, plus, your heart will be pierced by a sword. Here too because our loss of Jesus can only be through our sins.

At one point she stood up inside the Grotto, looked at the place of the apparition. She turns around, her face full of tears and through the sobbing was heard three times. - penance, penance, penance. This is a new word and a new idea in the message of Lourdes. Penance and prayer for the conversion of sinners. Then Bernadette returns to her usual place.

"And it came to pass after three days, that they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who were listening to him were amazed at his understanding and his answers."

Luke 2:45-47

Then, her face beamed. Those nearby heard a soft, hardly perceptible Ah!, as if to say: Ah! there you are. When the Lady reappeared, Bernadette's whole body bent forward, with a beautiful smile, beautiful greeting, her eyes fixed on the Lady. Again she was in ecstasy, her face beaming in radiant white, as if wrapped in a ray of light. The witnesses were able to observe easily the transformation on her face.

When his parents saw him, they were astonished and his mother said to him: "Son, why have you done this to us? You see your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.

And he said to them: Why did you search for me?"

Luke 2:48-49

During the apparition, the Marshall and another gendarme cut through the crowd, came next to Bernadette, put his face next to hers, shook her shoulder and said (treating her as one who breaks the law): what do you see funny girl? Bernadette did not make any movement, did not turn her eyes. Bernadette left everything up to God.

"Did you not know that I had to be in my Father's house." Jesus defended the work of his Father.

Luke 2:49

Mary came to proclaim the Rosary. On that day the rosebush on which Mary stood was mishandled and a branch fell to the ground. Mary showed some displeasure and Bernadette started crying* and said who touched the rosebush?

The caravan had left three days earlier, so the Holy Family left by themselves. "Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother meanwhile kept all these things in her heart. Jesus for his part progressed steadily in wisdom and age and grace before God and men."

Luke 2:51-52

After the apparition, surprisingly, very few people walked with Bernadette on her way home.

Jesus went out and made his way, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives.

Luke 22:39

Bernadette, at the same time as usual, went to the Grotto, on Thursday, February 25. It's 5:30 a.m. Some 300 persons were at the Grotto.

The hour is at hand, let us go. If I don't go the Paraclete will never come.

John 16:7

Today Bernadette repeated: "Let me go by." "Let me go by."

Jesus went to the garden with his disciples. He had often met there with his disciples.

John 18:2

Bernadette went to the Grotto followed by the customary people.

"But when He was at the place, he said to them, 'Pray, that you may not enter into temptation!'"

Bernadette kneels at what is now called "Bernadette's Place." And prays.

Jesus takes with him Peter, James and John.

Bernadette is accompanied by her three aunts.

In the garden, the humanity of Jesus is sorely tried. He was overcome by sadness. It was our infirmities that He bore.

Isaiah 53:4

"My soul is sad unto death."

The Lord laid upon him the guilt of us all.

Isaiah 53:6

There was in him no appearance that would attract us to him.

Isaiah 53:2

Today for Bernadette, there is no ecstasy, no transfiguration in her face. She makes the sign of the cross and begins to pray, her eyes fixed on the Grotto. Her face was sad.

She was overwhelmed by the evil of the world, as if she was going to die.

Her face lost all her composure.

(Looked decomposed).

And he himself withdrew from them about a stone's throw.

Luke 22:41

Jesus went down on his knees and prayed in these words: "Father, if it is your will, take this cup from me, yet not my will but yours be done!"

Luke 22:41-42

The apostles fell asleep-

Before the end of the first decade, she stands, passes her candle to her aunt, walks on her knees over to the Grotto, crosses the bushes, goes beyond underneath the rock, deep inside the Grotto, and kisses the ground. She enters carefully, gently she moves over the branches hanging down.

She seemed really upset that some people who followed her mishandled the rose bush and other bushes. She indicated her displeasure, walked backward and with a sign of the head motioned to back-off.

...

Bernadette comes underneath the opening in the Grotto, on the right side. Mary tells her to go to the other side. She goes over on her knees along the back wall to the east wall.

Bernadette stays just a few moments, then returns directly to her original place where she prays a few moments.

Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter: "Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?"

Matthew 26:40

Then he returned to the place of the agony. He prays for a second time. "Father may this cup pass away from me. But thy will be done."

