There are many films about the apparitions. Best known is from the book by Franz Werfel, a Jew who with his wife escaped the Nazis in World War II and hid themselves in Lourdes. Werfel made a vow that he would tell the story of Lourdes if they survived the War. They did and resettled in America where he wrote “The Song of Bernadette.” The movie is dated, but still tells much of the story. It can be watched on Amazon Prime or HERE.
Among the many other movies, an interesting one is a mix of the old and new titled “Lourdes: A Story of Faith, Science, and Miracles.” It’s a French film made in 2000 with a telling of the story of the apparitions, the conversion of a scientist at the time, and the impact of Lourdes on a 21st century couple. I have it on DVD from Ignatius Press but can find it nowhere else. Here is the trailer.
Mary to Bernadette “Penance, Penance, Penance”
Bernadette recounted that in the apparition of February 18th, Mary urged her three times; “Penance, Penance, Penance.” 100 years later Pope Pius XII wrote an encyclical marking the centenary. Reflecting on Our Lady’s urgency he wrote...
35. In a society which is barely conscious of the ills which assail it, which conceals its miseries and injustices beneath a prosperous, glittering, and trouble-free exterior, the Immaculate Virgin, whom sin has never touched, manifests herself to an innocent child. With a mother's compassion she looks upon this world redeemed by her Son's blood, where sin accomplishes so much ruin daily, and three times makes her urgent appeal: "Penance, penance, penance!" She even appeals for outward expressions: "Go kiss the earth in penance for sinners." And to this gesture must be added a prayer: "Pray to God for sinners."
36. ….Who would dare to say that this appeal for the conversion of hearts is untimely today?
37. But the Mother of God could come to her children only as a messenger of forgiveness and hope. Already the water flows at her feet.…At this spring where gentle Bernadette was the first to go to drink and wash, all miseries of soul and body will flow away….
38. …The Virgin invites us to the blessed grotto in her Divine Son's name for the conversion of our hearts and in the hope of forgiveness. Will we heed her?
Peace & Blessings,
