Keeping St. Bernadette in Our Hearts

On Wednesday, April 16, St. Bernadette Catholic School recognized their patron saint's feast day. St. Bernadette started her life in poverty and was very ill. Therefore, she is known to be the patron saint of those who are sick, those that live in poverty and of shepherds. Her story changed forever at the age of 14 when she began a series of visitations. During her last visit, a beautiful lady made herself known as the Immaculate Conception, our heavenly Mother Mary.

 

Over the 9 days leading up to St. Bernadette's feast day, St. Bernadette Catholic School school prayed a novena, a concentrated special daily prayer where the school community brought forth a special intention that they brought to Mother Mary through St. Bernadette. Families brought forth anonymous intentions via a digital intention book that was also brought forth in prayer.

 

On the feast day, the school came together by division in the gymnasium. Mr. Linhares, the school principal, shared the story of St. Bernadette, and the students listened to a powerful song called "Why Me?", a song that was written from the perspective of St. Bernadette. While the song played, student representatives from each class came forth to bring an LED candle to present at the feet of St. Bernadette and Mother Mary. Students then followed in prayer as St. Bernadette wished, in reciting the rosary. Mrs. Dulny, a community partner who visits the school every month to pray the rosary with all classes. Mrs. Dulny led everyone in prayer as the candles that represented their intentions flickered away and the smell of fresh flowers helped transform the gym into a sacred space in honour St. Bernadette and heavenly Mother.