Bernadette’s Body after a long 122 years…
This is amazing! The thing to remember is that the poor sisters of those days were buried in a pine box and in no way embalmed like today.
St. Bernadette’s Body after 122 years is one of the 200+ miracle facts of incorruptible bodies that can only be traced to most of the declared saints of the Roman Catholic Church.
St. Bernadette Soubirous
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.
Scientists have wondered about this because it defies the laws  of nature and instead of expecting a foul smell of a dead body, a fragrance of flowers can be experienced when the glass of coffin is opened.  Some say  they experience the fragrance by just going near the coffin. You can visit the Church of Lourdes , France to verify yourself the authenticity of this truly  wonderful experience and see for yourself a living miracle of our times.
It’s wax. Stop lying to people. It’s lies like this that attribute to giving Christians a bad name!
Please research. This corpses face is made from wax and even the church admitted many years ago that there were large patches of mildew and calcium salts on her. No miricle or anything of the sort here.
Seems it was somewhat miraculous, but not to the extent this article makes out (according to wikipedia anyway) : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernadette_Soubirous#Exhumations
How my heart is saddened by comments such as these. God is capable of miracles far beyond this, and you will experience this personally, since the warning is imminent. Do not doubt God, this is simply a signpost left by one who followed the wishes of Jesus. God bless you all.
Unbelievable comments from non believers… Why are you looking up sites like this if you don’t believe – and then chose to comment? The struggle soul works in strange ways…
And who refers to Wiki anyway? :-)
The original Sisters scrubbed her face… not thinking anything of it after she was first exhumed… so what? This doesn’t account for her inner mouth… other supple features… smell, or lack of… Plus there are others like her.
Jesus says that their would be many miracles unexplainable and yet still many wont believe. Look up the Holy Face of Manoppello, or look at the glaring mistakes of the secular worlds effort to denounce the Shroud of Turin… Or The Miracle Eucharist of Lanciano. All modern science can’t explain :) Live bold cells my friends… St Bernadette is equally as amazing! :-)
Hello Laurie. I am a Catholic with theological studies. May I please ask what is your source for saying that “Jesus says that their would be many miracles unexplainable and yet still many wont believe.”???
Thanks and God bless, Luis
St. Bernadette is in Nevers, France at the convent she served at until her death.
St. Bernadette is in a chapel in the Church of St. Gildard at the convent in Nevers where she lived for thirteen years. She has remained undisturbed and on view in this chapel since August 3, 1925. The Sisters of Charity and Christian Instruction at Nevers are not secretive about the body of St. Bernadette. They welcome visitors, and encourage learning about the life example and messages of their sister saint.
There are literally thousands of saints whose bodies are incorruptible…..what happened with some is that the people who looked after the body would sometimes think they needed to be washed for whatever reason I cannot understand. Bob and Penny Lord have documented these cases.
You’re always going to get people that will do anything to deny miracles or anything that points to them. They’ll visit anti-sites, make up lies, or exaggerate and twist. No, she is not made of wax. Please do the proper honest research and stop lying to people. The information should come from those who exumed/examined her body and gave their testimonies (which were under oath). http://www.catholicpilgrims.com/lourdes/bb_bernadette_body.htm
Actually, in my original post I was agreeing that this is pretty amazing (hence “somewhat miraculous”).
However, according to wiki and the link which Bex posted (and wherever GW got his/her info from), there was some mildew and a build up of calcium salts on her skin. Also her face – ONLY her face – was covered with wax. The above article didn’t mention this. But even taking this into account, I still think it’s pretty amazing. As the quote from the doctor says on both wiki and Bex’s link, it didn’t seem a natural phenomenon.
I’m not sure what’s wrong with refering to wiki. And just for the record, I didn’t look this site up, the link to this page was given to me by someone. :)
Anyway I’m out of this discussion.
I refer to both the ministry of Jesus, revelation and those of the Apostles and subsequent Saints, seers and religious works. With the understanding that the Father, Son & Holy Spirit are one in the Trinity – Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to continue to nurture, guide and direct His Church.
Just as today’s Gospel includes Matthew 7:26 – we get commentary of both Jesus’ works, and future works and words from the Holy Spirit working in all ages and in the present.
We get told to look for signs in the Bible – and yet many still not see. Many are closed to the workings of the current workings of the Lord.
