Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes

The sick and healing, bodily and spiritual; those who care for the ill

Tradition: Marian devotion arising from the 1858 apparitions of the Immaculate Conception to St. Bernadette Soubirous at the grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France

Associated feast: Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11), which is also the World Day of the Sick

When to pray: Traditionally prayed February 2–10, concluding on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11). It may also be prayed at any time, especially for the healing of the sick.

About this devotion

In 1858, in the grotto of Massabielle near the town of Lourdes in southern France, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared eighteen times to a poor and sickly fourteen-year-old girl, St. Bernadette Soubirous. In one of the apparitions the Lady identified herself with the words, 'I am the Immaculate Conception' — confirming the dogma St. Pius IX had defined only four years earlier. At Mary's direction Bernadette uncovered a spring, and from that spring countless pilgrims have since sought healing of body and soul.

Lourdes has become the most famous place of pilgrimage for the sick in the Catholic world. The Church carefully examines the cures reported there, and has recognized a number as scientifically inexplicable; far greater in number are the spiritual healings — conversions, reconciliations, and the grace to bear suffering with peace. Because the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes falls on February 11, St. John Paul II chose that day to be observed as the World Day of the Sick.

This nine-day novena follows the traditional Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes preserved by EWTN, prayed in the days before her February 11 feast. Each day meditates on the apparitions, on Mary as Health of the Sick, and on Christian hope in suffering, and concludes with the traditional prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes imploring her maternal intercession for our needs of body and soul.

The Nine Days

1. Day 1: Mary the Immaculate Conception appears at Lourdes

   Scripture: Luke 1:28

2. Day 2: The faith of St. Bernadette, poor and lowly

   Scripture: Matthew 11:25

3. Day 3: The healing spring and the waters of grace

   Scripture: John 4:14

4. Day 4: Mary, Health of the Sick

   Scripture: Matthew 8:16-17

5. Day 5: Mary, Refuge of Sinners

   Scripture: Luke 5:31-32

6. Day 6: Mary, Comfort of the Afflicted

   Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

7. Day 7: Meaning in suffering, united to Christ

   Scripture: Romans 8:18

8. Day 8: Those who care for the sick, and the World Day of the Sick

   Scripture: Matthew 25:36

9. Day 9: Confident entrustment and final perseverance

   Scripture: John 19:26-27

Daily Novena Prayer

Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes

Oh ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request. I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity. Amen.

The traditional prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes, recited each of the nine days. Conclude with one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Frequently Asked Questions