18th February2008,

1848—2008
150th Anniversary of the Apparitions
Celebration of Bernadette’s Feastday

Bernadette was attracted quite naturally to the very poor, no doubt because in her youth, she herself had experience of insecurity, destitution and marginalization.

“The Blessed Virgin chose me because I was very poor and had no education”..

“Will you oblige me by coming…”

Do we want to oblige her by coming to celebrate Mass with Father Philip Viviers, the Vicar General who will preside, in union with our Bishop Father Deniau, who has been invited to Lourdes today? by coming to participate in this Mass with all the priests of the diocese; with Christians from the Nievre too, those in Lourdes and around the world? by coming to listen to the Word of God with Father Jo Rival Chaplain to Catholic Aid; to listen to this Word which challenges us at Expace Bernadette and Catholic Aid, to work together in providing a welcome for the most deprived ? by coming to pray with the Catholic Aid local team who prepared this celebration? Do we, Sisters of Charity of Nevers want to be sent out like Bernadette as witnesses to God’s Love. On the 18th February 150 years ago Bernadette heard this disturbing invitation – “Will you oblige me by coming here for the next fortnight? Her response was a commitment that gave direction to her life. To welcome us let us ask for each other that the Holy Spirit will awaken in us a response which is a commitment to become what we are about to share, to live with the very life of God.

(Nicolas Joanne, Director of Espace Bernadette)

“What attracts me to Bernadette is her humility and simplicity as well as her energy and perseverance in accepting the Master’s call through Mary…Still today she directs us towards people’s concerns, questions and yearnings”.
(A Sister of Nevers, in Spane)

“Because in complete confidence she accepted the Father’s love for her and responded with love, thus giving a very precious witness to the Church. Her ardent love for Jesus impresses me very much”.
(A Sister of Nevers, in Korea)