Saint Bernadette of Lourdes (Vision of the Virgin Mother)

Patron Saint: Lourdes, France

The story of Bernadette is reknowned worldwide. St. Bernadette was one of six children born to a poor family in France, in the year 1844. After Bernadette recieved her first Communion, she was witness to several visions by the Virgin Mother of God to enter the Convent of the Sister at Lourdes. There, she was tended for by the Sisters due to her severe sickness. Even during this time she was constantly visited by Christians hearing of her beautiful visions of the Holy Mary and asking for her blessing. Bernadette died in prayer at the age of 34. 30 years after Bernadette passed away, her coffin was exumed because Pope Pius XI wished to offer Bernadette beautifucation due to her piousness and visions of the Holy Mother. What was found was truly a miracle, which almost immediately led to her canonization as a Saint. Saint Bernadette looked exactly the same as the day of her death. Not even the smallest hint of decay or smell was present. To this day, the tomb of St. Bernadette is visited by millions of pilgrims witnessing one of the greatest known visible miracles known today.

Prayer of St. Bernadette:
St. Bernadette, little shepherdess of Lourdes favoured with eighteen apparitions of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and with the privilege of lovingly conversing with her, now that you are eternally enjoying the entrancing beauty of the Immaculate Mother of God, do not forsake me your devoted client, who am still in the valley of tears. Intercede for me that I too, may walk the simple paths of faith. Help me to imitate your example, at our heavenly Queens request, by saying the Rosary daily and by doing penance for sinners. Teach me to imitate your wonderful devotedness to God and Our Lady the Immaculate Conception so that like you, I may be blessed with the grace of lasting faithfulness and enjoy the happiness in heaven of the eternal vision of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.Amen.
Nothing is anything more to me; everything is nothing to me, but Jesus: neither things nor persons, neither ideas nor emotions, neither honor nor sufferings. Jesus is for me honor, delight, heart and soul. - Saint Bernadette

Born: January, 1844, Lourdes, France

Died: April, 1879, Nevers, France

Beautified: 1925

Canonized: 1933 by Pope Pius XI

Name Means: Brave as a bear

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

Miracle of uncorrupted body at death to present
Both Church and Public acknowledgement of the Lourdes Vision of the Virgin Mary
Miracles at her tomb in Lourdes
Remarkable piousness and devotion to Jesus Christ
Caring for the sick and helpless

Saint Bernadette of Lourdes Medals, Prayer Cards and Rosary

Patrick
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