Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
James Martin, S.J.February 11, 2011

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, who appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.  The shrine in Southern France is of course one of the great Catholic pilgrimage sites.  But because of time or money or illness, you might not be able to journey to Lourdes, even if you are devoted to Our Lady or St. Bernadette.  Fortunately, there is what you might call the "Grottocam," the camera that records all the goings-on (Masses, processions, private prayers, the lighting of candles) at the Grotto of Massabieille, where the Blessed Mother appeared beginning on Feb. 11, 1858.   The webcam is always on, even in the dead of night.  (The photo here highlights the day's events, but it is always on.)  A few months ago, when I was recovering from some minor surgery and couldn't sleep I turned on my smartphone and spent some time "there."  Here's the link.  Happy Feast Day!

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Thomas Piatak
14 years 2 months ago
Thanks for this, Father.
14 years 2 months ago
This is great.  Thank you so much Fr. Martin.

The latest from america

Against the backdrop of deep differences with the Trump administration over migration and foreign aid as well as concerns for Ukraine and for Gaza, the Vatican secretary of state welcomed U.S. Vice President JD Vance to the Vatican.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, attended the liturgy with his wife, Usha, a practicing Hindu, and his three children after meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier in the day.
My Catholic identity and my wife’s Protestant identity continue to endure, and our faith has developed together in greater harmony, knowing that our love for each other was ultimately grounded in our love for God.
Damian WhitneyApril 17, 2025
the wily accuser tempted him in just the way to confuse a savior: All this I will give you.
Jerry HarpApril 17, 2025