February 2023 Knightly News
February 11th, we celebrate the memorial of the Our Lady of Lourdes Apparition. Our Lady appeared to 13-year-old Bernadette 161 years ago as she was on her way to collect firewood by the river with her two friends. Bernadette was surprised by a strong sound that came from the grotto. Suddenly she saw Our Lady who asked her to pray the Rosary. After she had finished praying the Rosary, Our Lady disappeared. Bernadette’s friends and mother didn’t believe her. She went back the following Sunday and Our Lady asked her to tell the priest to build a chapel; the priest didn’t believe Bernadette. Also, Our Lady asked Bernadette to come and pray for fifteen days. During those fifteen days, Our Lady appeared to Bernadette, and on the last apparition Our Lady asked her to “pray and make sacrifice for sinners.”
Bernadette faced many obstacles, but she was strengthened by what she had experienced during Our Lady’s visits. She finally accomplished Our Lady’s wishes. Nowadays, about 3 million people visit the Sanctuary yearly from all over the world. The spring water that started flowing on the day of the ninth apparition still provides 27,000 gallons of water every day. The Holy Rosary has a special place in our Order. Our Lady of Lourdes is a good reminder to make sacrifices and pray for sinners. May Our Heavenly Mother continue blessing us and blessing our families. May she continue to strengthen us with her power and help us to reach our everlasting home.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!