What is a 'Marian Apparition' and what is it it's relationship to pilgrims?

Well, a 'Marian Apparition' is an event in which someone has claimed that the Virgin Mary has appeared to them in a ghost type form or in person form. The place that the apparition was seen at is therefore called a 'Marian Apparition Site'.

Other places where Marian Apparitions (apart from Lourdes) have appeared are: Guadalupe in Mexico, Paris in France, La Salette in France, Knock in Ireland, Fatima in Portugal, Beauraing in Belgium and Banneux in Belgium. However these Marian Apparition are the only places where they have been approved by the Catholic Church.

I choose to take a pilgrimage to Lourdes so I can further increase my knowledge and connection with Mary. Also to hopefully connect with other pilgrims who come to Lourdes for a similar reason to me. These include gain an appreciation of the Mother Mary, pray with fellow believers and enjoy the scenery of the Grotto.

Location of Lourdes