St. Bernadette
Saint Bernadette
When They Lived:
St. Bernadette, born as Marie-Bernarde Soubirous, graced the world with her presence from January 7, 1844, to April 16, 1879.
Where They Lived:
Bernadette’s life unfolded in the quaint town of Lourdes, nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains in France. Her humble abode was the setting for her remarkable encounters.
Notable World Events During Their Life:
- California Gold Rush (1848-1855): As Bernadette was growing up, the world witnessed a surge of adventurers flocking to California in pursuit of gold, reshaping the region’s history and economy.
- Publication of “On the Origin of Species” (1859): Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work introduced the theory of evolution, sparking intense debates about the origins of life and challenging traditional religious perspectives.
- American Civil War (1861-1865): While Bernadette remained secluded in Lourdes, the United States was embroiled in a devastating civil war over issues of slavery, unity, and states’ rights.
- Completion of the Suez Canal (1869): The inauguration of the Suez Canal connected the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, revolutionizing global trade and travel routes.
- Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871): Europe was shaken by conflict as the French Empire clashed with the emerging German states, ultimately leading to the unification of Germany and the fall of Napoleon III.
- Telephone Invention (1876): Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone marked a revolutionary step in communication, bridging distances and changing the world forever.
Their Patronage:
St. Bernadette Soubirous is renowned as the patron saint of illness, poverty, and ridiculed people. Her life was a testament to unwavering faith in the face of suffering and skepticism. Despite the adversities she faced due to her health and the skepticism surrounding her visions, she remains an inspiring figure for those battling illness and adversity.
Early Life
Saint Bernadette Soubirous, also known as Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, was born on the 7th of January, 1844. She was born in Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrénées, in the Kingdom of France.
Saint Bernadette was the eldest of nine children. A little while after she was born, she was baptized in Saint Pierre’s, a local parish in their vicinity. She was baptized on the 9th of January, which also happened to be her parents anniversary.
Her father was a poor miller named François Soubirous, and her mother was Louise. Thanks to the challenging times and the crashing economy of the French kingdom, the family had little to survive on.
Although poor, her parents made sure to provide for the family. Bernadette grew to be a petite young girl who showed an obvious interest in religion.
Tragedy struck when Saint Bernadette contracted cholera in her youth. It is reckoned that the early onset of Cholera led her to forever battle severe asthma.
Saint Bernadette received early formal education at the Sisters of Charity, after which she sought Christian education in Nevers.
Her illness limited her learning abilities. She mainly spoke Occitan, the language of the locals, and had limited writing and reading abilities.
Dedication and Devotion
The Soubirous family’s finances dwindled to the point that they had to live in a basement with one room. The basement was formerly used as a jail. It was provided to them for free by Saint Bernadette’s mother’s cousin.
While out one afternoon on February 11, 1858, with Toinetter’s sister and a group of friends, something extraordinary happened.
Near the Grotto of Massabielle, Saint Bernadette had her first vision. Legend has it that as Bernadette took her shoes off to cross the water,time stood still. Suddenly, from the alcove, a figure cloaked in dazzling white light came out.
Of course, her sister and friends had seen nothing. People assumed the figure was no other person than the Blessed Virgin, even though Bernadette called it an aquer.
This would mark the beginning of further visions in her life. On the 14th of February, Bernadette, her sister, and friends once again returned to the grotto.
She once again saw the apparition, but the others didn’t. This time, the apparition disappeared after the girls threw holy water into the alcove.
On the 18th of February, Saint Bernadette had another vision. In this one, she was instructed to go back to the site of her first vision every day for a few days.
Legacy
Following other visions, Saint Bernadette received various instructions from the figure of light.
She prayed and fasted as instructed. She ate and drank the muddy springs the figure told her to, causing them to become clear. She even relayed the message of the need to build a church to the townspeople.
At first, people were skeptical. They did not believe that this sick child could be visited by that kind of power. Some people even thought she was insane, especially since she continued to call the figure Theaquer.
It wasn’t until the 16th vision that the figure introduced itself as the “Immaculate Conception”.
Embarrassed by her supposed antics, Saint Bernadette’s mother forbade her from speaking on the matter. The young girl didn’t listen and stuck to her story.
Due to her insistence, Several Churches were built in the town. Some of the churches include the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Basilica of Saint Pius X.
These great churches were not only constructed to accommodate thousands but also ended up being pilgrim sites in the years following the death of Saint Bernadette.
Tired of the fame, Saint Bernadette escaped to a local school in Nevers. On the 29th of July, 1866, she became a member of the Sisters of Charity and moved to the motherhouse.
There, she assumed the name Marie-Bernarde. Although unable to take part in the strenuous activities of the convent, she continued to pray, preach, fast, and meditate.
Death and Canonization
- She died in Nevers while Praying the rosary.
After her death, her claims of visions continued to be reviewed and
respected. She was canonized on December 8 by Pius XI.
Her body was said to have been moved three times, and in all cases, it
was noted to be corrupt.
Saint Bernadette is commemorated on the 16th of April.
5 Interesting Facts About St. Bernadette
- Did you know that Saint Bernadette was not as fluent in French as
people thought? - Did you know that Saint Bernadette is the patron saint of Lourdes?
illness, people who are embarrassed because of their faith, and
against poverty? - Did you know that Saint Bernadette was plagued by visions of the
white figure 18 times? - Did you know that there is no scientific explanation for how Saint
Bernadette cleared the spring that had once been muddy. - Did you know that Saint Bernadette was committed to her patron?
Saint, Saint Bernard?
Prayer to St. Bernadette
O Saint Bernadette, who, as a meek and pure child, did eighteen times at Lourdes contemplate the beauty of the Immaculate Mother of God and receive her messages, and who afterward wished to hide yourself from the world in the convent of Nevers and to offer thyself there as a victim for the conversion of sinners, obtain for us the grace of purity, simplicity, and mortification that we also may attain to the vision of God and of Mary in Heaven. Amen.
Source:[https://www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts/prayer-of-st-bernadette-and-the-miracles-of-lourdes/]{.ul}
