St. Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes

St Bernadette is the well known visionary of Lourdes. Bernadette was born into poverty. On February 11, 1858 she was granted her first vision of Our Lady in a cave on the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. Bernadette faced much controversy when she publicized this vision. Yet, many still gathered at the cave when she continued to have visits from the Virgin Mary. On February 25, a spring emerged from the cave, flowing waters of miraculous healing. A Church was afterwards, erected at the site of the spring. Bernadette died at a convent in Nevers on April 16,1879. She was canonized in 1933 by Pope Pius XI. Pilgrims continue to flood to the shrine at Lourdes today, and the site has produced numerous healings. Her feast day is April 16th.