Saint of the Day for 16 April: St. Bernadette Soubirous
St. Bernadette Soubirous: Life, Miracles and Devotion
Name
St. Bernadette Soubirous
Title
Virgin
Baptismal name
Marie Bernarde Soubirous
Birth
7 January 1844
Death
April 16, 1879
Recurrence
16 April
Martyrology
2004 edition
Beatification
14 June 1925, Rome, Pope Pius XI
Canonization
8 December 1933, Rome, Pope Pius XI
Prayer
Holy Virgin, in your glorious days, do not forget the sadness of the earth. Give a look of goodness to those who suffer who struggle against difficulties and who never cease to dip their lips in the bitterness of life. Have mercy on those who love each other and who have been separated. Have mercy on the loneliness of the heart. Have mercy on the weakness of our faith. Have mercy on the objects of our tenderness. Have mercy on those who cry, on those who pray, on those who fear and give everyone hope and Peace.
Protector
of the sick
Roman Martyrology
Nevers also in France, Saint Mary Bernarda Soubirous, virgin, who, born in the town of Lourdes to a very poor family, while still a young girl experienced the presence of the Blessed Immaculate Virgin Mary and, later, taking the religious habit, led a life of humility and hiding.
The Saint and Mission
Saint Bernadette Soubirous was an extraordinary witness to the mission of spreading the faith through her simple and profound testimony of faith. Despite her humble origins and fragile health, Bernadette courageously embraced her mission to share the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes with the world. Her determination to announce the message of hope and healing that she received from her visions has inspired many people to return to faith and find comfort in prayer. Her example reminds us that even ordinary people can be God’s instruments to spread the light of the Gospel and bring hope and consolation to those who need it.
The Saint and Mercy
Saint Bernadette Soubirous was a beacon of mercy, radiating love and compassion towards those who suffer. Through her Marian visions in Lourdes, she inspired millions of people to seek comfort and healing in the miraculous waters of divine forgiveness. Her example of humility and trust in the will of God continues to illuminate her souls, inviting them to live with a merciful heart, following her example of acceptance and universal love.
Hagiography
Her name was Maria Bernarda, and she was born in Lourdes, an unknown village in southern France. She was the daughter of a miller, who soon had to abandon his mill to live in poverty in the village. On the morning of February 11, 1858 it was cold, and there was no more firewood in the Soubirous house. Bernadette, with her sister Antonietta and…