(1844-1879) Virgin, born Lourdes, France; died Nevers, France. When only 14 years of age she witnessed 18 apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes, instructing her to make known to the world the miraculous healing powers which the Blessed Virgin would give to the waters there by her presence. In 1866 Bernadette joined the Sisters of Charity at Nevers and in 1878 took her perpetual vows. Beatified, 1925. Feast, in the dioceses of Nevers, Tarbes, and Lourdes, and in the chapels of the Sisters of Charity, May 12,.