Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in honor of her apparitions to St. Bernadette in Lourdes France. St. Bernadette was both poor and sickly. Mary appeared to her, declaring “I am the Immaculate Conception.” This was just a few years after Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854. Our Blessed Mother treated St. Bernadette with respect which was not something she was used to due to her low station in society.

Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to St. Bernadette multiple times. On one occasion, she directed her to go to the spring and “drink at the spring and wash in it”. To this day people make pilgrimages to the spring due to belief in it’s healing properties. There have been over 60 confirmed miracles there.

Our Lady of Lourdes is the patron saint of bodily ills, sick people, and protection from diseases. Her feast day is February 11.

To honor Mary with youth on this day, learn more about the Immaculate Conception or add some fun with a water game.

Drip Drip Drop Game for Youth Ministry

This is a water game for teenagers which can be played indoors if you don't mind wiping up a few puddles at the end. It is basically Duck Duck Goose with water.

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This holy day is often misunderstood. It celebrates the conception of Mary, not Jesus.

Teaching and Reflection Questions on Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes appeared 18 times to St. Bernadette. Our Lady had several messages for this young girl. Here are some of them and some reflection questions.

Water Drop Race (Youth Ministry or VBS Game)

This is another indoor water game. It is not messy at all! This works well with any age group also. It would go well with any topic related to water, such as baptism, or a community theme, since the water drop sticks together.

The Immaculate Conception: An Act of Mercy

In this video, Sr. Therese Marie explains that the Immaculate Conception is an act of mercy.

St. Bernadette

St. Bernadette was a young French girl to whom Our Lady of Lourdes appeared in a series of apparitions in 1858. Although her reports of the apparitions were initially not believed and she was ridiculed, eventually led to a shrine being built in Lourdes France. It has become a popular pilgrimage site for people seeking healing from the water in the spring there.

Blessed Virgin Mary Coffee Cup

Show your devotion to the blessed mother with this beautiful, minimal image of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Includes the scripture quote: "All generations to come shall call me blessed" - Luke 1:48

Read About One Of The Saints

Saints are our Catholic heroes. They aren't perfect, but they are beautiful examples of the path to holiness. So try reading about some of the saints. Our Catholic children need good role models.

My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin

This book is a reflection on various saints who have impacted the life of Fr. James Martin. By reading his insights, you will learn about the history of these saints. He points out characteristics and flaws in them which we might see in ourselves and which might help us on our journey to sainthood.