St. Marie Bernadette Soubirous was born at Lourdes in 1844. At fourteen years of age she witnessed eighteen apparitions of Our Blessed Lady at Lourdes, instructing her to make known the miraculous healing powers that the Blesse Virgin, by her presence, would give to the waters at Lourdes.In 1866, St. Bernadette Soubirous joined the Sisters of Charity at Nevers, taking her perpetual vows in 1878. Her contemporaries admired her humility and the authentic character of her testimony about the appearance of the Blessed Virgin.
Neverthless, the Saint had to endure many severe trials during her religious life and exhibited heroic patience in sickness. She realized that the healing spring was not for her, and was fond of saying: “The Blessed Virgin used me as a broom to remove dust. When the work is finished, the broom is placed behind the door and left there.” She died in 1879 at the age of thirty-five and was canonized in 1933 by Pope Pius XI.
PRAYER: Lord God, You showered heavenly gifts on St. Bernadette. Help us to imitate her virtues during our earthly life and enjoy eternal happiness with her in heaven. Amen.