Everyday Miracles of Lourdes: Twenty Extraordinary Experiences along the Way to the Grotto

by Marlene Watkins

“Under Mary’s protection you have nothing to fear.” — St. Bernard Though they escape the notice of many, stunning miracles of healing take place each and every day at Our Lady’s Grotto in Lourdes, France. Inexplicable, biblical-like healings of body, mind, and spirit leave visitors with the gifts of peace and renewed faith. Marlene Watkins recounts twenty astounding true stories of miracles at Lourdes, including her own watershed healing, which inspired her to establish Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers and become its first volunteer. In these absorbing pages, you will encounter both adults and children who received wondrous cures from debilitating illness, traumas, abuse, and grief to ultimately find reconciliation with God. You will be consoled by stories of women who experienced the loss of babies, including by abortion, and found solace in the arms of our Heavenly Mother. And you will encounter a man who was struggling with faith and was drawn to Lourdes, where he met the Blessed Mother. You will also discover:

272 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2023

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible book about ordinary Catholics and their experience in Lourdes.

[Maggie Huggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 3 is the best… coming from the unbiased granddaughter of the author 💅🏼

[Julie Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Marlene does an amazing job sharing the many graces, blessings, and fruits of Lourdes! The stories always point back to Our Lady of Lourdes and Jesus!

[Taskgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book at a conference where the author was a speaker. Her presentation was so filled with joy, love, and wonder that I purchased the book at the next opportunity to meet with the vendors.

There are 20 miracles or journeys which occurred at Lourdes, France. I found reading one and resting with a single one in meditation was the best way to appreciate that specific person's pilgrimage and encounter with St. Bernadette, the Blessed Mother, and God's merciful love. These are not perfect people from sanitized lives or circumstances. They reflect all of us in our brokenness and our need for more than what this world can provide to live life abundantly. I was humbled by each miracle and filled with gratitude for all I have from God.

I also learned about the group American Lourdes Hospitality. These volunteers are serving as Jesus' hands and feet and provide a much-needed service for English speaking helpers for pilgrims.

As St. Bernadette Soubirous said, " I am not made to make you believe, but to say it to you." Open yourself to these stories and the powerful message of Our Lady of Lourdes.

[Linda Pfenning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wonderful stories from Lourdes, but written so disjointedly that reading them was near torture. Preachy interjections and spurts of catechetical didactic by the author distracted from the beautiful mystery of the healing. The voices of the individuals who received healing were drowned out by exaggerated and over emotional descriptions of the emotions a character might have. Awkward and confusing sentence structure made enjoyment of the stories secondary to my desire to get out a pen and edit the text.

The people featured in this book were amazing individuals who received great grace and miraculous healing. Their stories were inspiring. It’s worth reading this book, but proceed with patience and focus on the factual events. Otherwise your frustration will detract from the blessings received on the content.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with my church book club. Series of inspiring stories of real people who experienced graces along the way to the Grotto and while serving others there.
Many examples of the power of the pilgrimage to alter lives in ways they never expected. Needs attended to that the person did not even know until they were changed for the better.
A wonderful collection of Mary’s continued intercession with everyday people around the world who turn to Her.

[Patricia E M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book. Tells stories of everyday people who had special experiences related to Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette. Very relatable.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful uplifting witnesses . There are 21 different stories of graces and blessings from OuR Lady of Lourdes

[Victoria Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating to read about obvious miracles at Lourdes that weren’t declared official miracles. Gave me a great perspective going into my trip to the grotto.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good introduction - through powerful stories of faith and healing - to how things work behind the scenes of Lourdes volunteers.