The Holy Catholic Church has recognized merely 72 miraculous cures at Lourdes despite nearly 7,000 documented cases of extraordinary healing at these sacred waters. This profound disparity reveals the Church’s extraordinarily rigorous approach to authenticating divine intervention in human affairs.

Throughout the history of Lourdes, thousands upon thousands of pilgrims have sought healing at this sacred site where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette. However, the verification process established by the Church demonstrates remarkable thoroughness. Each reported miracle undergoes intense scrutiny through both medical and ecclesiastical examination. The Lourdes Medical Bureau meticulously maintains files on thousands of cases for which medical science can find “no natural or scientific explanation.”

With a total of 72 officially approved miraculous I have divided into 4 separate articles, part 1 to part 4. We continue with the next 22 from Miracle 37 to 58.

Let us examine each case with reverence, recognizing how God’s healing power manifests through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes.

Miracle 37: Marie BIRE

Marie BIRE represents one of the most thoroughly documented and medically scrutinized cases among the Lourdes miracles. Her extraordinary healing in 1908 continues to challenge fundamental medical understanding about vision restoration and stands as a powerful testimony to divine intervention.

Marie BIRE’s illness and diagnosis

Born on October 8, 1866, in Vendee, France, Marie BIRE (née Lucas) led a life of Christian virtue until tragedy visited her family in a most grievous manner. As a devoted mother of six children, she suffered the devastating loss of two of her beloved little ones in 1904, which plunged her into profound sorrow and depression [11]. This emotional trauma soon manifested in rapid physical deterioration.

The medical crisis began suddenly on February 14, 1908, when at 41 years of age, Marie exhibited alarming symptoms including vomiting blood and incipient gangrene of her left forearm and hand, accompanied by excruciating pain [13]. While the circulation in her arm returned to normal within days through medical intervention, new complications emerged—signs of intracranial hypertension that eventually led to a comatose state [13].

Upon regaining consciousness on February 25, Marie made a devastating discovery—she had become completely blind [13]. Her physician diagnosed her condition as “blindness from bilateral optic atrophy” resulting from cerebral incidents [13]. Further examinations revealed what doctors termed “white atrophy of the optic nerve with brain origins,” considered among the most serious and incurable of eye diseases [11].

Prior to her pilgrimage, multiple specialists confirmed this grave diagnosis, with one doctor bluntly telling her, “I hate to tell you, Madame, but there has been a complete wasting of the optic nerves. I’m afraid there’s no cure” [13]. Her medical file clearly documented that the visual system was irreparably damaged [11].

Marie BIRE’s pilgrimage to Lourdes

Despite her hopeless prognosis, Marie maintained unwavering faith that healing might be possible through the intercession of Our Lady. Six months after losing her sight, she journeyed to Lourdes in August 1908, accompanied by her oldest daughter and her doctor [13]. This arduous journey required significant assistance given her blindness and other physical limitations including a crippled foot and arm [11].

Throughout her first days at the sanctuary, Marie participated in the spiritual exercises while being transported in an invalid carriage due to her physical limitations [13]. Her presence was noted by many pilgrims who witnessed her condition before the extraordinary events that would soon unfold through God’s mercy.

The moment of healing for Marie BIRE

On August 5, 1908, after attending Holy Mass at the Grotto and receiving Our Lord in Holy Communion, something remarkable happened [11]. Marie suddenly stood up from her invalid carriage and exclaimed, “Ah, I see the Blessed Virgin!” before falling back into her seat, temporarily unconscious [13]. Her daughter, fearing she was dying, watched in astonishment as Marie quickly regained consciousness and declared with certainty, “Now I can see” [12].

The transformation was immediate and complete. After nearly six months of total blindness, Marie could suddenly see everything around her with perfect clarity [13]. She could identify people, objects, and even read small text—all with eyes that medically should have been incapable of sight. This instantaneous restoration of vision demonstrates the miraculous nature of her cure, showing how God can work beyond the limitations of human science.

Medical verification of Marie BIRE’s cure

Marie’s case immediately attracted substantial medical attention. She was promptly taken to the Medical Bureau of Verifications (M.B.V.) where she underwent thorough examination by multiple specialists [11]. Dr. Henri Lainey, an ophthalmologist from Rouen, documented the extraordinary paradox:

“Examination of the eyes with the ophthalmoscope showed on both sides a white pearly papilla, devoid of all color. The diagnosis was forced upon me: here was white atrophy of the optic nerve, of cerebral cause. This, one of the gravest affections, is recognized by all authorities as incurable. But Madame Bire could read the finest print, and her distant vision was just as good” [13].

This created an unprecedented medical situation—Marie could see perfectly despite having optic nerves that appeared completely atrophied and non-functional. The examining doctors were baffled by this contradiction. One doctor even asked in frustration, “How can you see, Madame, when you have no papillae?” To which Marie responded with simple clarity, “Listen gentlemen, I am not familiar with your learned words. I have just one thing to say. For nearly six months I could not see, and now I can see. That is enough for me!” [13]

The initial medical findings documented three key observations:

• Signs of “retinal pallor of cerebral origin” remained visible

• The condition was more pronounced in the right eye than the left

• Despite these anatomical defects, she could read “the smallest print in a newspaper” [11]

A follow-up examination conducted the next day by ten doctors confirmed the same inexplicable phenomenon—anatomically dead optic nerves that nonetheless provided perfect vision [13].

Moreover, when examined again in September 1908 by three ophthalmologists, they discovered something even more remarkable—the physical evidence of optic atrophy had completely disappeared [11]. Their report stated: “All traces of papillary atrophy have disappeared. There are no longer lesions. The cure is complete” [13].

Further medical follow-ups in subsequent years confirmed the permanence of her cure. Twenty years later, when examined by Dr. Auguste Vallet, president of the Medical Bureau, her sight remained excellent [13].

Church recognition of the miracle of Marie BIRE

Following extensive medical documentation and canonical investigation, Bishop Clovis Joseph Catteau of Luçon officially recognized Marie BIRE’s healing as miraculous on July 30, 1910 [11]. The decree acknowledged both the suddenness and the radical nature of her cure [11].

Throughout the decades since, Marie BIRE’s case has been subject to “particular attention by dozens of specialists” [11]. Every medical review has reached the same conclusion—her cure remains “absolutely inexplicable clinically” [13] and stands as one of the most thoroughly documented miracles of Lourdes.

Marie’s story was later published in McCall’s Magazine in November 1955, bringing international attention to this extraordinary case of healing [14]. I believe her experience presents one of the most scientifically challenging miracles at Lourdes, where a woman with medically confirmed “dead eyes” not only regained sight instantaneously but also experienced complete anatomical restoration of her previously atrophied optic nerves.

Miracle 38: Aimee ALLOPE

The healing of Aimee ALLOPE stands as the 38th officially recognized miracle at Lourdes. Her extraordinary recovery from chronic tuberculosis with multiple abdominal fistulas showcases God’s merciful intervention that completely baffled medical experts of the time.

Aimee ALLOPE’s Affliction and Diagnosis

Born in 1872 in the small town of Vern near Angers, France, Aimee ALLOPE suffered from a severe illness that progressively devastated her health. The beginning of her medical calvary dates to 1898, when surgeons removed one of her kidneys when she was merely 26 years of age. This major operation, however, marked only the first step in her journey of suffering.

As we often see in cases of profound illness, one affliction led to another. Several years following her kidney removal, Aimee’s condition deteriorated dramatically when tuberculosis – that most devastating disease with few effective treatments in that era – took hold in her abdomen. The infection progressed with such severity that she required two additional operations for tuberculous lesions on her right flank. These surgical interventions, rather than resolving her condition, led to further complications through the formation of multiple fistulas – abnormal passages that allowed infected material to drain.

By 1909, her medical condition had reached a truly pitiful state. Physicians diagnosed her with “chronic abdominal fistulous tuberculosis,” specifically documenting “multiple tuberculosis abscesses with four fistulas in the anterior abdominal wall.” Consider the gravity of her condition:

• Four enormous abscesses had formed, discharging pus continuously

• The wounds showed absolutely no signs of healing whatsoever

• The suppuration (pus discharge) flowed with extreme profusion

• Her overall health had deteriorated to what doctors described as a “deplorable state”

What physical toll had this disease exacted upon Aimee’s body? The documents reveal she weighed merely 44 kilograms, demonstrating the severe wasting effect of chronic tuberculosis. The constant drainage from her wounds necessitated dressing changes twice daily, and medical science of the time offered no solution to her condition.

Aimee ALLOPE’s Journey to Lourdes

What does one do when faced with a hopeless medical prognosis? For Aimee, the answer lay in faith. At 37 years old, she undertook the challenging journey to Lourdes despite her weakened state. Let us consider what this pilgrimage meant – traveling with open, draining wounds represented a remarkable act of determination and profound hope.

Upon her arrival at Lourdes, her immediate experience provided little encouragement. Throughout her initial days at the sanctuary, her condition showed absolutely no improvement. Indeed, the medical documentation notes that “the suppuration was so profuse that it was essential to change the dressings twice a day” even during her time at Lourdes. This detail emphasizes both the severity of her affliction and the apparent lack of initial response to the pilgrimage.

The Moment of Divine Intervention

The pivotal moment in Aimee’s story occurred on May 28, 1909. That morning, after receiving Holy Communion at the Grotto of Lourdes, the Almighty God manifested His healing power in a most remarkable manner. According to the medical records, immediately following this sacred moment:

1. Her suffering ceased completely

2. The wounds that had been continuously draining suddenly closed

3. Her appetite, which had been suppressed by her illness, returned

4. She found herself able to function normally for the first time in years

The transformation occurred with divine immediacy. Aimee, who had arrived at Lourdes requiring twice-daily wound care and suffering from chronic pain, experienced what witnesses described as an instantaneous cure through God’s merciful intervention.