The Lady points to the other side of the Grotto where Bernadette was a moment ago and tells Bernadette to go drink at the fountain, wash, and eat some grass. Bernadette heads in the direction that the Lady pointed, then suddenly turns, goes towards the river Gave. Mary said, "No, not at the river."

Again a second time he went away and prayed saying: "My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink it, thy will be done. And he came again and found them sleeping...And leaving them he went back again, and prayed a third time, saying the same words over."

Matthew 26:43-44

Bernadette looks at Mary in the Grotto, pointing again to the left side. She goes over, falls on her knees, then bends really low - nearly on her stomach and starts scratching the soil. A trickle of water came out of the red dark dirt, not enough, so she dug some more. Water filed the hole. Mary kept encouraging Bernadette.

A third time he prayed, "If this chalice can pass away from me..., but your will be done, not mine."

Three times she cupped water in her hand and threw it out. Finally she drinks some and then drinks again and again.

And falling into an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat became like drops of blood running down upon the ground.

Luke 22:44

Then she takes some water and washes (dirties) her face. Three times she takes pieces of grass and eats them.

And there appeared to him an angel from heaven to strengthen him.

Luke 22:43

Her aunt Bernarde came forward, wiped her face, soiled with red dirt and mud, and accompanied her afraid Bernadette would fall. The Lady seems very satisfied.

Jesus returned a third time and said to the disciples: "Still sleeping? The hour is on us. You will see that the Son of Man is to be handed over to the clutches of evil men. Rouse yourselves. Come along. See, my betrayer is near."

Mark 14:41-42

For a third time Bernadette returns to her original place. Bernadette stays just a few moments, leaves for Lourdes - totally unconscious of the crowd who surrounds her laughing, mocking her. The aunt said, "it seems like a comedy" and rushes her away.

If, therefore, you seek me, let these go their way.

John 18:8

Then all his disciples left him and fled.

Matthew 26:56

All the spectators followed the different phases of this strange scene with an awful feeling and a kind of stupor. A cry of deception and pity was heard on all the lips; "Bernadette is gone, the poor child is going crazy!" Most of those in attendance disappeared. (Estrade.) The Grotto was soon empty.

You will be scandalized this night because of me.

Everyone seemed deceived...nothing went on as usual.

It is written, "I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered."

Mark 14:27

People left, sad, confused, dismayed. Many were discouraged or lost faith in Bernadette.

And the soldiers "brought him to Annas first...If I have spoken ill, bear witness to the evil, but if well, why dost thou strike me?"

John 18:13,23

"In the evening of this day full of enigma" (February 25), recounts Mr. Estrade, "I called Bernadette to my home. I made her talk. I looked for arguments, for surprises and contradictions in her story."

Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas.

John 18:24

Now the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin were seeking witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death, but they found none.

Mark 14:55

Many false witnesses were brought forward but none could agree. They were looking in vain for witnesses to condemn him to death.

"Nothing in the answers and in the reflections of the child denoted any kind of intellectual deviation whatsoever." (Estrade.)

In the evening the Imperial Procurator requested to see Bernadette. He tried to find contradiction in her story. He menaced to have her sleep in prison. He pretended to send for the police commissioners.

When Moses hit the rock in the desert, water flowed as later from the side of Christ: water - living water came out.

When Bernadette scratched the ground in the Grotto, the spring began to flow.

So on Pentecost the water will start flowing in greater abundance.

In the agony Jesus underwent a great deal of interior suffering. Now in the scourging it will be exterior.

Bernadette, in obedience to the Lady, will perform acts of penance, accepting suffering in her body and humiliation in her soul.

At daybreak all the chief priests and elders of the people took formal action against Jesus to put him to death. They bound him and led him away to be handed over to Pilate, the procurator.

Matthew 27:1-2

The "strong minds" of Lourdes mock the visitors of the Grotto for their great deception of yesterday. Nevertheless, some 800 persons come to the Grotto on this Friday, February 26, many pushing in order to get a better view.

The Jewish people, who had awaited the Messiah for centuries, had suddenly placed all their confidence in Christ when he triumphantly entered Jerusalem. But, now, most were deceived at the thought of a tragic ending.

