[N0help4u]

I need to know what Saint Bernadettes ministry was.
I read something about infirmary but wasn't sure how it applied to her being a saint.
Like what does she mean to people today?
Like I know that one of the saints people pray when they lose their keys.
Is she included in a similar prayer?

I am wondering because a Bernadette keeps appearing in my dreams.

[gromitt82]

To make it short I will copy what the Enciclopedy says about Saint Bernardette.

"Bernadette Soubirous is the saint of Lourdes, France. Visionary and messenger of the Immaculate Conception, she told us the very words of the Virgin Mary, spoken in the native Basque tongue of Southern France and Northern Spain. She spoke words teaching of the merits of prayer, penance, poverty and church. In the first and most widely recognized Marian apparition of modern times, a personal message was delivered also to Bernadette—She would not find happiness in this world, but only in the next.

She was to die twenty–one years later in 1879 after a prolonged and painful illness. She remained hidden in a convent about 300 miles from home, a refuge from the interrogations and the pilgrims that never ceased seeking her. At thirty–five, her strong–willed manner gave way to her frail body, and she finally entered into her eternal happiness.

While she took with her the knowledge of certain secrets the Virgin gave her, one secret remained hidden in our presence. The most spectacular of all the incorruptibles, Bernadette's miraculously preserved body remained buried in a damp grave for thirty years until the cause for beatification was taken up. To this day, the body of Bernadette is a profound source of inspiration and of mystery surrounding the ways of the Lord. The face of Bernadette is one of surreal beauty, and will remain for us always the face that gazed into the eyes of the Mother of God."

She is, naturally, worshipped by millions of people who every year visit the Sanctuary of Lourdes, in the south of France, where also every year, a number of miracolous cures are accounted for among the thousands of people who go there with the hope in their hearts and the faith in their souls.

[arcura]

gromitt82,
That is a good answer.
I can do no better.
Thanks much.
Fred

[De Maria]

To make it short I will copy what the Enciclopedy says about Saint Bernardette.

"Bernadette Soubirous is the saint of Lourdes, France. Visionary and messenger of the Immaculate Conception, she told us the very words of the Virgin Mary, spoken in the native Basque tongue of Southern France and Northern Spain. She spoke words teaching of the merits of prayer, penance, poverty and church. In the first and most widely recognized Marian apparition of modern times, a personal message was delivered also to Bernadette—She would not find happiness in this world, but only in the next.

She was to die twenty–one years later in 1879 after a prolonged and painful illness. She remained hidden in a convent about 300 miles from home, a refuge from the interrogations and the pilgrims that never ceased seeking her. At thirty–five, her strong–willed manner gave way to her frail body, and she finally entered into her eternal happiness.

While she took with her the knowledge of certain secrets the Virgin gave her, one secret remained hidden in our presence. The most spectacular of all the incorruptibles, Bernadette's miraculously preserved body remained buried in a damp grave for thirty years until the cause for beatification was taken up. To this day, the body of Bernadette is a profound source of inspiration and of mystery surrounding the ways of the Lord. The face of Bernadette is one of surreal beauty, and will remain for us always the face that gazed into the eyes of the Mother of God."

She is, naturally, worshipped by millions of people who every year visit the Sanctuary of Lourdes, in the south of France, where also every year, a number of miracolous cures are accounted for among the thousands of people who go there with the hope in their hearts and the faith in their souls.

I agree with almost everything which Grommit has said. However, we as Catholics do not "worship" St. Bernadette in the modern sense of the word.

In ancient times, the word "worship" meant to venerate or to adore. Today, worship no longer means to venerate but only to adore.

We, as Catholics, venerate St. Bernadette because of the favors which God blessed her with. We hold her in great esteem and honor. And we acknowledge her presence and favor before God signified by those favors which Grommit wrote about above. We do this by praying for her intercession before God. But we do so as to another Saint.

I hope that makes sense.

Sincerely,

De Maria

[arcura]

De Maria,
Yes it does make sense.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[gromitt82]

I agree with almost everything which Grommit has said. However, we as Catholics do not "worship" St. Bernadette in the modern sense of the word.

In ancient times, the word "worship" meant to venerate or to adore. Today, worship no longer means to venerate but only to adore.

