The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a poor teenage girl named Bernadette Soubirous on February 11, 1858.

Between February 11th and July 16th, she appeared eighteen times in the Grotto of Massabielle near Lourdes, France.

Several years ago, I was reading about the events in Lourdes and discovered these words from the Blessed Mother to Bernadette:

“I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next.”

When I read those words, they pierced my soul.

From that moment on, I’ve felt a strong connection to St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes.

Even though I never seriously considered going to Lourdes, something changed recently.

I decided to finally answer the call I feel deep in my heart. I’m planning to travel to Lourdes!

My Desire

The main reason I desire to go there is because I’m seeking a miracle.

The Church investigated Bernadette’s claims for four years before approving devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes. Lourdes has since become one of the most famous shrines, attracting more than a million pilgrims each year. There have been thousands of miraculous cures at this shrine (Miracles of Lourdes, Our Lady of the Rosary Library).

Those who know me personally probably know that I suffer from chronic physical symptoms.

Even though I’ve never been diagnosed with an “illness” and appear healthy on paper, I struggle with physical symptoms every day.

I’ve been on this particular journey for over ten years. I’ve gone to numerous doctors and healthcare practitioners, only to exhaust their usual methods and leave them baffled.

To date, no doctor has been able to figure out why I feel the way I do.

I’ve tried conventional medicine, natural remedies, dietary changes, anointings, prayer, and countless other things. You name it, and I’ve probably tried it.

I’m not sharing this so that you feel sorry for me. (To be honest, I never planned on sharing this information.) I’m sharing this to illustrate why going to Lourdes is so important to me.

An Important Note

Even though this road has been difficult, there have been many blessings along the way.

I’ve grown significantly closer to God and matured spiritually throughout this journey.

I was raised Catholic, but I only became dedicated to my faith after experiencing chronic symptoms. I’m a devout Catholic because of these trials; they formed me into the person I am today.

Although my body isn’t in an “ideal” state, suffering has taught me what’s really important in life and given me the chance to get my soul in order.

I’m eternally grateful to God for all He has done — and continues to do — through my cross…

Even though so much good has come out of this, I can’t help but desire complete physical healing.

I pray for healing in many ways. Family and friends also pray for me. (I’m pretty sure my parents pray even harder for my healing than I do.)

I truly believe that if God is going to heal me, it will be through a miracle — not a doctor or some type of medicine.

This is why I want to go to Lourdes.

The Push I Needed

My dad recently sent me the article “Miracles of Lourdes” from Our Lady of the Rosary Library.

I read the true story of Gabriel Gargam who experienced a miracle healing, both spiritual and physical.

Gabriel’s case was much, much more extreme than my own; but reading his story confirmed my feeling that I need to go to Lourdes.

I need to take a chance and find out what God wills for me there. The trip will hopefully happen this summer.

There are many reasons why I haven’t traveled recently or planned this trip already. It can only take place if God allows it to.

Just getting there would be a miracle!

Will You Help Me?

I don’t normally ask my readers for help, but I’m going to do so today.

Prayer

• Please pray that God permits me to go to Lourdes.
• Please pray that He permits me to experience full physical healing (if it’s for the good of my soul).

Recommendations

• I haven’t spoken to anyone who has traveled there; and I’m not planning to attend an organized pilgrimage.
• If you’ve ever been to Lourdes, I appreciate any advice or suggestions you can give.

Thank you!

Your Intentions

If I go to Lourdes, I’d be happy to take your prayer intentions with me.

Feel free to send any personal intentions you want me to take. They can be prayers for healing, conversion, guidance, peace, deceased loved ones, or anything you want to pray for.

If you’d like to send me your intentions:

• Email me using the Contact page. Click here for the page
• Please include “Lourdes Prayer Intentions” in your message
• Even if you know me personally, please send the intentions using this method

“O my Mother, it is to your heart that I come to lay down the anguish of my heart; it is there that I draw strength and courage.” ~ St. Bernadette

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*Click here to read Gabriel’s story

*To learn more, I recommend the film “The Song of Bernadette.” It’s based on a novel by the same name