My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Do you keep up with the news coming out of France’s most famous pilgrimage site?

Last April, the Church formally recognized the latest miracle flowing from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The announcement concerned a woman from Italy who, in 2009, traveled to the humble grotto where Our Lady appeared to Saint Bernadette in 1858. For nearly five years, Antonietta Raco had suffered from a progressive spinal condition. She was severely weakened. She used a wheelchair. Breathing and swallowing were difficult.

After bathing in the healing waters of the spring, Antonietta felt peace and warmth spread through her body. She heard a beautiful young female voice say three times, “Don’t be afraid!” Back home with her husband, she left her wheelchair, walking on her own without any effects of the previous illness. Doctors would later confirm what faith had already revealed: there was no medical explanation for her recovery.

Following years of careful investigation, the Church hierarchy declared Antonietta’s healing as the 72nd miracle officially attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.

For every miracle officially recognized, another 99 or so people claim they received healing at Lourdes. What a beautiful reminder of Our Lord’s graces poured out through Mary upon humble hearts seeking her help!

The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is Wednesday, February 11.

Ahead of this feast day, from February 2-10, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal will hold a novena of Masses to petition Our Lady of Lourdes for the needs of our members.

 I urge you to turn to Mary today, confident 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 intentions to be remembered throughout the novena and to be placed near Mary’s Shrine Altar. You may also request to burn a Votive Light for your needs and to honor Our Lady of Lourdes.

Saint Bernadette, who suffered many physical illnesses throughout her life, spoke of love as a balm for suffering. She accepted her trials with peace and an eye toward using them to help her grow closer to God:

“One who loves does not notice her trials; or perhaps more accurately, she is able to love them. I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home. There I shall find my Mother in all the splendor of her glory. I shall delight with her in the joy of Jesus himself in perfect safety.”

Uniting with us in prayer throughout the Lourdes Novena can help you grow closer to Jesus and Our Lady as well. So, too, can acts of love offered in gratitude for the salvation won for you through Our Lord’s life, death, and resurrection.

When you send your petition, I 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 Mary.

 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.

May our faith in Jesus never waver. Miracles do happen!

I look forward to including your special intentions in the February 2-10 novena of Masses appealing to Our Lady of Lourdes. And of course we will pray for you on February 11, the feast day itself.

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 2-10 and on February 11, the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes.