Bernadette Soubirous was fourteen when she saw Maria appear eighteen times in Lourdes in 1858. Although she was initially laughed at, the belief in her visions soon grew. The story of the simple rural gang formed the basis for the origin of Lourdes as a world -famous place of pilgrimage.
Bishop Lode Aerts emphasizes the meaning of her relic: “She still inspires countless people. By carrying her relic around, we want to bring her message closer to the people.” After her visions, Bernadette withdrew from public interest and took care of the religious sick sisters in Nevers, France. She died at the age of 35 and was declared holy in 1933.