The article highlights the historical events that took place in Lourdes, France, from February 11 to July 16, 1858, when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous on eighteen occasions. These apparitions have been a significant marker in the Catholic faith and continue to attract pilgrims from around the world. The local priest sought to confirm Mary’s identity by asking Bernadette to inquire about her wishes regarding the construction of a chapel at the site of the apparitions.

During her sixteenth apparition on March 25, 1858, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation, Mary revealed her identity by stating, "I am the Immaculate Conception.” This response not only affirmed the Church's teaching on her Immaculate Conception, established four years earlier by Pope Pius IX, but also underscored her role in salvation history according to Catholic belief. The implications of her declaration are profound, as it reinforces the theological stance that Mary was conceived without original sin, thereby chosen by God for her special role.

The article also reflects on the continuous spiritual and religious impact of Lourdes as a pilgrimage site, where millions come to seek healing and hope. The annual celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes serves as a reminder of her significance in Catholicism and the message of faith she conveyed through her appearances to Bernadette. This enduring legacy shapes religious practices and beliefs in not only Croatia but within the global Catholic community.