It was our last day in Lourdes before heading back to Paris in the evening.
We spent the day following in the footsteps of St. Bernadette, beginning at her paternal home, the Maison of St. Bernadette, where she spent ten years of her happy childhood. At that time, her family owned a flour mill, and Bernadette was the eldest of nine siblings.
However, when she was around ten years old, the family’s business failed and they went bankrupt. Her father had no choice but to move the family to Le Cachot—a former prison cell used as a small dungeon.
There, the family ate, slept, and lived together in a single, cramped room. Despite the hardship, Bernadette’s faith was not shaken. She was hardworking and eager to help her family, working as a wood gatherer and missing school as a result.
Her life changed forever on 11 February, when she went to gather wood with her siblings near the Massabielle Grotto. It was there that she experienced the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In total, Bernadette experienced 18 apparitions. During these encounters, Our Lady asked her to dig the ground, from which a spring of water miraculously emerged. She also asked that a small chapel be built and that people pray the Rosary for the repentance of sinners.
Even after the apparitions, Bernadette’s life did not become easier. She faced intense pressure and questioning from the clergy, the public, and government authorities who doubted her testimony. Yet she remained steadfast, calm, and pure in her faith.
Eventually, Bernadette moved to Nevers, where she consecrated her life to God and lived as a nun until her death.
Following her humble footsteps was deeply enriching and moving.
We also visited the Château Fort (the Rocca), where we learned about traditional Pyrenean life and enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of Lourdes, a fitting and peaceful way to conclude our pilgrimage.
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