09/08/2026
Reflection for Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
written by one of our Lourdes Pilgrimage Chaplains
(Matt. 1:1–16, 18–23)
Today we celebrate with joy the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the birthday of the Mother of Jesus. At first glance, the genealogy in our gospel reading may seem like simply a list of names, but it reminds us of something beautiful:
God works through ordinary people and ordinary families to accomplish His extraordinary plan of salvation. From this human history, God prepared the way for the birth of Mary and, through her, the coming of Christ.
The birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary is significant because she was chosen from the beginning to become the mother of our Savior. Her “yes” to God would open the door for Jesus to enter our world.
The Gospel tells us, “She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Mary teaches us that when we surrender ourselves to God, our lives can become instruments of His grace.
As we celebrate the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we also look toward our Supportive Care Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Our pilgrimage is more than a journey to a beautiful place; it is a spiritual journey with Mary toward Jesus.
At Lourdes, we will encounter Mary as the Mother who welcomes the sick, the suffering, the vulnerable, and all who come seeking hope. Like Mary, we are being invited to become people of compassion—people who listen, accompany, comfort, and bring others closer to Christ.
As we prepare for Lourdes, let us ask Mary to prepare not only our luggage and travel plans, but our hearts. May she teach us to see Christ in every person we encounter, especially those who suffer. And may our pilgrimage become an opportunity for healing, renewal, deeper faith, and a greater commitment to supportive care and compassionate service.
Mary, Mother of God and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us and prepare our hearts to walk with you to Jesus.
Loving Father, we thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As we prepare for our pilgrimage to Lourdes, deepen our faith and open our hearts to compassion. Through the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession, may we draw closer to Jesus and become instruments of His healing and mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.