In Lourdes, in February 1958 14 year old Bernadette was out collecting firewood on the bank of the river. In a cave beside the river she saw a beautiful lady dressed in white with a blue sash and roses at her feet. She asked Bernadette to pray with her.
On March 25th the feast of the Annunciation, Bernadette asked the Lady what her name was. Three times she asked her name. The third time the Lady raised her hands towards heaven and answered, "I am the Immaculate Conception." Then the lady smiled at Bernadette and disappeared.

Our Lady appeared to Bernadette 18 times. Huge crowds gathered even though no one could see her except Bernadette. She asked for a chapel to be built on the spot where she appeared. Our Lady asked for people to say prayers and do penance for sinners.
Our Lady asked Bernadette to dig in the dirt until she found water. A stream started flowing and still flows today. People who are sick bathe in this water and sometimes they are completely healed!
The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is celebrated each year on the 11th of February. Even if we don't get to visit Lourdes we know that Mary our Mother helps us and leads us to her son Jesus.
Through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes we pray in a special way today for all those who are sick. The next time you are passing a church you might like to go in and light a candle.

Click on the picture below to listen to The Bells of the Angelus.
