Our Lady of Lourdes

February 11th marks the first of 18 apparitions of Mary to Bernadette Soubirous, a young peasant girl who was collecting wood for the evening fire at a local dumping ground known as the rock of Massabielle. Later, at the bequest of the local pastor, Mary identified herself as "The Immaculate Conception",  a title which had become a dogma of the Church just four years before.  Cures from the spring uncovered by Bernadette helped the unbelievers come to accept that apparitions as valid, and since then, hundreds of miracles have been officially accepted.
 Because of these many healings, Lourdes has become a mecca for the sick, "les malades," who stream there around the year.  And fittingly, February 11th has been designated as the World Day of the Sick.  Whether at Lourdes or not, the myriads of sick people deserve our prayers today.
And interestingly enough, Pope Benedict has chose this day to announce his retirement.  Startling news that makes us wonder if he is not among these sick who need our prayers.  Age, he claims is the reason,  but perhaps there is more than meets the headlines.  Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him and for all who suffer from illness.
Bro. Rene