St. Bernadette of Lourdes

Author: Briana Parks 

Marie Bernard Soubirous 

Marie Soubirous was born on January 7^th 1844. She was the first born child in her poverty-stricken family. Because her family’s living condition was poor, it caused her to live with bad health. At the age of ten, she began to suffer from cholera and asthma.  On February 11^th 1858, Marie and two other young girls went to collect firewood near a grotto where she seen light in the shape of a small woman. The visions were believed to be Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. There are eighteen apparitions of Virgin Mary to Bernadette. Amazing, during the ninth apparition, Virgin Mary said to Bernadette, “Drink from the fountain and bathe in it.” When Bernadette began to dig in the soil beneath her feet, it began to moisten and water rose from the ground. The day after, the small pool of water had become a stream.  These apparitions had attracted large crowds and many people began to follow Bernadette as if she were a disciple.

Our Lady of Lourdes

Marie Bernard Soubirous died on April 16, 1879. She was buried as a saint on the convent grounds in Nevers, France. After thirty years, on September 22, 1909, her body was dug up from her grave. When St. Bernadette’s coffin was opened, there was no presence of an odor, and her body looked the same as it was at the time of her death.  Once again, her body was exhumed on April 3, 1919. It was looked the same as it did when they dug it up ten years earlier. Her body was declared venerable. Her body was covered in wax and her body was moved into a coffin made of glass and gold. Her body can be viewed today in the Chapel of Saint Bernadette in Nevers, France.

Works Cited:

Armitage, J. Mark. “Bernadette of Lourdes: Her Life, Death And Visions—By Therese Taylor.” Reviews In Religion & Theology 17.4(2010): 625-627. Academic Search Premier. Web. 16 Oct. 2013. 

Martin, James. “Of Many Things.” America 203.1(2010):2. Academic Search Premier. Web. 16 Oct. 2013.

“Pope At Lourdes: Mary Leads To Christ.” America 199.9(2008):7. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.

For Further Research:

If you are interested in further learning about Saint Bernadette, the link listed, CATHOLIC ONLINE  is a very helpful website. Search St. Bernadette Soubirous. This site list the apparitions of Virgin Mary to St. Bernadette.

THE BODY OF SAINT BERNADETTE OF LOURDES,  This site gives the reader information about the body of Marie Soubirous after her death.

ST. BERNADETTE OF LOURDES, This site gives information about the life and importance of Marie Soubirous.