Died: 1879

Canonized: 1933

Feast Day: April 16

Patron Saint of: shepherds

Bernadette, the oldest of six children, was born in Lourdes, France. The family's meager income came from her father's milling and her shepherding of the family flock. At the age of 14, between 11 February 1858 and 16 July 1858, Bernadette had 18 visions of the Immaculate Conception in a local grotto. During the visions, Mary requested prayer and penitence, asked for the construction of a new church, and led Bernadette to a fresh water spring which to this day is visited by pilgrims. Despite strong doubt and even opposition from political and church officials, Bernadette's faith in what she had witnessed remained steadfast and humble. In 1866, she retreated from the public eye to join a convent in Nevers. After much illness, she died at the age of 35.