Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On this day in 1858 the Immaculate Virgin first appeared to Bernadette Soubirous.  Mary referred to herself as the Immaculate Conception, and through Bernadette, called people to conversion.  Lourdes testifies to the healing power of grace and Mary’s loving concern for us.

In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah (66:10-14) we hear the call to Jerusalem to rejoice “For thus says the Lord: Now towards her I send flowing peace, like a river, and like a stream in spate the glory of the nations…To his servants the Lord will reveal his hand.  The Gospel (John 2:1-11) offers us the story of the wedding feast at Cana and Mary’s ever timely words “Do whatever he tells you.”