Throughout the rich history of the Church, it’s teachings through the Popes & Saints about Catholic eschatology and the past present & coming warnings… Through the many Marian Movements… The Miracles of The Shroud of Turin, the Holy Face or the various Eucharist miracles… The miracle of the Sun at Fatima… Miracles such as this with St Bernadette.. many miracles that the secular, other religious & non Catholic Christians refuse to believe…
Now I ask, how do we know that this would happen? Who’s words did we refer to? As we believe and know since Pentecost that Jesus’ Words, through the Holy Spirit continues to guide the faithful. So I say refer to your Saints and their recorded writings! Refer to the writings of St Francis of Assisi, refer to St John Bosco, St John Vianny, St Theresa of Avila, St Augustine, St Cyril from the 4th century, St Hildegard…. The list is long and far! These Saints talk first hand, with inspiration of God. But at the end of the day, one needs faith to distinguish the truth of the miracles around us, both the new and the foretold… both in our personal lives, the world around us and to those within it the world over.
People without faith do not see them. They have grown apart from their Creator… so no length of justification and reference will persuade them… Jesus Himself has said:
“All things are delivered to me by my Father. And no one knoweth the Son, but the Father: neither doth any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom it shall please the Son to reveal him. ”
Matthew 11:27
So from this, we understand that one can not see the Miracles around us, because they that reject God are far from Him to be able to see and accept the truth. God does not reveal Himself to those that push human logic and intellect. It’s trying to fit a round into a square hole. It just won’t go… Likewise, one must become humble and approach God like a child.
We know through Our Catholic faith in Jesus, understanding the whole Bible, listing to the Church, knowing the Saints… and receiving our very own communications with Christ through our own conscious. This is assisted by the relationships we have with our Guardian Angel. Our Guardian Angel is of God, thus, when we are open to God, our Guardian Angel is able to help us – just a voice in our head helping us to perceive truth and to make the right choices.
So, with the above as my starting reference to your question – I also respond to your question with the sense that you are a Protestant? For if you were Catholic, I would simply say, pray more and the truth will be given to you. But if you are searching for truth from another Christian denomination, I suggest you research the writings of the Saints and cross reference this with the teachings of the Catholic Church. For time is short. Our Generation the world over will be tested very soon – and one must be strong in faith, and know and welcome Jesus to walk by their side, in order to be strong enough sustain the coming conflict.
Live each day as it is your last – place Jesus first, ask for His mercy, in return you will be given love and wisdom and protection to come.
God Bless :-)
Sorry reread your question – Catholic with theological studies… Ok. So are you a convert or from birth? Are you one of spiritual faith or from practical evidence based on human interpretation? Are you a St Thomas or a St Andrew. St Thomas had to touch for himself, but St Andrew was touched by God! :-) Our faith is a living faith. So from Jesus’ ministry through the ages to now, there are many writings and spiritual truths that can be found both written and taught through seers, Marian Apparitions, Sacred Heart revelations and much more… So my reference is essentially the Catholic Church and her teachings…
Furthermore, I bet all you believe our solar system is in the center of the galaxy, we’re the only galaxy in the universe, and there is no other life but us. C’mon… If there is a god, would he really bore himself with only creating us? I wouldn’t! I would make tons of galaxies (which there are) and other forms of life (which there probably is) just for the hell of it. All you religious squirrels are so arrogant as to think a perfect being would devote his infinity to meager folk like humans. Please, and I bet you think science is a lie.
By the way, what makes you better than a Protestant? Last I checked, all Christian religions followed the same diety. This is why there’s war people, it’s because of attitudes like that. You have the “holier than thou” chip on your shoulder. Get off your high horses and learn to coexist! Jesus H. Christ, you people give me a headache sometimes!
I am Roman Catholic and I have the original certificate to prove this, how can any human believe that a human body subject to birth and death could ever look like that?, please tell me how! The pope is supposed to be the holiest man on the earth and look at this man and his comportment then tell me about being a believer? oh and also is Jesus still coming on a donkey from the heavens, and does anyone have a date for this event?. Do you all really think you can make up this stuff and expect us to believe this forever, and one last thing, all these godly priests, why do they have to do the nasty with the young boys?
THIS IS TRUE. THIS IS A TRUE MIRACLE, A WORK OF NOT HUMAN ORIGIN. BELIEVE. BELIEVE. BELIEVE IN THE MANISFISTATION OF GOD’S DIVINITY, POWER AND LOVE. NO MAN, NO HUMAN BEING COULD EVEN DO SUCH THING. IF YOU DONT BELIEVE IN THIS DIVINE MANIFESTATION, THEN, SOMETHING WILL BE REVEALED TO YOU….AND YOUR EYES WILL BE OPENED.
