Above all: centers of Eucharistic devotion...

FEAST of Our Lady of Lourdes*

February 11

27th WORLD DAY of the SICK

"I entrust all of you to Mary, Salus Infirmorum.  May she help us to share 
the gifts we have received in the spirit of dialogue and mutual acceptance, 
to live as brothers and sisters attentive to each other's needs, to give 
from a generous heart, and to learn the joy of selfless service to others.  
With great affection, I assure you of my closeness in prayer, 
and to all I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing." -   Pope Francis

(Full text of Letter for XXVII World Day of Sick, 2019 - 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."

27th World Day of the Sick 2019 | 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!