About St. Bernadette
St. Bernadette Soubirous was born on January 7, 1844, in Lourdes, France. Raised in a poor family, she was known for her simplicity, humility, and deep love for God.
Between February 11 and July 16, 1858, Bernadette experienced eighteen apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle. During one of these apparitions, Our Lady identified herself by saying, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” At Mary’s request, Bernadette uncovered the miraculous spring at Lourdes, which has since become one of the world’s greatest pilgrimage sites, associated with countless reported healings.
Later in life, Bernadette entered the Sisters of Charity and Christian Instruction at Nevers, where she lived a hidden life of prayer, humility, and suffering. She died on April 16, 1879, at the age of thirty-five.
She was canonized by Pope Pius XI on December 8, 1933. Today, St. Bernadette remains one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church and is a model of humility, purity, and unwavering faith.
Feast Day: April 16 (Roman Catholic Church)
Who was St. Bernadette?
St. Bernadette Soubirous was the young French girl who received eighteen apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes in 1858. Her humility, obedience, and deep faith led to one of the greatest Marian pilgrimage sites in the world.
What is the St. Bernadette Novena for?
Catholics commonly pray the St. Bernadette Novena for:
- Physical healing
- Spiritual healing
- Humility
- Trust in God’s will
- Strength during suffering
- Healing from illness
- Family intentions
- Peace of heart
- Special personal intentions
When should I pray the St. Bernadette Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time of the year. Many Catholics begin it on April 7, concluding on her feast day of April 16. Others pray it before February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
How do I pray the St. Bernadette Novena?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross, pray the novena prayer while presenting your intention, and conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father
- Pray One: Hail Mary
- Pray One: Glory Be
Repeat this prayer for nine consecutive days.
What is St. Bernadette the patron saint of?
St. Bernadette is commonly regarded as the patron saint of:
- The sick
- Shepherds and shepherdesses
- The poor
- People ridiculed for their faith
- Lourdes pilgrims
- Those seeking healing and hope
Can I pray the St. Bernadette Novena for healing?
Yes. Many faithful pray this novena for healing of body, mind, and soul. While God alone grants miracles according to His holy will, Catholics confidently ask for St. Bernadette’s intercession, especially for those suffering from illness or hardship.
Why is Lourdes associated with miracles?
During the apparitions, the Blessed Virgin Mary directed St. Bernadette to uncover a spring at the grotto. Since then, millions of pilgrims have visited Lourdes, and the Church has carefully investigated and officially recognized numerous miraculous healings attributed to God’s grace through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Is the St. Bernadette Novena approved by the Catholic Church?
Yes. The St. Bernadette Novena is a private Catholic devotion inspired by the life and witness of St. Bernadette. While novenas are not part of the Church’s official liturgy, they are a cherished tradition that helps the faithful grow in faith, perseverance, and trust in God through the intercession of the saints.
| Novena Begins: | April 7 |
| Feast Day: | April 16 |
Name Meaning: “Brave as a Bear”
Patron Saint of: Illness, Poverty, Lourdes France
Day 1 – St. Bernadette Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Jesus, give me, I pray, the bread of humility, the bread of obedience, the bread of charity, the bread of strength to break my will and make it one with Yours, the bread of patience to bear the pain my heart endures, and the grace to see You, and You alone, in all things and at all times.
“I put my hope in You, Lord. Be my house of refuge, for You are my strength.”
“He is sufficient for me. Jesus alone is my wealth.”
Through the humble intercession of St. Bernadette, I ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Help me to follow the example of St. Bernadette by embracing humility, trusting completely in Your providence, and remaining faithful to Your holy will in every circumstance.
Amen.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Bernadette Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Jesus, give me, I pray, the bread of humility, the bread of obedience, the bread of charity, the bread of strength to break my will and make it one with Yours, the bread of patience to bear the pain my heart endures, and the grace to see You, and You alone, in all things and at all times.
“I put my hope in You, Lord. Be my house of refuge, for You are my strength.”
“He is sufficient for me. Jesus alone is my wealth.”
Through the humble intercession of St. Bernadette, I ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Help me to follow the example of St. Bernadette by embracing humility, trusting completely in Your providence, and remaining faithful to Your holy will in every circumstance.
