Bernadette's Vision

I woke up this morning from a dream and realized it's been a while since I posted a blog. The dream was strange for sure and I only remember minute details. The one thing I clearly remember is someone asking me, "Do you know Bernadette's story". Not my story, Saint Bernadette.

I know the story well, she is someone I've seen as a role model to others facing hardships. Maybe because of my name I resonate with her, most likely though its other things. She was blessed with vision and stood alone. Interesting to note, On February 11, 1858 (yup tomorrow) marks the anniversary of the first visit she had with the Blessed Mother.

"St. Bernadette was born at Lourdes, France. Her parents were very poor and she herself was in poor health. One Thursday, February 11, 1858, when she was sent with her younger sister and a friend to gather firewood, a very beautiful Lady appeared to her above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle. The lovely Lady was dressed in blue and white. She smiled at Bernadette and then made the sign of the cross with a rosary of ivory and gold. Bernadette fell on her knees, took out her own rosary and began to pray the rosary. The beautiful Lady was God's Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. She appeared to Bernadette seventeen other times and spoke with her. She told Bernadette that she should pray sinners, do penance and have a chapel built there in her honor.

Many people did not believe Bernadette when she spoke of her vision. She had to suffer much. But one day Our Lady told Bernadette to dig in the mud. As she did, a spring of water began to flow. The next day it continued to grow larger and larger. Many miracles happened when people began to use this water. When Bernadette was older, she became a nun. She was always very humble. More than anything else, she desired not to be praised. Once a nun asked her if she had temptations of pride because she was favored by the Blessed Mother. "How can I?" she answered quickly. "The Blessed Virgin chose me only because I was the most ignorant." What humility! " ~ excerpt from catholic.org

I hope you remember her tomorrow as we mark the anniversary of her first visions and visitations. She taught us how to overcome illness, pride and loneliness. She is an exemplary symbol of a healer.