Lourdes, France
The small village of Lourdes in the south of France is the second most visited town in France, next to Paris. Some might find that absolutely unbelievable but have faith dear friends; there's a good reason why this is the case.
How did this previously unremarkable community, hidden in the Pyrenean foothills make its mark on the planet? You could say a miracle happened. Believe it or not, beginning on February 11, 1858, a young shepherdess, the 14-year old peasant girl by the name of Bernadette Soubirous, saw many apparitions of "Our Lady of Lourdes," which is believed to have been the ghost of the Virgin Mary. She'd seen the ghost in the Grotto of Massabielle not far from the center of Lourdes. If only we could have been there, or, if only someone else could have been there with her, to give credence to this fantastic story. It's doesn't matter, I suppose, because millions of people believe it happened and they pay their respects to the sanctuary. It's been said that Ms. Soubirous was given several messages by Our Lady of Lourdes to share with the world, including where to find the healing spring waters. In total, there were 18 times when she encountered the beautiful lady "ghost."
What did the little girl see? Bernadette Soubirous saw a woman wearing a white dress, a blue girdle and a yellow rose on each foot, which was the same color as the chain on her rosary; the beads of the rosary were white. The 14-year old girl was scared at first but her fear lessened each time she encountered Our Lady of Lourdes.