THERE IS NO LIE IN THIS STORY. DO NOT SUPRESS THE HOLY SPIRIT WHEN IT IS REVEALED TO HUMANITY. WHEN SOME PEOPLE QUESTIONED IT, JUST REMEMBER, THE DEVIL ALWAYS TRY TO HIDE THE TRUTH AND CONFUSE THE MIND OF THE PEOPLE. REMEMBER, ITS ALWAYS A BATTLE OF BELIEVING AND NOT BELIEVING, OF THE TRUTH AND OF LIES, OF GOOD AND EVIL, OF ABEL AND CAIN, OF LOGIC AND OF FAITH. BUT WOE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE SO MUCH OF THEIR INTELLECT, OF THOSE WHO PUT REASON ON EVERYTHING. THEY WILL NEVER GET SATISFACTION AND TRUE HAPPINESS BECAUSE THEY ARE LIVING AND FOLLOWING THEIR OWN WILL AND WORSHIP THEIR OWN INTELLIGENCE. BUT WHO GIVE YOU SUCH MIND? AND WHO DEVELOP IT?
they added a fine wax to protect the skin from mildew and irritation, NOT a wax mask.Pray for us St. Bernadette
If you look at photo 3 and photo 4, it is clear that eyebrows, eye shape and above all, nose shape have changed. The face has either been remodelled or it is not the same woman. Photo 4, presumably the most authentic, shows a hooked nose and heavy eyebrows. Photographs of Bernadette during her life also show dark heavy brows. In photo 3 the face has fine brows, as if plucked, and a perfectly straight nose. If there is a God, I assume He gave us eyes to see with and brains to think with, but some people will obligingly see whatever they are shown by a priest. They confuse blind obedience with morality.
And, Maria, along with brains with which to think, a heart which is open to the amazing things which He has done. Your skepticism is irrelevant to the truth. And it is absolutely appropriate that as a sign of the victory that Jesus (and belief in Him) have over death, Bernadette’s body would become MORE beautiful over time. She who gazed upon the Immaculate Conception, continues to reflect the beauty upon which she looked, and the beauty of how life in the Spirit will transform those who believe, both in this life and in the next. Hope you can work out your issues before meeting face to face that “God” whom you doubt.
Christine is correct, I viewed the body of St. Bernadette at the convent in Nevers France 54 years ago. Unless her body has been moved to Lourdes it still rests at Nevers. The original post is not accurate in that respect.
I ran across the account of this saint. for years i have tried to heal my Catholic faith and have been unable to. In 2001, I was invasively hurt by the actions of a nun who visited our home in a manner that I do not wish to discuss. I want to move forward but I have been very stuck to the point hat I do not attend Mass. My son is a youth minister. My husband is devout, and I just can’t walk through those doors. Reading the prayers of St. Bernadette and about her infirmity, I realize that there are trials we undergo in this life and if we have faith, we can overcome them to find a way to be closer to God. I allowed someone’s actions to drive a wedge between me and God. This simple saint with a faith more valuable than any gold in this world, is, by her words and prayers, showing me, that in her suffering, she chose to be close to Jesus and following her example, I will step forward and try again. Thank you St. Bernadette. You are now my patron saint and guardian angel. Lillian – abuse survivor
That “body” is fake and I can’t believe people actually believe it’s real.
It’s just all about “faith”, huh?
Looks like the person who created this wax body forgot a beauty mark! LMAO!
Dear Heather the reason there are wars is that people have not listened to the way God want has taught to live our lives. If we all did Earth could be a paradise. Some people choose to live their life in the way Jesus taught. It’s called “free will”. If you choose to live your life denying God’s existence well God loves you and will always be there waiting for you. Some people have used religion for THEIR own Agenda. I don’t believe it is God’s will. Lead a truthful life and have your comments bring out the best in people.
FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE NO MIRACLES ARE NEEDED BUT FOR THOSE WHO DON’T NO MIRACLES CAN MAKE THEM BELIEVE.
On the 60 Minutes show on 12/18/22 it stated the Catholic Church has recognized 70 miracles related to the Bernadette Soubirous story of seeing the Miraculous Conception. I never knew this and was shocked because of how resistant the church is to declaring a miracle.
I am a cradle Catholic and I believe that St. Bernabette is truly an incorruptible saint. Period.