Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. The first apparition of the lady who appeared to Bernadette Soubirous occurred on 11 February 1858 while the 14-year-old girl was gathering firewood with her sister and a friend. The lady appeared eighteen times in all during that year. Although the local authorities discounted reports of the visions, they were eventually confirmed. Lourdes is now a major Marian pilgrimage site especially for those who are sick.
This day also marks the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. Each year, we pray especially for those who are sick and suffering on this day, entrusting them to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin.
At another time in history, Jesus expressed his displeasure at those who would honour him with their lips but whose hearts were far from him (Mk 7:6). Thankfully, in the Blessed Virgin, we find the example of a mother who genuinely cares for us, one who deeply wants to be close to us and to care for us, especially when we are sick.
Today, we ask her to intercede for us so that we in turn may honour our God not only with our lips but more importantly with our hearts.
Have a great day.
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