Mary Transforms Lourdes and Hearts- Feb 11 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Feb 11, 2026, and reflects on Our Lady of Lourdes' apparitions to Bernadette, emphasizing transformation, penance, prayer for sinners, and the hope of heaven through Mary's intercession.

In this homily, Father shares the story of Our Lady appearing to young Bernadette in a dirty grotto in 1858, turning it into a place of grace and healing. He describes Bernadette's poor family and how Mary chose her despite her struggles. Father highlights Mary's messages: true happiness is in heaven, not earth; do penance and pray for sinners; build a chapel for Mass and processions. On the last visit, Mary revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception, confirming Church teaching. The miraculous water from the grotto symbolizes baptism and brings healings. Father encourages us to follow Mary's call to prayer, penance, and purity to reach heaven.

For Further Reading
Genesis 3:15 - Protoevangelium new Eve promise - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?15
Luke 1:28 - Hail full of grace - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?28
CCC 491 - Immaculate Conception dogma - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p2.htm#ii
CCC 963 - Mary Mother of Church - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p6.htm
CCC 1430 - Conversion through penance - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#iv
St. Bernadette Soubirous - Franciscan Media bio - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bernadette-soubirous/
Immaculate Conception - Dogma Text - https://www.papalencyclicals.net/pius09/p9ineff.htm

Ave Maria!

Mass: Our Lady of Lourdes - Opt Mem - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Lourdes
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021126.cfm
1st: isa 66:10-14
Resp: jth 13:22-23
Gsp: joh 2:1-11

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1035

Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UM9dCeFlo7k