Day 1 — In Lourdes the light shines

Meditation

On February 11, 1858, the Most Holy Virgin Mary appeared for the first time to the humble Bernadette Soubirous in the grotto of Massabielle, on the banks of the Gave River. A resplendent light surrounded the Lady, dressed in white with a blue sash, a golden rose on each foot, and a rosary in her hands. It was the light of heaven coming to illuminate a world in need of hope.

Prayer of the Day

O Immaculate Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, Virgin and Mother, choose us like your little Bernadette to contemplate your glory. Look with mercy upon our petition and grant us a favorable answer. Amen.

Opening Prayer (for all days)

Blessed are you, O Purest Virgin, for having deigned to manifest yourself, radiant with life, sweetness, and beauty, in the Grotto of Lourdes, saying to Saint Bernadette: «I am the Immaculate Conception.» O Immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, Health of the sick, Refuge of sinners, Comfort of the afflicted, you know our needs; deign to cast upon us a merciful glance. We come with immense confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain for us, O loving Mother, the fulfillment of our petition. Amen.

(Three Hail Marys and a Glory Be).