On July 30, 2019 I traveled to Lourdes, France.

It was my first pilgrimage to a Marian apparition site and a memorable experience!

In honor of the five-year anniversary, I’m continuing my Lourdes Series.

This year, I’ve been trying to cultivate a spirit of gratitude.

One way I’ve been trying to do this is by reminding myself that people are always praying for me.

So many people have prayed for and are praying for me — family, friends, priests, people I haven’t met — which is humbling and hard to fathom.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. (Romans 1:8)

I wish I could thank each person individually, but it’s not possible.

I was inspired to give an eternal gift to express my eternal gratitude.

I offered a Mass of Thanksgiving in Lourdes for everyone who prays for me.

I submitted the Mass intention online on May 13, 2024 — the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima — at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, France.

The first Mass of Thanksgiving I ever offered was on June 29, 2018 — the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul — at a local parish.

I offered that Mass with someone I met in 2018 in thanksgiving for our relationship.

This was the same person I went to Lourdes with in 2019, to our surprise and by God’s grace.

May God bless each of you abundantly!

On behalf of the Sanctuary of Lourdes I thank you for your offering for the celebration of one Mass for your intentions.

The Eucharistic celebration is the highest means of our gratitude to God.

Always put your trust in Our Lady of Lourdes. She is looking after you.

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+ To learn more about the pilgrimage, click the LOURDES SERIES tag below