Our Lady of Lourdes and Carmel

On this Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes, it is worth remembering that the strong link between the Carmelites and Lourdes. The last apparition of Our Lady took place on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 16th July 1858. Bernadette recalled that Our Lady looked more radiant and beautiful than ever. Due to the crowds the authorities barricaded the grotto.  Therefore, the apparition took place in the meadow on the opposite side of the River Gave. There is now a Carmelite Convent standing on the site with a splendid view of the grotto. While the grotto is busy with thousands of pilgrims, the Lourdes Carmel opposite remains a place of prayer and contemplation.  There is some evidence to suggest that Bernadette herself subsequently wished to enter Carmel. However, she decided against this and, in any case, ill health would have prevented it.  The first pilgrimage to Lourdes to be led by a priest was organised by the Carmelite priest Hermann Cohen.  This in itself is some kind of distinction if we consider the countless thousands of priests who have followed in his footsteps.

Intercessions:

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Theresa K, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Marie

Illness:  Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Lucia – Overwhelmed by weariness

Mark – brain infection

Michael – youngster with occult influences

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

RIP Roy Seymour, Richard Parker, Joy Smith OCDS, Dr Alan Rodgers