Dear friends in Christ

This Friday—11th February—is the Patronal Festival of our Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes. The Sanctuary of Lourdes is synonymous with the sick and healing, both physical and spiritual. The Lourdes grotto and altar in our church has often been described as little piece of Lourdes in this corner of Essex! Indeed it is also a little peace of Lourdes for those who visit the Shrine and ask for the intercession of our Immaculate Mother. When Canon Francis Gilbert had our church and grotto constructed, he was able to secure a small piece of rock from the Grotto of Massabielle in southern France. So, there is a real link spiritually and geologically with Lourdes.

The Mass on Friday will be celebrated at 9.30am with Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in attendance. Later in the day the Infants will also come to the church and pray at the grotto. We rejoice to have Mary as our Protectress in this Parish and the Lady Chapel and grotto here are a powerful draw to the many who come to speak with Our Blessed Lady each day, light a candle and seek her intercession. I am personally so grateful to have the knowledge that Our Lady of Lourdes has accompanied me throughout my life: I grew up in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wanstead; went to the primary school with the same dedication; I was ordained in Our Lady of Lourdes Church and now I find myself once again in the Parish dedicated to her name. For this I give thanks!

The incorrupt body of Saint Bernadette is preserved and venerated in the Convent where she died in Nevers, France. There are other relics of Saint Bernadette which are kept in the Basilica in Lourdes. Periodically these are taken around the world and they will tour the dioceses of England, Scotland and Wales in the Autumn. Although dates are yet to be finalised, the visit[s] to Brentwood Diocese look likely at the beginning of the third week of October.

Through the intercession of Our Lady and Saint Bernadette, may we be protected from all evil; may the sick and suffering—in mind or body—receive the grace of healing and interior peace; and may all the children of Mary be preserved in fidelity to Jesus Christ, our Saviour!

With my prayers and blessing!

Msgr Kevin Hale