The citizens were concerned about the dangers that could result from gatherings of such large crowds and they persuaded the Procurer Imperial, M. Dutour, to officially forbid Bernadette to return to the grotto. Bernadette refused to give her word to refrain from going to the grotto because she had promised the Beautiful Lady she would go. Dutour dismissed her, and discussed this matter with two local officials – M. Jacomet, the Chief of Police, and M. Estrade.
Sa takot nilang magkaroon ng kaguluhan sanhi ng mga malalaking pagtitipon sa grotto, nahimok nila ang Procurer Imperial, si M. Dutour, na pagbawalang bumalik doon si Bernadette. Hindi napapayag si Bernadette.