Why is Lourdes so Special?

Bernadette Soubirous was a young girl of 14 from a poor family. The story of Lourdes so many know today started on the day she went to collect firewood with her sisters.
Whilst crossing the river Bernadette heard a strong gust of wind and saw a lady dressed in white. Bernadette knelt and prayed the rosary. When she finished the lady disappeared.
Our Lady continued to appear to Bernadette a total of 18 times. They prayed together and Our Lady asked Bernadette to tell the priests to bring people in procession to the site. She also asked that they build a chapel. Today the Rosary Basilica is situated on this site.

Whilst appearing to Bernadette Our Lady identifies herself as the "Immaculate conception" a name we now commonly attribute to Our Lady.

Every year millions of pilgrims travel to the Holy Site, many seeking physical or spiritual healing. There are a total of 70 miracles attributed to Lourdes.