I'm writing this blog post at the spur of a moment, but I felt pressed to acknowledge the approaching feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11. This marks the first apparition of eighteen in 1858.
I have had a great admiration for St. Bernadette, but especially during my growing up years. I collected many books on her life, the apparitions, and the beautiful lady's messages. These texts ranged from children's chapter books to the thick, specifc accounts that great writers have quoted from the archives of accounts.
After my Confirmation (taking Bernadette's name of course!), I completed my accurate, elaborate notes and put together a radio theatre production of "Bernadette's Aquero" with my youth group and parish volunteers. (By the way, the name Aquero is taken from the French dialect Bernadette identified the mysterious lady as "that.").
What I have found to be most intriguing to me about St. Bernadette is her simplicity. During every questioning by disbelieving authorities and every obedient response to the Lady, this fourteen year-end visionary did not press people to believe. She was as faithful to her promise to come to the grotto of Massabielle every time, and took Our Lady's messages to heart.
Even if be only Aquero's (February 11) and St. Bernadette's feast days (April 16), I hope we can take the time to see what these visions mean even in our own day and age- they don't have to stop at 1858.
"Penance, Penance, Penance!"P
"Pray for the conversion of sinners."
