The marble monument of the Salus Infirmorum (Salvation of the Sick) by French Sculptor, Jules Dechin, and donated by the Diocese of Cambrai in 1912. Photo taken on my way to The Esplanade.
Since the first miraculous healing of Catherine Latapie on 1 March 1858, there have been many miracle cures associated with Lourdes. To date, 6784 unexplained healings have been recorded but only 67 have been approved by the Catholic Church. Every year, about 70,000 sick and disabled pilgrims travel to Lourdes in the hope that they would be miraculously healed. They can be seen everywhere - along the road and at every corner of the town, in the sanctuary area as well as the tourist destinations around Lourdes. There are always long queues of them at the Grotto, waiting at the baths and in processions. In a way, it may also be true to say that their sufferings actually enrich the sanctuary spiritually as their presence makes us think and reflect on our own lives and feel thankful for being healthy. Perhaps, for the first time in their lives, the healthy pilgrims would learn to appreciate their good health and feel thankful to God for what they have. Perhaps, for the first time in their lives, they would realize that the cross they are carrying is not the heaviest after all. As for the sick or handicapped pilgrims, many would return home with renewed strength because they have learnt how to endure their sufferings bravely. Therefore, even though they may not be able to find the miracles that they are looking for, they are healed spiritually in this place of grace. The photo below was taken during a procession in Lourdes. Never have I seen so many sick and handicapped people in my life. As I was reflecting on my own life that day, I said to myself, "I have nothing else to ask for."
The Sick in Lourdes
The first words that the Blessed Virgin Mary said to Bernadette were, "I do not promise you happiness in this world but the next." The meaning of these words can be found in the Bible, "Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps. Whoever would save his life would lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will save it" (Luke 9:23-24). These words clearly describe Bernadette's Calvary, a journey of poverty, sickness, pain, misunderstanding and humiliation.
The message of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette was a simple one - poverty, prayer and penance are the keys that would open the gates to the Kingdom of Heaven. Like Jesus, Bernadette was born into a poor family, suffered severe physical pain, and died. Bernadette accepted her destitute conditions and sufferings because that was God's will. Living in a material world, she has chosen poverty, altruism and charity as her way of life. At the Grotto of Massabielle, Bernadette experienced real prayer - a prayer of offering which involved her entire life - her joys and sufferings, her health and illnesses, her serenity and solitude. She did not focus on repetitions of personal requests because she knew that the miraculous healings in Lourdes were not meant for her. She was only a privileged witness to the apparitions and faithful messenger of God. Bernadette was sick most of the time and had received the Extreme Uction three times by the time she was 29 but she had never prayed for a miraculous healing. Although she was suffering from tuberculosis of the knee with cavities on the bone, she struggled to live with the severe pain bravely and cheerfully till the end.
To define the Sanctuary of Lourdes as a "place of miracles" or a "pilgrimage center" is to undermine its real significance. Lourdes is not merely a place of miracles or pilgrimage site - it is a holy place which helps us to understand what the glorification of suffering means. Its purpose is not to help us get rid of our cross but to make us understand its meaning and carry it with great fortitude. Every pilgrim, especially those who are sick or handicapped, should remember what Bernadette said in her final moments of life, "I am happier in my bed of pain than any queen on her throne. To obey is to love, suffering in silence for Christ is love. To love sincerely is to offer everything to God." Although healing is important, knowing how to bear our sufferings gracefully is even more important! In this place of grace, the Virgin Mary reminds us that true wealth is of the heart and true happiness can only be found within. These can be acquired through one's honesty, responsibility, virtue, and goodness of heart by placing God in the center of our lives.
Today, many sick and handicapped pilgrims travel to Lourdes as an act of faith in the hope that this pilgrimage will bring them hope and emotional strength. But of course, a miracle could be waiting for them and it could happen anytime.
You may also like to read THE PASSION OF BERNADETTE, THE CACHOT, THE MESSAGE OF LOURDES and THE WONDERS OF LOURDES: 150 MIRACULOUS STORIES. To view the content page of this blog, please click here.
References:
1. Lourdes. Doucet Publications.
2. Discover Lourdes. MSM.
3. Lourdes & Bernadette. Publisher "il Calamo".
4. The New American Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers.
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