Bernadette Soubirous
Bernadette Soubirous was a peasant girl from Lourdes, France, who experienced a series of visions of a "young lady" between February and July 1858. The lady identified herself as the "Immaculate Conception" and requested that a chapel be built at the grotto where she appeared. These apparitions led to the establishment of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a major pilgrimage site.
- Feast Day
- April 16
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Bernadette Soubirous experienced 18 apparitions of a "young lady" in the grotto of Massabielle near Lourdes between 11 February and 16 July 1858.
- ›The apparition identified herself as the "Immaculate Conception" during the seventeenth vision on March 25, 1858.
- ›After a canonical investigation, the apparitions were declared "worthy of belief" on February 18, 1862.
- ›Soubirous joined the Sisters of Charity of Nevers in 1866 and spent the remainder of her life there.
- ›Her body is said by the Catholic Church to remain internally incorrupt.
- ›Pope Pius XI beatified Bernadette Soubirous on June 14, 1925, and canonized her on December 8, 1933.
Bernadette of Lourdes, Marie-Bernarde
Sisters of Charity of Nevers
About Bernadette Soubirous
Bernadette Soubirous (1844–1879), also known as Bernadette of Lourdes, was a miller's daughter from Lourdes, France, who is most famous for experiencing a series of apparitions in a local cave-grotto. These visions, which occurred between February and July 1858, are central to the veneration of Our Lady of Lourdes and the establishment of Lourdes as a major Catholic pilgrimage destination.
Life and historical context
Born Marie-Bernarde Soubirous on January 7, 1844, Bernadette came from a family of millers in Lourdes, a region where the Occitan language was widely spoken. Her family lived in poverty, and Bernadette herself suffered from chronic asthma and other illnesses throughout her life. The apparitions began when she was 14 years old. She described a "young lady" appearing to her in the Massabielle grotto, initially referring to the figure as "aquerò" (that) in her native Occitan dialect.
Major contributions
During the 18 apparitions, the "young lady" instructed Bernadette to pray and perform acts of penance, and famously asked for a chapel to be built at the site. In the seventeenth apparition, the lady identified herself as the "Immaculate Conception." Following a rigorous canonical investigation, the Catholic Church declared the apparitions "worthy of belief" on February 18, 1862, and the lady became known as Our Lady of Lourdes. This recognition led to the development of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a significant Marian shrine that attracts millions of pilgrims annually.
Later years and legacy
Bernadette Soubirous joined the Sisters of Charity of Nevers in 1866, taking the religious name Marie-Bernarde. She spent the remainder of her life in the convent, working as an assistant in the infirmary and as a sacristan. She died on April 16, 1879, at the age of 35, from tuberculosis. Her body is said to remain incorrupt and is housed in a reliquary in Nevers. Pope Pius XI beatified her in 1925 and canonized her in 1933. Her feast day is observed on April 16, the date of her death.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did Bernadette Soubirous live?
Bernadette Soubirous lived from January 7, 1844, to April 16, 1879. She was born and experienced her visions in Lourdes, France, and spent her later years in Nevers, France.
What are the visions of Bernadette Soubirous known for?
Bernadette is best known for experiencing 18 apparitions of a "young lady" in a grotto near Lourdes. This lady identified herself as the "Immaculate Conception" and requested a chapel be built.
What is the significance of the Lourdes apparitions?
The apparitions led to the declaration of the "Immaculate Conception" as worthy of belief by the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a major pilgrimage site renowned for its healing waters.
What happened to Bernadette Soubirous after the visions?
After the visions, Bernadette joined the Sisters of Charity of Nevers in 1866. She spent the rest of her life in the convent, working in the infirmary and as a sacristan.
When was Bernadette Soubirous canonized and what is her feast day?
Bernadette Soubirous was canonized by Pope Pius XI on December 8, 1933. Her feast day is observed on April 16, the date of her death.
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