Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Miami, FL
Monday, April 18, 2022
Gesture of Water
The Gesture of the Water was available for visitors to receive, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, during Holy Week. Many came from all over Florida and from other states. Four stations were originally set, but because of the volume of people that came, it was expanded to eight stations.
During the Gesture of the Water, the participant first says a prayer, offering their intentions for healing of the body, mind, and spirit. Next the water is poured into their hands for washing. Then, the water is received for the face and other parts of the body that need healing. Finally, the water is poured to sip.
Monsignor Schwanger thanking all who volunteered to administer the Gesture of the Water.
April 18, 2022
Mass of Departure for the Relics of St. Bernadette.
Monsignor Schwanger celebrated the Mass of Departure of St. Bernadette on Easter Monday morning.
‟All that happens through Lourdes happens because we are drawn into the heart of Christ... Christ lives in us, and there is healing and life to be found in Christ. He fills us with joy in His presence.”
Monday, April 11, 2022
April 11, 2022
The Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski, and the Rosary Candlelight Procession to the Grotto occurred on Monday of Holy Week.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Miami, was packed in the main church and chapel, with standing room only. Mass was simultaneously broadcasted in the Parish Hall as well as in the outside altar. The procession following mass moved from the main church to the adjacent track of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. Many came to experience St. Bernadette and the healing powers - mind, body and spirit - of the waters of Lourdes.
Photos by Ana Rodríguez-Soto, Florida Catholic
Thursday, April 7, 2022
April 7, 2022
St. Bernadette arrived in the United States on April 7, 2022, but she did not make it to the 8:00 a.m. Mass.
Delayed in Customs, the water of Lourdes arrived before she did. Msgr. Schwanger explained in his homily:
‟St. Bernadette could have cooked this up. She wanted the focus to be on Our Lady because her message is not about her, but about her faith that she wants to share with us. Our Lady told St. Bernadette that the people should come in procession, drink, and wash of the water.
Bernadette took her relationship with Mary very seriously and we are here, enveloped by the embrace of Bernadette, in cooperation with the Virgin. As we do the Gesture of the Water, pray for healing of the mind, body, and spirit.”
After Mass, a steady stream of people went to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall to receive the Gesture of the Water.
St. Bernadette arrived at 3:00 p.m. and was transported onto the main altar of the Church in the beautiful reliquary. Mass was celebrated by Father James Arriola at 7:00 p.m., with the Gesture of the Water following Mass.
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