In a letter dated August 1 and approved by Pope Francis, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, expressed the Pope's appreciation for the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, India. This letter was addressed to Bishop-elect Sagayaraj Thamburaj of the Tanjore Diocese ahead of the feast of Our Lady of Health on September 8.

The Shrine in Vailankanni has been a site of devotion since the 16th century, drawing millions of pilgrims, including many non-Christians, who seek solace and spiritual enrichment. Cardinal Fernández highlighted the profound spiritual fruits experienced by these pilgrims, attributing these to the active presence of the Holy Spirit. He noted that some pilgrims experience healing from illnesses, while many others find peace and hope, demonstrating the Holy Spirit's work through Mary's intercession.

Cardinal Fernández clarified that these spiritual experiences should not be seen as syncretism or a mixing of religions. Instead, the Sanctuary is a place where Mary's closeness and love are manifested to all who visit, offering consolation even to those who cannot receive the Catholic sacraments.

During an audience with Cardinal Fernández on August 1, Pope Francis expressed his deep appreciation for the faith and devotion exhibited by the pilgrims at Vailankanni. The Pope values this expression of popular piety, seeing it as a reflection of the Church's journey towards Jesus through Mary and as a place where the faithful entrust their hopes and struggles to her maternal care. In anticipation of the upcoming celebrations, Pope Francis extends his blessing to all pilgrims visiting the Shrine.

The tradition of Mary's first appearance in Vailankanni involves a 16th-century encounter with a young man carrying milk. Mary asked him to offer the milk to the Child she held, and despite his initial act of generosity, the milk remained untouched, symbolizing the selflessness that Mary cherishes in her children.

Cardinal Fernández praised the Shrine's history, emphasizing the tenderness and care of Mary, whom Jesus entrusted to us as our universal Mother. Her intercession often brings healing and strength to the sick, as demonstrated by the Shrine's designation by Saint John Paul II in 2002 for the World Day of the Sick.

Cardinal Fernández concluded by reflecting on the broader scope of Mary's intercession, noting that it touches both body and soul. By contemplating Mary's image, pilgrims can experience the healing love of Jesus Christ, which alleviates sadness, anguish, and fear. Even a brief moment of faith and love before Mary can restore peace through her maternal gaze.