Medical Verification of Aimee ALLOPE’s Healing

On the day following her miraculous healing, Aimee presented herself at the Medical Bureau of Verifications for thorough examination. There, medical professionals documented several remarkable findings that testified to the completeness of her cure:

1. The induration (hardened areas) surrounding her wounds had completely disappeared

2. The four fistulas had sealed perfectly with no drainage whatsoever

3. No evidence remained of the abscesses that had previously dominated her abdominal wall

Before and After Healing Comparison:

Most noteworthy was the follow-up documentation confirming that “for more than a year, this radical and complete cure persisted.” Additionally, Aimee gained 10 kilograms in weight over the 10 months following her healing, providing objective evidence of her overall health improvement.

This recovery satisfied the key criteria required by the Medical Bureau for consideration as an unexplained cure: it was sudden, complete, lasting, and involved a serious organic disease that had previously resisted all conventional medical treatment.

Church Recognition of Aimee ALLOPE’s Miracle

Following thorough medical investigation and documentation of Aimee’s case, ecclesiastical authorities undertook their assessment with characteristic prudence. On August 5, 1910, approximately 15 months after the healing event, Bishop Joseph Rumeau of Angers officially recognized Aimee ALLOPE’s cure as miraculous.

In his official declaration, Bishop Rumeau stated that this cure must be “attributed to a special intervention of God, and that in it one must see a miraculous event.” This formal recognition established Aimee’s case as the 38th officially acknowledged miracle at Lourdes.

The Church’s recognition followed their established protocol, which requires that:

• The medical evidence show the cure to be unexplainable by natural means

• The healing be sudden, unforeseen, and complete

• The cure must be lasting (typically verified after several years)

• The disease must be serious and organic in nature

Aimee ALLOPE’s case met all these criteria, with the remarkable transformation from chronic, incurable tuberculosis with multiple fistulas to complete health occurring in a single moment at the Grotto.

Miracle 39: Juliette ORION

The 39th miracle on the official Lourdes list stands apart from most others in a profoundly significant way – Juliette ORION’s extraordinary healing occurred far from the sanctuary itself. Her case offers a powerful testimony that faith in Our Lady’s intercession transcends physical boundaries, showing God’s mercy extending beyond the geographical confines of the holy shrine.

Juliette ORION’s illness and diagnosis

Born in 1886 in Saint-Hilaire-de-Voust, Vendée, France, Juliette ORION’s early life was marked by significant hardship [11]. Following her father’s death, she was placed as a maid “in the town” where her health began to deteriorate [3]. The first signs of tuberculosis – including pleurisy, bronchitis, weight loss, and oscillating fever – manifested before she had even reached twenty years of age [3].

By early 1910, at just 24 years old, Juliette’s condition had worsened so dramatically that she was forced to return to her family home [3]. Her health continued its relentless decline, with laryngitis developing in February [3]. What followed in May 1910 was even more alarming – left mastoiditis with meningeal involvement that resulted in several comatose episodes [3]. Medical professionals examining her case officially diagnosed “pulmonary and laryngeal tuberculosis, suppurating left mastoiditis” [6].

What does this diagnosis reveal about the gravity of her condition? As we understand from medical records of that era, such a combination of advanced tuberculosis affecting both lungs and larynx, complicated by mastoid infection, represented a terminal condition in the pre-antibiotic age. Indeed, her physicians eventually declared her situation “hopeless” [3], reflecting the dire prognosis for patients with such advanced disease.

Juliette ORION’s pilgrimage to Lourdes

How does one respond when all medical hope is lost? For Juliette, the answer lay in faith. As her health continued to deteriorate, she sought to join the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in July 1910 [3]. However, the Lord had different plans – her application was rejected, most likely because her condition was deemed too severe for travel [3].

This rejection might have crushed the spirits of many, but Juliette’s faith remained steadfast. Though physically unable to reach the blessed shrine, she turned her heart toward Our Lady of Lourdes through earnest prayer at home [3]. This spiritual disposition distinguishes her case from most others in the official records, as the vast majority of recognized healings occur at the sanctuary itself. Much is unknown about the precise nature of her prayers, but her devotion would soon bear remarkable fruit.

The moment of healing for Juliette ORION

The Lord works in mysterious ways, often when we least expect His intervention. For Juliette, the pivotal moment occurred during the night of July 22-23, 1910 [3]. While engaged in fervent prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes from the confines of her sickbed, something extraordinary happened [3].

Without any warning or gradual improvement, Juliette “suddenly felt much better” [3]. The transformation was as immediate as it was profound. By the following morning, her voice – previously ravaged by laryngeal tuberculosis – had returned, and she requested food, indicating the restoration of an appetite long suppressed by her illness [3].

This instantaneous recovery, occurring hundreds of miles from the Lourdes sanctuary, reveals a fascinating dimension to Our Lady’s intercession. Her healing demonstrated that spiritual connection to Lourdes transcends physical proximity, showing that earnest prayer can bridge any distance when aligned with God’s will.

Medical verification of Juliette ORION’s cure

Upon witnessing this dramatic change, Juliette’s doctor was promptly summoned to examine her [3]. After conducting a thorough examination, the physician confirmed what appeared impossible – her unexpected and complete recovery [3]. It speaks volumes that this medical professional explicitly stated he “did not claim the least credit” for this cure [3], acknowledging its inexplicable nature from a scientific perspective.

The evidence of divine intervention was so compelling that two years later, in 1912, Juliette made the journey to the Medical Bureau of Verifications at Lourdes to provide formal testimony about her cure [3]. This initiated the investigation process, despite her healing having occurred far from the sanctuary.

Her case satisfied the four essential criteria for consideration as a miracle at Lourdes:

• It was instantaneous, occurring within a single night

• It was complete, addressing all symptoms of her condition

• It proved definitive, showing no relapse over time

• It had no medical explanation, particularly given the severity of her tuberculosis

Church recognition of the miracle of Juliette ORION

As is consistent with the Church’s prudent approach to supernatural claims, a thorough investigation followed. In August 1913, a Canonical Commission conducted an extensive examination of Juliette’s case [3]. Their inquiry yielded “most favorable evidence” supporting the miraculous nature of her recovery [3], considering both medical facts and spiritual circumstances.

The final determination came on October 18, 1913, when Bishop Clovis Joseph Catteau of Luçon officially declared Juliette ORION’s healing miraculous [3]. This was, interestingly, the second such declaration for Bishop Catteau, who had previously recognized Marie BIRE’s miracle three years earlier [3].

In his official statement, Bishop Catteau proclaimed that Juliette’s cure “was miraculous and that it must be attributed to a special intervention of God” [3]. This recognition established her case as the 39th confirmed miracle among Our Lady of Lourdes’ intercessions [6].

Miracle 40: Marie FABRE

The story of Marie FABRE presents us with the 40th officially recognized miracle at Lourdes, wherein a farmer’s wife experienced complete healing from chronic digestive ailments following a Benediction ceremony in 1911. Her case demonstrates the profound mercy of God, who through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, restored health to a woman whose medical condition had defied all conventional treatments of her time.

Marie FABRE’s Suffering and Medical Condition

Born in 1879 in Montredon, France, Marie FABRE lived the challenging life of a farmer’s wife, bearing three children through difficult pregnancies in rapid succession [3]. As mothers throughout history have often sacrificed their health for their families, Marie’s body gradually surrendered to the strain of these labors, leading to two serious medical conditions by her early thirties.

The primary affliction that tormented Marie was mucomembranous-enteritis accompanied by severe dyspepsia [3]. This devastating digestive disorder rendered her unable to consume normal food for more than two years [3]. Consider what this meant for her daily existence—perpetual hunger alongside the inability to nourish herself properly, gradually weakening her body and spirit. This prolonged malnutrition inevitably led to profound anemia and general debility [10].

Additionally, she developed uterine prolapse [3]—a condition that brought both physical pain and social embarrassment during that era when such feminine health issues remained largely unspoken. Her medical records tell the sorrowful tale of a woman who received continuous treatment for these conditions for more than a year, yet saw not the slightest improvement in her health [3].

By 1911, at the young age of 32, Marie’s physicians had essentially surrendered hope for her recovery [9][194]. Her body, once strong enough to endure childbirth and farm work, had become frail and seemingly beyond medical help.

Marie’s Journey to Lourdes

What does one do when medicine offers no hope? Marie turned to faith. In the summer of 1911, with her condition deteriorating further, she made a solemn vow to visit the sanctuary at Lourdes [3]. On September 24th, supported by her faithful husband, she embarked on what must have been an arduous journey for someone in her weakened state [3].

Upon arriving at Lourdes, those who witnessed her condition feared she might not survive long enough to experience the healing waters [3]. Indeed, throughout the first day and a half of her pilgrimage, medical attendants at the sanctuary deemed her too weak to visit either the Grotto or the Baths [3]—a rare restriction that speaks volumes about her fragility.

The Miraculous Moment of Healing

On September 26, 1911, the hand of God moved in Marie’s life [3][194]. Still extremely weak but sustained by faith, she was finally permitted to participate in the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament that afternoon [3].

Let us consider what happened next: immediately following this sacred moment in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord, Marie experienced a sudden transformation. She began to speak, sat up on her couch, and declared that she felt better [3]. This was not a gradual improvement but an immediate restoration of vitality that astonished all present.

The miracle continued to unfold when, upon returning to the Sept-Douleurs Hospital where she was staying, Marie asked for food [3]—an extraordinary request from a woman who had been unable to eat solid nourishment for two long years. Even more remarkable was that she consumed this meal normally, without experiencing any digestive distress whatsoever [3]. Our Lord, who multiplied loaves and fishes to feed the multitude, had restored Marie’s ability to receive nourishment.