We, as Catholics, venerate St. Bernadette because of the favors which God blessed her with. We hold her in great esteem and honor. And we acknowledge her presence and favor before God signified by those favors which Grommit wrote about above. We do this by praying for her intercession before God. But we do so as to another Saint.

I hope that makes sense.

Sincerely,

De Maria

You are absolutely right ans I apologize for my unduly using the word "worshipped" ,

My only possible excuse is that my mother language is not English but Spanish, and in this language the translation of "worship" also implies a fair amount of devotion towards someone or something. This was what I actually meant and it coincides with De Maria's comments hundred per cent.

I'm sorry.

[De Maria]

Hi, I don't see your questions answered point by point. So, I'll give it a shot.

I need to know what Saint Bernadettes ministry was.

What do you mean by her "ministry"?

When the Blessed Virgin appeared to her, her ministry was to follow the Virgin's instructions.

After the Visions were accepted. Her mission was to suffer as a Victim Soul for the sins of the world. But this was in secret between her and God alone.

Her chosen mission or vocation in life was to be a nun. She worked in the infirmary in the Sisters of Charity of Nevers convent where she became a Nun.

I read something about infirmary but wasn't sure how it applied to her being a saint.

You mean a "canonized" saint, right?

Her work in the infirmary would apply to her sainthood insofar as it was done with diligence and obedience to her superiors for the glory of God.

Like what does she mean to people today?

Her Sainthood?

All Saints are examples to us of how we are called to live our lives before God. They are also examples of how fallible and weak human beings can be taken to heights of heroism and love by the grace of God.

Like I know that one of the saints people pray when they lose their keys.
Is she included in a similar prayer?

She is the patron saint of the sick, of families, and of the poor.

Here are some prayers which she prayed and some which we direct to her intercession.
Prayers to Saint Bernadette Soubirous

I am wondering because a Bernadette keeps appearing in my dreams.

What does she say?

[arcura]

De Maria,
Very good. And your question "what does she say" is a good one.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[gromitt82]

De Maria,

You have covered the subject of St. Bernardette quite well. Congratulations. Have you ever been to Lourdes? I have, several times. It is worthwhile

[arcura]

gromitt82,
Lourdes is one place I would like to visit but never will, unfortunately.
Fred

[N0help4u]

Thanks
She doesn't say anything but more like trying to show me something or guide me/give me direction. With the way my life is going and the way the dreams go and the answers I have gotten here I would say that she is trying to show me about not find happiness in this world, but only in the next and that I maybe should be helping the poor and getting more into using what I have learned about alternative medicine to help people with their illnesses.

Thank you

[arcura]

N0help4u ,
That sound like the Saint is telling you a way to find SOME happiness in this life.
That is by helping others.
Perhaps you could give me some help with advice on alternative medicine for back pain.
Ever since I was on my back in a hospital bed for 4 weeks 2 years ago my back gives me trouble always from late afternoon on and some days all day.
Do you have any advice for me on that?
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[N0help4u]

Yes I have been praying about my wanting to go to Brooklyn New York to help children of addicted mothers for a start.
I really feel I don't have any purpose here where I grew up most of my life.

For back pain it can be difficult to pin point what is best depending on why it is hurting but for basics
Massage and acupuncture are good.
You can try capsicum muscle rub.
Vitamin D3, Hylaronic Acid
Calcium and magnesium
But with the magnesium you have to check to make sure it is safe with any medicines you take.

[arcura]

N0help4u,
Thank you very much.
I'll give that a try.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[gromitt82]

gromitt82,
Lourdes is one place I would like to visit but never will, unfortunately.
Fred

You never know! We like to say that the ways of GOD are unpredictable, and we can never be totally certain whether to morrow will still be here or perhaps we shall wake up in Sydney!

Who knows? However, if you ever decide to go there, let me know, and perhaps I will join you...

[arcura]

gromitt82,
With my physical condition as it is I can't go very far from home.
I have this colostomy pouch that often must be taken care of in my own bathroom.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[gromitt82]

gromitt82,
With my physical condition as it is I can't go very far from home.
I have this colostomy pouch that often must be taken care of in my own bathroom.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

I didn't know you have gone through that! I'm sorry. However, if I ever go again to Lourdes, I promise I shall send you a little sculpture of the Virgin.

Peace and kindness

[arcura]

gromitt82,
Thanks very much.
If you do go and send such a holy artifact I will cherish it.
Peace and kindness,
Fred