|
Dear Friend,
In February 2008 I had the honor of traveling to Lourdes, France to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Our Lady’s apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous. It was, to say the least, a remarkable experience.
When I arrived I was led by a fellow Oblate, Fr. Paul Horrocks, O.M.I. to the Sacred Grotto. He explained to me that we were walking the very path that Bernadette took at the time of Our Lady’s apparitions.
I was awestruck at the sight of the Sacred Grotto. It was everything I had imagined and more. The grotto was filled with pilgrims from all over the world who had come to find healing and peace. But surprisingly, the bustling scene was nearly silent. The rhythmic sound of whispered prayers seemed to hang over the scene like a soothing lullaby. It was obvious that the thousands of other visitors were experiencing the same special sense of the sacred that I was feeling.
To the left of the Sacred Grotto was a long wall. I realized at once that this was the site of the spring that Bernadette herself unearthed at Mary’s request. Lourdes water is a miracle in itself…it has been flowing for 150 years and continues to be a source of healing and hope for millions of believers throughout the world. Before I left I filled several bottles with Lourdes water to bring home to my family and friends. But of course I didn’t forget about you. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate want to send you a complimentary bottle of Lourdes water in gratitude for your continued prayers and support. While I was in Lourdes I had the great honor of delivering the prayer petitions of our supporters and friends. They are remembered in my prayers as well as the prayers of all the pilgrims who visit the Sacred Grotto. I also lit a large blue candle, which represented the prayers of our benefactors, and left it at the grotto in memory of friends like you.
I will always remember fondly my first sight of the grotto in Lourdes, France. Stepping onto that sacred ground left me with a newfound feeling of respect; not only for Our Lady, but for everyone who believes in her message of healing and hope.
|
I will have the privilege of returning to Lourdes this year for the feast day on February 11. Even if you have never been able to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, I want you to have the opportunity to share in my experience, by doing the following:
- Send your prayer petitions to me. I will take them to Lourdes so they can be prayed for by all who visit. You will be remembered in prayer during two special novenas: one in Lourdes and the other here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows from February 3-11. Please return your petitions to me by January 30 so your name can be included in these special celebrations.
- Please click on the link to the right so you can receive your complimentary bottle of Lourdes water. This water, renowned for its healing powers, is my gift to you for your continued support.
- Send a generous donation in support of the Missionary Oblates and our ministries around the world. I would be pleased to send you one of the enclosed Lourdes Devotional Gifts for your offering. Of course, if you choose not to receive a gift, your donation can do even more to help our ministries.
|
The world needs healing. In this time of war, our world needs prayers of healing so that we might all learn to live together in harmony. Our country needs healing. Violence and hardship often keep us from experiencing God’s love for us fully. During this time, as we all struggle to pay for gas, food, medicine…we ask God to heal our financial anxieties. Find healing in Lourdes. I ask you to join me in prayer as I deliver your special intentions to the Sacred Grotto in Lourdes. Together in Christ and His Mother Mary we can help bring healing to a broken world.
 In the love of Our Lady of Lourdes,
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Oblate Director
 P.S. You’ll receive a bottle of genuine Lourdes water when you make a donation.
For a gift of $25, a Healing Votive Candle will be lit at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Or for a gift of $50, I will see that a Lourdes Healing Candle at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France is lit.
Please remember to send your intention and your donation by January 30, 2009. God bless you!
|
Place an Engraved Tribute at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows |
|
 Recently renovated, the near-exact replica of the Lourdes Grotto at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is one of the most popular devotional areas at the Shrine. It’s a quiet, inspirational place where the faithful come to reflect and pray. It is here  that you may choose to have an engraved Tribute permanently placed for someone special in your life. With each Tribute, a candle will also be lit for the honoree at the Shrine in Lourdes, France.
|
|
Lourdes Gifts |