In Lourdes, a small town in southwestern France, Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl, encountered her first vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary on February 11, 1858. While gathering firewood with her sister and a friend near the Grotto of Massabielle, Bernadette witnessed a beautiful lady dressed in white, with a blue sash and yellow roses on her feet. Intrigued and fearful, she approached the figure, who identified herself as the Immaculate Conception. This encounter was not Bernadette's only vision; it marked the beginning of 18 apparitions over the following months. These experiences significantly impacted her life and the lives of many who would later come to visit Lourdes seeking solace and healing.

Bernadette's revelations stressed the importance of penance and prayer, during a time when the Catholic Church was confronting modernity and secularism. Her experience at Lourdes generated devotion to the Virgin Mary, creating a religious phenomenon that transformed the sleepy town into a major pilgrimage destination. As news spread of her visions, thousands flocked to Lourdes, compelled by the promise of healing and miracles. Bernadette's simple yet profound messages resonated with many, emphasizing the accessible and maternal nature of the Virgin Mary.

As local authorities scrutinized Bernadette's claims, she faced intimidation; however, her steadfastness and purity of spirit fortified her determination to share her visions. In 1862, after thorough investigations, the Church recognized the authenticity of her experiences, further solidifying her role as a significant figure in Catholic faith. Later canonized as a saint, Bernadette Soubirous became an enduring symbol of faith and piety, with her story continuing to inspire devotion worldwide.