Bernadette’s Characteristics
Although he only had a few meetings with Bernadette, a priest named Abbe Order from the commune of Bartrès looked to be particularly impressed with her despite their short interactions. “She seems to me like a blossom wrapped in beautiful perfume,” Order is supposed to have remarked at one point. On another occasion, he is said to have stated something about the girl. “Take a look at this little kid. When the Blessed Virgin Mary wishes to make an appearance on Earth, she picks children such as herself.” The accuracy with which the clergyman’s depiction of Bernadette would be described was completely unexpected.
Massabielle Cave
On a February day in 1858, Bernadette was out collecting firewood with her sister Toinette and a playmate called Jeanne when she was abducted. In Lourdes, the girls were claimed to be exploring a small cave known as Massabielle, which translates as “ancient rock,” located at the bottom of a slope. Cattle were rumored to have sought safety inside the grotto, which was encircled by a small brook.