The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 33 times to five children in the garden of a convent school in Beauraing, Belgium, identifying herself as 'the Immaculate Virgin' and revealing a golden heart.
History
Between November 29, 1932, and January 3, 1933, five children between the ages of 9 and 15 saw the Blessed Virgin 33 times above a hawthorn tree in the garden of the Sisters of Christian Doctrine convent school. The apparitions drew increasing crowds, with up to 35,000 people present for the final apparition. Bishop Heylen of Namur authorized devotion in 1943, and the apparitions were formally approved in 1949.
Messages
The Virgin's messages were simple and direct: 'I am the Immaculate Virgin.' She asked: 'Do you love my Son? Do you love me? Then sacrifice yourselves for me.' During the final apparition, she revealed a golden heart and said: 'Pray, pray, pray.' She also promised to convert sinners.
Spiritual Significance
Beauraing is significant as one of the few 20th-century apparitions to receive full ecclesiastical approval. The revelation of the golden heart — the Immaculate Heart — connects it to the Fatima message about devotion to Mary's Immaculate Heart. The shrine has been associated with numerous healings and conversions.
