Remembering Our Lady of Lourdes

2/10/2005 - 4:13 AM PST

Advertisment

+J.M.J.+

by Monsignor Charles M. Mangan
�Catholic Online 2005

The recent hospitalization of Pope John Paul II, let us pray, will contribute to our becoming more aware of and concerned for the sick and their intense suffering.

We certainly would never want to be callous towards those who are ill. Yet, if we and the members of our families are physically, emotionally and spiritually well, then we may, sadly, forget to pray and care for those who are shouldering the many times excruciatingly heavy cross of corporeal, emotional and spiritual ailments.

In the General Intercessions during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we often pray for those who are sick�those who suffer �in body, mind and spirit.� How these our brothers and sisters need to be, as the Most Reverend Paul V. Dudley, D.D., the Bishop Emeritus of Sioux Falls, is wont to say, �lifted up in love and prayer.�

The Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes reminds us that all genuine healing comes from the beneficent, merciful hand of our Creator through the gracious and effective intercession of the Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Little Bernadette Soubirous was the instrument that Our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother used to call attention to the plight of the sick. The miraculous waters of Lourdes have wrought much good for almost 150 years.

And it seems clear that the Holy Father, frail as he appears, is being employed by the Powers of Paradise to summon us to assist the sick by prayer and deed. Who would dare claim that God has stopped using Karol Wojtyla to turn His sons and daughters to the really important things in life�like aiding those who need it?

Recalling today Our Lady of Lourdes, we commend the ill�regardless of their malady�to Jesus and Mary, supremely confident that our humble prayers will be heard and answered.

Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
(by Abb� Perreyve)

O Most Holy Virgin, do not in the midst of your greatness forget our earthly sorrows. Cast down your tender look upon those who suffer, who struggle against difficulties, and who cease not wetting their lips in the bitter draughts of this life. Have pity I beseech you on those, who although united in love, and have been cruelly parted, and take pity on the lonely-hearted. Grant us your help in our unbelief, and have compassion on those most dear to us. Be compassionate upon those who mourn, who pray, who tremble, and grant all Hope and Peace.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!

Saint Joseph, pray for us!

Saint Bernadette Soubirous, pray for us!

Contact

Mary's Field
http://www.catholic.org/featured/insert_headline.php , VA
Monsignor Charles M. Mangan - Official, 390 66616-1125

Email

fathermangan@catholic.org

Keywords

Our Lady of Lourdes; Pope John Paul II; Healing

Rate This Article

Was this helpful to you? Very Helpful Somewhat Helpful Not Helpful at All

Would you be interested in more articles like this? Yes, I am Interested No, I am not Interested

Rate Article

0 Comments

Comments submitted must be civil, remain on-topic and not violate any laws including copyright. We reserve the right to delete any comments which are abusive, inappropriate or not constructive to the discussion.

Though we invite robust discussion, we reserve the right to not publish any comment which denigrates the human person, undermines marriage and the family, or advocates for positions which openly oppose the teaching of the Catholic Church.

This is a supervised forum and the Editors of Catholic Online retain the right to direct it.

We also reserve the right to block any commenter for repeated violations. Your email address is required to post, but it will not be published on the site.

We ask that you NOT post your comment more than once. Catholic Online is growing and our ability to review all comments sometimes results in a delay in their publication.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

Send me important information from Catholic Online and it's partners. See Sample

Post Comment