Thursday, February 18, 1999
Thursday February 18:
Lenten Weekday and
Optional Feast of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, Virgin, Religious and Lourdes VisionaryPurple or violet vestments
First Reading: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
Psalms: Psalm 1: 1-4, 6; 39: 5
Gospel Reading: Luke 9: 22-25
Optional Feast of Saint Bernadette Soubirous
Born at Lourdes, France, in 1844, Saint Bernadette Soubirous is honored the world over as the recipient of the Blessed Mother's pronouncement: "I am the Immaculate Conception." This supernatural confirmation of the doctrine proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854 occurred on March 25, 1858. Our Lady appeared to the little peasant girl eighteen times during the early part of that year. These apparitions took place in the grotto at Massabielle, where, at the direction the Blessed Virgin, Bernadette uncovered a miraculous spring, the waters of which have been instrumental in the manifestation of many cures and miracles. Bernadette was doubted by all, her family, parish priest, townspeople but she steadfastly persevered and became a nun with the Sisters of Notre Dame. She died at the age of 35 at Nevers, France on April 16, 1879 and proof of authenticity, not just in Church approval of Lourdes, but in the visionary herself was manifested in the fact to this day her body remains incorrupt.
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