Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes: Feast Day Feb. 11th

“I am the Immaculate Conception.” These are the beautiful words spoken by the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette when she appeared to the little girl in Lourdes, France in 1858. When I reflect upon these words that the Blessed Virgin spoke, I instantly think back to when I read Father Michael Gaitley’s book, 33 Days to Morning Glory a Do-it-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration, a few years ago. As I read his book, I learned there is a deeper meaning within the words. Father Gaitley discusses that through the words spoken to Saint Bernadette, the Blessed Virgin Mary was identifying herself to be the spouse of The Holy Spirit. Not only is this extremely insightful, but it is extremely beautiful! Father Gaitley further discusses how Saint Maximilian Kolbe explained that “If among human beings the wife takes the name of her husband because she belongs to him, is one with him...with how much greater reason should the name of the Holy Spirit, who is the divine Immaculate Conception, be used as the name of her in whom he lives as uncreated Love...” (Kolbe in 33 Days to Morning Glory by Gaitley, 54). Father Gaitley then explains Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s words by saying, “Mary is the Spouse of the Holy Spirit,” and that “her union with the Holy Spirit is even deeper than what we understand by a spousal relationship” (Gaitley, 54). Wow! Talk about a beautiful and mind blowing reality! 

Reflecting upon what I learned from Father Gaitley’s book, I think about the cross-stitched picture my grandmother made that hangs in my home. My grandmother stitched the following words: “The greatest gift a father can give his children is to love their mother.” When I read this quote now, I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the words. God, our Father, loves us SO much, that he sent us his son, Jesus. And Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father, as one, love Mary so very much, that she is given to us as our spiritual mother. When there are times we may feel unworthy or afraid to bring our prayerful desires to our Lord and Father, our spiritual mother is always there to be our intercessor and bring us closer to the Son, Father, and Holy Spirit if we merely ask. As you and your family celebrate Our Lady of Lourdes today, reflect upon the Blessed Virgin Mary through her words, “I am the Immaculate Conception,” and what that truly means.

Celebrating Through Food:

Since the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette in France, today make French Onion Soup for lunch or dinner. I used this recipe from “Taste of Home.” You can substitute port wine with unsweetened fruit juice, dry red wine, or vermouth. You can then serve your soup with a tasty French baguette either store bought or homemade. So, as they say in France, Bon appétit! And happy feast day! 

Celebrating Through a Craft:

Make a banner with the French words, “Je suis la conception immaculée,” which is the French translation of our Lady’s words—“I am the Immaculate Conception.” You can also have your kids color this coloring page of Our Lady of Lourdes from "Super Coloring," or this coloring page of Our Lady of Lourdes from the website, “Catholic Playground.”

Additional Resources:

Watch the cartoon, “Bernadette Princess of Lourdes,” from “Saints and Heroes,” as a family.

Here is a great article about Our Lady of Lourdes, from Franciscan Media, for further reading if you’re interested. 

Citation for Father Gaitley’s Book:

Gaitley, M. E. (2019). 33 days to morning glory: A do-it-yourself retreat in preparation for Marian consecration. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press.