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HOPE, LOVE, AND FAITH: A MESSAGE OF HEALING AT THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES

Feb. 20, 2026 04:09 PM

February 11, 2026 – In a solemn gathering marked by faith and the hope for healing, the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church) celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of the Sick.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Robert Arellano, LRMS, Parochial Vicar of Quiapo Church. His message centered on the profound connection between spiritual conversion and physical well-being, echoing the humble message delivered by Blessed Mother to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.

Fr. Arellano opened his homily by drawing parallels between the historical apparations at Lourdes and the day’s lithurgical readings. He emphasized that the core of the Lourdes message is not merely about physical miracles, but a deeper call to conversion and turning away from sin.

He reminded faithful that the heart is the “command center” of human action:

. Root Action: All sins and thoughts originate from within the heart.

. The Path to Peace: Through conversion, the heart is cleansed.

. The Result of Grace: A clean conscience naturally fosters a spirit of kindness towards others.

Addressing those suffering from various ailments, Fr. Arellano offered a gentle warning against the “negative energy” of despair. He explained that dwelling on negative thoughts can exacerbate physical illness. Instead, he urged the sick to anchor themselves in three virtues: HOPE, LOVE, FAITH.

He reaffirmed that the sick hold a privileged place in the Church, noting that curing the sick was a central part of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Because of this, those who suffer are always “very close to His heart.”

In his closing remarks, Fr. Arellano exhorted the devotees to practice the difficult virtue of patience. He reminded the congregation that while we often seek immediate relief, God’s providence operates on a different scale.

“We should learn how to wait in His time, not ours,” he concluded. “We should trust Him always.”

The celebration ended with a special blessing for the sick, leaving the pilgrims of Quiapo with a renewed sense of peace and the reminder that through Mary’s intercession, spiritual healing is always within reach.

 

 

Alvin T. Tomagos / EMHC Quiapo Church