A Visionary at 14, she became a Nun and Died at 35. But, not before a Promise From Our Lady

Bernadette Soubirous was born on January 7, 1844, in Lourdes, France, and was the eldest of nine children born to Francois and Louise Soubirous. Her father lost his mill, plunging the family into extreme poverty. They lived in the “Cachot”, a dark, damp, former prison cell. Bernadette suffered from severe asthma throughout her life, which stunted her growth. She was uneducated, illiterate, and she spoke only the local dialect (Gascon Occitan).

   Bernadette’s apparitions began between February 11 and July 16, 1858, when she was just 14 years of age. She saw “a small young lady” (aquero, meaning that thing) in a grotto at Massabielle. She experienced the first vision on February 11, while gathering firewood with her sister and a friend. On February 18, in another vision, the Lady said to Bernadette, “I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the other.” Then on February 25, Bernadette went to the spring to drink and wash in the muddy ground, and suddenly a miraculous healing spring bubbled up in front of her eyes.

   On March 25, the Lady finally revealed her name, saying, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” This Sign enabled the local priest to confirm the visions, as dogma had just been defined in 1854, a concept an illiterate peasant girl could not have known.

   What followed were many Trials and Tribulations in that Bernadette faced harsh interrogations by local police, magistrates, and church officials. She was accused of fraud, hysteria, and insanity, but Bernadette never wavered in her story. Soon, people by the thousands began flocking to the grotto and disrupting the town.

   In 1866, Bernadette left Lourdes (approximately 22 years of age) to escape the overwhelming public attention. She joined the Order of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers, taking the name Sister Marie-Bernard.

Saint Bernadette worked in the infirmary as an assistant and then later, as a sacristan. She was kept hidden intentionally by her superiors to protect her from vanity and tourists.  She became afflicted with painful tuberculosis of the bone in her right knee. She died on April 16, 1879 at the age of 35. Her final words were, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me, a poor sinner.”

Note:  her incorrupt body was exhumed three times (1909, 1919, 1925) and found completely intact and free of decay. Today, her body rests in a crystal reliquary at the Chapel of Saint Gildard in Nevers, France.

She was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XI on December 8, 1933. The Grotto she discovered is now one of the world’s most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites, attracting millions seeking physical and spiritual healing.

The Double Miracle Lesson

Saint Bernadette lived a very poor life that included every suffering imaginable, from false accusations, physical sufferings, and emotional challenges, but accepted her Cross with the greatest dignity. The other miracle is how Our Blessed Mother could not resist visiting this young peasant girl as a loving Mother, assuring her with her motherly love and protection. She promised Bernadette a new life in heaven with peace and joy!

I am honored and certain I made the right choice in selecting Saint Bernadette as my Confirmation name, as she embodies humility and acceptance of living one’s life in the most pleasing way to Jesus and Our Virgin Mother.