Pope Benedict's Journey of Hope to Lourdes

"I have set myself to learn from her during these three days. The Pope was duty bound to come to Lourdes to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the apparitions."
Address of Pope Benedict XVI, Farewell Ceremony, Airport of Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees, Lourdes, Monday, 15 September 2008

Pope Benedict's visit to Lourdes, from Saturday, 13th September, 2008 to Monday, 15th September, 2008, was the second part of this trip to France, the first part was to Paris. The Blessings for Lourdes was the presence of the Vicar of Christ in a comprehensive visit and a greater glimpse into the theology of Lourdes. Giving the pilgrims gathered an even greater Hope, Benedict says he too learned from Our Lady during his visit. Indeed there is a great amount of learning and a wealth of knowledge that can be grasped from his visit regarding Lourdes and the theology of Lourdes. ..continue

150th Anniversary of Lourdes

On December 8th, 2007 was opened the Jubilee year of Lourdes celebrating 150 years of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette Soubirous. The Jubilee year will go from December 8th, 2007 to December 8th, 2008. During this time Pope Benedict XVI is expected to visit at some point during the year.

During the Homily of the Opening Mass, His Eminence Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, gave extraordinary insights into the role of Lourdes and Our Lady's Mission in this time. From the catholic blog, Vultus Christi..

"Here, at Lourdes, as everywhere in the world, the Virgin Mary is weaving a enormous web of her spiritual sons and daughters in the whole world in order to launch a strong offensive against the forces of the Evil one, to lock him up and thus prepare the final victory of her Divine Son, Jesus Christ."

Lourdes Twelve "Missions" for our time

The Lourdes Sanctuary has outlined 12 "Missions" to focus on during the year that highlight the needs of the Church. [For more information on each, click on the links which takes you to the official Lourdes site for a greater explanation.]

1. The Church in Mission with its volunteers, in the service of others
2. The Church in Mission with Mary
3. The Church in Mission with Young People
4. The Church in Mission for Christian Unity
5. The Church in Mission in the Call to Conversion
6. The Church in Mission with the Sick
7. The Church in Mission with People with disability
8. The Church in Mission between Nations
9. The Church in Mission for Peace
10. The Church in Mission, Nourished by the Eucharist
11. The Church in Mission for Inter-religious dialogue
12. The Church in Mission with the Marginalised

The Daily Plenary Indulgence

APOSTOLIC PENITENTIARY DECREE according to which is granted a daily Plenary Indulgence on the 150th Anniversary of the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes

"On the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Grotto of Massabielle near Lourdes, a daily Plenary Indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who, from 8 December 2007 until 8 December 2008, devoutly and in accordance with the established conditions, visit the Grotto of Massabielle, as well as those who, from 2-11 February 2008, visit a blessed image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes solemnly displayed for public veneration in any church, oratory, grotto or suitable place."

Of note those who are unable to get to Lourdes may complete a "spiritual visit" during certain days in February.

"C) The elderly, sick, and all those unable to leave home for a just cause, if they consciously reject all sin and have the intention to fulfil the above-mentioned conditions as soon as possible, are likewise able to obtain - at home or wherever they may be - a Plenary Indulgence, if, between the days of 2 and 11 February 2008, they complete a "spiritual visit" (to the aforementioned places) in the desire of their heart, recite the prayers indicated above, and trustingly offer the pains and discomforts of their own lives to God through Mary."

In Pope Benedict's speech at the Spanish Steps in Rome, on the same day as the opening of the Lourdes Jubilee, he addressed the pilgrims who were gathered at Lourdes saying that "Thanks to their trust in Mary and her example, these pilgrims will become true disciples of the Saviour."

Further Resources:

Official Lourdes Jubilee Website
Twelve "Missions" for our Time
Apostolic Decree of the Daily Plenary Indulgence
Act of Veneration to the Immaculate at the Spanish Steps

For information on a pilgrimage to Lourdes please contact:

Fr. Gabriel M. Weber, O.S.M.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
3549 Navajo St.
Denver, Colo. 80211
303-455-0447

Lourdes Water

St. Bernadette said, "One must have faith and pray, the water will have no virtue without faith." St. Bernadette drank the water and washed her face with it. Our Blessed Mother has granted favors in conjunction with its use. It is something external meant to encourage and help our prayers and good works...continue