Saint Bernadette of Lourdes Imagine, seeing something, hearing, something, experiencing something new and exciting. But when you go tell people about it, they don’t believe you. They think you are absolutely crazy and insane. This is what it was like when Saint Bernadette of Lourdes had her visions of the Virgin Mary. Bernadette of Lourdes, a saint, made contributions to the church such as building a chapel and digging water from a spring that miraculously healed people, after multiple sightings and encouragement by the Virgin Mary. Because of these actions, Bernadette of Lourdes is important to study in church history. There are many reasons why Bernadette of Lourdes is considered to be a saint in the church, but in order to understand …show more content…
However all of that soon changed as she grew into her teen years. The name Bernadette means, “as a brave as a bear.” (“Saint Bernadette’s First Vision at Lourdes”). As she grows up, you will see that Bernadette lives up to her name. Bernadette grew up in a poor family of eight and she suffered from many illnesses that continued to follow her throughout the rest of her life. (“Saint Bernadette’s First Vision at Lourdes”).These illnesses and sickness played a big part in Bernadette’s life but will later push her to keep going and be an example to others to not give up. Bernadette was the oldest of six children. (“Saint Bernadette’s First Vision at Lourdes”). Being the oldest, Bernadette also had to help take care of her family especially because they were very poor. Now that we have taken a look on Bernadette’s early life, I will explain how it all started, through her …show more content…
Bernadette received her first vision around the tie of her communion so she was about 10 years old at the time. (“Saint Bernadette’s First Vision at Lourdes”). In 1858, Bernadette was sent out along with her younger sister to collect wood for the fire. While in the woods, Bernadette encountered a women described as, “a woman wearing blue and white. She also carried a white and gold rosary.” With her rosary the woman made the sign of the cross. Immediately following the woman’s actions, Bernadette fell to her knees and began to pray for her sins and the sins of man. (“Saint Bernadette’s First Vision at Lourdes”). Bernadette received seventeen more vision within the next couple of months. These visions gave Bernadette small bits of encouragement which also helped her gain confidence despite her illnesses. (Nick Rabiipour). On February 27th and March 2nd, the Lady told Bernadette to build a small chapel and form processions. (“St. Bernadette Soubirous”). Bernadette also received a vision from the Lady telling her to dig water from a dormant spring. Bernadette was given tasks like this a few times and she willingly accepted them. Near the end of her life, Bernadette had her last vision from the Lady. She asked her what her name was and the Lady did not answer. Bernadette asked her a second time but again, the Lady did not answer. Finally, Bernadette asked a third time