What are the three signs of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes?
Between February 11, 1858 and July 16 of the same year, the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to Bernadette in the grotto of Massabielle. Since then, thousands of pilgrims have made their way to Lourdes, particularly during the national pilgrimage of the Assumption which takes place every year around August 15. Visitors are invited to follow the three signs of the apparitions: the rock, the water and the light.
The rock
It was in the intimacy of the grotto that Mary appeared 18 times to the young Bernadette Soubirous during the year 1858. Since then, pilgrims have been tirelessly flocking to Lourdes and heading towards the entrance of the cavern, overlooked by the statue of the Virgin. Touching the wall of the rock is a concrete way of meditating. Physical contact with the stone allows one to feel close to Bernadette’s experience.
The rock has a strong symbolic connotation in the Bible. In Psalm 17, we find this verse: “I love you, Lord, my strength; Lord, my rock, my fortress. God my deliverer, the rock that shelters me, my shield, my strong, my weapon of victory!”
The light
The sign of light is linked to the fourth apparition of Mary, on February 19, 1858. That day, Bernadette went to the grotto, a lit candle in her hand. The Virgin is said to have asked her to put it down and let it burn. This candle is the symbol of the perpetual light that watches over the cave of Massabielle. And for 166 years, candles have been burning continuously. They are the link in the uninterrupted chain of prayer initiated by Bernadette.
The candle also refers to the one lit on the day of baptism and which represents the passage from darkness to light thanks to Christ: “I who am the light have come into the world so that whoever believes in me will not remain in darkness.” (Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John – chapter 12, verse 46).
Lighting a candle in the “chapels of light” located opposite the Lourdes grotto is a gesture full of meaning. It allows you to extend your prayer intention after your visit.
It is also possible to have a candle placed and burned remotely thanks to the sanctuary’s “feutiers”, who are responsible in particular for maintaining the areas where the candles are placed, as well as recycling the melted paraffin.
Water
On February 25, 1858, the Virgin Mary addressed this request to Bernadette: “Come drink from the fountain and wash yourself there.” The spring that springs from the grotto is not blessed, but it is attributed miraculous virtues. It is a symbol of purification and healing. Through this gesture of water, Mary invites us to renew our baptism.
Since Lourdes water is drinkable, pilgrims drink it, fill bottles or splash it on their faces. Before the Covid pandemic, it was possible to immerse oneself in the pools of the sanctuary. Currently closed for renovation, five of the eighteen pools should be open for the national pilgrimage of the Assumption while the others will reopen by the end of 2024.