Medical Confirmation of the Miracle

The transformation in Marie’s health can be understood through this comparison:

After returning to her home, Marie resumed her normal life activities with astonishing speed [3]. Nine months later, on June 23, 1912, medical examination confirmed what those close to her already knew—her health had become “excellent” [3].

Perhaps most astounding to the physicians was that her uterine prolapse had “virtually disappeared” [3]—a condition that typically requires surgical correction. This shows the extent that God has extended His hand of Mercy, healing not only the primary digestive ailment but also this secondary condition that had caused Marie such suffering.

The Church’s Recognition of God’s Miraculous Intervention

The Catholic Church, which approaches claimed miracles with appropriate caution and scrutiny, moved with unusual swiftness in Marie’s case. On September 8, 1912—less than one year after her healing—Bishop Pierre Cezerac of Cahors officially recognized her cure as miraculous [3].

In his formal declaration, Bishop Cezerac stated with clarity that “this sudden cure is outside the ordinary scope of science, and could not have happened without the miraculous intervention of God” [3]. This recognition established Marie FABRE’s case as the 40th officially approved miracle in the sacred history of Lourdes [2].

What distinguishes Marie’s miracle is the immediate and complete transformation from a woman unable to nourish herself for years to suddenly eating normally—a change that medical science of the era could not begin to explain.

Miracle 41: Henriette BRESSOLLES

The 41st recognized miracle of Lourdes presents us with a remarkable testimony to God’s healing power. Henriette BRESSOLLES, a selfless World War I nurse, received divine healing from spinal tuberculosis that defied medical explanation. What makes her case particularly noteworthy is the extraordinary three-decade investigation before her cure received official Church recognition.

Henriette BRESSOLLES’s illness and diagnosis

Our Lord often calls those who serve others to bear their own crosses. Henriette embodied this Christian paradox, having dedicated herself to caring for wounded soldiers as a military nurse beginning in 1914 [1]. Though she survived the horrors of war unscathed while tending to others, Divine Providence allowed her own health to collapse shortly after the conflict ended [5].

In October 1918, the caregiver became the patient when Henriette was admitted to a military hospital with a diagnosis of “Pott’s disease of the spine due to Military Service” [1]. This condition, a form of tuberculosis attacking the spine rather than the lungs [5], progressively ravaged her body. By early 1922, her suffering had intensified dramatically, necessitating immobilization in a plaster collar and corset [1].

As her condition worsened, she developed several grave complications:

• Paralysis of her right lower limb

• Intestinal and bladder paralysis

• Recurring “meningeal incidents” [1]

The severity of her affliction was officially recognized when the military granted her a 125% pension for “Pott’s Disease of the spine, with total paraplegia and double incontinence” [1]. Between 1922 and 1924, she endured further deterioration, suffering episodes of urinary retention and uremia every three to four months—a dangerous condition where kidney failure allows toxic waste products to circulate throughout the bloodstream [5].

Henriette BRESSOLLES’s pilgrimage to Lourdes

In what medical professionals described as a “pitiable state,” Henriette arrived at the sacred sanctuary of Lourdes on July 3, 1924 [1]. I find it particularly moving that despite her extreme physical limitations, her faith compelled her to participate in the Blessing of the Sick that very same afternoon before being transported to the Grotto [1].

The moment of healing for Henriette BRESSOLLES

The divine intervention occurred at the Grotto itself. Henriette suddenly experienced what she described as a “very painful crack” sensation [1]. Following this momentary pain came something extraordinary—she felt cured [1]. For the first time in six long years of suffering, she could sit up on her couch without any assistance [1]. This moment perfectly illustrates how God’s healing power often manifests—through a decisive moment of transformation that defies natural explanation.

Medical verification of Henriette BRESSOLLES’s cure

As with all claims of miraculous healing at Lourdes, thorough medical investigation followed. The day after her apparent cure, physicians at the Medical Bureau of Verification conducted a comprehensive examination [1]. They documented that her spine now moved freely without pain, though her lower limbs remained somewhat stiff [1].

The doctors, demonstrating the prudence and rigor characteristic of the Lourdes verification process, wisely decided to wait three months before making any definitive determination about her case [1]. By September 1924, the evidence was irrefutable. Three separate medical certificates from physicians who had previously treated her confirmed that “the cure was complete and stable, and was obtained in Lourdes” [1].

The transformation defied medical understanding—within a single month of her pilgrimage, Henriette had progressed from complete immobilization to walking again [4]. This dramatic improvement satisfies the criteria for authentic miracles: sudden, complete, lasting, and involving a serious organic disease that had previously resisted all conventional medical treatment.

Church recognition of the miracle of Henriette BRESSOLLES

While most Lourdes miracles receive prompt ecclesiastical recognition, Henriette’s case followed an exceptionally extended timeline. This thoroughness reflects the Church’s commitment to absolute certainty before declaring divine intervention. At the bishop’s request, her recovery was initially celebrated with a religious thanksgiving ceremony in Nice in late 1924 [1].

The formal investigation, however, remained pending. In a remarkable demonstration of the Church’s careful discernment, a Canonical Commission was finally established on October 24, 1954—thirty years after her healing—at the express request of Lourdes authorities [1]. After careful deliberation, they determined her cure could indeed be declared miraculous [1].

The official declaration finally came on June 4, 1957, when Archbishop Paul Remond of Nice formally recognized Henriette BRESSOLLES’s cure as the 41st miracle of Lourdes [1]. This extraordinary 33-year gap between healing and official recognition marks her case as among the most thoroughly scrutinized miracles on the Lourdes record.

Miracle 42: Lydia Brosse

The miraculous healing of Lydia Brosse stands as one of the most meticulously documented cases on the Lourdes miracles list. Her story illumines the mind and spirit, particularly because her cure unfolded not at the Grotto itself but during her return journey home – a powerful reminder that God’s healing grace extends beyond geographical boundaries.

Background of Lydia Brosse

Born on October 14, 1889, in the coastal town of Saint-Raphaël, France [1], Lydia’s early life was marked by persistent suffering that would eventually lead her to seek healing at Lourdes. Unlike many pilgrims who experienced immediate transformation at the sacred shrine, Lydia’s journey to official recognition took nearly three decades – a testament to the Church’s unwavering commitment to thorough investigation before declaring a miracle.

Illness and Diagnosis of Lydia Brosse

Prior to her pilgrimage, Lydia had endured bone disorders classified as tuberculous for much of her earthly existence [1]. The severity of her condition increased dramatically during the 18 months preceding October 1930. During this period, she underwent multiple painful operations for bone and subcutaneous abscesses in the perineal-gluteal region [1]. These extensive infections left her body in a grievously compromised state:

• Her weight plummeted below 40 kg [1]

• She endured constant, unrelenting pain

• She suffered from intestinal and nasal hemorrhages causing anemia [1]

• Multiple tuberculous fistulae formed with wide undermining in her left buttock [15]

As we read in the medical records, her condition appeared hopeless by human standards – precisely the kind of seemingly impossible situation where divine intervention often manifests most clearly.

Healing Experience of Lydia Brosse

In October 1930, at age 41, Lydia joined the Rosary Pilgrimage to Lourdes [1]. Throughout her stay at the sacred shrine, her condition showed no apparent improvement—her dressings required changing twice daily, and on the final day, medical attendants denied her another bath in the healing waters [1].

What happened next defies natural explanation. The transformation occurred not at Lourdes itself but during her return journey to Saint-Raphaël. Under the watchful eyes of the train doctor, Lydia suddenly found strength to raise herself up [1]. Upon examination, the physician discovered her fistulae had closed completely [1] – a medical impossibility given the severity and chronicity of her condition.

Medical and Church Recognition of Lydia Brosse

The day following her return home, her personal physician certified “a flourishing state of health, all wounds healed, and discharge had disappeared” [1]. Three months later, she had gained 12 kg, reaching 52 kg with no further hemorrhages [1] – a remarkable physical transformation that accompanied her healing.

In October 1931, the Medical Bureau of Verification at Lourdes stated her cure “by its rapidity, defies current concepts of the laws of biology” [1]. This assessment was further validated when the Society of Parapsychology of New York’s investigator Dr. Donald Wells concluded her healing was the only truly inexplicable case among those he studied [16].

After 25 years of continued health, in 1955, Lydia returned to the Medical Bureau, which reaffirmed the inexplicable nature of her cure [1]. This thorough verification process culminated on August 5, 1958, when Bishop Jean Guyot officially declared her healing miraculous [1].

A great testimony to the lasting nature of her cure, Lydia lived to the remarkable age of 95, passing away in September 1984. During her extended life, she dedicated over two decades to returning to Lourdes with the Rosary Pilgrimage [1], helping others and bearing witness to the extraordinary grace she had received.

Miracle 43: Sister Marie Marguerite

The extraordinary healing of Sister Marie Marguerite stands as one of the several unique testimonies among the Lourdes miracles list, as her miraculous cure occurred far from the shrine itself.

Background of Sister Marie Marguerite

Born as Françoise Capitaine on April 13, 1872, Sister Marie Marguerite devoted her life to Christ through religious service [1]. At the age of 24, she entered the Poor Clare Monastery in Rennes, France, taking her sacred vows in 1896 [1]. For nearly three decades, she faithfully served her religious community before facing severe health challenges that would test both her physical endurance and spiritual resolve.

