When and How to Pray to St. Bernadette
Pray when facing illness, when visiting Lourdes, or when you need the courage to be faithful in ordinary life. St. Bernadette is commonly commemorated on April 16; local calendars may differ. Her prayer can also accompany preparation for Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11. Add a personal intention, then pray a Hail Mary or spend a moment in silence.
Who Was St. Bernadette?
Bernadette Soubirous was the young girl who reported the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes in 1858. She later entered religious life at Nevers and died in 1879. EWTN’s biography describes her life and gives April 16 as her feast day.
Can I Pray to St. Bernadette for Healing?
Yes. You can ask her to intercede for physical healing, peace and strength, while entrusting the outcome to God. Her own life included serious illness. Seek appropriate medical care and, when seriously ill, ask your priest about the Anointing of the Sick (CCC 1514–1515).
How Is This Different from a Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes?
This prayer asks Bernadette’s intercession; the Lourdes prayer addresses the Blessed Virgin Mary. Both lead us to Christ. The separate Our Lady of Lourdes page provides that Marian prayer, so this page stays focused on Bernadette’s example and intercession.