Lourdes Day Mass in Melbourne – Saturday 6th December
On Saturday 6th December, the VIC Branch of the Order of Malta is hosting its annual Lourdes Day Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 10.30am. The Archbishop of Melbourne, Dennis Hart will be the Principal Celebrant.
A Blessing of good health takes place during the celebration of the Liturgy with water brought from the Shrine of Lourdes. Those receiving the Blessing are also provided with a bottle of Lourdes Water for their personal use.
The annual Mass is open to all, but those who are sick, facing health challenges and wanting good health are particularly encouraged to attend. Members of the Order, students from four Catholic secondary colleges, Newman House at Melbourne University and the Health course at Australian Catholic University will be on hand for anyone requiring assistance on the day.
The Grotto at Lourdes, a town in the south western part of France’s Hautes-Pyrenees, has been a popular pilgrimage destination since Mary first appeared there to St Bernadette Soubirous in the mid-19th century. The water from the spring at Lourdes is cherished by the sick and infirm for its connection to healing miracles.
The Lourdes Day Mass provides those who cannot make the arduous and expensive journey to France with the opportunity to share in the Blessing and the water. It is a manifestation of the Order of Malta’s commitment to fulfill their mission to nurture, witness and protect the faith and serve the poor and the sick representing the Lord.
