Happy Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes!

(The actual grotto where Our Lady appeared)

Pope Pius IX sent to Lourdes, in the 1870's, "a magnificent, precious palm of massive gold, weighing about five pounds, adorned with enamels and precious stones, and surmounted by the tiara and the keys of St. Peter with the Papal arms. It was composed of two branches, -- the Martyr's and the Confessor's palm united together." He told the person who was to carry it there, "Here is this palm: It is the symbol of victory. Remember then to present it to Mary, because she is triumphant in all adversities."

When the Archbishop of Armata presented the golden palm at Lourdes, he said:

"To Mary is due the palm, because from the very first instant of her Immaculate Conception, she has triumphed over the infernal serpent. To Mary is due the palm, because she is that peerless woman promised by God from the beginning of the world; because she is the Star of Jacob; because all generations have called her blessed; because she has been the companion of Jesus throughout the different stages of His dolorous Passion, and amid all His triumphs. Mary has been victorious in all the adversities of the Church; hers is the palm of triumph."

How beautiful! And we, as her children triumph as well! We rejoice in her victory!

The Archbishop then prayed that Our Lady would "hasten the hour of triumph, you who at the marriage feast of Cana hastened the hour for the public manifestation of the power of your Divine Son." Ah indeed..Our Lady can ask Our Lord that good prevail sooner rather than later. At Cana, He told her that His hour had not yet come, and then He did it for her anyway. May good prevail - may God show His Power and show Himself victorious!