BERNADETTE OF LOURDES, SAINT

born Jan. 7, 1844, Lourdes, Fr. died April 16, 1879, Nevers; canonized Dec. 8, 1933; feast day April 16, but sometimes February 18 in France original name Marie-bernarde Soubirous miller's daughter whose visions led to the founding of the shrine of Lourdes. Frail in health, Bernadette was the eldest of nine children from a poverty-stricken family. She contracted cholera in the epidemic of 1854 and suffered from asthma and other ailments throughout her life. Between February 11 and July 16, 1858, at the age of 14, she had a series of visions of the Virgin Mary, who revealed her identity with the words I am the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette steadfastly defended the genuineness of these visions despite strong opposition from her parents, the local clergy, and civil authorities, and she faithfully transmitted Mary's messages. To escape public attention she became a boarder in the local school run by the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. In 1866 she was granted admission into the novitiate in the mother house at Nevers. There she completed her religious instruction and passed her remaining years in prayer and seclusion, happy and loved for her kindliness, holiness, and wit, despite almost constant sickness and pain. She died in agony, willingly accepting her great sufferings in faithful fulfillment of her Lady's request for penance. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI. Celebration of her feast is optional in the Roman calendar. The chapel of the St. Gildard convent, Nevers, contains her body.