Saint Bernadette Soubirous

St. Bernadette's incorrupt body (http://www.holysouls.com/bernadette1.jpg)

Saint Bernadette Soubirous was born January 7, 1844 in Lourdes, France. She was born into extreme poverty which kept her out of school. By the age of fourteen she wasn't educated on the catechism enough to receive her first communion.

On February 11, 1858, Bernadette was out collecting firewood with friends. She fell behind and she was alone by a grotto. She heard the sound of rushing wind and saw a beautiful young women in a long white dress surrounded by a light, holding a rosary with large white beads. Bernadette, awestruck, took out her rosary and began to pray after she realized it was Our Lady who was calling her to spread the word of her son. In the following months, Our Lady appeared to her eighteen times. Our lady stressed the importance of penance in the word and told her "I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next." She also showed Bernadette a spring that is still used to heal the sick in Lourdes.

Mary Appears to Bernadette (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/images/lourdes/bernadette-mary-painting.jpg)

That June, Bernadette was finally allowed to make her first communion. A month later the apparitions ended, but the healing water continued to draw pilgrims to Lourdes. Bernadette refused to profit materially in any way. She sought seclusion with the Sisters of charity. She died from Bone Tuberculosis on April 16, 1879 in Nevers, France.

Bernadette is someone to admire because she was motivated by her deep faith, and even though all the odds were against her religious education she never gave up. She was part of the healing of many people and dedicated her life to God and his plan for her.