Above all: centers of Eucharistic devotion...

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes*

February 11

28th WORLD DAY of the SICK

"I offer heartfelt thanks to all those volunteers who serve the sick, 
often compensating for structural shortcomings, while reflecting the image 
of Christ, the Good Samaritan, by their acts of tender love and closeness.  
To the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, I entrust all those who bear
 the burden of illness, along with their families and all healthcare workers.  
With the assurance of a remembrance in my prayers, I cordially 
impart my Apostolic Blessing." - Pope Francis 

 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."

28th World Day of the Sick 2020 | 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!