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February 11
Our Lady of Lourdes
On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX
proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus. A little
more than three years later, on February 11, 1858, a young lady appeared to Bernadette
Soubirous. This began a series of visions. During the apparition on March 25, the lady identified herself with the words: “I am the Immaculate
Conception.”
Bernadette was a sickly child of poor parents. Their practice of
the Catholic faith was scarcely more than lukewarm. Bernadette could pray the
Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Creed. She also knew the prayer of the
Miraculous Medal: “O Mary conceived without sin.”
During interrogations Bernadette gave an account of what she saw.
It was “something white in the shape of a girl.” She used the word aquero,
a dialect term meaning “this thing.” It was “a pretty young girl with a rosary
over her arm.” Her white robe was encircled by a blue girdle. She wore a white
veil. There was a yellow rose on each foot. A rosary was in her hand.
Bernadette was also impressed by the fact that the lady did not use the
informal form of address (tu), but the polite form (vous). The
humble virgin appeared to a humble girl and treated her with dignity.
Through that humble girl, Mary revitalized and continues to
revitalize the faith of millions of people. People began to flock to Lourdes
from other parts of France and from all over the world. In 1862 Church
authorities confirmed the authenticity of the apparitions and authorized the
cult of Our Lady of Lourdes for the diocese. The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
became worldwide in 1907.
Comment:
Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage and healing,
but even more of faith. Church authorities have recognized over 60 miraculous
cures, although there have probably been many more. To people of faith this is
not surprising. It is a continuation of Jesus’ healing miracles—now performed
at the intercession of his mother. Some would say that the greater miracles are
hidden. Many who visit Lourdes return home with renewed faith and a readiness
to serve God in their needy brothers and sisters. There still may be people who
doubt the apparitions of Lourdes. Perhaps the best that can be said to them 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.”
Quote:
“Lo! Mary is exempt from stain of sin, Proclaims the
Pontiff high; And earth applauding celebrates with joy Her triumph, far and
high. Unto a lowly timid maid she shows Her form in beauty fair, And the
Immaculate Conception truth Her sacred lips declare.” (Unattributed hymn from
the Roman Breviary)
Patron Saint of:
Bodily ills
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