Bernadette Soubirous was only 14 years old when Mary appeared to her at a grotto in Lourdes, France. There, Mary told Bernadette to dig a small spring. The young girl was ridiculed by many for her claim, but eventually the miracles surrounding the apparitions attracted the world's attention. Today, more than five million people visit the grotto spring every year. Countless miracles, especially healings, are attributed to the miraculous waters of Lourdes.