original_query: What is the significance of the apparition of the Immaculate Virgin of Lourdes?
query: What is the significance of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes?
answer: The apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes led to the establishment of a major Marian shrine, visited by millions annually.  The events resulted in the official recognition of the apparitions by the Catholic Church, and the spring water at the site is believed by many to have healing properties.