Not long ago, a man with a terminal illness visited Lourdes in France. The 54-year-old’s wife and children were with him. He told Shrine volunteers, “I want to be cured … I have to live!”
Volunteers helped the family throughout the pilgrimage, encouraging them in prayer and inviting this faith-filled husband and father to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Despite having been away from the sacrament for more than two decades, the man made his confession. The experience filled him with joy. By their journey’s conclusion, a sense of peace took hold. The man said his prayer was no longer, “I want to be cured.” It was, “Thy will be done.”
Once home, the end seemed near indeed. Yet in his two short weeks remaining, the man happily announced to friends and family, “Lourdes was the greatest gift I received in my life.”
Sometimes, God’s glory is shown in a cure restoring physical health. Other times, like in this man’s story, that glory is shown in a mental or spiritual healing of infinite, eternal value. All are miraculous interventions of divine love and mercy.
Since 1858, millions have come to this French town as pilgrims of hope. At Lourdes, Our Lady appeared to Bernadette, a French peasant teen, with teachings on prayer, penance, and healing. The future saint endured much mockery and disdain in answering Mary’s call. Obediently digging in the mud, Bernadette unearthed a spring that remains today a source of countless physical and spiritual healings.
From February 11-18, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal will celebrate its annual octave of Masses to petition Our Lady of Lourdes for her intercession for the needs of our members. I urge you to turn to Mary now, with all confidence that she will intercede for the healing of body, mind, or spirit that you and your loved ones need.
I invite you to send us your special intentions. We’ll place them near Mary’s Shrine Altar. You may also request to burn a Votive Light for your needs and to honor Mary.
Saint Bernadette came to understand the difficult truth that here on earth, “pure love cannot exist without suffering.”
Offering your prayers and petitions throughout the octave is one way to unite your sufferings with those Jesus and Our Lady graciously accepted for our salvation. Suffering can bring us closer to the “pure love” that Jesus showed for us by his passion and death on the cross for us.
When you send your petitions, we invite you to add a gift for our work. Offerings from members and friends help AMM spread its mission to draw souls closer to Jesus through Our Blessed Mother.
With your help, the Association provides free, blessed Miraculous Medals on an explanation card to anyone who asks. We minister to the spiritual needs of thousands each year –– in person, by phone, and by mail, as well as through daily Mass and prayers at the Shrine. Special novenas, octaves, and devotions are also held for the intentions of members.
I look forward to including your special intentions in the February 11-18 octave of Masses appealing to Our Lady of Lourdes. May God continue to bless your efforts to serve him, and may he draw all of us ever closer to himself.
Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
P.S. Join AMM by praying this prayer daily from February 11-18. “Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Immaculate Conception, and Blessed Mother, pray for us.”
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