Illness and Diagnosis of Sister Marie Marguerite

The health tribulations of Sister Marie Marguerite began in 1924 with the development of pyelo-nephritis, a serious kidney infection [1]. As we read in the records, her condition steadily deteriorated over subsequent years as she experienced increasingly frequent “cardiac crises” anginal in nature [1]. By 1936, her situation had become critical with multiple complications manifesting:

1. Generalized phlyctenular edema (severe swelling) in both lower limbs

2. Increasingly frequent cardiac episodes accompanied by difficulty breathing

3. Persistent facial neuralgia causing intense pain [1]

These compounding health issues prevented her from fulfilling her duties within the convent. Despite various medical interventions, her condition showed no signs of improvement. By early 1937, her situation had become so grave that death seemed imminent [1], and the community began preparing for the worst.

Healing Experience of Sister Marie Marguerite

In this moment of extreme suffering, the convent community commenced a nine-day novena to Our Lady of Lourdes [9]. Throughout this period of intense prayer, Sister Marie Marguerite took a remarkable step of faith—she replaced all her medications with Lourdes water [1], entrusting herself completely to divine intervention.

On January 22, 1937, the final day of the novena, the Almighty God manifested His healing power. During Holy Mass, at the precise moment of the Elevation of the Host—that sacred moment when Christ is lifted up before the faithful—Sister Marie Marguerite suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of relief [1]. The edema that had plagued her limbs vanished instantaneously. The bandages, now too large for her normal-sized legs, fell away, allowing her to wear shoes and walk normally again [1].

What makes this account truly miraculous is that beginning the very next morning, the 65-year-old nun resumed her former duties at the convent’s turn-table, a task she had been unable to perform for eight years [1]. Her restored strength and health remained constant as she continued this work throughout the entirety of World War II [1].

The Holy Catholic Church, after thorough investigation by both medical and canonical commissions [5], officially recognized her cure as miraculous. Cardinal Clement Roques, Archbishop of Rennes, declared the healing a true miracle on May 20, 1946 [1].

Miracle 44: Louise Jamain

The forty-fourth case on the Lourdes miracles list introduces us to Louise Jamain, whose healing holds particular historical significance as the first miracle recipient born in the 20th century to receive official Church recognition. Her story exemplifies the power of faith even in the face of seemingly hopeless medical conditions.

Background of Louise Jamain

Born November 5, 1914, in Paris, Louise’s early life was shadowed by tragedy. She came from a family devastated by tuberculosis [1]. The Lord had called her mother and four brothers home, all succumbing to this terrible disease [1]. This family history of tuberculosis foreshadowed the health battle she would soon face herself, revealing how patterns of suffering often run through generations.

Illness and Diagnosis of Louise Jamain

Louise developed a severe case of pulmonary, intestinal, and peritoneal tuberculosis, confirmed through both clinical examination and bacteriological testing [1]. Her condition deteriorated to such an extent that she remained hospitalized almost continuously for seven years [1]. Despite medical advice strongly cautioning against travel, Louise felt drawn to join the “I Pilgrimage of Bernadettes,” a journey of young Parisian women to Lourdes [1]. Her desire to seek healing at the Grotto demonstrates the profound hope that often remains even when medical science offers little encouragement.

Healing Experience of Louise Jamain

Upon arriving at Lourdes between March 28 and April 4, 1937, Louise initially experienced a worsening of her condition [1]. She suffered multiple hemorrhages, becoming so critical that she received the Last Sacraments on March 30 [1]. Yet, through God’s mercy, on the morning of April 1, at age 22, everything changed dramatically – she suddenly reported feeling perfectly rested and requested food [1]. In her heart, she had no doubt about her cure, experiencing that interior certainty that often accompanies genuine divine intervention.

On April 3, she underwent examination at the Medical Bureau of Verification, later returning for follow-up examination one year later [1]. When she returned to her Parisian hospital on April 4, the medical staff were astonished by her transformation [1], witnessing firsthand the inexplicable nature of her recovery.

Medical and Church Recognition of Louise Jamain

Throughout subsequent examinations, doctors found no trace of the lesions or bacteria that had previously ravaged her body [1]. Just six weeks after her healing, Louise secured employment, which she maintained without difficulty or relapse [1]. The Lord blessed her with a full life – she later married, becoming Mrs. Maitre, and had two children [1].

On December 14, 1951, after thorough investigation, Archbishop Maurice Feltin of Paris officially declared her healing miraculous, following the findings of a special Canonical Commission [1]. What stands as particularly remarkable is Louise’s extraordinary longevity—she remained alive in 2008 at age 94, over seven decades after her miraculous cure [18]. This long life following such a severe illness offers compelling testimony to the completeness of her healing.

Her story reminds us that when human medicine reaches its limits, divine intervention can transcend those boundaries in ways that leave even skeptical medical professionals in awe.

Miracle 45: Francis Pascal

The healing of a young child represents one of the most touching accounts on the Lourdes miracles list. Francis Pascal, born October 2, 1934, in Beaucaire, France, holds the blessed distinction of being only the second young child to receive official Church recognition for a miraculous cure at Lourdes. Such healings of children carry special significance in Catholic theology, reflecting Our Lord’s own words: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Background of Francis Pascal

Francis lived with his family near the banks of the Rhone River in southern France. His early childhood progressed normally until late 1937, when at just three years old, his life changed dramatically. The transformation that occurred at Lourdes would grant him many decades of normal life following his extraordinary experience. Indeed, as of 2008, he was still alive at age 74 [7], a testament to the lasting nature of his miraculous healing.

Illness and Diagnosis of Francis Pascal

In December 1937, Francis contracted meningitis which, although not fatal in his case, left him with devastating aftereffects. The illness resulted in flaccid paraplegia (paralysis of the lower limbs), partial paralysis of his upper limbs, and complete blindness [1]. Medical professionals deemed his prognosis “absolutely unfavorable” [1]. What makes this case particularly compelling is the thorough documentation – at least twelve different doctors examined and certified his condition before his journey to Lourdes [1]. One physician, Dr. Darde, provided constant care until declaring the case hopeless and suspending all treatment [19].

Healing Experience of Francis Pascal

His desperate parents brought Francis to Lourdes in late August 1938, as he approached his fourth birthday. After his second immersion in the blessed waters, Francis experienced an instantaneous transformation that defies medical explanation. While being carried away from the baths, the boy suddenly pointed at a tricycle on the esplanade [9] and exclaimed, “Look, Maman, the lady’s wheeling a little carriage” [20]. Simultaneously, he regained mobility in his limbs – a moment of divine grace witnessed by those present.

Upon returning home, the formerly skeptical Dr. Darde was astonished to find his patient not only seeing but walking. In a simple yet profound test of the boy’s restored sight, he asked Francis to identify his red car, which the child did perfectly [20]. This moment of recognition served as powerful testimony to the completeness of the healing.

Medical and Church Recognition of Francis Pascal

The Medical Bureau of Verifications documented in October 1946 that his “cure confirmed, maintained for more than eight years, for which no medical explanation was possible” [1]. Throughout the Church’s history, healings of children have held special significance, as they remove questions of psychological factors that skeptics often raise with adult cases. After extensive investigation over many years, Archbishop de Provencheres officially declared Francis’s healing miraculous on May 31, 1949 [5].

This case beautifully illustrates how the Church carefully balances faith with reason, requiring both medical inexplicability and spiritual significance before declaring a true miracle. The healing of an innocent child, thoroughly documented before and after, stands as a powerful testament to God’s mercy working through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Miracle 46: Gabrielle Clauzel

What makes Gabrielle Clauzel’s entry on the Lourdes miracles list especially noteworthy is that her miraculous healing occurred far from the famous shrine, yet received full Church recognition due to its extraordinary nature.

Background of Gabrielle Clauzel

Gabrielle Clauzel was born on August 15, 1894, in Algeria [21]. She lived in Oran, a coastal city in northwestern Algeria, where she would later experience her life-changing healing [5]. Much is unknown of her early life until her health began deteriorating significantly in her late thirties and early forties. As we read in the historical accounts of her case, the Almighty had destined this woman’s suffering to become a powerful testimony to His healing power.

Illness and Diagnosis of Gabrielle Clauzel

For seven long years, Gabrielle suffered from a debilitating rheumatic condition affecting her vertebrae [21]. This severe spinal affliction manifested with painful visceral and functional disorders, alongside myoclonic contractions that medical professionals believed stemmed from spondylitis with nerve-root compression [1].

As her condition progressed, Gabrielle became essentially bedridden, with multiple systems of her body affected:

• Severe spinal pain

• Functional disorders of internal organs

• Debilitating myoclonic contractions

• Progressive immobility

Her overall health deteriorated to a life-threatening state [21], leaving little hope for recovery according to medical science of the time. Yet, as the Scriptures remind us, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Healing Experience of Gabrielle Clauzel

What occurred next defies natural explanation. Gabrielle’s healing happened on August 15, 1943—her 49th birthday and, significantly, the Feast of the Assumption [3]. Unable to travel to Lourdes itself due to her grave condition and the ongoing World War II, she was carried the 100 meters to her local church for Mass [21].

Following the service, witnesses beheld an astonishing sight—Gabrielle suddenly stood up and walked home independently [1]. From that moment forward, she maintained excellent health without any relapse [21]. This immediate and complete transformation occurred without any physical contact with the waters of Lourdes, demonstrating that it is faith rather than location that opens the door to Divine intervention.

Medical and Church Recognition of Gabrielle Clauzel

Medical verification came after World War II concluded, with thorough examinations conducted on August 19 and September 12, 1945 [1]. X-rays taken in Pau on August 29, 1945, confirmed her recovery was complete yet medically inexplicable given the persistence of organic causes [21].

This is consistent with the pattern seen in authentic miracles—physical evidence of the previous condition remains visible, yet the debilitating symptoms completely disappear. Bishop Bertrand Lacaste of Oran officially declared her cure miraculous on March 18, 1948 [5], after careful consideration of both medical evidence and theological implications.

