Our Lady of Lourdes

In 1858, in the grotto of Massabielle, near Lourdes in southern France, Our Lady appeared 18 times to Bernadette, a young peasant girl.

She revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception, asked that a chapel be built on the site of the vision, and told the girl to drink from the fountain in the grotto.

Not seeing a fountain, Bernadette dug at the designated spot and a spring began to flow, a flow which continues to this day.

Lourdes has become the most famous modern shrine of Our Lady.

Our Lady of Lourdes Statues

These statues were originally located in the walled gardens at the Monastery of the Precious Blood in Southeast Portland. When the monastery closed in 1985, these two statues were presented as a gift to The Grotto.

These statues are a depiction of Bernadette Soubirous and Our Lady of Lourdes.

Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer



Oh ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings.

Look upon me with mercy.

When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.

I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession.

My loving Mother, obtain my request.

I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company along with God The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and bless you in eternity.

Amen.

A Prayer to Bernadette

O gentle maiden, St. Bernadette!

You endured the disbelief and ridicule of those who opposed you as well as from those who loved you.

Teach us, in your holy simplicity, to welcome, honor and cherish the Blessed Virgin Mary in our lives.

As was done in the grotto of Lourdes so let the healing power of God’s presence within our homes and hearts become a wellspring of grace, forgiveness and mercy to all around us.

Pray for us, St. Bernadette, that we, like you, might merit eternal happiness.

Amen.

We hope you are enjoying the April series "Your Sanctuary of Peace".

Tomorrow: The Shrine to St. Peregrine

Mass, Lunch & Learn

Join us every month for this special series. Gather in the Auditorium (directly under the Chapel of Mary) immediately after the noon Mass for lunch and a featured speaker discussing a new topic each month. Lunch will be provided. Attendance limited to 15 people, sign up required.

Tuesday, April 9 – Brian Martinek, Executive Director of Northwest Regional Re-Entry Center.

NWRRC supports and educates individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system back into their communities. They provide life skills and provide structure and supervision while ensuring positive change for their residents. Brian is a former Chief of Police for Vancouver and a retired Assistant Chief of the Portland Police Bureau. 

Sign up to attend: Mass, Lunch & Learn