*We highlight these Saints to inspire our students and contribute to their growth in Catholic education by fostering understanding and appreciation for Catholic values and teachings. We encourage parents to share the stories of these Saints with their children to deepen their spirituality and motivate them to live their faith with conviction, following the examples of these admired role models.*
St. Bernadette Soubirous, also known simply as Bernadette, was a remarkable young girl from France whose life was touched by extraordinary visions and divine encounters. Born on January 7, 1844, in the small town of Lourdes, Bernadette’s story continues to captivate hearts around the world.
Bernadette grew up in humble circumstances, living with her family in a small, impoverished mill. Despite facing hardships, she was known for her kindness, piety, and simple faith.
At the tender age of 14, Bernadette experienced a series of profound visions that would change her life forever. On February 11, 1858, while gathering firewood with her sister and a friend near the Grotto of Massabielle, Bernadette witnessed the first of 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary. During these apparitions, the Blessed Mother revealed herself to Bernadette as the Immaculate Conception.
“I shall spend every moment loving. One who loves does not notice her trials; or perhaps more accurately, she is able to love them. I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home. There I shall find my Mother in all the splendour of her glory. I shall delight with her in the joy of Jesus himself in perfect safety.”
St. Bernadette Soubirous
In her encounters with the Virgin Mary, Bernadette received messages of prayer, penance, and faith. The Blessed Mother instructed her to pray for sinners, to perform acts of penance for the conversion of souls, and to have a chapel built at the site of the apparitions. Despite initial skepticism and opposition from local authorities, Bernadette remained steadfast in her conviction, sharing her experiences with unwavering sincerity.
One of the most significant aspects of Bernadette’s story is the miraculous spring that emerged at the Grotto of Massabielle during one of her visions. Bernadette was instructed by the Virgin Mary to drink from the spring and wash in its waters. Subsequently, numerous miraculous healings were reported by those who visited the site, leading to Lourdes becoming one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in the world, known for its spiritual and physical healing.
“My hope is in you, Lord. Be my refuge, for you are my strength…. Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, Lord, God of Truth.”
St. Bernadette Soubirous
Following her visions, Bernadette faced continued scrutiny and hardship but remained steadfast in her faith. She eventually entered religious life as a nun, joining the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. Despite battling illness for much of her life, Bernadette demonstrated unwavering devotion and humility until her death on April 16, 1879, at the age of 35.
Bernadette was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church on December 8, 1933, by Pope Pius XI. Today, Saint Bernadette is revered as a symbol of humility, faith, and the transformative power of divine grace. Her life continues to inspire millions around the world to seek God’s presence in their lives and to embrace the call to prayer, penance, and service to others.
“If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces… never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. That’s the beauty of being alive… We can always start all over again. Enjoy God’s amazing opportunities bestowed on us. Have faith in Him always.”
St. Bernadette Soubirous
St. Bernadette’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the enduring power of faith and the profound impact that one individual can have on the world through their unwavering devotion to God and love for humanity.
St. Bernadette’s life offers a profound example of faith, humility, and compassion. Her story challenges us to live with humility and simplicity, to cultivate a deep trust in divine providence, to engage in prayer and penance, and to reach out to others with compassion and love. By embracing these lessons, we can strive to live lives that reflect the transformative power of faith and the enduring message of hope. St. Bernadette Soubirous, pray for us!
FAMILY ACTIVITY: St. Bernadette had a profound love of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pray the rosary as a family through her intercession. Additionally, Song of Bernadette is a classic Hollywood film from 1943 that portrays her story beautifully and is appropriate to watch for the whole family!