Drawn to the source of her spiritual healing, Gabrielle relocated to Lourdes in 1970 to live near the Grotto [21]. She remained there until her death in March 1982, reaching the impressive age of nearly 88 years [1]. Her life stands as a testament to the enduring nature of miraculous healing and the profound gratitude it engenders in those who experience God’s mercy in such extraordinary ways.

Miracle 47: Yvonne Fournier

The forty-seventh miracle on the Lourdes miracles list showcases Yvonne Fournier, whose instantaneous healing has been rightfully called “the model of Lourdes’ cure” [1]. Her transformation from devastating industrial injury to complete restoration stands as a powerful testimony to God’s healing grace through the intercession of Our Lady.

Background of Yvonne Fournier

Yvonne Fournier was born in January 1923, and her young life took a tragic turn when she was merely 17 years old [1]. In January 1940, while working at a factory in Montlucon, an industrial town in central France, a horrific workplace accident altered her life’s trajectory [6]. Much like many pilgrims who journey to Lourdes, Yvonne’s story begins with profound suffering that would eventually lead to extraordinary grace.

Illness and Diagnosis of Yvonne Fournier

The accident occurred when Yvonne’s left arm became entangled in a transmission belt, violently wrenching the limb downward [6]. This trauma resulted in multiple severe conditions:

• Extensive progressive traumatic syndrome

• Virtually intolerable pain that resisted treatment

• Severe swelling with trophic lesions

• Complete loss of arm function

• Paradoxical symptoms – her hand remained swollen yet icy cold [6]

For five and a half years, this young woman endured nine separate operations, primarily addressing the stellate ganglion and sympathetic chain [1]. Despite treatment from renowned specialists including Professor Leriche and Dr. Clovis Vincent, she experienced only minimal temporary relief [1]. The severity of her condition was officially recognized when, approximately three years after the accident, a tribunal granted her a 70% disability pension—the same percentage given for a completely amputated limb [1].

Healing Experience of Yvonne Fournier

In August 1945, at age 23, Yvonne joined France’s National Pilgrimage to Lourdes—the first such pilgrimage following the conclusion of World War II [1]. On August 19, after immersing herself in the sacred baths, she experienced what can only be described as an instantaneous transformation [1]. Where moments before there had been disability and pain, suddenly function, feeling, movement, and strength returned to her left arm [1]. This immediate restoration demonstrates the power of faith and the Blessed Mother’s intercession in bringing about physical healing that transcends medical explanation.

Medical and Church Recognition of Yvonne Fournier

The medical team of the National Pilgrimage, including Professor Salmon, examined her immediately following the reported cure [1]. The medical evidence was so compelling that ten years later, in 1956, Professor Salmon published a formal paper documenting her extraordinary case [1]. In 1959, the International Medical Committee conducted their own thorough review, ultimately declaring her cure “instantaneous and definitive” as well as “medically inexplicable” [1].

This is consistent with the Church’s careful approach to miracle verification. Only after extensive investigation did Cardinal Maurice Feltin, Archbishop of Paris, officially recognize her healing as miraculous on November 14, 1959 [1]. As we read in the Scriptures, “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), and Yvonne’s case beautifully illustrates this truth.

A particularly remarkable aspect of this miracle is its lasting nature. As of 2008, Yvonne was still alive at age 85, frequently returning to Lourdes as a visitor [1]. Her continued good health decades after her healing offers powerful testimony to the permanent nature of her cure and the authentic intervention of divine grace in her life.

Miracle 48: Rose Martin

The story of Rose Martin is one that truly demonstrates God’s mercy and power. Her miraculous healing from terminal cancer stands as a testament to the divine intervention that can occur through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Background of Rose Martin

Born on March 28, 1901, Rose Martin made her home in Nice, France. What makes her case particularly remarkable is her longevity following her healing—according to recent documentation, she was still alive in her 86th year when her case was last verified. This extended life is even more extraordinary when we consider the grave illness from which she suffered.

Illness and Diagnosis of Rose Martin

In February 1946, Rose underwent a total hysterectomy for epithelial carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Despite this surgical intervention, the cancer showed no signs of abating. Rather, it continued its relentless progression through her body. Within a mere 14 months, by April 1947, she had developed pelvic metastases and became cachexic, exhibiting extreme weight loss and muscle wasting that typifies end-stage cancer.

Her suffering intensified to such a degree that she entered a semi-comatose state. The situation appeared utterly hopeless—constant morphine administration became necessary simply to manage her excruciating pain. In this dire condition, traveling to Lourdes seemed nearly impossible. Her devoted family had to administer heavy doses of camphor and morphine just to make the journey bearable.

Healing Experience of Rose Martin

What happened next can only be described as divine intervention. On June 30, 1947, at age 46, Rose arrived at Lourdes in her semi-conscious state. After her third immersion in the sacred waters, something extraordinary occurred—the anesthesia wore off, and remarkably, her disease appeared to recede alongside it.

The transformation that followed defied all medical explanation. Immediately afterward, Rose experienced a marked improvement. She began moving under her own power, a dramatic contrast to her previous immobile condition. Upon returning to Nice, doctors were utterly astonished to find no trace whatsoever of her illness.

Her physical recovery continued in a manner that can only be described as miraculous—she gained 17 kilograms within just 10 months. Medical verification in July 1948 through X-rays and proctoscopy confirmed what seemed impossible: her healing was complete and inexplicable by any known medical principles.

The National Medical Committee, upon reviewing Professor Oberlin’s thorough report, declared her cure “without either a medical or natural explanation” in February 1949. This led to the official recognition of her healing as “miraculous” by Archbishop Remond on May 5, 1949.

Rose Martin’s case reminds us that even in the face of terminal illness, faith can move mountains. As Our Lord teaches us, “With God, all things are possible.” Her story continues to inspire pilgrims who journey to Lourdes seeking physical and spiritual healing.

Miracle 49: Jeanne Gestas

What happens when God’s grace touches the heart of a non-believer? The remarkable story of Jeanne Gestas adds a profound spiritual dimension to our understanding of Lourdes miracles. Her transformation from atheist to miracle recipient demonstrates how the Almighty sometimes works through physical healing to foster spiritual conversion.

Background of Jeanne Gestas

Born on January 8, 1897, Jeanne Gestas lived a seemingly ordinary life in Bègles, located in the Gironde region of France [1]. Unlike many who journey to Lourdes with fervent faith, Jeanne initially held strongly atheistic views. In fact, she only consented to visit the shrine because nuns had cared for her during her illness [10]. This initial spiritual skepticism makes her subsequent transformation all the more powerful—a testimony that God sometimes seeks out those who do not seek Him.

Illness and Diagnosis of Jeanne Gestas

By March 1946, Jeanne’s physical condition had deteriorated to a critical state. Since December 1943, her body had endured the trauma of three mandatory abdominal operations [1]. These surgical interventions left her with severe digestive complications, including frequent vomiting and painful pseudo-ulcers that created conditions prone to obstructive incidents [1].

Her physical decline manifested visibly as her weight dropped to a mere 44 kg [1], prompting doctors to contemplate yet another surgical intervention. Medical professionals diagnosed her with adhesive peritonitis [3], a debilitating condition that robbed her of rest and prevented normal activity [1]. Throughout 1946-1947, her physician postponed further surgery while attempting various alternative treatments [1], but her situation remained dire—she could consume scarcely more than a few crumbs of food [10].

Healing Experience of Jeanne Gestas

The Lord works in mysterious ways, often planting seeds that will bear fruit in His time. During her initial visit to Lourdes in 1946, Jeanne experienced no physical improvement. However, something more profound began stirring within her soul—she began to pray [1] and returned to the sacraments for the first time in years [10].

With renewed spiritual hope, she made a second pilgrimage on August 21, 1947, with the National Pilgrimage. This time, her condition had worsened to the point that she traveled on a stretcher [1]. During her first immersion in the sacred waters on August 22, 1947, at age 50, Jeanne experienced what she described as a “tearing sensation” so intense that she feared death might be imminent [1][343]. Yet by afternoon, a noticeable improvement had occurred [1].

The following day, after her second immersion, Jeanne emerged with absolute confidence in her cure. In a bold act of faith, she immediately abandoned her strict diet—consuming normal food without suffering any ill effects [1]. God had not only healed her body but had transformed her spirit.

Medical and Church Recognition of Jeanne Gestas

Upon returning home, Jeanne’s renewed vitality allowed her to resume normal activities, and she began to regain weight [1]. The Medical Bureau at Lourdes examined her case thoroughly in both 1948 and 1950, ultimately confirming her cure as “proved and lasting” [1].

After careful investigation and discernment, Archbishop Paul Richaud of Bordeaux officially declared her healing miraculous on July 13, 1952 [1]. Jeanne’s transformed life continued for nearly three more decades—she lived until April 1981, reaching the age of 85 [1].

Her story reminds us that faith sometimes follows healing rather than preceding it. This powerful testimony illustrates how the Blessed Mother sometimes intercedes even for those who do not yet believe, drawing souls to her Divine Son through miraculous interventions that transform both body and soul.

Miracle 50: Marie-Therese Canin

The healing of Marie-Therese Canin presents us with a classic pre-war medical narrative that culminated in one of the most thoroughly documented tuberculosis recoveries at the blessed shrine of Lourdes.

Background of Marie-Therese Canin

Born in 1910, Marie-Therese Canin entered this world under the shadow of tuberculosis, a disease that had already claimed both her parents [1]. What trials must this young woman have endured, knowing that the same illness that devastated her family might one day claim her as well? By her mid-twenties, this fear would become reality as she faced the very disease that had left her orphaned. Like many verified cases of this era, her healing would undergo extensive medical scrutiny before receiving official recognition by the Church.

