11 February 1858
On 25 February, Bernadette was told to dig in in the earth, which she did to much mockery, but there, the healing waters of the now-famous Lourdes shrine were discovered where the Lady had appeared, and on 25 March, the Lady of the vision announced that she was the Immaculate Conception and that a church should be built at the site. Bernadette became a nun at Nevers, France and, suffering much from physical ailments, died young. Her body remains incorrupt at her convent to this day
It is extraordinary, considering its importance, how little was said at Lourdes by Mary. Her words could certainly be contained on a single side of notepaper.
"It is not necessary." (On being offered pen and paper by Bernadette and asked to write down what she wanted)
"Would you have the graciousness to come here for fifteen days?"
"I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next."
"Pray for sinners."
"Go drink at the spring and wash yourself in it."
"Penance! Penance! Penance!"
Bernadette was also told to eat some leaves from a green herb.
"Kiss the ground as a penance for sinners."
"You will tell the priests to have a chapel built here."
A reiteration of the request for a chapel and a further one that people should come to the grotto in procession. Mary explained to Bernadette why she had not seen her because, "there were people here who wanted to see your face in my presence, and they were unworthy of it. They spent the night at the Grotto and profaned it."
"I am the Immaculate Conception."
