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The Relics of St Bernadette arrive at St Dunstan's in Woking this Friday (21 Oct). From Woking, they will travel to Arundel Cathedral (22-23 Oct), and Worth Abbey 23-24 Oct).

‍Bernadette Soubirous was born in 1844 in a small town in France, she was one of eight children born into a very poor family. Although initially unremarkable, St Bernadette’s life was to inspire generations of people to journey in faith on pilgrimage to Lourdes. Between 11 February and 16 July 1858, Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary eighteen times in a series of Apparitions that took place in a cave on the outskirts of Lourdes, a place now known as the Grotto of Massabielle. In the course of these miraculous encounters, Bernadette, then aged just 14, became the friend and confidante of Our Lady, the mother of Jesus.

The Apparitions of Lourdes were authenticated in 1866 by the Bishop of Tarbes. In that same year, Bernadette left Lourdes to live out her religious vocation within the community of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. She died in 1879, was proclaimed blessed in 1925, and became a saint in 1933.

People of all ages across our community of faith are warmly invited to visit the Sacred Relics of St Bernadette this Friday to Monday, experiencing the grace of Lourdes at three venues in our Diocese. To find out more about the visit, and the programmes for the three venues please click here.

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To find out more about the National St Bernadette Relic Tour or register your free place please visit the Tour's website.