11th February marks the date of the first Apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous. In 1992, Pope John Paul II declared this day World Day of the Sick.  As every year, the Sanctuary of Lourdes in France invites  the whole world to pray to Our Lady of Lourdes, in a worldwide call to prayer.   Today marks the Thirty-Fourth Anniversary of the World Day of the Sick .

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, 
implored thy help,    or sought thy intercession,   was left unaided. 
Inspired by this confidence  I fly unto thee,   O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. 
To thee do I come,   before thee I stand,   sinful and sorrowful. 
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,  despise not my petitions, 
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. 
Amen.

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