Antiphona ad Benedictus

This antiphon invokes Mary under her title at Lourdes: 'Sancta Maria, infirmorum salus' (Holy Mary, health of the sick). The apparitions at Lourdes (1858) resulted in countless miraculous healings, establishing this shrine as the preeminent site of physical healing in Christendom. The petition 'ora pro nobis ad te confugientibus' (pray for us who have recourse to thee) echoes the Memorare's language of confident refuge. At Lauds on this feast (February 11), the Benedictus antiphon connects Zechariah's prophecy of the 'dayspring from on high' to Mary's role as mediatrix of healing graces. The 'infirmorum salus' title acknowledges that physical illness, like spiritual sickness, finds remedy through Mary's intercession.