The Grotto of Massabielle

A statue (1.88m.) representing Our Lady of Lourdes, dressed in white with a rosary beads on her right arm and two yellow roses on her feet, just as she appeared to the young Bernadette on 11th February 1858, was installed in this spot on 4th April 1864. The statue was the gift of two sisters from Lyon, the Misses Lacour. It was created by Joseph Fabish, a professor at the School of Fine Art in Lyon. On the pedestal of the statue, we read 'Que soy era Immaculada Concepciou'.

On the ground, to the left in front of the Grotto, a stone plaque marks the exact spot where Bernadette stood: ' Bernadette prayed here on 11th February 1858'. At the back of the Grotto, to your left of the altar, you can see the flowing spring that Bernadette discovered on 25th February 1858. This water, in order to make it available to everyone, is now channelled towards the taps and the baths. Inside the Grotto, behind the altar, one can find the box where people place their prayer petitions. In front of the Altar is another stone recalling the visit of Pope John-Paul II on 15th August 1983.

Spring bringing to light by Bernadette the 25th. february 1858

On Thursday 11th February 1858, Bernadette heard a noise that sounded like a gust of wind and she saw a light. She saw a small girl, dressed in white, with a blue belt, a yellow rose on each foot and a rosary beads on her arm: It was the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bernadette continued to meet her on 18 occasions.

At the time of the Apparitions as many a 10,000 people gathered at the Grotto.

This Grotto is one of the most visited places in the world, about 6 million pilgrims and visitors come here each year.

Between 1858 and 1900 on two occasions, a 350-metre length and 28-metre width of the Gave was pushed back. The canal that Bernadette crossed and the "Merlasse" stream were rerouted upstream and their former beds were filled in. There is, as well, sufficient space in from of the Grotto to accommodate several thousand pilgrims.

Pilgrims must have patience to enter the Grotto because of the crowds. Once the pilgrims have arrived inside holy place, the most stirring place of the Sanctuary, they pray, reflect before the spring or touch the rock face of the Grotto, not one of superstition but out of recognition of Mary as the Mother of all Peoples and to express their confidence in God. "The Lord, is my rock, my fortress my deliverer. He is my God, the rock where I take refuge, my shield, my mighty help, my stronghold." (Psalm 17)