BIG C CATHOLICS

(In 2018, this feast is superseded by the Sunday liturgy.) This feast commemorates the first of eighteen apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary witnessed by St. Bernadette Soubirous. On February 11, 1858, Bernadette a poor, sickly child of a local peasant family, first glimpsed, "something white in the shape of a girl" in a grotto near Lourdes, France. Later questioned by Church officials, Bernadette stated that she saw, "a pretty young girl with a rosary over her arm." The girl, Bernadette said, was "lovelier than I have ever seen." Perhaps because of her lowly background, Bernadette was deeply impressed by the polite and dignified way the Lady treated her. On March 25, 1858, during her sixteenth appearance, the Lady identified herself as "the Immaculate Conception," a dogma solemnly proclaimed by Pope Pius IX, on December 8, 1854, in Ineffabilis Deus . ________________________________________________ Fourteen-year-old Bernadette Sou

Ash Wednesday is just eighteen days away. Here, Pope Benedict explains how Our Lady's message to Saint Bernadette is intimately connected with the season of Lent and the joy of Easter morning that is our end should we love heroically. "[T]the message which Our Lady still offers at Lourdes recalls the words Jesus said at the beginning of his public mission and that we hear so often in [the] first days of Lent: ‘Convert and believe in the Gospel, pray and do penance. Let us respond to the call of Mary who echoes that of Christ and let us ask Her to help us 'enter' Lent with faith and live this season of grace with deep joy and generous commitment" — Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus February 10, 2008 ____________________________________________________ Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes O Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me w

Today marks the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858 to fourteen-year-old Saint Bernadette Soubirous. Our Lady’s message to humanity stressed devotion to God through Christ, ceaseless prayer, penitence and forgiveness. Three revelations in particular are worth pondering. One concern’s doctrine. The others speak to our earthly pilgrimage and our destiny, if we persevere in love. On February 18th, our Lady began her message telling Bernadette, "I do not promise to make you happy in this life but in the next." On February 24th, Mary asked for penance and prayer for the conversion of sinners. The next day, the feast of the Annunciation, Mary stated, "I am the Immaculate Conception." The liturgical feast of Our Lady of Lourdes was initially celebrated on February 11th. It was approved by Pope Leo XIII, and first granted to the Diocese of Tarbes in the year 1890. Less than twenty years later, on November 13, 1907, his successor, Pope Saint Pius X pro

February 10, 2017 As we move closer to the season of Lent, let's pray that we may be healed of any lingering temptations and our attachment to sin, especially the ones we struggle with the most. Let us seek the chance to confess our sins, and to, "sin no more." Day 9 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, give us what your motherly heart sees we need. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard by God. Immaculate Mother, show us your mercy, O Mother of God. Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never

February 9, 2017 When Our Lady appeared to Bernadette as a young girl, Bernadette did not have a good education or catechesis. But what she did have was more important: she was part of a faithful family. She was the product of a strong, "Domestic Church." Today, we pray for all families; that they may foster the faith in every family member, and lead one another closer to Christ.  Day 8 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, fill our hearts with love for Jesus and for you. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously he

February 8, 2017 Today, we pray through Our Lady of Lourdes' intercession for those who have become lukewarm in their faith. We solemnly ask that their faith, hope and love of our Lord will be renewed through Our Lady's most benevolent intercession.  Day 7 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, shower us with the love of your pure heart. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard by God. Immaculate Mother, show us your mercy, O Mother of God. Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that

February 7, 2017 Today, we pray for those who have fallen away from the Catholic faith. May they experience a sincere conversion and return to the Church founded by Christ. We pray also for their loved ones who patiently await their return, especially parents, that they lead their children to God and the fullness of truth that is his Church. Day 6 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, pray that we may reach the consolation of heaven. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard by God. Immaculate Mother, show us your mercy

February 6, 2017 The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette 18 times. On one of those occasions, Bernadette said that Our Lady told her to pray for sinners. Today, please pray for sinners, starting with ourselves. Pray for the conversion of sinners so that they may experience the joyous peace and infinite promise of God’s love. Day 5- The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, manifest in us your sweetness and beauty. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard by God. Immaculate Mother, show us your mercy, O Mother of

February 5, 2017 Today we pray that we may imitate the simplicity of St. Bernadette's life. She focused her whole heart and mind on Our Lady's call to love the Lord. Today, let us pray that we may do the same. Our Lady of Lourdes, please intercede on our behalf for fortitude, faith and courage in facing our trials, difficulties and despair. Day 4 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, pray for the grace of God to be our strength. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard by God. Immaculate Mother, show us your me

February 4, 2017 Yesterday, we prayed for those suffering from physical illnesses. Today, we pray for those suffering from mental illnesses. May Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for them and beg Our Lord to heal them, and bring them peace and equanimity. Day 3 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, pray that we may have hope in times of trial. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard by God. Immaculate Mother, show us your mercy, O Mother of God. Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone

February 3, 2017 The Church has approved and recognized more than 60 miracles that have happened through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is said that these miracles are the continuation of Jesus' healing ministry. Today, we pray for all who suffer with any sort of physical illness, that have the strength they need to persevere through their suffering with patience and faith, like St. Bernadette. Day 2 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, comfort us in our affliction. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously h

February 2, 2017 In The Power of One Hail Mary, it is written that, "St. Bernard and many Saints said that it was never, ever heard at any time or in any place that Mary refused to hear the prayers of her children on earth." So as we start the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes today, we do so with great confidence that she will hear our prayers and take them to her son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Day 1 - The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Mother, show us your mercy, O Mother of God. Our Lady of Lourdes, we come to you like little Bernadette at the grotto. We pray with childlike trust in you. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, when you appeared in Lourdes, you made it a holy sanctuary where many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. We pray with confidence for your holy intercession. (State your intentions here) Holy Mother of the Rosary, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard

In 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared some 18 times to a young uneducated peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France. Through a set of private revelations, Our Lady revealed herself as, "the Immaculate Conception." Saint Bernadette, the Apostle of Lourdes, spread Mary’s message of atonement, prayer and forgiveness to the world, revitalizing the faith of millions. The devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes is most well-known for the miraculous cures and healing of illness and disease. One of the intentions we will pray for during this novena is for healing. In one way or another, we are all in need of it, before we reach Heaven, whether it is the healing of our sins, or our physical infirmities. We will also pray for the conversion of sinners. This was an important intention in Bernadette's life, for which she offered up much of her physical suffering. Lastly, we'll pray for the faith of those who have fallen away from the Church, for those who are

Today, February 11, marks the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858 to fourteen-year-old Marie Bernade Soubirous. Between February 11 and July 16, 1858, the Blessed Virgin appeared eighteen times in the cave at Massabielle [located a mile from Lourdes]. On March 25 our Lady said to Bernadette: "I am the Immaculate Conception." Lourdes has since become a place of pilgrimage where many cures and conversions have taken place. The message of Lourdes is one of personal conversion, prayer, and charity. On the hundredth anniversary of the Immaculate Conception dogma Pope Pius XII, decreed the first Marian year in Church history. Pius describes the miraculous events in Lourdes in his encyclical Fulgens Corona : It seems that the Blessed Virgin Mary herself wished to confirm by some special sign the definition, which the Vicar of her Divine Son on earth had pronounced amidst the applause of the whole Church. For indeed four years had not yet elapsed when, in a Fren