February 11: Our Lady of Lourdes

Bernadette entered the convent of the Sisters of Charity at Nevers, where she died from tuberculosis of the bone in 1879. She was 35 years old. Today, Lourdes is the most visited pilgrimage site in the world.

Many people still travel to Lourdes in the hope of a miracle. In the past 150 years, 67 documented miracles have taken place that defy scientific explanation. But some miracles cannot be demonstrated scientifically, like the healing of the human soul.

With a maternal heart, Mary reassures us that She cares for all of God's people. She is present to us in our needs, and directs our lives to Her Son. She opens a healing spring of grace and mercy for us while reminding us to embrace the Gospel's call to repentance and conversion of life.

"One who has hope lives differently", said Benedict XVI (Spe Salvi). Hope redirects our lives to Jesus Christ Himself, the source of our hope.

Perhaps the greatest miracle of all is a life set free from sin and renewed in the hope that comes from Jesus Christ.

Msgr. Joe Celano