Once there was a little girl named Bernadette who lived in Lourdes, France.

Bernadette’s family was very poor.

Bernadette looked after sheep to help her family

One day Bernadette went out to find some firewood with her sister and friend.

They had to cross a stream and while Bernadette was taking off her stockings, Mary, the Mother of Jesus appeared to her.

Mary looked beautiful surrounded in light. Bernadette took out her rosary and began to pray with Mary. She was the only one who could see Mary.

One day Our Lady of Lourdes told Bernadette to drink from a spring. "I found only a little muddy water," Bernadette said.

In the next few days, a spring began to flow from the muddy patch first dug by Bernadette.

Mary asked Bernadette to pray for sinners – (people who are selfish). She also asked Bernadette to do penance for sinners (little deeds or prayers to make up for sin)

Finally, Mary asked Bernadette to tell the Bishop to build a shrine, a special place where people come and pray to Mary.

Bernadette did all that Mary asked of her.

When she grew up, Bernadette became a nun. She enjoyed working in the kitchen in the convent and praying to Mary and Jesus.

Today people still go to Lourdes to pray at Mary’s shrine.

People come to wash themselves in its waters, just as Mary told Bernadette to do.

Many sick people have been cured there.

The Candlelit processions at Lourdes each night are wonderful

This year is special because it is 150 years since Mary appeared to Bernadette.

Let us love Our Lady as Bernadette did.

Mary will always bring us closer to her Son, Jesus.