Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Wednesday, 02/11/2015, Gaudium Press) The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes, located in Vila Isabel, in Rio de Janeiro, starts on Wednesday 11, a World Day for the Sick. It is a special program in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes focusing on all faithful diseased and in those in need.
The parish priest, Father Valtemário Frazão Silva Junior, stressed that community activities on this day are dedicated to prayer.
In the morning, the program includes the traditional Reveille, followed by Mass and the blessing of medicines and the anointing of the sick. Later, at 14h, the recitation of the Rosary will take place.
The ceremony and blessing of the sick will be presided by Auxiliary Bishop Roque Costa Souza and it will be held at 16h.
After Mass at 19 pm, the day will conclude with a solemn procession with candles hand made by the faithful.
About the famous apparition of Mary to Bernadette in 1858, in Lourdes, France, Father Valtemário comented “that wonderful apparition not only transform the life of Bernadette, but also the lives of so many people who, even without seeing, believed and still believe in the message and in the miracles performed there for people from all over the world.”
One of the most relevant miracles done by Our Lady of Lourdes was the creation of the water fountain in the grotto, called Massabielle, which happened on February 25, 1858. (LMI)
From the Editor’s Desk at Gaudium Press, with information from the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro
