Above all: centers of devotion to the Eucharist...

FEAST of Our Lady of Lourdes*

February 11

26th WORLD DAY of the SICK

"May the Virgin Mary intercede for this Twenty-sixth World Day of the Sick; 
may she help the sick to experience their suffering in communion 
with the Lord Jesus; and may she support all those who care for them.  
To all, the sick, to healthcare workers and to volunteers, 
I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing." -   Pope Francis

(Full text of Letter for XXVI World Day of Sick, 2018 - BELOW)

 Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, France

  

“All the shrines of Mary,

scattered throughout the world,

have become above all

centers of devotion to the Eucharist,

as if the Mother of Jesus had appeared,

here or there,

in order to lead the faithful to the

adoration and love of her blessed Son.”

Pope St John XXIII
.  

*Lourdes, France, has become a place of pilgrimage and healing, but even more of faith.
It is a continuation of Jesus’ healing miracles. Many who visit Lourdes return home 

with renewed faith and a readiness to more generously serve God. 

There still may be people who doubt the apparitions of Lourdes.  Perhaps 
the best that can be said are the words that introduce the film, Song of Bernadette:

"For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary.

For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible."

26th World Day of the Sick 2018 | Francis

Click here: Our Lady of Lourdes - YouTube (2 mins)

Click here: Placing a petition at the Grotto of Lourdes | Lourdes
Click here: Our Lady of Lourdes

Only known picture of St Bernadette at the Grotto

(taken after the apparitions of 1858)

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us, 
and especially the sick and  suffering!