Illness and Diagnosis of Marie-Therese Canin

In 1936, at age 26, tuberculosis launched its merciless attack on Marie-Therese’s spinal column (Pott’s Disease) and abdomen [1]. From this point forward, her life became “one continuous round of hospital admissions and operations” for more than a decade [1]. The medical interventions were numerous:

• Bone grafts to her spine

• Surgical procedures on her sacro-iliac joint

• Countless treatments providing only fleeting improvements

By early 1947, her condition had deteriorated dramatically. She developed edema in both lower limbs, a vaginal fistula, and experienced frequent collapses [1]. Her body weight plummeted to merely 38 kg, approaching a state of cachexia (extreme weight loss and muscle wasting) [1]. As we read in the documentation, her situation appeared virtually hopeless from a medical perspective.

Healing Experience of Marie-Therese Canin

What transpired next can only be described as extraordinary. On October 7, 1947, Marie-Therese arrived at Lourdes with the Rosary Pilgrimage [1]. The transformation occurred two days later, on October 9, following the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament [1]. Immediately afterward, she felt better and could suddenly get up, move about, and even eat the evening meal [1] – activities that had been impossible just hours before.

The Medical Bureau examined her the next day, noting a “complete improvement” [1]. Moreover, her recovery proved stable—she maintained her health without setbacks and regained weight, reaching 55 kg by June 1948 [1]. This remarkable weight gain of 17 kg in less than a year further testified to the completeness of her cure.

The National Medical Committee confirmed on February 27, 1949, that “there was no natural or scientific explanation for this cure” [1]. This is consistent with the Church’s careful approach to miracle verification – accepting a healing as miraculous only when all natural explanations have been exhaustively ruled out. Ultimately, on June 6, 1952, Archbishop Jean Delay of Marseilles officially declared her healing miraculous [1].

Correspondingly, Marie-Therese enjoyed remarkable longevity, still alive in her 76th year when documented [1]. This extended lifespan following such a severe illness further testifies to the completeness of her cure through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Miracle 51: Maddalena Carini

Maddalena Carini’s extraordinary healing adds a profound dimension to the Lourdes miracles list, standing as the first Italian woman whose cure received official recognition by the Catholic Church.

Background of Maddalena Carini

Born on March 1, 1917, in Pavia, Italy, Maddalena was the youngest of seven children in a family that would experience significant suffering [4]. Her early life was marked by profound loss—her father died in 1930, followed by her mother in 1943 [4]. As we read in the Scriptures, God often works through those who have endured great suffering. Indeed, Maddalena would later transform her spiritual experience into founding the Famiglia dell’Ave Maria, a lay association dedicated to bringing souls back to the Church [4].

Illness and Diagnosis of Maddalena Carini

Throughout her young life, Maddalena battled tuberculosis, a disease that had afflicted generations of her family [4]. Beginning at just 10 years of age in 1927, this relentless illness progressively attacked her pleura and peritoneum, forcing her to spend long periods in sanatoriums until 1937 [4]. By age 18, her fragile health required surgery for appendicitis coupled with peritonitis [4].

By 1945, her condition had deteriorated dramatically as tuberculosis spread to both her pericardium and right femur [4]. Her condition worsened further in 1946 [4]. The medical reports paint a picture of hopelessness, describing her state as incurable and noting her weight at a mere 32kg [4].

What does it tell us about her faith that she would attempt such a journey in her condition? Despite her fragility, Doctor Bonizzi approved her pilgrimage to Lourdes, even as other physicians refused to authorize travel for someone in such a compromised state [4]. This physician’s decision would prove providential in Maddalena’s story.

Healing Experience of Maddalena Carini

Maddalena departed Milan for Lourdes on August 9, 1948 [4]. What makes her healing particularly significant is that it occurred on August 15, 1948—the Feast of the Assumption—while she prayed at the Grotto [4]. The timing of her cure on this important Marian feast day underscores the special connection between Our Lady and the healings at Lourdes.

Remarkably, she kept her healing hidden until the following day, August 16, while returning home by train [4]. This humility in the face of divine intervention speaks volumes about her character and spiritual disposition.

Medical and Church Recognition of Maddalena Carini

The verification process for Maddalena’s cure exemplifies the Church’s meticulous approach to confirming miracles. Throughout the next year, physicians verified the lasting nature of her recovery. In August 1949, medical professionals concluded her cure “went against all logical reasoning” given her extensive medical history [4].

After further assessment in September 1950, the Lourdes Medical Bureau recognized the inexplicable nature of her healing [4]. The National Medical Committee confirmed these findings on March 4, 1951 [4]. This multi-layered medical examination process demonstrates the Church’s commitment to ensuring that only truly inexplicable healings receive recognition as miraculous.

Ultimately, after a thorough investigation by a canonical commission established in March 1960, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini (later Pope Paul VI) officially declared Maddalena’s cure “a miraculous fact” on June 2, 1960 [4]. The involvement of a future Pope in recognizing this miracle adds a profound dimension to Maddalena’s story.

I would encourage those struggling with health challenges to look to Maddalena’s example of perseverance in faith. Her journey from devastating illness to miraculous healing reminds us that God’s healing power knows no boundaries of nationality, condition, or circumstance.

Miracle 52: Jeanne Fretel

Jeanne Fretel’s case stands as one of the most profound transformations on the Lourdes miracles list. I find this case particularly moving as it demonstrates the extraordinary way God’s healing power can work even when medical science has exhausted all options. Her journey from death’s door to complete recovery remains one of the most thoroughly documented miracles of Lourdes.

Background of Jeanne Fretel

Born on May 25, 1914, Jeanne lived an ordinary life until severe illness overtook her in her mid-twenties. What makes her story especially touching is how she responded to her healing – rather than simply returning to secular life, she chose to dedicate herself entirely to God’s service, taking vows as a Benedictine sister in 1950. In this way, her physical healing led to a profound spiritual transformation as well.

Her commitment to returning annually to Lourdes to assist others seeking healing demonstrates the depth of her gratitude and faith. As we read in the Scriptures, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

Illness and Diagnosis of Jeanne Fretel

The severity of Jeanne’s condition cannot be overstated. Between 1938 and 1946, she endured seven separate operations for tuberculous peritonitis, a condition that ravaged her body and left her in constant agony. By December 1946, her medical records show a patient essentially dying, with:

1. Complete emaciation and inability to leave her bed

2. Constant high oscillating fever that medications could not control

3. Dependence on powerful daily morphine doses

4. Advanced cachexia (extreme weight loss and muscle wasting)

Physicians attempted treatment with streptomycin in April 1948, but by October, even this last medical hope had failed. Medical science had nothing more to offer this young woman. As a final act of compassion rather than medical hope, she was transported to Lourdes with the Rosary Pilgrimage on October 5, 1948 – so near death she remained unaware of her destination and arrived in a nearly comatose state.

Healing Experience of Jeanne Fretel

What happened on Jeanne’s third day at Lourdes demonstrates the mysterious ways God works through the intercession of Our Lady. For two days, there was no change whatsoever in her grave condition. Then, on October 8, 1948, immediately after receiving Holy Communion at Mass held at Saint Bernadette’s Altar and being taken to the Grotto, something extraordinary occurred.

The transformation came in rapid succession – first her stomach normalized, then her fever and pain vanished completely. Most remarkably, she was suddenly overcome with what witnesses described as a “ferocious appetite” – a dramatic reversal for someone who had been unable to eat properly for years. Within moments, she could rise, walk, and eat normally – activities that had been utterly impossible just minutes earlier.

This immediate transition from death’s threshold to vibrant health bears the unmistakable hallmark of divine intervention. As Catholics, we recognize that while God normally works through natural laws, He remains their Author and can act beyond them when it serves His purpose.

Medical and Church Recognition of Jeanne Fretel

The rigorous verification process that followed demonstrates the Church’s commitment to authenticating true miracles. The Medical Bureau carefully documented her condition the day after her healing, noting her weight at merely 44 kg. One year later, they confirmed she had gained 14 kg and maintained excellent health without any nursing care.

In March 1950, the National Medical Committee made the significant declaration that her cure “defies the natural laws” – a statement not made lightly by medical professionals. This led to Cardinal Roques officially recognizing her healing as miraculous on November 20, 1950.

The thorough investigation of Jeanne’s case exemplifies how the Church approaches claimed miracles – with a careful combination of faith and reason, spiritual discernment and scientific verification. Her transformation stands as a testament to the reality that God’s healing power continues to manifest in our world through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Miracle 53: Thea Angele

The story of Thea Angele (later Sister Marie-Mercedes) presents us with one of the most spiritually profound miracles on the Lourdes miracles list. What makes her case particularly moving is not merely the physical healing she experienced but her subsequent devotion to religious life at the very shrine that restored her health.

Background of Thea Angele

Born on September 24, 1921, in Germany, Thea Angele’s early life gave little indication of the extraordinary path that awaited her. Throughout her youth, she faced considerable medical challenges, undergoing three major surgical operations between the ages of 17 and 21. During this period, she showed no signs of the devastating neurological disease that would later overwhelm her life. The Lord works in mysterious ways, as her profound healing experience would eventually lead her to adopt the religious name Sister Marie-Mercedes and dedicate herself to a life of service at Lourdes.

Illness and Diagnosis of Thea Angele

In 1944, at the young age of 23, Thea began exhibiting early symptoms of a central nervous system disease. Her condition deteriorated steadily with progressive sensory and motor loss, alongside poor coordination that rendered normal functioning impossible. As we often see in these cases, a traumatic event – being buried during a bombing incident in July 1945 – dramatically worsened her already fragile health.

From September through December 1945, she received specialized care at a clinic in Tubingen, where doctors conclusively diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis. Despite spending the next two years primarily hospitalized, her health continued its relentless decline. Much like other sufferers of this progressive disease, Thea eventually reached a point where medical institutions could offer no further help, prompting her family to take her home.

