Hope for the Sick

Today The Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, who first appeared to the young St. Bernadette on this day 155 years ago in the French country side. Many sick and suffering souls have been healed through pilgrimage to the apparition site, and that is why February 11 is also designated as World Day of the Sick.

In his message for today’s celebration, Pope Benedict XVI said: 

In the Gospel the Blessed Virgin Mary stands out as one who follows her suffering Son to the supreme sacrifice on Golgotha. She does not lose hope in God’s victory over evil, pain and death, and she knows how to accept in one embrace of faith and love, the Son of God who was born in the stable of Bethlehem and died on the Cross. Her steadfast trust in the power of God was illuminated by Christ’s resurrection, which offers hope to the suffering and renews the certainty of the Lord’s closeness and consolation.

Let us take this day to pray especially for our Holy Father, who announced his resignation earlier today. Entrust Pope Benedict to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, that he might find peace in his advanced years.