By: Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. on February 11th, 2019

Mary Smiles: Family Reflection Video

Healing the family | Holy lives of inspiration

Christians have always sought the smile of Our Lady…

On this day, the Church commemorates the Immaculate Virgin Mary who smiled upon Saint Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes, France. The Holy Mother appeared to Bernadette eighteen times between February and July in 1858. As the patron of illness, Bernadette is often prayed to for healing.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “the work of healing is the purpose of the two sacraments of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick.” Sacraments are acknowledgements that we can’t bring healing, God has to. We are blessed to have Our Mother’s smile bring attention to our needs.

How do you seek Mary’s smile? What in your family needs healing?

Let us pray for God’s healing touch to reach those who suffer. Amen.

About Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.

Father Wilfred J. Raymond, C.S.C. (Father Willy), a native of Old Town, Maine, is the eighth of 12 children. He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1964 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Stonehill College in 1967 and a master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. He served in ministry at Stonehill College (1979-1992), Holy Cross leadership (1994-2000), National Director of Family Theater Productions, Hollywood (2000-2014), and President of Holy Cross Family Ministries (2014-2022). In addition to English, he is conversant in French and Spanish. He remains a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, even though he has served as Chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers.