On February 11, 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. This began a series of visions. During the apparition on March 25, the lady identified herself with the words: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage and healing, but even more of faith. Church authorities have recognized over 60 miraculous cures, and the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes on 11 February, is now known as "World Day of the Sick". Here is the Pope's message for this year:

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Pope Francis has sent a Message to the Americas to mark the Dec. 12th Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is venerated as Patroness of the American continent. The Holy Father delivered the Message during the course of his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, the eve of the feast...

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On a day dedicated to celebrating the solemn feast of Mary’s conception without sin, Pope Francis made a special trip in Rome to pray before a traditional statue of Mary, which has the title of “Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.”

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According to ancient tradition, when the Blessed Virgin Mary was a little girl, her parents presented her to God. Today's feast day reminds us that God prepared Mary in every possible way to be the Mother of His Son. Watch this video reflection to learn more!

Pope Francis’ video message to the pilgrims gathered in Mexico City today encouraged the faithful to spread the Gospel with a peaceful manner, as did Christ.

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Today, 12 December, is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This is a day of the Church that has really grown in stature and popularity over recent years, although it has always been an important day for Mexicans and for the wider South American Church.

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Pope Francis formally entrusted the world to Mary before a crowd of over 100,000 Sunday, October 13, at the Vatican. Watch this video for some highlights of the event!

On Sunday 13 October 2013, Pope Francis celebrated mass in St Peter’s square in honour of the Marian Day, an event organised as part of the Year of Faith on the anniversary of the final apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima (13th of October 1917). He also consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

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Pope Francis has a very strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and this Sunday 20 October, he will consecrate the entire world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

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On October 7, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the yearly feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Known for several centuries by the alternate title of “Our Lady of Victory,” the feast day takes place in honor of a 16th century naval victory which secured Europe against Turkish invasion. Pope St. Pius V attributed the victory to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was invoked on the day of the battle through a campaign to pray the Rosary throughout Europe.

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