Learning What’s Worthwhile from Saint Bernadette

By Caitlin Bootsma
Consultant to the VIRTUS_^® Programs

As educators and those who minister to children, we interact with kids who come from a wide array of backgrounds. Some are financially “well-off,” some are not; some have a happy childhood, others have experienced a great deal of suffering; some seem naturally talented, others have a more challenging time in learning environments. Soon, on April 16, we’ll celebrate the Feast of St. Bernadette—a young girl who was “nothing special” and yet Mary appeared to her. Learning about her story can help us, and the children we serve, recognize that each of us is treasured in the eyes of God.

Bernadette Soubirous was born into a family with its own fair share of troubles. Living in Lourdes, France, her father attempted to run a mill owned by his wife’s family, only to run it into the ground and forfeit it because of debts owed. He then tried to support his family with odd jobs, but would at times turn to alcohol to ease his sorrows. Bernadette’s mother was a hard worker—doing everything from wealthy people’s laundry to working in the fields—as well as raising five children of whom Bernadette was the oldest. Bernadette and her siblings were nurtured in their faith by their mother, but otherwise grew up with few advantages.

Bernadette herself, to all outside observers, did not seem particularly blessed. She suffered from a young age with a respiratory illness, one that necessitated her being sent to a foster mother in a lonely mountain town to breathe fresh air for a time. She worked hard, but at 14 years old had not even received her first Communion, because her foster mother said she didn’t have the intellect to be taught about the sacrament’s meaning.  

When Bernadette returned to Lourdes to begin her education with local nuns, she found her family had become even more destitute. The whole family was now living in one room in a building that had formerly been a prison. Damp and cramped, it was far from an ideal place to live for a family of seven. On the bright side, however, Bernadette’s personality emerged while she was at school. She was described as modest and unassuming, but also quite funny and friendly.

One day in February, Bernadette went with her younger sister and a neighbor to collect branches near a stream. While the others went on ahead through the cold water, Bernadette hesitated. With a gust of wind, Bernadette looked up and saw a golden cloud from which a young lady appeared, standing in an inset in the stone. Afraid, Bernadette started saying a rosary and the mysterious lady, dressed in white and blue, said the Glory Be with her at the end of each decade. It was, as you may have guessed, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

At first, no one believed Bernadette’s tale of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s appearance. Why would the Mother of God appear to the poor Soubirous girl? Yet appear she did. Mary continued to visit Bernadette, telling the young girl to pray for sinners and, eventually, that she should build a chapel on this spot (to become the famous pilgrimage destination at Lourdes). When Bernadette finally asked Mary who she was, Mary answered, “I am the Immaculate Conception”. Bernadette had no idea what that meant! 

As higher Church officials investigated the truthfulness of Bernadette’s stories, young Bernadette joined the convent. While Bernadette suffered from the harsh tasks of her novice mistress as well as her continuing chronic illness, she was content. She looked for her happiness in Heaven. In 1878, at the young age of 34, Bernadette died.

Of course, Bernadette’s stories have been substantiated and there is now a widespread devotion in the Church to Our Lady of Lourdes. Additionally, humble Bernadette herself was canonized as a saint. The little girl whom her community never thought much of, is now considered a model of holiness to which we should all aspire. 

Bernadette’s short life reminds us of what is worthwhile in our lives. We may not all be gifted in ways that are valued by the world, nor necessarily be endowed with health or wealth. But Bernadette had what was important—a heart open to the Lord and a joyful spirit ready to carry out His Will. At the end of her life, and of ours, it is our pursuit of holiness that really matters. Saint Bernadette stands as a great example of how all children can draw close to the Lord—regardless of their personal gifts and circumstances—and grow in a relationship with Him and His Mother, Mary.

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