Signs of Lourdes: sick people and crowds of faithful

For over 160 years, the crowd has been present at the event, coming from every continent. At the time of the first apparition, on 11 February 1858, Bernadette was accompanied only by her sister Toinette and a friend, Jeanne Abadie. In a few weeks, Lourdes enjoys the reputation of "city of miracles". At first hundreds, then thousands of faithful and curious people flock to the place. After the official recognition of the apparitions by the Church, in 1862, the first local pilgrimages are organized. The notoriety of Lourdes took on an international dimension in the early twentieth century. But it is after the Second World War that statistics indicate a phase of strong growth…. From April to October, every Wednesday and Sunday, at h. 9,30 am, an international mass is celebrated in the basilica of San Pio X. During the months of July and August, in the Sanctuary there are also international masses for young people.

Sick people and hospitaliers
What strikes the simple visitor is the presence of numerous sick and handicapped people inside the Sanctuary. These life-injured people in Lourdes can find some comfort. Officially, around 80.000 sick and handicapped people from various countries go to Lourdes every year. Despite illness or infirmity, they feel here in an oasis of peace and joy. The first healings of Lourdes occurred during the apparitions. Since then the sight of the sick has deeply moved many people so as to push them to offer their help spontaneously. They are the hospitaliers, men and women. Healing of bodies cannot however hide the healing of hearts. All, sick in body or spirit, find themselves at the foot of the Grotto of the Apparitions, in front of the Virgin Mary to share their prayer.

Prayer to the Madonna of Lourdes

I. O consoler of the afflicted, Immaculate Mary, who moved by maternal charity, manifested yourselves in the grotto of Lourdes and filled with heavenly favors Bernardette, and today still heal the wounds of the soul and body to those who confidently resort to you there, rekindle faith in me, and make sure that, having overcome all human respect, you show me in all circumstances, true follower of Jesus Christ. Hail Mary ... Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

II. O most prudent Virgin, Immaculate Mary, who appeared to the humble girl of the Pyrenees in the solitude of an alpine and unknown place, and worked her greatest wonders, get me from Jesus, my savior, love for solitude and retreat, so that she can hear the his voice and conform to it every action of my life.

III. O Mother of Mercy, Immaculate Mary, who in Bernadetta ordered you to pray for sinners, let the pleas be pleasing to God, that for the misguided poor they rise to Heaven, and that they, converted by your motherly calls, may reach to the possession of the heavenly kingdom.

IV. O most pure Virgin, Immaculate Mary, who in your apparitions in Lourdes, you showed yourself wrapped in a white mantle, obtain for me the virtue of purity, so dear to you and to Jesus, your Divine Son, and make me ready to die first to stain myself with mortal guilt.

V. O Immaculate Virgin, sweet Mother Mary, whom you showed in Bernadetta surrounded by a heavenly splendor, be light, protector and guide in the harsh path of virtues, so that you never deviate from it, and you will be able to reach the blessed stay of Paradise .

YOU. O Consolation of the afflicted, whom you deigned to converse with a humble and poor girl, demonstrating with this how much the indigent and the troubled are dear to you, drawn to these unhappy ones, the glances of Providence; seek compassionate hearts to come to their aid, so that rich and poor may bless your name and your ineffable goodness.

VII. O Queen of the powerful, Immaculate Mary, who appeared to the devout daughter of the Soubirous with the crown of SS. Rosary between your fingers, let me print the sacrosanct Mysteries in my heart, which must meditate in it and portray all those spiritual advantages, for which the Holy Patriarch Dominic was instituted.