What does the Church think about Lourdes and what do I expect to learn?

To further the effectiveness of my travel to Lourdes I have researched what Lourdes is to the Church. To the Church, Lourdes is a Marian Apparition Site. Marian Apparition Sites are important to the Church as they are places in which Mary has appeared to a person and connected with them.

Lourdes is a place of healing because of Saint Bernadette. Saint Bernadette found a spring in the water and the spring was believed to hold special healing powers. It is also a place where we can connect and pray to Mary to heal, strengthen or protect other people.

The Catholic Church believes the Apparition to be important because they have built a place of worship at the sighting of the Marian Apparition, near the Grotto. This allows visitors to connect fully with their religion and faith. Pilgrims can join with fellow pilgrims and strengthen their faith during their visit.

When I travel to the site I hope to learn how to further connect with Mary and the Church. By being more connected with Mary and the Church, I am able to spread the Good News. Travelling to Lourdes, I expect fully appreciate the history of, not only the site, but my faith.

The Rosary Basilica, which is the Church that was built
near the Grotto where the Apparition was seen.