The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes commemorates the Marian apparitions to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 in the small town of Lourdes, France.
Our Lady’s message was one of prayer, penance, and faith, and her miraculous presence continues to draw millions of pilgrims each year seeking healing and spiritual renewal.
As we approach this significant feast day (4 days away from the date of this blog post), it is an opportune time to deepen our devotion, reflect on Our Lady’s message, and prepare our hearts to honour her with reverence.
Here are some ways we can spiritually and practically prepare for this sacred day.
1. Learn About the Apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes
One of the most meaningful ways to prepare for the feast day is by studying the events surrounding the apparitions of Our Lady to Saint Bernadette.
Reading about the humble life of Bernadette, the miraculous spring that emerged at Our Lady’s request, and the numerous healings attributed to the waters of Lourdes can deepen our appreciation of this Marian devotion.
Many books, documentaries, and articles detail the events of Lourdes, helping us to grasp the significance of Our Lady’s messages.
2. Pray the Holy Rosary
The Blessed Virgin Mary often encourages the recitation of the Rosary, and Lourdes is no exception. In preparation for the feast day, we can commit to praying the Rosary daily, particularly the Joyful and Glorious Mysteries, which emphasise Mary's role in salvation history.
Offering the Rosary for the sick, for those seeking healing, and for our personal spiritual renewal is a beautiful way to honour Our Lady of Lourdes.
3. Undertake a Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes
A nine-day novena leading up to the feast day is a wonderful spiritual practice. A novena to Our Lady of Lourdes can include prayers for healing, conversion, and a deeper trust in God's will. If begun on the 2nd of February, the novena will then culminate on the 11th, uniting our petitions with the prayers of millions around the world.
4. Receive the Sacraments
The sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist are powerful means of grace that can prepare our souls for the feast day.
Just as Lourdes is a place of healing, the Sacrament of Confession allows us to be cleansed and renewed in God’s mercy. Receiving Holy Communion with a pure heart is a fitting way to celebrate Our Lady’s intercession in our lives.
5. Perform Acts of Penance and Charity
Our Lady’s message at Lourdes included a call to penance and conversion.
In preparation for the feast day, we can engage in small acts of sacrifice, such as fasting, giving up certain comforts, or offering our daily sufferings to God.
Additionally, acts of charity—visiting the sick, helping the poor, or simply offering prayers for those in need—allow us to live out Our Lady’s call to compassion and love.
6. Pray for the Sick and the Suffering
Lourdes is renowned for its miraculous healings, and countless pilgrims seek physical, emotional, and spiritual healing at the shrine.
A special way to prepare for the feast day is by offering prayers for those who are ill, suffering, or in distress. We can entrust them to Our Lady’s intercession, praying for their comfort and healing, whether through a prayer group, parish initiative, or personal devotions.
7. Read and Reflect on the Messages of Lourdes
Our Lady’s messages to Saint Bernadette were simple yet profound. She asked for prayer, penance, and faith in God. Taking time to meditate on these messages and how they apply to our own lives can be a spiritually enriching practice.
Reading the words of Saint Bernadette herself, or meditating on the significance of Mary's presence in Lourdes, can inspire us to deepen our faith and trust in God.
8. Watch a Film or Documentary on Lourdes
For those who may find visual storytelling compelling, watching a film or documentary on Lourdes and Saint Bernadette’s life can be an engaging way to prepare for the feast day.
Many Catholic filmmakers have captured the beauty and grace of the Lourdes apparitions, making it accessible for viewers to witness the miraculous events and their enduring impact.
Click here for a link to "Saint Bernadette: The Song of Bernadette Movie on YouTube
9. Organise a Parish or Family Celebration
If possible, gathering with fellow Catholics to celebrate the feast day can foster a communal spirit of devotion. This could include attending Mass together, organising a prayer service, or even hosting a small gathering where the story of Lourdes is shared.
Some parishes may offer special Masses, processions, or healing services in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes.
10. Make a Virtual or Spiritual Pilgrimage to Lourdes
While not everyone can physically visit Lourdes, many websites and Catholic organisations offer virtual tours of the shrine.
Spiritually uniting ourselves with the pilgrims at Lourdes through online Masses, prayers at the Grotto, or simply setting aside time to meditate on the shrine’s significance can be a meaningful way to participate in the grace of Lourdes from afar.
11. Use Lourdes Water for Blessing and Healing
If you have access to Lourdes water, using it as a sacramental can be a tangible way to seek Our Lady’s intercession. Blessing oneself or a loved one with Lourdes water while offering a prayer for healing can be a beautiful preparation for the feast day.
If Lourdes water is not available, simply invoking Our Lady’s name in faith is equally powerful.
12. Entrust Yourself to Our Lady’s Care
Above all, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is a time to renew our trust in Mary’s maternal care. We can consecrate ourselves to her Immaculate Heart, seeking her guidance, protection, and intercession in all aspects of our lives.
A simple prayer of entrustment, such as the Memorare or the Act of Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary, can help us deepen our relationship with Our Lady.
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Whether through personal devotion, community celebration, or spiritual pilgrimage, let us embrace this feast day with joy, faith, and gratitude, trusting that Our Lady of Lourdes continues to lead us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.