Our Lady of Lourdes

Today we are celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes! 

I started my day with giving thanks at Mass on this Feast.

I celebrated with a tea from our local coffee shop, The Habit. 

It's a great day for a great day!

However, to be quite honest, this feast day was hard to celebrate for many years.

 This feast day use to remind me that I didn't receive the miracle I wanted.

The physical healing I wanted. 

For my new blog followers:

In 2010 my family and I pilgrimaged to Lourdes, France. I was seeking healing and wanted an instant miracle: to be completely healed from Kearns Sayre Syndrome.

I wanted my eyes to be healed, my heart to be healed and my energy to be made new. 

For many years I carried the burden of feeling like I had to be healed.

Our Lady of Lourdes has now removed from my heart the burden of having to be healed.  

In the bath at Lourdes, I didn't receive the instant healing I wanted. 

None of the things I wanted to happen, happened the way I wanted them to.

It has taken me years to realize that a different kind of healing happened at Lourdes. 

A healing that is still in process.

It all began at Lourdes, France with our Lady of Lourdes.

This is where the healing begins.

With Mary, who brings us to her Son.

Let's close with this novena prayer:

Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes

O Holy Virgin, in the midst of your days of glory, do not forget the sorrows of this earth. Cast a merciful glance upon those who are suffering, struggling against difficulties, with their lips constantly pressed against life's bitter cup. Have pity on those who love each other and are separated. Have pity on our rebellious hearts. Have pity on our weak faith. Have pity on those we love. Have pity on those who weep, on those who pray, on those who fear. Grant hope and peace to all. Amen. 

-Abbe Perreyve