11/02/2026
February 11
Our Lady of Lourdes
World Day of the Sick
Having conquered Israel in 170 BC, the Syrians sought to wipe out the Jewish faith. In the second book of the Maccabees, we read of how the Jews were persecuted on account of their religious beliefs and hundreds died as martyrs to their religion. One of the very inspiring stories is that of the widow whose seven sons were tortured and killed right before her, because they refused to eat unclean food as it would be in disobedience to their Scriptures and a sin against God.
Stories such as that of the widow and her sons had inspired the Jews to respect ancient traditions. Sadly some religious fundamentalists began putting more stress on the unclean foods that made one impure rather than on the uncleanness of one’s heart. And it was this erroneous belief that Jesus sought to correct when He said that it was not what went into a person that made one unclean, but what came out; for it is from within one’s heart that evil intentions emerge.
Perhaps it would be good to ask ourselves if we understand the meaning of our religious rituals, and how have they led us to a deeper relationship with God.
February 11 is celebrated as World Day of the Sick. For, ever since Our Lady appeared to the 14-year-old Marie Bernadette Soubirous on this day in 1858, there have been innumerable healings and cures – both physical and spiritual – of those who have prayed at the place of the apparitions. Lourdes is living evidence of Mary’s powerful intercessory role.
