General presentation of Saint Bernadette Soubirous
Saint Bernadette Soubirous, born on January 7, 1844, in Lourdes, is famous for witnessing 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary between February and July 1858 in the Massabielle grotto. Bernadette, from a poor family, was chosen by the Virgin Mary to deliver a message of prayer and conversion, despite her lack of education. During the apparitions, Mary presented herself to her as the "Immaculate Conception," confirming a dogma recently proclaimed by the Church, which Bernadette was unaware of at the time. After these events, Bernadette entered religious life and became Sister Marie-Bernard at the Sisters of Charity convent in Nevers, where she lived until her death in 1879. She was canonized in 1933.
Correspondence table of Saint Bernadette Soubirous
| Role | Nun, visionary of the Lourdes apparitions |
| Patronage | The sick, shepherds, Lourdes |
| Feast | April 16 |
Symbols and appearances of Saint Bernadette Soubirous
Saint Bernadette is often depicted holding a rosary, reflecting her role as a visionary in Lourdes, where she prayed with the Virgin. She is also shown kneeling at the Massabielle grotto, the site of her visions. The lily, a symbol of purity, is also frequently associated with her in Christian iconography.
Myths of Saint Bernadette Soubirous
The life of Saint Bernadette is marked by her testimony of Marian apparitions and the creation of a miraculous water spring in Lourdes, to which many healings are attributed. Although she witnessed these miracles, Bernadette always refused to claim any role in the healings, simply insisting on her mission as a messenger of the Virgin Mary. She also endured significant physical suffering during her life, which she offered for the redemption of the world.
