(Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary)

Dear Brother/Sister in Christ, 

Matthew here.  

The Lourdes Shrine is known for its incredible ability to grant miracles. 

At the Shrine, the blind regain their sight. The deaf hear again. The crippled toss away their crutches and walk.  

Each year on September 8th, six million people in search of a miracle make a pilgrimage to France - and make a special prayer at the Lourdes Shrine.  

You may be wondering, do these prayers for a miracle actually come true? You should know that even skeptics say the answer may be yes…  

For years, my wife and I have been blessed to serve as messengers at the Lourdes Grotto. Every time I stand before the Lourdes Grotto, I’m overwhelmed by the countless testimonies of people who have found healing, peace, and restoration in body and spirit.  

This sacred site, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared, is known across the world for its divine power to heal. By His grace, we offer a service to bring your prayers to this miraculous place. 

At Lourdes, healing isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual and emotional, too. Countless pilgrims have come seeking God’s intervention, and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they’ve been granted miracles of healing that go beyond what they ever imagined. 

And because of these miracles that I’ve been fortunate enough to experience in my own life. As a result, I’ve had even more friends and family send in their prayers for a miracle...

For this year, we’ll be placing all their prayers (alongside mine) at the Lourdes Shrine on September 8, 2025. 

As you can imagine, this day will be both very liberating and emotional for me and many other people. And that’s because: 

To experience a miracle that you or even doctors thought to be “impossible” always leaves me in an overwhelming state of gratitude for the powers of the Lourdes Shrine and its “Holy Water” - no matter how many times I’ve witnessed it in action.  

That’s why I want to share this wonderful blessing... 

September 8 isn’t just any date on the calendar; it’s Mary’s birthday, cherished for centuries: 

📅 5th century → Today – The Church’s oldest “birthday” feast. Eastern Christians began celebrating Mary’s Nativity as early as the 400s; by the 7th century Rome joined in. For more than 1,400 years the day has signaled new beginnings for anyone who turns to the Mother of Hope. 

📅 Global joy, local splendor. In Lourdes, the Nativity of Mary draws throngs with a “birthday procession”: children carry white roses, pilgrims sing Happy Birthday, Mother! and the basilica bells peal late into the night. 

📅 A feast of fresh starts. Tradition says Mary’s birth ushered in the dawn of salvation—her first cry foretold Christ’s coming. It’s why believers ask for new health, new peace, new provision on this date more than any other. 

Pilgrims testify that the air itself seems to pray when Mary’s birthday candles are lit. That’s why sending your intention before September 8 matters: 

🕯️ A birth-tide surge of grace – The Nativity Mass unites thousands of voices; adding yours lets it ride that joyful swell straight to Mary’s heart. 

🕯️ Your name on the Nativity Prayer Card – Placed only on this feast-day, the card keeps Lourdes’ birthday blessing flowing over you all year. 

🕯️ A birthday flame in your honor – We’re lighting 144 Nativity candles (12 × 12, fullness of grace) through the night watch, symbolizing Mary’s motherly care over your request. 

🕯️ Tangible keepsakes of hope – I’ll email you a photo of your prayer at the altar —simple reminders that Heaven heard you right here, right now. 

When our messengers bring your prayer petition to the Lourdes Grotto, I am reminded of the countless prayers that have been answered here. We are all connected in the body of Christ, and your prayers join a river of faith that flows through this miraculous place. 

We carefully print your prayer request with reverence and care. 

Your prayer is personally delivered to the Lourdes Grotto, placed at the sacred site where miracles of healing have been witnessed. We also perform a special blessing for you. 

Once your prayer has been placed on September 8, If will send you a confirmation email with the exact photo proof 7 days later, Sept 15.

This narrow window—before September 4—is my last chance to prepare the card, print your prayer, and secure your commemorative candle before I journey to Lourdes Grotto... 

Because after that, I must seal everything in preparation for the 8th. 

If your heart nudges you, let me carry your plea while grace is at its strongest 

I hope your prayers are with me as I journey to the sacred Grotto. 

You have the precious opportunity to send your prayer to the Lourdes Grotto, where it will be placed in a holy site known for healing miracles. Imagine your deepest hopes and prayers for healing, carried on wings of faith, reaching this sacred ground. Whether you are praying for yourself or a loved one, this act of faith is more than a request—it’s a powerful connection to our Lord and to those who have experienced healing at Lourdes. 

There is nothing like the peace and healing that washes over you when you entrust your prayers to Lourdes. Whether you are seeking physical healing, spiritual restoration, or emotional peace, this holy site has the power to renew and restore through God’s grace. 

We understand that not everyone has the chance to place their prayers in one of the most sacred locations in the world – especially during financial constraints. That’s why we’ve decided to help others send their prayers and get the blessings they deserve.  

And as a fellow devotee, we never want money to stand in the way of you sending your heartfelt prayers. 

Our team lovingly hand-delivers each prayer to the Grotto at Lourdes. We only ask for a small amount to help our messengers cover the time, care, and materials involved in preparing and delivering your prayer. 

The full cost to provide this sacred service is $35 per prayer.  

If you’re facing financial hardship, you're still welcome to participate — choose the amount that’s right for you.  

If you're able, consider giving more to help cover the cost for others who cannot.  

Every amount helps us bring more prayers to Lourdes — as one Body in Christ. 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 

 — Galatians 6:2 

Individual experiences of peace and healing vary; all testimonials are personal reflections.