Icon of sister Marie-Bénédicte Martin
In January 1858, Saint Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) was admitted to the Hospice of Lourdes, run by the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. In 1858, while she was with two other little girls, the Virgin Mary appeared to her on the rock of Massabielle, near Lourdes. 18 apparitions took place between February and July 1858.