Marian Apparitions of the Past (II)

There have been uncounted apparitions of Mary reported since the third century. Few have received recognition by the bishop of the diocese in which they occurred. Among those recognized are: 1531, Guadalupe, Mexico - On Mount Tepeyac outside Mexico City, the Blessed Mother appeared four times to a recent convert to Christianity, Juan Diego. Mary proclaimed herself "the Mother of the true God who gives life" and left her image permanently imprinted upon Diego's tilma or cloak. 1830, Paris, France - In the chapel of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, Mary showed herself three times to novice Catherine Laboure (age 24). Saint Catherine said she was commissioned by the Virgin to have the medal of the Immaculate Conception or "Miraculous Medal" made in order to spread devotion to Our Lady. 1846, La Salette, France - Six thousand feet up in the French Alps, Mary is believed to have come to Maximin Giraud (age 11) and Melanie Calvat (age 14) while they tended sheep. Her appearance in sorrow and tears called for conversion and penance for sins. 1858, Lourdes, France - At the Grotto of Massabielle, the Virgin showed herself 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous (age 14). Under the title "the Immaculate Conception," she called for penance and prayer for the conversion of sinners. 1871, Pontmain, France - Mary appeared on a farm to Eugene (age 10), Joseph Barbadette (age 12), Francoise Richer and Jeanne-Marie Lebosse, students at the nearby convent school. Mary's message was written on a banner that unfurled from her feet: "But pray my children. God will hear you in a short time. My Son allows Himself to be moved by compassion." (...)