Today is the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes which marks the 1858 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France. A shrine was built over a spring in Lourdes at Mary's instruction and millions of people have visited the site over the years praying for God's healing. Many places (most famously the University of Notre Dame) have built grottos that are replicas of the one in Lourdes. There is also one in Lowell at the Franco-American School.
Because of the connection between Lourdes and the ill, today is the World Day of the Sick in the Catholic Church and during lunches today I will be available in the chapel to offer a prayer for any member of our school community who may be sick. I also have water from the spring at Lourdes so people can bless themselves with the water if they wish.
This was our prayer this morning:
O ever-Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy,
health of the sick, refuge of sinners,
comforter of the afflicted,
you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings;
look with mercy on me.
By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes,
you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary,
whence you dispense your favors;
and already many sufferers have obtained
the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.
I come, therefore, with complete confidence
to implore your maternal intercession.
Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests.
Through gratitude for your favors,
I will endeavor to imitate your virtues,
that I may one day share your glory. Amen.
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