François and Louise Casterot’s first daughter, Bernadette, was born to them in France in 1844. The family was very poor, and by the age of 12 Bernadette was hired out as a servant. On February 11, 1858, she was collecting firewood and had a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Over the next five months, she had 17 more visions, was told to pray for the conversion of sinners, and led to a spring of healing water at Lourdes. Some of the townspeople thought Bernadette was crazy, but as miracles continued the spring at Lourdes became a pilgrimage site. Bernadette left Lourdes to join the Sisters of Charity in Nevers. She spent the rest of her life at the motherhouse where she was known for her embroidery and her humility.
CHALLENGE
According to St. Bernadette, there’s nothing special about the water at Lourdes. She said, “One must have faith and pray; the water will have no virtue without faith.” It’s common to place our faith only in what we see or can touch, but perfect faith comes in not seeing yet still believing. Throughout the day today, repeat the prayer of the possessed boy’s father found in Mark 9: “Jesus I believe, help my unbelief!”
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