St. Mary-Bernardette Soubirous, Virgin

St. Mary-Bernardette Soubirous was a French Catholic saint who lived from 1844 to 1879. She is best known for her visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes, France in 1858. Bernardette experienced a series of apparitions at the Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary identified herself as the "Immaculate Conception." This led to the establishment of a major Catholic pilgrimage site at Lourdes. Bernardette is venerated for her humility, piety, and miraculous visions. She is the patron saint of those who suffer from poverty and illness.