Vatican City, Dec 5, 2007 / 08:51 am
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France. On the occasion of the celebrations, Pope Benedict XVI has extended the opportunity for the faithful to receive a plenary or full indulgence.
According to a decree made public today and signed by Cardinal James Francis Stafford and Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, O.F.M. Conv., respectively penitentiary major and regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, Benedict XVI will grant the faithful Plenary Indulgence for the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes.
"The forthcoming 150th anniversary of the day in which Mary Most Holy, revealing herself as the Immaculate Conception to Bernadette Soubirous, wished a shrine to be erected and venerated in the place known as 'Massabielle' in the town of Lourdes," the decree reads, "calls to mind the innumerable series of prodigies through which the supernatural life of souls and the health of bodies has drawn great advantage from the omnipotent goodness of God."
The faithful who venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary in the place 'upon which her feet trod,' draw nourishment from the Holy Sacraments, express the firm intention to lead future Christian lives of increasing faithfulness" are able to "achieve a vivid perception of the significance of the Church,” the prelates note.