Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - 4th Brief and silent Apparition FRIDAY 19th FEBRUARY. After mass about 7 in the morning we saw Bernadette, her mother, her aunt Bernarda Castérot, Mrs Millet and a few other women at the Grotto. Bernadette makes the sign of the cross which she had seen the Lady make and began to recite her rosary. Eyewitnesses see she remains at the third hail Mary for about half an hour testimony la vedono dal terzo Ave “in ecstasy”, and watch waves of joy cross her face, "smiles which illuminate her face. ”. Seeing her so transfigured Bernadette's mother cries: «Oh! My God please do not take her from me». «Oh how beautiful she is!» people were saying. And what did Mary say? It would seem unimportant and yet it is so necessary for the formation of a soul. «She thanked me for coming and said that later she had something to tell me». Bernadette narrates: «As I prayed I heard voices calling me like a thousand angry people. It was horrible. The strongest voice cried save your soul, save your soul! - But the Lady looked towards the river frowning and the voices vanished».
Bernadette had come to the Grotto with a lighted candle. Her gesture was to be followed by millions of pilgrims in the years to come. (J.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 5 May 2007)
