St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)

The saint of Lourdes is known for her holiness, simple faith and quiet perseverance . . .
 

Feast Day: April 16
Canonized: 1933

Bernadette Soubirous’ humdrum life would have likely gone unnoticed except for a luminous two-month interlude. She was the oldest daughter of an impoverished miller in Lourdes, France. At 14, Bernadette was undersized, afflicted with chronic asthma, uneducated and had not yet received her first Communion. But on Feb. 11, 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to her in a rocky cave.

From February to April, the Virgin appeared to Bernadette 18 times. She directed the girl to pray, do penance for sinners and have a church built at the grotto. She led Bernadette to a spring where there had never been one before. Since that time 27,000 gallons of water have flowed from it every week. When Bernadette asked the woman appearing to her to identify herself, the Lady said, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

The aftermath of the apparitions caused Bernadette considerable pain. With courage and integrity, she withstood interrogations by skeptical civil and Church officials. In 1866, she entered a convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Nevers where, in spite of constant illnesses, she patiently performed domestic duties.

By her own choice, Bernadette had nothing to do with the development of Lourdes as an international pilgrimage center. She didn’t even attend the basilica’s dedication in 1876.

She was 35 years old when she died in 1879. When her body was exhumed 30 years later, it was found to be in an incorrupt state. It remains in perfect condition and is available for viewing in the convent chapel in Nevers. Her body has remained undisturbed and on view in this chapel since 1925.

The Church recognizes Bernadette as a saint not because she experienced apparitions and ecstasies. Rather, we celebrate her for her simple faith, her quiet perseverance and her unblemished integrity .

This column is produced for Legatus Magazine by Bert Ghezzi. He writes and speaks frequently about saints. Ghezzi’s books include “Voices of the Saints,” “Mystics and Miracles,” and “Saints at Heart.” Online: bertghezzi.com