Third Day (Feb. 11, 2004): MARY, OUR MODEL IN LIFE OF FAITH

"His mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation"
(Lk 1:50)

Reflection : Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is also the 12 th World Day of the Sick. This year the official international programme is held, in fact, in Lourdes, France. On February 11, 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernedette. Since then, Lourdes has become the destination of very many pilgrims. `Our Lady, in that mountainous region, wanted to manifest her maternal love in particular towards the suffering and the sick. Since then she has continued to make herself present with constant care and concern'.

Let us reflect with Pope John Paul II, making use of his Message for this day: "Mary began the great work of the Redemption, which was actuated in the precious blood of Christ. In him every person is called to the perfection of holiness (cf. Col 1:28). Mary, who suffered in silence at the foot of the Cross, was a very special participant in the sufferings of her Son. She was made mother of humanity, and she is ready to intercede for us so that every person may obtain salvation.

If Jesus is the spring of life that defeats death, Mary is the caring mother who meets the hopes of her children by obtaining for them the health of their souls and bodies. This is the message that the sanctuary of Lourdes constantly re-proposes to the devotees.

Since the day of her apparition to Bernedette Soubirous, Mary has in that place 'treated' pains and illnesses, restoring to so many of her children the health of their bodies as well. Even when they do not obtain the gift of corporal health, they can also receive a gift that is much more important: the conversion of their hearts, the source of peace and inner joy. This gift transforms their existence and makes them apostles of the cross of Christ, even in the hardest and most difficult trials."

Question for reflections:

1. "M y soul magnifies the Lord, and my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour": How does Mary's life inspire me to sing the songs of praise and hope?

Prayer of the Faithful

Concluding Prayer