OUR LADY OF LOURDES
When you are sick or feeling like you are coming down with something nasty, what do you want?
Most people will answer that they want their mothers, even if they are adult.
Today is the Marian Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. Our Lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France in 1858. On February 11 Bernadette saw her first apparition and eventually a healing spring brought miraculous healing to thousands. Pilgrims still visit the healing spring and holy ground on which the apparition took place.
Today is a special day designated as the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. “The ministry of Jesus to the sick is central to the life of the Church. February 11 (Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes) highlights the healing ministry of the Church. It reminds us that service to the sick and suffering cannot be neglected. It recognizes the great efforts of doctors, nurses, health care institutions and pastoral care givers to restore health to those afflicted with illness and disease (Ordo Liturgical Calendar 2022-2023).”
Michael Card composed a wonderful song called The Gentle Healer. Take some time today to listen to this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfBR7RXGoUo
The corporal works of mercy invite us to visit the sick. Is there someone that you know that you can visit or call? Perhaps sending a get well note will do more for the individual because he/she lives far away.
Here is a prayer for the sick if you wish to pray for your loved one:
Gentle healer, Jesus,
during your earthly life you healed so many people;
heal my loved one,
inspire hope in their spirit,
bring calm and peace to their mind.
May those caring for him/her express gentle patience;
May _____ feel your deep love in their heart.
Amen.
Pat Carter, CSJ is a disciple, a teacher and an advocate for the poor. She has been a Sister of St. Joseph for more than half of her life and loves to use words to inspire faith and laughter. She is a cantor at her parish of St. Jerome’s in Sault Ste. Marie.
