Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes

Opening Prayer

O ever-Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comfort of the afflicted: you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. By appearing in the grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, from which you dispense your favors. I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession.

Meditation

Mary chose a rubbish dump beside a river — the least promising place in Lourdes — to appear. Grace habitually chooses the places we have written off.