Phrased be Jesus and Mary. Today we
celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Her shrine in southern France is the
most visited pilgrimage site in the
world, principally because of the
healing properties of the water from
the spring that appeared during the
apparitions of Our Lady to the poor
fourteen-year-old girl whose name we
know as Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the
first
apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The apparition occurred this day, February 11th, in the year 1858. There were 18 apparitions in all. The last took place July 16th of the same year.
And at one point Our Lady told Bernadette,
you know, I cannot promise you happiness
in this life.
Only in the next. And she asked Bernadette
numerous times to pray for the
conversion of poor sinners. And Saint Bernadette
didn't know what that meant. She asked
Our Lady. Our Lady wouldn't say anything.
She just smiled. But we know this young
girl, Bernadette, did live out her life
quietly, going to the convent, never
seeking attention for herself. She gave
her whole being to God, and she became a
great saint. Her body is incorrupt to this
day. She's beautiful. Looks like she's
just sleeping.
And before dying, she suffered greatly,
and she remembered the words of Our Lady
that happiness wasn't for this life, but
only the next. And she said that, I want
to give my whole life, I want my whole
life to be inspired by love. He who loves does all things easily or if he suffers
he loves that suffering. Why is suffering necessary? Because on earth pure love
cannot exist without suffering. Oh Jesus, Jesus I no longer feel my cross when I
think of yours.
Lord we know has become a place of pilgrimage and healing but even more of
faith.
Church authorities have recognized officially over 60 miraculous cures
although there have been many more. To people of faith this is not surprising.
It's a continuation of Jesus's healing miracles.
Just as we heard his first public miracle in today's gospel which was
brought through the intercession of Our Lady. It's no different today. The miracles
that Lord are through her intercession. But most of these miracles which take
place are during the the Eucharistic procession and during the the blessing
of the sick with the Blessed Sacrament.
It's still our Lord working the
miracles. I believe most would agree that the the greater miracles are hidden.
People's strength and faith bolstered maybe even regained, found if lost. Many
who visit were
return home with a renewed faith and a readiness to serve God.
And there are still maybe people who doubt the apparitions
and the miracles that Lord,
perhaps the best that can be said to them
are the words that introduce that film, The Song of Bernadette.
For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary.
For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.
And I did hear this morning that it's been announced
that the Holy Father is going to be resigning at the end of this month.
So today, and every day, we pray for our Holy Father,
but especially on Sunday.
This Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes,
we pray for Pope Benedict XVI.