St. Bernadette of Lourdes (Feast Day April 16)

January 7, 1844 – April 16, 1879

St. Bernadette Soubirous was the first child of an extremely poor mill operator in the town of Lourdes in southern France. On February 11, 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary began appearing to Bernadette in a cave above the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. She appeared to Bernadette 18 times in all. Although Bernadette’s initial reports provoked skepticism, her daily visions of “the Lady” brought great crowds of curious people. The Lady, Bernadette explained, had instructed her to have a chapel built on the spot of the visions. The people were to wash in and drink the spring water that welled up from the designated spot. Lourdes has become one of the most famous Marian shrines in the world, attracting millions of visitors. Miracles have been reported at the shrine and in waters of the spring.

·   In today’s Gospel, we hear that sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd. How do you know when God is speaking to you?

·   What is it like to be one of Jesus’ sheep? 

·      What do you think Jesus means when he says, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10)?

·      St. Bernadette was only 14 years old when the Blessed Mother appeared to her. What would it be like to see the Blessed Mother?

Visit a Petting Zoo or a Farm

Jesus knows his sheep, and his sheep know him. Take some time today to get to know some animals by visiting a petting zoo or a local farm. Don’t have any nearby? Consider visiting a relative with some animals, an animal shelter, or a pet store. 

Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe will certainly remind you of today’s Gospel!

1 pound ground round

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 jar spaghetti sauce

2 cups or more of French cut green beans (or other vegetables)

Parmesan cheese

Cooked mashed potatoes

Butter

Colby cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fry up ground round with onions, garlic or whatever else you like! Put meat in baking pan and combine with spaghetti sauce. Make sure it’s not too watery. Add French cut green beans or any other veggie you like. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Glob on mashed potatoes and put some butter on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle on some Colby cheese. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 45 minutes. Let it sit for a few minutes before you dig in!  Enjoy!

Good, Good Father

Listen as a family to the song, Good, Good Father, by Chris Tomlin. You should be able to find the song on YouTube or where you stream music. Sing along with the chorus. Share what moved you about the song.

What is the design on your parish’s tabernacle? What is kept inside? 

Jesus tells us that he is the “gate” (or the way) to eternal life. Every time you see a gate this week, thank Jesus for something good that happened that day.

Sheep are mentioned in the Bible more than 500 times, more than any other animal.