The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11th, is close to my heart. The first Saint I was ever aware of was St. Bernadette and the movie which made me keenly aware of the presence of Mary was The Song of Bernadette. It made such an impression on me that I joined the Children of Mary with their white dresses and blue sash. I read lots of books on Bernadette, my favorite being "Saint Bernadette Soubirous" by Abbe Fancois Trochu, and "A Holy Life" by Patricia McEachern. Renee de Laurentis also wrote delightful books on St. Bernadette. Among the many virtues of the Saint, it was her humility, simplicity and modesty , which spoke volumes to me. I believe that Mary is drawn irresistibly to these virtues and is very close to those who possess them. The story of Lourdes is closely linked to the story of suffering and February 11th is designated as World Day of Prayer for the Sick. It is no wonder that St. Bernadette was chosen since she was the perfect model of bearing our sufferings with patience, faith and love. Her life bears witness how God confounds the proud and lifts up the lowly.
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