The rock from the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France, is part of the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. This grotto’s stone walls witnessed 18 Marian apparitions, during which Mary identified herself as the “Immaculate Conception.” On February 25, 1858, following Our Lady’s instruction, Bernadette unearthed a spring from beneath the rock; that spring water, flowing from the grotto, has been associated with countless cures. Pilgrims often take small rocks or stones from the grotto as relics (with Church approval in controlled manner) to keep as a tangible connection to Lourdes. A rock from Lourdes serves as a reminder of Mary’s presence and the message of penance and trust in God she gave to Bernadette. The rough, humble stone also symbolizes the solid foundation of faith. Lourdes today is one of the world’s great pilgrimage sites, and pieces of the grotto rock or vials of its water have brought comfort and sometimes inexplicable healing to believers worldwide. They are sacramentals—holy reminders that lead the faithful to prayer, conversion, and hope in Christ. 

Notable Fact: In Lourdes, ailing pilgrims often touch the grotto’s rock, worn smooth by millions of hands, as they pray for healing. The “Rock of Lourdes” thus stands for the rock-solid faith and hope in God’s mercy through Mary’s intercession.