Our Blessed Virgin Mary, identifying herself as The Immaculate Conception, appeared to 14-year old Bernadette in a grotto near the Gave river in France, over 18 times between February 11 and July 16, 1858.
Bernadette, not knowing how to respond at first, prayed the Rosary.
The Virgin joined her in prayer.

“Ever since the apparitions, Lourdes is known as the place that welcomes all who are physically or spiritually ill and who, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Conception, seek to rediscover peace, health and serenity. Seventy healings have been recognized by an autonomous group of physicians – as well as many conversions.“

Because you are the smile of God, the reflection of the light of Christ, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit,

because you chose Bernadette in her lowliness, because you are the morning star, the gate of heaven and the first creature to experience the resurrection,

Our Lady of Lourdes, with our brothers and sisters whose hearts and bodies are in pain, we pray to you!

Pope Benedict XVI offered this prayer on the 150th anniversary of the Lourdes apparitions, in the Eucharist for the World Day of the Sick