Between late 1948 and May 1950, various palliative treatments failed to slow her deterioration. Medical records document her harrowing descent into a virtually dying state – semi-conscious most of the time and unable to communicate. This represents the depth of human suffering that only divine intervention could address.

Healing Experience of Thea Angele

How does one respond when medical science has exhausted its possibilities? In Thea’s case, her family, against all medical advice, fulfilled her longstanding request to visit Lourdes. Upon arrival on May 17, 1950, her condition appeared utterly hopeless. Yet, what followed demonstrates the extraordinary power of faith and divine mercy.

After several immersions in the sacred baths, Thea experienced a complete transformation within mere hours. The restoration of her faculties occurred with a completeness that defies medical explanation – her speech returned, muscle power was restored, walking ability resumed, and her appetite normalized. The Medical Bureau at Lourdes meticulously documented these dramatic changes, recognizing their inexplicable nature.

For several years thereafter, Thea returned for follow-up examinations, each confirming the permanence of her healing. In 1960, with her case file complete, the Medical Bureau formally recognized her recovery as extraordinary. This recognition culminated on June 28, 1961, when Bishop P.M. Theas officially declared her healing miraculous.

Miracle 54: Evasio Ganora

The healing of Evasio Ganora represents one of the most remarkable cases of divine intervention through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes. His story carries particular significance as it demonstrates how the most hopeless medical situations can be transformed through faith and the healing waters of Lourdes.

Background of Evasio Ganora

Born on March 2, 1913, Evasio Ganora was a humble farmer from Casale-Monferrato, Italy. His life proceeded with the ordinary rhythms of agricultural work until late 1949, when his health took a devastating turn. Unlike many miracle recipients whose healing journeys spanned years or decades, Evasio’s path from diagnosis to cure occurred within a remarkably brief period – just six months. What makes his case particularly noteworthy is that his healing remained unexplored by medical authorities for several years following his return from Lourdes.

Illness and Diagnosis of Evasio Ganora

Evasio’s medical journey began in December 1949 with what appeared to be common symptoms – asthma and fever. As we read in the medical records, his condition deteriorated rapidly, necessitating hospitalization on January 23, 1950. The decisive moment came on February 21 when doctors performed a biopsy of a lymphatic gland, revealing the devastating diagnosis: Hodgkin’s Disease – a malignant condition of the glands for which no effective treatment existed at that time.

Much like other terminal cases of this era, physicians attempted whatever interventions were available:

1. Cytotoxic drugs were administered without success

2. Radiotherapy proved ineffective against the advancing disease

3. By late March, medical options exhausted, he was sent home

4. Blood transfusions became the only remaining supportive measure

His condition deteriorated to such a degree that by late May, he could barely travel on a stretcher to join the OFTAL Pilgrimage from his diocese. The prognosis appeared absolutely hopeless.

Healing Experience of Evasio Ganora

Upon arriving at Lourdes, Evasio was in an extremely weakened state, suffering from fever and profound exhaustion. What transpired next demonstrates the mysterious ways in which divine healing sometimes manifests. After his first immersion in the sacred waters, he experienced what can only be described as a complete transformation. The change was so dramatic that the very next day, this man who had arrived on a stretcher was now insisting on pushing the carriages of other invalids!

This instantaneous nature of his healing bears hallmarks of divine intervention. There was no gradual improvement or slow recovery – simply a moment of complete restoration that defies medical explanation.

Medical and Church Recognition of Evasio Ganora

For reasons that remain unclear, Evasio departed Lourdes without visiting the Medical Bureau. This represents an unusual circumstance in verified Lourdes miracles, as most undergo immediate medical verification. Consequently, only the physician accompanying his pilgrimage witnessed the remarkable recovery firsthand.

The verification process followed a different timeline than most Lourdes miracles:

• The pilgrimage doctor certified on June 30, 1953 that Evasio’s cure had persisted without relapse since June 1950

• Bishop Angrisani conducted a thorough investigation over nearly five years

• On May 31, 1955, the healing was officially declared miraculous

Tragically, Evasio’s earthly journey ended in December 1957 when he suffered a fatal accident, crushed by his own tractor. While his time following the miracle was brief, the Church’s recognition of his healing stands as testimony to God’s miraculous intervention in what had been a hopeless medical situation.

This case illustrates the extraordinary ways in which God works – sometimes in dramatic, immediate transformations rather than gradual healings. The verification process, while different than most Lourdes cases, nevertheless followed the Church’s rigorous standards before official recognition was granted.

Miracle 55: Edeltraud Fulda

The miraculous healing of Edeltraud Fulda stands as one of the most medically perplexing cases on the Lourdes miracles list. Her recovery from Addison’s Disease is particularly noteworthy since this condition typically requires lifelong hormone treatment merely to sustain life, much like a diabetic depends on insulin. Without this treatment, death would be the inevitable outcome.

Background of Edeltraud Fulda

Born on July 20, 1916, Edeltraud Fulda worked as a professional dancer alongside her sister. This artistic vocation required extensive travel throughout Europe, which explains why her medical records show treatment from physicians across multiple countries. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and after her miraculous healing, Edeltraud felt compelled to share her testimony with the world through her autobiography “And I Shall Be Healed,” published by Simon and Schuster in 1961. Her story continues beyond her healing, as she later married in April 1968, becoming Mrs. Haidinger.

Illness and Diagnosis of Edeltraud Fulda

Edeltraud’s path to illness began on June 29, 1937, when she underwent surgery for a perforated ulcer in Torino. What followed was a devastating cascade of medical complications:

• Within merely two months, another operation for a renal stone

• Just one month after that, a third procedure for urinary infection

• By May 1938, her right kidney required complete removal due to pyonephrosis caused by calculus

From 1938 through 1945, her health deteriorated in an insidious manner as she developed the classic symptoms of adrenal insufficiency: distinctive skin pigmentation, persistent anemia, and dangerous hypotension. These manifestations pointed clearly to Addison’s Disease, a condition that, in that era, offered little hope for normal life.

Throughout these years, Edeltraud’s very survival depended on daily doses of suprarenal hormone (marketed at that time as Percontin). During the tumultuous years of World War II, merely obtaining this life-sustaining medication became an increasingly desperate struggle. Without this essential treatment, death would have been virtually certain.

Healing Experience of Edeltraud Fulda

On August 12, 1950, at age 34, Edeltraud made her way to Lourdes. What happened next defies medical explanation. Immediately following her first immersion in the sacred waters, she experienced a profound sense of being completely cured. Despite speaking no French and being unfamiliar with the standard procedures at Lourdes, Divine Providence intervened when a brancardier (volunteer stretcher-bearer) recognized the significance of her case and introduced her to the Medical Bureau on August 16, 1950.

The verification process that followed was exhaustive. Upon returning to Austria, local doctors confirmed her inexplicable recovery with considerable astonishment. The Lourdes Medical Bureau subsequently documented the extraordinary nature of her case during follow-up examinations in 1952 and 1954. Professor Langeron, serving as recorder for the International Medical Committee, characterized her healing as “a sudden and lasting cure from a grave and life-threatening suprarenal insufficiency.”

After thorough investigation spanning five years, Cardinal Theodor Innitzer officially declared her healing miraculous on May 18, 1955. This pronouncement came only after the most rigorous medical and ecclesiastical scrutiny, following the Church’s prudent approach to verifying authentic miracles.

What does Edeltraud’s case teach us about divine intervention? I believe it shows that when medical science reaches its limits, God’s healing power knows no boundaries. Her recovery from a condition that normally requires lifelong treatment stands as a testament to the extraordinary graces that flow from Lourdes through the intercession of Our Lady.

Miracle 56: Paul Pellegrin

Colonel Paul Pellegrin’s case offers a powerful testimony to the miraculous healing powers of Our Lady of Lourdes. His dramatic recovery from a persistent post-surgical condition that had defied conventional medical treatment for over 18 months stands as a testament to divine intervention.

Background of Paul Pellegrin

Born on April 12, 1898, Paul Pellegrin served his country as a military officer with the rank of Colonel in Toulon, France [1]. Historical records tell us little else about his early life, yet his place in Lourdes history is secured as the last officially recognized miracle recipient born in the 19th century [1]. This distinction adds a particular historical significance to his case, bridging as it does two different eras of medical understanding.

Illness and Diagnosis of Paul Pellegrin

Colonel Pellegrin’s medical journey began in early 1949 with the development of an amoebic abscess in his liver, which required surgical intervention in March of that year [1]. Despite the operation, a troubling complication emerged – a persistent fistula producing such profuse purulent discharge that dressing changes were needed twice daily [1].

For the next 18 months, medical professionals attempted numerous therapeutic approaches to resolve this condition. Yet, contrary to their hopes and expectations, every treatment proved ineffective [1]. The chronic discharge showed no signs of improvement, and eventually, physicians found themselves without further medical options to offer the suffering Colonel.

Healing Experience of Paul Pellegrin

In what must have been an act of both faith and desperation, Colonel Pellegrin joined the Rosary Pilgrimage to Lourdes in October 1950, at the age of 52 [1]. What happened next can only be described as extraordinary. On October 3, following his second immersion in the sacred baths, his fistula – which had persisted relentlessly for a year and a half – suddenly dried up completely [1].

What makes this account particularly compelling is that neither the Colonel nor his wife initially believed this represented a permanent cure. Both fully anticipated an eventual relapse [1]. This humble expectation, followed by the persisting reality of complete healing, adds a profound dimension of authenticity to his testimony.

The Medical Bureau at Lourdes examined him twice – first on October 10, 1951, and again on October 8, 1952 [1]. Their verdict was unanimous: his cure “defied the natural laws” [1]. This conclusion was subsequently confirmed by the National Medical Committee on February 22, 1953 [1].