Amen.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Bernadette Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Jesus, give me, I pray, the bread of humility, the bread of obedience, the bread of charity, the bread of strength to break my will and make it one with Yours, the bread of patience to bear the pain my heart endures, and the grace to see You, and You alone, in all things and at all times.
“I put my hope in You, Lord. Be my house of refuge, for You are my strength.”
“He is sufficient for me. Jesus alone is my wealth.”
Through the humble intercession of St. Bernadette, I ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Help me to follow the example of St. Bernadette by embracing humility, trusting completely in Your providence, and remaining faithful to Your holy will in every circumstance.
Amen.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Bernadette Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Jesus, give me, I pray, the bread of humility, the bread of obedience, the bread of charity, the bread of strength to break my will and make it one with Yours, the bread of patience to bear the pain my heart endures, and the grace to see You, and You alone, in all things and at all times.
“I put my hope in You, Lord. Be my house of refuge, for You are my strength.”
“He is sufficient for me. Jesus alone is my wealth.”
Through the humble intercession of St. Bernadette, I ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Help me to follow the example of St. Bernadette by embracing humility, trusting completely in Your providence, and remaining faithful to Your holy will in every circumstance.
Amen.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Bernadette Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Jesus, give me, I pray, the bread of humility, the bread of obedience, the bread of charity, the bread of strength to break my will and make it one with Yours, the bread of patience to bear the pain my heart endures, and the grace to see You, and You alone, in all things and at all times.
“I put my hope in You, Lord. Be my house of refuge, for You are my strength.”
“He is sufficient for me. Jesus alone is my wealth.”
Through the humble intercession of St. Bernadette, I ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Help me to follow the example of St. Bernadette by embracing humility, trusting completely in Your providence, and remaining faithful to Your holy will in every circumstance.
Amen.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Bernadette Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Jesus, give me, I pray, the bread of humility, the bread of obedience, the bread of charity, the bread of strength to break my will and make it one with Yours, the bread of patience to bear the pain my heart endures, and the grace to see You, and You alone, in all things and at all times.
“I put my hope in You, Lord. Be my house of refuge, for You are my strength.”
“He is sufficient for me. Jesus alone is my wealth.”
Through the humble intercession of St. Bernadette, I ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Help me to follow the example of St. Bernadette by embracing humility, trusting completely in Your providence, and remaining faithful to Your holy will in every circumstance.
Amen.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Bernadette Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Jesus, give me, I pray, the bread of humility, the bread of obedience, the bread of charity, the bread of strength to break my will and make it one with Yours, the bread of patience to bear the pain my heart endures, and the grace to see You, and You alone, in all things and at all times.
“I put my hope in You, Lord. Be my house of refuge, for You are my strength.”
“He is sufficient for me. Jesus alone is my wealth.”
Through the humble intercession of St. Bernadette, I ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Help me to follow the example of St. Bernadette by embracing humility, trusting completely in Your providence, and remaining faithful to Your holy will in every circumstance.
Amen.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Bernadette Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Jesus, give me, I pray, the bread of humility, the bread of obedience, the bread of charity, the bread of strength to break my will and make it one with Yours, the bread of patience to bear the pain my heart endures, and the grace to see You, and You alone, in all things and at all times.
“I put my hope in You, Lord. Be my house of refuge, for You are my strength.”
“He is sufficient for me. Jesus alone is my wealth.”
Through the humble intercession of St. Bernadette, I ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Help me to follow the example of St. Bernadette by embracing humility, trusting completely in Your providence, and remaining faithful to Your holy will in every circumstance.
Amen.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Bernadette Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Jesus, give me, I pray, the bread of humility, the bread of obedience, the bread of charity, the bread of strength to break my will and make it one with Yours, the bread of patience to bear the pain my heart endures, and the grace to see You, and You alone, in all things and at all times.
“I put my hope in You, Lord. Be my house of refuge, for You are my strength.”
“He is sufficient for me. Jesus alone is my wealth.”
Through the humble intercession of St. Bernadette, I ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Help me to follow the example of St. Bernadette by embracing humility, trusting completely in Your providence, and remaining faithful to Your holy will in every circumstance.
Amen.
St. Bernadette, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…