THE SEVENTEENTH APPARITION: THE MIRACLE OF THE CANDLE

In memory of the first candle lit by Bernadette on 19 February 1858, millions of pilgrims visit the Grotto in Lourdes to light candles as a symbol of their faith in God every year. 

On 7 April 1858, Bernadette went to the Grotto for the 17th apparition. The apparition took place at around 5.00 a.m. in the presence of hundreds of witnesses. Also present at this apparition was a very special witness, Doctor Jean-Baptiste Dozous, the atheist, notorious sceptic and disbelieving scientist. The miracle of the candle happened during this apparition whilst Bernadette was kneeling in prayer. During her ecstasy, Bernadette was holding a big candle in her right hand with her left hand cupped around the flame. Those who were present were filled with awe when they saw the candle flame licking her fingers for about 15 minutes. Bernadette did not suffer any injuries as the candle flame did not burn her skin. At that instant, she seemed to be totally oblivious to what was happening to her. 

One of the witnesses said, "Let's do something or the girl will get burned!" Dr Dozous, who was standing next to Bernadette, quieted the murmurs with an imperious gesture and prevented those who wanted to help from intervening. He wanted to witness a genuine supernatural phenomenon and led by the grace God, he was given the privilege to witness the miracle of the candle.

When Bernadette came out of her state of ecstasy, Doctor Dozous went straight to her and inspected her hands. He could not see any fire burn injuries - her hands were totally unaffected and there was no sign of a burn. He then placed the candle flame near Bernadette's hands but this time she cried: "Stop, you're hurting me!". The doctor's heart was beating wildly as he was very surprised by this supernatural phenomenon which cannot be explained naturally. He formally announced, "I believe it now. I saw it with my own eyes!" He then rushed to Cafe Francais to tell everyone about this supernatural incident and proclaim his conversion. It did not take very long before  everyone in the town of Lourdes knew what happened to him that day. 

The large cone-shaped candelabrum at the feet of the statue

Following Bernadette's example, lighting a candle at the Grotto has become a tradition today. Millions of pilgrims visit the Grotto to light candles every year as a symbol of their faith in God. Lighting the candles is equivalent to laying down their burdens, fears, uncertainties, worries, and miseries in front of the Grotto. Candles of various sizes can be found on the left of the drinking taps. The profits of the sale of candles are mainly used for the upkeep of the shrine.

You may also like to read LOURDES AND ST' BERNADETTE, LOURDES: MIRACLES AND THE MIRACULOUSLY HEALED and THE WONDERS OF LOURDES: 150 MIRACULOUS STORIES. To view the content page of this blog, please click here.

References:

1.  Lourdes & Bernadette. Publisher "il Calamo".

2.  Lourdes. Doucet Publications.