The visitors of the Grotto...in great part remain under the shock of their bitter deception; for them, the ideal, imagined according to their own fancy, suddenly vanished like a beautiful rose whose petals too quickly fade and fall. (L'Ami 1908.)

Pilate said I find no guilt in this man...and he sent him to Herod. Now Herod put many questions to Jesus, but he made him no answer.

Luke 23:4,7,9

But Herod, with his soldiers, treated him with contempt and mocked him, arraying him in a bright robe, and sent him back to Pilate.

Luke 23:11-12

Today, Bernadette does not kneel at her customary place on arriving. Straight and without hesitation...she goes up the incline; the flowing spring found is no surprise to her; she makes her broad sign of the cross, bends low, drinks from the spring and washes herself...Then, she goes to her place, kneels and begins her rosary. (L'Ami.)

Pilate said: "I will therefore chastise him and release him."

Luke 32:16

If thou release this man, thou art no friend of Caesar.

John 19:12

Whom do you wish that I release to you? Barabbas...or Jesus?

Matthew 27:17

Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a robber.

John 18:40

It is on this very day that the spring becomes an instrument of divine Mercy; Louis Bourriette, a blind man (after 20 years) regains his sight.

Jesus is surrounded by the soldiers.

There she is. Move! She is like wrapped in the crowd.

Pilate, seeing that a riot was breaking out, took water and washed his hands in sight of the crowd, saying: "I am innocent of the blood of this just man."

Matthew 27:24

Our Lady appeared when Bernadette was reciting the second decade - the Scourging. At that moment the sorrowful drama is felt in her soul and lived in her body.

On Good Friday, in the prayers of the liturgy, we read this loving reproach of Jesus: "O my people, tell me, what have I done to you to deserve this scourging?" Three times in succession we kneel at the unveiling of the cross saying: "It is through your cross that you have saved the world, that joy spreads throughout the world...." David had said: "You have torn my body...and at the very same time you have spread joy around me." (Gasnier.)

On her knees, she starts greeting the invisible Lady three times. She bows slightly, then more and, finally to the ground. At the same time, she seems filled with joy and manifests her happiness by small childish outbursts of laughter. (Gasnier.)

She never seemed more happy. Her attitude will help so much that the spectators will leave today happy and content.

Pilate then took Jesus and had him scourged.

John 19:1

Tears soon stream down her cheeks. Bernadette falls in contemplation. Suddenly, the Lady tells her: (Those nearby can hear moaning) "You will kiss the ground for sinners." Right away the child bends her head, and her eyes full of tears, she profusely kisses the ground...act of obedience, of humility and love. (L'Ami.)

Pilate therefore again went outside and said to them, "Behold, I bring him out to you, that you may know that I find no guilt in him."

John 19:4

Soon after, on her knees, she climbs to the Grotto, repeatedly kissing the ground. (Petitot)

She was full of mud: her face, her hands, her knees. Having practiced penance, she acquired the right to be heard. (Gasnier.)

On Good Friday, the priest presents us the cross three times in adoration and reparation.

She had heard the words "Penance, Penance, Penance." Now she was putting them in practice.

Bernadette stands, turns to the crowd, places her finger on her lips, with rosary in one hand, extends her arms. Energetically invites everyone to kneel. Most remained immobile. She repeated the gesture forcefully. She seemed irritated, as if possessed by divine inspiration. Those around cried out and motioned to kneel. All followed their example, kissing the holy ground. (L'Ami.)

For Bernadette kissing the ground was an answer to the request of Our Lady done in humility consecrated by love.

As the blood of Jesus poured out of his body from the scourging to cleanse us from sin.

Rain fell on those in attendance at one point during the apparitions.

Catherine Emmerich in her experience of the scourging said a man shouted: "Do you want to kill him? You can see, he can't take anymore. He will die."

Bernadette's aunt Lucille at this moment gave a loud cry and fainted. The cry pulled Bernadette out of ecstasy. She looked at her aunt and said: "Auntie, don't be afraid."

...for we have not a high priest who cannot have compassion on our infirmities, but one tried as we are in all things except sin.

Hebrews 4:15

Then Bernadette went into the Grotto, washed herself, and ate some grass. Eating grass seemed a way to be united in the humiliation, sufferings, triumphant strength and love, as we can do in communion.