The grotto of Massabielle, where Our Lady of Lourdes appeared, is a peaceful place. Although the original is located in France, there is an exact replica in the Vatican Gardens, faithfully reproducing every detail of the site where the apparitions occurred.
The origin of the beautiful Vatican replica dates back over a century when the Bishop of Tarbes, Msgr. Francesco Saverio, donated the devotional site to Pope Leo XIII in 1902.
It is to this very place that Pope Leo went.
A gathering of those suffering from various illnesses were waiting for the pope there. He greeted them one by one and then shared these touching words with them:
POPE LEO XIV
We pray for you. I sincerely thank you for making the effort to come and join us in this moment of prayer, here before our Mother, Mary, on her liturgical memorial, Our Lady of Lourdes. It is a very beautiful day that reminds us of the closeness of Mary, our Mother, who always accompanies us and teaches us so much: what suffering means, what love means, and what it means to place our lives in the hands of the Lord.
This meeting took place for the World Day of the Sick, but Pope Leo also remembered to pray for all those who help care for patients.
POPE LEO XIV
So let us also ask for the Lord’s blessing upon you, upon all the sick on this day and always, and upon all those who accompany them: the medical sciences, doctors, nurses, and the many people who are close to us, especially in the most difficult moments.
The Pope lit a candle at the feet of the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and knelt in prayer as families sang the Ave Maria. It was a special day of faith, prayer, and spiritual nourishment for those seeking healing.
BAM
