St. Bernadette Soubirous
St. Bernadette Soubirous
Quiet Informer 1844–1879
Patronage Asthma, Illness, Lourdes, Receiving Attention, & Being Bullied
Feast Day April 16
Bernadette was young, living in poverty, and lacked education. Bernadette entered a trancelike state in her visions of the Blessed Mother 16 times at the grotto. One, in which she was told to dig in the mud and drink, allowed for the miraculous healing waters of Lourdes to flow upward. She never liked the attention she received for seeing Mary, but took it all with humility.
Small Snippet
Saint Bernadette, intercede to the Holy Ghost that I may have humility and class when the spotlight is thrust upon me.
Prayer
Artistic Process
I couldn’t find the name of the photographer, but this is an actual photo of Bernadette praying the rosary in the 1800s.
Original Photo
Cherry Blossom Flowers
There’s an image of Our Lady of Lourdes at Our Lady of Mercy, Hicksville, NY. I love this stainglass and would often sit next it during daily mass just so I could gaze at it. Since Bernadette was in this image, I thought it would be perfect to add its plants to my depiction of her.
Stain Glass
Parrot Tulips
The delicate wisps of the petals immediately made me think of Bernadette. Her vision of the Blessed Mother. This flower was unexpected and felt right.
When I studied abroad in Paris, I have a distinct memory of these petals on the ground. I took these photos across the street in front of my neighbors’ house.
