I am very happy to announce that I was asked to become a contributor for the popular Catholic website, Catholic Exchange. My first piece has been published today. You can start reading it here and then jump over to Catholic Exchange to finish and let me know what you think. God bless!
A Few Lessons from the Life of St. Bernadette
The story of Saint Bernadette Soubirous is well known throughout the Church because of her remarkable connection to the Marian apparitions at Lourdes. St. Bernadette was a young, simple, and impoverished girl who was chosen by Our Lord and Our Lady to witness a miracle. Today marks the anniversary of her death. She died on April 16, 1879. She died devoting her personal suffering to Christ and with these words on her lips: “Blessed Mary, Mother of God, pray for me! A poor sinner, a poor sinner—“. She was canonized in 1933. Her rather recent canonization means that she is a great saint to learn from in our current era. There are many things to learn from the life of this great saint, but today we will focus on these examples: child-like wonder and obedience, trust, and perseverance.
Child-like Wonder and Obedience
St. Bernadette grew up in humble circumstances marred by poverty. In fact, at the time the apparitions of Our Lady began, she and her family dwelt in a one room basement residence that had previously been a jail. She spent much of her life suffering from chronic breathing problems and was never physically strong. She had great faith, however, and worked hard to receive her first Holy Communion when many did not take her desires seriously. Her dedication to her faith would prove invaluable when the extraordinary events that began on February 11, 1858 changed her life forever….finish reading over at Catholic Exchange.
Swimming the Depths 
Thank you for this; it was very uplifting
Thank you for reading! God bless.
“There are many things to learn from the life of this great saint, but today we will focus on these examples: child-like wonder and obedience, trust, and perseverance…..” Constance, I felt really bad about the criticisms you received about not including certain facts about St. Bernadette. I would like to suggest that these people re-read your focus on St. Bernadette, written in this sentence above. You stayed on your topic of these three qualities very beautifully. I liked the “child-like wonder” quality and was what caused me to read further. The reason is that more so than ever, in these last few years, Jesus’ words have been quite prominent to me for all of us when He gave us a clear-cut ultimatum: “Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” “Unless” is really clear that we adult children need to trust in God’s Promises.
Judith,
Thank you! The reality is that when we choose to write for larger websites, people will agree and disagree with our work. Individuals will take from my writing and the writing of others what they choose. I would never intentionally write in error and as you noted, I was writing a generalized meditation, not a biography. I did not have the word count to give a full biographical account of St. Bernadette and only wished to portray certain lessons we can glean from her overall reactions and life in general terms. I think that a certain level of child-like wonder is universal in approved Marian apparitions, even in the adults who have received them. I had the Scripture passage in mind that you cited above. Thank you for reading and commenting. I hope that God continues to bless you throughout this Easter season.
Pax Christi,
Constance
“…I would never intentionally write in error and as you noted, I was writing a generalized meditation, not a biography.” The child-like wonder that you exhibit in your description of St. Bernadette and her qualities lends to the belief that you would not intentionally write in error. It shows! Keep up the openness to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for us, your followers. I’ll have to look into G.K. Chesterton more deeply now that you have commented on his writings. God Bless you, Judith