Here is a timeline of the events and what Bernadette saw during her visions:
February 11, 1858:
Bernadette was gathering firewood near a grotto in the town of Lourdes when she saw, what she later described as "a lady," standing in a niche of the grotto. The lady was dressed in a white gown, a blue sash, and a white veil. She had golden roses around her feet and was surrounded by a bright light.
February 14-July 16, 1858:
Bernadette experienced eighteen visions of the "lady." In the first few visions, Bernadette was too afraid to speak, but eventually, the "lady" began to talk to her. She identified herself as the Immaculate Conception and entrusted Bernadette with a message to the priests and people of Lourdes.
February 25, 1858:
During one of the visions, Bernadette saw the lady holding a rosary. She asked Bernadette to ask the priests to build a chapel at the grotto and lead a procession.
March 25, 1858:
The Annunciation of the Lord. During this vision, Bernadette was instructed by the "lady" to dig in the grotto for a spring. After several attempts, water began to flow from a small crevice. This water later became known as the miraculous water of Lourdes, and it is said to have healing powers.
July 16, 1858:
The last of the apparitions. The lady told Bernadette she would not see her again in this world but that she would see her in heaven.
Bernadette's visions caused a great deal of controversy and skepticism, but eventually, they were recognized by the Catholic Church as genuine. The shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes was built, and it has since become one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the world.
Bernadette died on April 16, 1879, and she was later declared a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1933.