Mary the Immaculate Conception appears at Lourdes

From the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes

Sacred Scripture: Luke 1:28

Meditation for Day 1

At Lourdes the Lady revealed her name: 'I am the Immaculate Conception.' The angel had greeted her as 'full of grace' (Lk 1:28), and the Church professes that she was preserved free from sin from the first moment of her existence, by the grace of her Son's redemption.

The novena begins by contemplating this pure and sinless Mother. Today's prayer kneels, as Bernadette did, before the Immaculate Virgin, and asks her to look with mercy on our wants, our troubles, and our sufferings.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

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.