On 11 February, Bishop Nicholas celebrated Mass for Our Lady's Convent High School community at St Ignatius Church in Stamford Hill, on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
In his homily, he related the story of the miraculous cure of Jean-Pierre Bély from Multiple Sclerosis in Lourdes. Bishop Nicholas spoke of how Bély, 'did not ask for healing but he told God, "God, because you are all powerful, you can give me everything; as you know me better than I know myself, you will give me what is best."'
Bély noticed 'a beautiful woman in white' approaching him and 'was surprised to notice no one around him could see her. She said to him "be confident, Mother Mary will put everything right".'
Later that day, Bély began to feel sensation in his arms and legs and that night began to walk again. When he returned home, 'his family were amazed and deeply moved. Even more amazed were the villagers when they saw him cycling around the village, walking into the shops and climbing ladders.
'Many villagers returned to the practice of the faith on account of his miraculous cure.'
Later at lunch with the Governors, Headteacher Mrs McDonald and some of the pupils at the school, some of the girls told Bishop Nicholas they had learned about Bély's cure when they studied miracles in RE, and how moved they were to hear the story again.
Bishop Nicholas asked the pupils what they think we should learn from such a story. He suggested they hold on to, above all, the words which Jean-Pierre spoke to God on the afternoon of his healing: 'God, because you are all powerful, you can give me everything; as you know me better than I know myself, you will give me what is best.'
He encouraged them saying, 'if ever you find yourself in real need later in life, try to recall JP and say those same words to God and you may be surprised how generously God hears your prayer.'
Bishop Nicholas' homily can be found here
