Day 4 — Mary strengthens our faith

Meditation

The apparitions of Lourdes call to conversion and penance. Mary said to Bernadette: «Penance, penance, penance. Pray for the conversion of sinners.» The Virgin strengthens our faith by reminding us that salvation comes through the cross and sincere repentance.

Prayer of the Day

O Immaculate Queen of Heaven, we, your wayward children, unite our unworthy prayers with those of the angels and saints. As you looked with love upon Bernadette praying the rosary, look upon us with mercy and grant us the grace we ask. 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).