Pope Benedict XVI has authorized special "indulgences" to mark the 150th anniversary of the Virgin Mary's reputed appearance at Lourdes. According to the decree released by the Vatican, Catholics visiting the site within a year of December 8 will be able to receive an indulgence, which the Church teaches can reduce time in purgatory.
Lourdes has drawn pilgrims since Mary was said to have appeared in 1858 to shepherdess Bernadette Soubirous. The waters of the French shrine are said to have miraculous healing powers. The Pope is expected to visit the shrine next year.
For those of you keeping track of the details, the pontiff also said that for believers who prayed at places of worship dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes (instead of making the journey to France) from February 2nd to 11th next year (and not a day longer!)--- would also be able to receive indulgences.
Note from the Daily Dude: Is there anybody out there who gives a rat's ass whether Pope Nazi authorizes "indulgences" or not? Anybody taking time out of their day to pray (whether it be at Lourdes or at home waiting for a lotto drawing or a pregnancy test) is a helluva lot better off than us slobs who spend more time at happy hour than in a church.
There-- I feel a lot better now, thank you.
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