St Bernadette, also known as Bernadette Soubirous, was a French saint who had visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes in 1858. She was born on January 7, 1844, in a poor family and suffered from various illnesses throughout her life. She contracted cholera as a toddler and had chronic asthma
After her apparitions, she faced opposition and scrutiny from the authorities and the public. She moved away from Lourdes and joined a convent in Nevers in 1866, where she lived a humble and secluded life. She died on April 16, 1879, at the age of 35, of tuberculosis
Her body was exhumed three times and found to be incorrupt, meaning that it did not decay or decompose She was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1933 by Pope Pius XI. Her feast day is celebrated on April 16, or February 18 in France
St Bernadette was a simple and faithful girl who endured many hardships and pains in her life. She was obedient to the messages of Our Lady of Lourdes and offered her sufferings for the conversion of sinners. She is a model of holiness and humility for all Christians
