Initially, St. Bernadette's pastor didn't believe that she was seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary appear to her; no doubt it would be a difficult thing to believe!Father Joe talks in front of the parish church where St. Bernadette was baptized and received her First Holy Communion. 

Turn to any page of St. Faustina’s Diary, and you’ll find spiritual gems, like this one: Thursday. Although I was very tired today, I nevertheless resolved to make a Holy Hour. I could not pray, nor could I remain kneeling, but I remained in prayer for a whole hour and united myself in spirit with those souls who are already worshiping God in the perfect way. [Then Jesus said to me,] Your prayer is extremely pleasing to Me (Diary, 691).

Saint Bernadette was born into a loving family that lived at a mill until they fell on hard times. She was a small girl but was loved dearly and she was brought up in the faith. Learn more about her upbringing as we continue our virtual Marian pilgrimage with Fr. Joseph Roesch, MIC.The beautifully photographed book "France: A Pilgrimage with Mary" is now available at ShopMercy.org