St. Bernadette Sobirous was born in Lourdes, France in 1844. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette for the first time on 11th February, 1858. Our Blessed Mother appeared a total of 18 times to Bernadette. During one of the apparitions, Our Lady asked Bernadette to dig the ground and a spring was found there. She also requested a chapel to be built at the apparition site. Our Lady revealed herself to Bernadette as “The Immaculate Conception”. Bernadette joined the Sisters of Charity of Nevers at the age of 22. She died at the age of 35 after suffering long-term illness and was canonized on December 8th, 1933. Her body is incorruptible and is placed in the Chapel of St. Bernadette at Nevers, France. The Marian Apparitions at Lourdes are approved by the Catholic Church. The healing water of Lourdes has cured many miraculously. Today, millions of pilgrims from all over the world visit Lourdes annually. Here is a prayer to St. Bernadette.
O gentle maiden of Lourdes, St. Bernadette! You endured the disbelief and ridicule of those who opposed you as well as from those who loved you. Teach us, in your holy simplicity, to welcome, honor and cherish the Blessed Virgin Mary in our lives.
As was done in the grotto of Lourdes so let the healing power of God’s presence within our homes and hearts become a wellspring of grace, forgiveness and mercy to all around us. Pray for us, St. Bernadette, that we, like you, might merit eternal happiness. Amen.
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