Story of the Lourdes Grotto Healing Water

Story of the Lourdes Grotto Healing Water in France by St. Bernadette-

On February 25, 1858, during the 9th apparition the blessed mother told Bernadette: Go, drink at the spring and wash in it.”

There were 300 at the grotto that day. Bernadette in ecstasy, went back a number of times to the interior and exterior of the grotto openings. Joseph Barinque--hears her say ‘Penance, Penance, Penance.’

Bernadette walks towards the cave, looks at the red soil, mucky water on the ground, she looks at the grotto opening, and begins to dig. She puts the wet mud on her lips and splits it out––digs some more, disgusted to drink it. Then tries a third time it was not muddy anymore. Still, she had a hard time attempting to drink it. Finally she used the leaves to scoop up the water from nearby bushes. She washed her face with the muddy water––her face was smeared with reddish mud.

When questioned about her muddy face, without enthusiasm or any embarrassment––she told them 'the lady at the grotto' told me to drink at the spring and wash in it. Three times I threw it away, but the fourth time I succeeded, Bernadette exclaimed.

That afternoon the people at the grotto noticed the water began seeping from the hole Bernadette dug. The water became clear. People took bottles to give to the sick. Those that drank it felt happy and at peace. We too, are invited to do the same. Bernadette exclaims, ‘The lady said––just one drop suffices.’

Bernadette would pray to the Lord to purify her heart. ‘Father, through Mary, our Mother, you give us your Son, the source of living water.' 'Help us answer his call, so that his presence may cleanse and heal us, and that the benefit of his love may pour out on us. Amen.'