Which saint reported visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes in 1858?

Saint Bernadette reported visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes in 1858.

Bernadette Soubirous was a 14-year-old girl from Lourdes, France. From 11 February to 16 July 1858, she reported 18 visions of a “Lady” at the grotto of Massabielle. The figure was eventually identified with the Virgin Mary and became known as Our Lady of Lourdes.

Bernadette’s account initially met skepticism from her family, local officials, and some clergy. During the apparitions, the Lady reportedly urged prayer and penance; on 25 March, she identified herself with the words “I am the Immaculate Conception.” The local bishop recognized the apparitions as worthy of belief in 1862.

A common mix-up is confusing Bernadette with Saint Lucy, another saint associated with visions and miraculous traditions. Bernadette later joined the Sisters of Charity at Nevers and was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1933. Lourdes subsequently became one of Christianity’s best-known pilgrimage sites.