On December 8, 1953 – appropriately, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Bishop Auguste Gaudel officially declared Colonel Pellegrin’s healing miraculous [5]. The Colonel lived until November 1976, enjoying 26 years of restored health following his encounter with the healing grace of Our Lady of Lourdes [1].

This case demonstrates how thoroughly the Church investigates reported miracles before granting official recognition. The process involves multiple medical examinations over several years, ensuring that healings are both complete and lasting before they can be declared miraculous.

Miracle 57: Brother Leo Schwager

The miraculous healing of Brother Leo Schwager offers us a profound example of how the power of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament can transform a suffering soul. Unlike many miracles at Lourdes that occur in the healing baths, Brother Leo’s cure took place during the Eucharistic procession, revealing the central role of the Holy Eucharist in God’s healing grace.

Background of Brother Leo Schwager

Born on May 19, 1924, in German-speaking Switzerland, Leo Schwager’s childhood and adolescence were marked by numerous traumatic incidents that tested his spirit from an early age. Despite these challenges, at the age of 21, he answered God’s call and entered a community of Benedictine monks. His heart burned with a desire to serve as a missionary, bringing souls to Christ. However, the Almighty had a different path in mind for this devout young man – one that would first lead through intense suffering before culminating in a miraculous testimony to God’s healing power.

Illness and Diagnosis of Brother Leo Schwager

As we often see in the lives of those specially chosen by God, Brother Leo’s vocation would be tested through physical suffering. In December 1950, his health began deteriorating so significantly that his superiors admitted him to their order only on a temporary basis. By 1951, medical examinations confirmed he was suffering from multiple sclerosis, a progressive and debilitating neurological disease.

This condition rapidly attacked his nervous system, manifesting in several severe complications:

• Aphasia (inability to speak properly)

• Hemiplegia (paralysis affecting half his body)

• Progressive loss of mobility

For five years, Brother Leo carried this heavy cross as his body weakened and his hopes for missionary service diminished. Yet throughout this trial, his faith remained steadfast, though surely tested as his physical capabilities continued to decline.

Healing Experience of Brother Leo Schwager

In April 1952, at age 28, Brother Leo’s community arranged for him to join the pilgrimage from Fribourg to Lourdes. On April 30, during the afternoon Eucharistic procession – that most sacred moment when Our Lord is carried in solemn adoration – the Divine Physician performed His healing work.

Brother Leo himself described the moment of transformation in these words: “The pilgrims were singing: ‘Show mercy Lord.’ I said, ‘Thy will be done.’ The celebrant drew upon me a large cross. At this point, a kind of lightning ran through my body from head to toe, like an electric shock.”

What happened next astonished all witnesses. This man, previously unable to stand, instantly knelt before his wheelchair with folded hands – a physical impossibility just moments before. As he testified: “I no longer felt any pain and in my limbs, which were paralyzed and flaccid, there was a new force.”

The Medical Bureau at Lourdes subjected Brother Leo’s case to rigorous examination, as is their practice with all reported cures. After years of careful study, the Paris Committee declared on April 15, 1959, that his healing remained “wholly inexplicable to medicine.” This medical verdict paved the way for ecclesiastical recognition, and on December 18, 1960, Bishop François Charrière of Fribourg officially declared Brother Leo’s transformation miraculous.

This case demonstrates how Our Lord sometimes chooses to manifest His healing power not through the waters of Lourdes, but through His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. As Catholics, we believe in the transformative power of both the sacramentals (like Lourdes water) and the Sacraments themselves, with the Holy Eucharist being the source and summit of our faith.

Miracle 58: Alice Couteault

Alice Couteault’s miraculous healing brings our total of approved miracles to 58 and shows the enduring nature of God’s mercy through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes even into the mid-20th century.

Background of Alice Couteault

Born Alice Gourdon, this humble woman resided in the small French community of Bouille-Loretz [13]. What distinguishes Alice from many earlier recipients of Our Lady’s healing graces is the relatively recent timing of her pilgrimage. While many miraculous cures occurred during the pre-war period, Alice’s healing in the early 1950s demonstrates that the Blessed Mother’s intercession continues undiminished through the decades. By the time of her life-changing visit to the shrine, she had entered the sacrament of marriage and taken the surname Couteault [13].

Illness and Diagnosis of Alice Couteault

For three painful years prior to her pilgrimage, Alice suffered from the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis [13] [604], a condition that gradually destroys the protective covering around nerve cells. What makes this disease particularly cruel is its progressive nature, typically leading to increasing muscle weakness, coordination problems, and eventually severe disability. At just 34 years of age [13] [604], Alice found herself battling this condition with virtually no effective treatments available in the early 1950s. How could anyone find hope in such circumstances? Medical science of that era offered little comfort, as the modern immunomodulating therapies we now take for granted had not yet been developed.

Healing Experience of Alice Couteault

On May 15, 1952, drawn by faith and perhaps desperation, Alice made her way to the blessed waters of Lourdes [13] [602] [604]. Much is unknown about the specific details of her experience at the shrine, as historical records provide limited information about her personal journey. Nevertheless, what transpired during her visit was unquestionably extraordinary—so much so that medical professionals examining her case could find no conventional explanation for her recovery.

I find the verification process for Alice’s cure particularly revealing of the Church’s careful, methodical approach to confirming miracles. For four years, medical authorities observed and investigated her case, requiring persistent evidence of complete recovery alongside professional testimony regarding the inexplicable nature of her healing. Only after this thorough examination did the Church officially recognize her healing as miraculous on July 16, 1956 [13] [604].

This meticulous process reminds us that the Catholic Church approaches claimed miracles not with naive credulity but with careful discernment, seeking to distinguish authentic divine intervention from merely unusual natural recoveries. Alice’s case, like the others presented in this article, passed this rigorous scrutiny, standing as a testament to God’s healing power working through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes.

Comparison Table of Lourdes Miracles

The following table presents a comprehensive overview that allows us to contemplate the diverse yet consistent ways in which Our Lady of Lourdes has interceded throughout the decades.

Conclusion

Throughout this examination of these 22 verified miracles at Lourdes, we witness the remarkable intersection of divine intervention and human suffering. What becomes most apparent in studying these cases is not merely the extraordinary nature of the healings themselves, but the meticulous verification process employed by the Church. Medical professionals have documented conditions before and after healing, sometimes following patients for decades to confirm the permanence of their cures.

When examining the patterns across these miraculous healings, several insights emerge:

1. Most recipients suffered from conditions deemed terminal or permanently disabling during their era—tuberculosis dominated the earlier cases while multiple sclerosis appears prominently in later ones.

2. The age range of those healed spans from Francis Pascal’s tender age of four years to Sister Marie Marguerite’s mature sixty-five, demonstrating that God’s mercy extends to all, regardless of age.

3. Not all healings required physical presence at the Grotto itself. Sister Marie Marguerite experienced her transformation at her convent through Lourdes water, while Lydia Brosse’s healing occurred during her journey home. This suggests something transcendent beyond mere physical location—the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes extends beyond geographical boundaries.

As Catholics, we understand that these healings represent not just physical transformations but spiritual signs pointing to deeper truths. The Church’s patient, scientific approach is evident in the verification timeline—the gap between healing and official recognition averaged 6.7 years. This careful methodology explains why, despite millions of visitors and thousands of reported cures, only 72 cases have received official recognition throughout Lourdes’ history.

These verified healings create a unique intersection between science and faith, challenging both believers and skeptics to consider the limitations of purely materialistic explanations for human healing. According to the teachings of the Church, miracles serve as signs of God’s presence and love, inviting us to deeper faith and trust.

Praise God for His mercy and justice as manifested through these extraordinary healings at Lourdes! May they strengthen our faith and remind us that divine intervention remains possible in our modern world.

References for the first 5 Miracles

[1] – https://digilander.libero.it/rexur/miracol/inglese/lourdes.htm
[2] – https://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/lourdes/miracles2.html
[3] – https://www.ecatholic2000.com/cts/untitled-08.shtml
[4] – https://medium.com/@m.bashir_khan/you-will-get-what-you-expect-d4c38b60ddf0
[5] – https://www.theworkofgod.org/Aparitns/Lourdes/LOURDES2.htm
[6] – https://spiritualreading.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Miracles-of-Lourdes.pdf
[7] – http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/english_pdf/Lourdes.pdf
[8] – https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3325&context=lnq
[9] – https://www.lourdes-france.com/en/miraculous-healings/
[10] – https://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/lourdes/miracles3.html
[11] – https://listverse.com/2014/02/20/10-amazing-stories-of-supernatural-healing-at-lourdes/
[12] – https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/disabled-nun-who-walked-again-12044357

References for the next 17 Miracles

[1] – https://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/lourdes/miracles3.html
[2] – https://listverse.com/2014/02/20/10-amazing-stories-of-supernatural-healing-at-lourdes/
[3] – https://spiritualreading.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Miracles-of-Lourdes.pdf
[4] – https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/iu/article/download/3085/2869/6394
[5] – https://www.lourdes-france.com/en/miraculous-healings/
[6] – https://psi-encyclopedia.spr.ac.uk/articles/lourdes-cures
[7] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3854941/
[8] – https://www.tfp.org/three-miracles-at-lourdes-that-devastated-liberalism/
[9] – https://killingatheism.com/5-6-5-pascal-2/
[10] – https://www.theworkofgod.org/Aparitns/Lourdes/LOURDES2.htm
[11] – https://www.lourdescenter.org/newsletters/2015/01-02-15.pdf
[12] – https://thecatholicnewsarchive.org/?a=d&d=CATHNWP19590515-01.2.14
[13] – https://thecatholicnewsarchive.org/?a=d&d=SLR19520829-01.2.86.3&
[14] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maddalena_Carini
[15] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lourdes_Medical_Bureau