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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!

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Thomas Piatak
14 years 4 months ago
Thanks for this, Father.
14 years 4 months ago
This is great.  Thank you so much Fr. Martin.

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