The Virgin Mary’s first apparition at Lourdes commemorated
God and Mary accompany us, particularly in life’s difficulties and our illnesses, Gozo bishop stresses
The Virgin Mary’s first apparition to Bernadette Soubirous was commemorated at Lourdes chapel in Għajnsielem on February 11, which was also the World Day of the Sick. Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma, joined the chapel’s rector, Fr Renato Borg, to celebrate the 5pm mass on the day.
Bernadette Soubirous reported that the Virgin Mary appeared to her in Lourdes, France, for 18 times between February 11 and July 16, 1858.
In his homily, Mgr Teuma said one of God’s characteristics is that he is always present in the life of humanity. “It is the human being who distances himself from God,” he said.
The bishop said God sent his son to become a man, and therefore, in Jesus Christ, God was present in our human life. Yet Mgr Teuma stressed that Christ is still present with us today “in the Eucharist, in his Word and in our neighbour”.
He added that his mother, the Virgin Mary, who was her son’s first disciple, also has this characteristic of presence. “We see her present in Jesus’ life, even standing beside the Cross,” he said. “We also see her present at the wedding at Cana, where she turns to her son and tells him they have no wine left. She is also present with the apostles as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit,” he added.
Therefore, Mgr Teuma continued, in commemorating the Virgin Mary’s first apparition at Lourdes we are not simply remembering a historical event that took place long ago, but celebrating Mary’s continued presence in our lives, particularly in life’s difficulties and in our illnesses.
“Today, as we celebrate the World Day of the Sick, let us pray to her that her presence among the sick and those who care for them may bring comfort and hope to their lives,” Mgr Teuma said.
Devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes in Gozo began when a statue of the Virgin Mary was placed in a natural cave beneath Tal-Qortin promontory, overlooking Mġarr Harbour, on March 25, 1879.
On June 3, 1883, the statue was blessed by Bishop Pietro Pace, who urged devotees to raise money to build a chapel in honour of the Virgin Mary.
The foundation stone of the Gothic-style chapel, designed by Emmanuel Galizia, was laid on June 10, 1888. It was built by master mason Wiġi Vella of Żebbuġ, Gozo.