The first part of this publication recapitulates the finding of a book published in 1958 which threw new light on the Lourdes of that time. Based on newly discovered documentation it revealed the story of how Bernadette's visions convulsed the quiet life of Lourdes and dramatically affected the lives of some of its leading citizens. The whole, in turn, serves as a summary of the original Lourdes events within a particulary interesting dimension.

 The contents of part II are largely based on the findings of a research group based at Notre dame University, USA. Relying on the post Vatican council theological principles it became possible to look miracles in a new light so as among other things, to cofound the oponents of the lourdes phenomena by turning their own arguments against them.

The net result is to provide a deeper and stronger appreciation of Lourdes and its message in this 150th (2008) years since the visions were originally vouchsafed to Bernadette Soubirous.

Gerard Noel was editor of the Catholic Herald between 1971 and 1982 and is now Editorial Director. Author of some twenty books and various translation.The latter include the english version of official documents concerning the Holy see and the Second World War