Above all: Eucharistic devotion

FEAST of Our Lady of Lourdes*

February 11

21st WORLD DAY of the SICK

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us,

and especially the sick and suffering.

 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 Bl. 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.”




Click here: Catholic Fire: Our Lady of Lourdes,

incl summary of message of Lourdes and YouTube (2 mins)

  

Click here: Message for the 21st World Day of the Sick, 11 February 2013 - Benedict XVI, 2 January 2013

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

Only known picture of St. Bernadette at the Grotto
(taken after the apparitions of 1858):