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The Song of Bernadette by Franz Werfel
This story has interested me for years. It is the story of Saint Bernadette. Bernadette was a young, poor girl living in Lourdes, France. She was not particularly smart or gifted and suffered from severe asthma. When she was fourteen years old, she had a vision/visitation from who was later to believed to be the virgin Mary. These visitations continued daily for fourteen days, and then occasionally thereafter. The visitor’s messages included instructions to eat nearby herbs and drink from a spring (which seemed to have healing powers) have a processional, and build a cathedral. Years later, Bernadette became a Catholic nun and shortly after her death was granted sainthood by the Catholic church.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I can’t help but compare Joseph Smith’s story. He was fourteen years old when visited by God, the Father and the Son. He too was given a message, but, unlike Bernadette’s, his message was world changing. He, like Bernadette was doubted and persecuted, but, in almost the same words, both said they had seen a vision and they knew God knew it and they could not deny it.
I know that Joseph’s story is true. I don’t know the truth of Bernadette’s story, but it was so interesting to read and think about. It is a beautiful book. There is a movie of the same title that I would like to see.
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