Our Lady of Lourdes: A Journey of Healing Through Encounter

The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, celebrated on February 11, draws millions to reflect on the miraculous apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, and the profound healing—both spiritual and physical—that continues to flow from this sacred site. This beautiful feast reminds us that healing comes through encountering God and opening our hearts to His grace.

The Story of Lourdes

In 1858, a humble 14-year-old peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous experienced a series of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a grotto near her hometown of Lourdes, France. Over 18 apparitions, Mary revealed herself to Bernadette as the "Immaculate Conception" and gave her a mission: to pray for sinners, encourage penance, and have a chapel built at the grotto.

During one of these apparitions, Mary directed Bernadette to dig in the dirt near the grotto, where a spring of water miraculously appeared. This spring became a source of miraculous healings, with thousands of people experiencing physical and spiritual cures after drinking or bathing in its waters.

The apparitions at Lourdes were officially approved by the Church in 1862, and the site has since become one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world. Pilgrims from all over the globe come to Lourdes seeking healing, hope, and renewal of faith.

Healing Through Encounter

The message of Lourdes is one of healing, not only of the body but also of the heart and soul. As we bring our wounds—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—before God, we are invited to encounter Him personally. The grace of healing flows from this encounter, where we are reminded that even our deepest pain can become a door to greater intimacy with Christ.

During this time of prayer and reflection, consider visiting your local Adoration chapel, praying the rosary, and contemplating how God desires to heal and restore your life. Let the example of St. Bernadette inspire you to trust in the Lord’s mercy and love.

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes

In preparation for this beautiful feast, we invite you to pray the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes and ask for Mary’s intercession in the areas of your life that need healing.

Novena Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes

O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, virgin and mother, queen of heaven, chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of the Eternal Word and in virtue of this title preserved from original sin, we kneel before you as did little Bernadette at Lourdes and pray with childlike trust in you that as we contemplate your glorious appearance at Lourdes, you will look with mercy on our present petition and secure for us a favorable answer to the request for which we are making this novena.

(Pause to state your intention.)

O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God. Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Reflect and Be Inspired

The story of Lourdes reminds us of God’s desire to draw close to us, heal us, and transform our lives. As you reflect on this feast, consider where you need healing and invite God to work in those areas.

Explore more about Our Lady of Lourdes by listening to the special playlist we’ve created on the Tabella App. This collection delves into the story of the apparitions, the life of St. Bernadette, and prayers to seek Mary’s intercession.

Let us draw closer to Our Lady, trusting in her love and in the healing power of God. May she guide you to the peace, hope, and renewal that only Christ can bring.