1900s - 3 Vintage French Religious Holy Cards Lourdes Apparitions - Our Lady of Oak Devotional Prayer Chromos - Antique Ephemera Set

This collection features three charming antique French holy cards, dating from the 1900s. These small devotional cards are fine examples of chromolithography, each depicting significant religious imagery and text.

One card commemorates the 'Cinquanténaire 1858-1908' (Fiftieth Anniversary 1858-1908) of the Lourdes apparitions, showing Bernadette kneeling before the Virgin Mary. It bears a message: 'N'allez pas au torrent qui mugit et conduit à l'abîme, mais venez à ma Source qui désaltère et fortifie.' (Do not go to the torrent that roars and leads to the abyss, but come to my Source that quenches thirst and strengthens.)

The reverse side of another card details 'DATES DES 18 APPARITIONS et Paroles de la Sainte Vierge' (Dates of the 18 Apparitions and Words of the Blessed Virgin) from 'l'an de grâce 1858' (the year of grace 1858), while its front illustrates 'A la Grotte de Lourdes, j'ai prié pour vous' (At the Grotto of Lourdes, I prayed for you).

The third card features 'Notre Dame du Chêne, priez pour nous' (Our Lady of the Oak, pray for us), portraying a church and a statue of Mary. Its back includes a 'Prière a Marie Immaculée' (Prayer to Immaculate Mary) by Pope Pius X, mentioning '300 jours d'indulgence' (300 days of indulgence) from a Lille publisher.

These historical cards offer a unique glimpse into early 20th-century Catholic devotion.