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CHICAGO, APRIL 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Francis George is serving as the honorary chairman of the Friends of Lourdes in preparation for the 150th anniversary of Mary's 1858 apparitions in that French village.

The Friends of Lourdes, a lay organization raising awareness in the United States about the yearlong celebration of the anniversary, has made an educational Web site about the Virgin Mary's appearances to Bernadette Soubirous.

Cardinal George of Chicago said, "As we begin the observance of the 150th anniversary of the apparition at Lourdes, I invite you to consider how you might mark this occasion within your own family and community."

"Our Lady gives great graces to those who put themselves under the patronage of her Immaculate Conception," he explained. "This I know personally as my religious community has done so, as has the Archdiocese of Chicago."

Celebrations will begin Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and end the same day in 2008.
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