Day 5 — Lourdes, home of the poor

Meditation

The Virgin chose to appear to a poor, sick, illiterate girl, marginalized by society. Lourdes is the sanctuary of the little ones, of the sick, of those who suffer. Mary teaches us that before God the first are last, and that her maternal Heart especially welcomes the needy.

Prayer of the Day

O Immaculate Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, from the heights of your dignity look upon us with mercy. Filled with confidence in your infinite goodness, we beg you to help us and grant us the favor we seek in this novena. 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).