(The Basilica at Lourdes)

Tomorrow is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, so I offer you another quote from this wonderful old 1878 book entitled, The Immaculate Conception: The History, Trials, and Triumphs of the Work of God at Lourdes by Rev. Hilary Maurice Vigo:

"Consider, moreover, that the Immaculate Virgin Mary is not only the health of the sick, but also the refuge of sinners; - nay, more, the refuge of sinners in a most especial manner, because she is more desirous of converting us and making us saints, than she is of healing our corporal afflictions, -- for these, when borne with patience, gain for us merit in life eternal, which is our last end and true destiny. And, indeed, she even avails herself of temporal blessings and bodily cures, in order to induce us to hold in high estimation and earnestly pray for the spiritual graces of the soul. How many, in fact, having been healed in body by the water of Lourdes, have been converted, and by the aid of the sacraments cured of spiritual evils? Admire the pious, maternal care manifested by the Immaculate Virgin and live in such a way as to deserve to be a recipient of her beneficence."

I truly felt her maternal tenderness when I was at Lourdes. It is strange to say, perhaps, but I felt "mothered." I felt watched over, cared for, and loved.

When Our Lord Jesus had given us everything else, then...right before He died, He gave us His last great gift - He gave us His Mother.