11 FEB - OUR MOTHER OF LOURDES

 We are celebrating the 163rd Anniversary of the apparitions of our Mother at Lourdes. In 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception of our Mother. 

    At the age of 14, Bernadette Soubirous in the grotto of Massabiell near Lourdes in France first encountered our Mother in a golden cloud and prayed a rosary 

    in her presence at the grotto. From Feb 11, 1858 to July 16, 1858, Bernadette had the privilege of meeting our Mother 18 times. Through the poor little girl, 

    Mary taught Bernadette a secret prayer which she recited the rest of her life; gave her "three wonderful secrets" which had never been revealed; 

    called sinners to penance; and Bernadette was commanded to drink from the fountain. Since there was no fountain there, 

    Bernadette dug up some gravel and revealed a pond which she then drank from. This stream instantly became a source of healing for visitors to the grotto; 

    Bernadette was asked to "kiss the ground on behalf of sinners"; Bernadette was asked to tell the clergy that they should build a Chapel at the grotto and 

    Bernadette was told that the people should come in procession to the Chapel. On the Feast of the Annunciation, 

    Our Mother identified herself, "I am the Immaculate Conception", Bernadette received the final invitation to meet our Mother at the Grotto on 16 July 1858. 

    There arose in the Church a marvellous spirit of prayer and charity, especially in helping the poor and the sick. 

    Pope Benedict XVI made a pilgrimage to Lourdes for the 150th Anniversary of the apparitions in 2008.





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