Passage Through the Grotto of Our Lady

We arrive at the Grotto of of Our Lady. The place where on a overcast and chilly day in February, Mary appeared to 14 year old Bernadette Sourbirous. Young, not in great health, and lacking formal education, Bernadette tells those who would listen that "A Lady" has instructed her to tell others of the need to pray, to do penance for sins, to come to this site in procession and to construct a church here. She does all that and when she asks "The Lady" who she is, the reply is "I am the Immaculate Conception". Bernadette digs, at The Lady's instruction in the muddy and filthy ground of this dump to bring forth a spring whose waters will bring healing to millions. Our Malades and their companion caregivers slowly move through the Grotto, along with all of the Malta pilgrims, touching the walls of this cave, leaving intentions, praying and being in the presence of Mary, the Mother of God.