Bernadette of Lourdes - I am ground like a grain of wheat

Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes, France, died on April 16, 1879. 

Bernadette, pray for us

Bernadette, as a 14 year old, repeatedly saw visions - of a lady. She also received messages from this vision. 

It is believed that these visions are of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. 

Bernadette dug into the earth and a spring erupted which seemed to have healing powers. 5 million people come to Lourdes every year for the healing of these waters. 

Bernadette Soubirious died at age 35. She was riddled with tuberculosis of the bones and possibly bone cancer.

Bernadette Soubirous was declared venerable by Pope Pius X. She was declared "Blessed" on June 2, 1925, by Pope Pius XI. She was officially canonized as a Saint by Pope Pius XI on December 8, 1933.

As Bernadette lay dying, she was asked repeatedly, "Did you really see the Holy Mother?" Her answer was "Yes, Yes...I did.", even as she died.

She also said on her deathbed: "I am ground like a grain of wheat."

This meant that Bernadette was ground down to the core of her being. She was weak; she was sick. She was nearing death. She was only 35. 

Do not forget us, Father. 

All of us will be ground down like Bernadette, in the end. 

The young men and women who have died in combat and who are mentioned here have also been ground like a grain of wheat. And so have all of those that loved them. 

They are ground down in this world, but not in the next. 

Saint Bernadette Soubirous, pray for all who are mentioned here. Amen

All angels and all saints pray for the fallen. Amen

God the Father, have mercy on us. Do not forget us. Amen.