Rediscover our patron, St. Bernadette, in questions and answers compiled by Fr. Regis-Marie de La Teyssonniere, chaplain of the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Q1. Who was Bernadette? 
Bernadette Soubirous was the oldest daughter of Francois Soubirous, a miller, and Louise Casterot, a miller’s daughter. She was born at Boly Mill in Lourdes on January 7 1844. She was baptised at her local parish church in Lourdes on January 9 1844 on the day of her parents first wedding anniversary.

Q2. Did Bernadette have a happy childhood?
Bernadette suffered from asthma from an early age. She was mortified when her father, accused of having stolen two bags of flour, was thrown into prison. Nevertheless Bernadette’s childhood was still happy because of her parents’ love. Despite their extreme poverty, love was at the heart of the family who remained united throughout times of hardship. Pride, humility and prayer were perhaps the three pillars of the Soubirous household. This privileged family environment ensured that Bernadette was not just a happy child but it also played a huge part in the rest of her life, creating a very well adjusted individual.