My Saint

St Bernadette

Hello my name is Bernadette Soubirous. I was born 170 years ago, 17 January 1844. I live in Lourdes, France and my family is very poor. My health is very poor,  because I am suffering from asthma.

One day I am sent to go out to gather firewood with my sister and a friend. But when I pass a rose bush, a beautiful lady dressed in blue and white appears to me and makes the sign of the cross, so I take out my rosary and begin to pray it with her. She is actually the Blessed Virgin Mary. She appears to me 17 more times. I tell my companions but they don’t believe me, so the police question me. I have to undergo medical testing to prove that I don’t need to go to a mental asylum.

After 13 years, I become a nun and I am now called   Sister Marie Bernarde. During my time as a nun, I suffer from ill health, from ailments and afflictions, but I do not complain. It becomes worse so I am confined to bed. After a few moment, I begin to make the Sign of the Cross, and drink a few drops of water. Then I leave my mortal body.