Bernadette was a sickly child of poor and unambitious parents but their lives were to change for evermore on Feb 11th 1858. On this day 150 years ago Our Lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. This began a series of 18 visions. During the first fortnight, Bernadette’s audience increased from two (her siser and friend) to 8000 by which stage she was being escorted by armed soldiers. The local clergy initially viewed her with suspicion and the police threatened to put her in prison for public order offences. But as time went on it became clear that this was the place Mary chose to appear to a peasant girl.

On one visit Bernadette asked her who she was. She was told “I Am The Immaculate Conception”. Bernadette came running back to tell her local parish priest Fr.Pyremale. This was a huge turning point. He now believed her story and became a huge pillar of support and encouragement for Bernadette.

Today we pray to Bernadette and to Mary. It’s a day of great blessing and we also pray for healing in all areas of our lives.