St. Bernadette

St. Bernadette was a young French girl to whom Our Lady of Lourdes appeared in a series of apparitions in 1858. She was a miller’s daughter and she suffered from asthma.

Although her reports of the apparitions were initially not believed and she was ridiculed, eventually led to a shrine being built in Lourdes France. It has become a popular pilgrimage site for people seeking healing from the water in the spring there.

She is the patron saint of Bodily illness, shepherds and shepherdesses, against poverty, and people ridiculed for their faith. Her feast day is April 16.

Celebrate St. Bernadette by learning a little more about her or doing an activity related to the shrine at Lourdes:

Drip Drip Drop Game for Youth Ministry

This is a water game for teenagers which can be played indoors if you don't mind wiping up a few puddles at the end. It is basically Duck Duck Goose with water.

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This holy day is often misunderstood. It celebrates the conception of Mary, not Jesus.

Teaching and Reflection Questions on Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes appeared 18 times to St. Bernadette. Our Lady had several messages for this young girl. Here are some of them and some reflection questions.

Water Drop Race (Youth Ministry or VBS Game)

This is another indoor water game. It is not messy at all! This works well with any age group also. It would go well with any topic related to water, such as baptism, or a community theme, since the water drop sticks together.

The Immaculate Conception: An Act of Mercy

In this video, Sr. Therese Marie explains that the Immaculate Conception is an act of mercy.

Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in honor of her apparitions to St. Bernadette in Lourdes France. Our Lady of Lourdes is the patron saint of bodily ills, sick people, and protection from diseases. Her feast day is February 11.

Read About One Of The Saints

Saints are our Catholic heroes. They aren't perfect, but they are beautiful examples of the path to holiness. So try reading about some of the saints. Our Catholic children need good role models.

My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin

This book is a reflection on various saints who have impacted the life of Fr. James Martin. By reading his insights, you will learn about the history of these saints. He points out characteristics and flaws in them which we might see in ourselves and which might help us on our journey to sainthood.

115 Saintly Fun Facts

115 Saintly Fun Facts is a delightful way to look at the saints. So many books focus on how they died or what they suffered. This book focuses on what was really special and unique about these saints.