Published : 2025-02-26

Bernadette Soubirous' letter found after 45 years of neglect

This handwritten letter was written on 23 March 1865 by Bernadette Soubirous, three years after the Lourdes Apparitions were authenticated. At that time, Bernadette was a boarder at the Sisters of the Hospice, where she was learning to read and write.

The document was addressed to Mrs Armand Douville de Franssu, née Henriette Blondin de Brutelette, one of Bernadette's first fervent admirers. In this letter, Bernadette thanks her correspondent for a donation of 20 francs for the construction of the chapel, which was inaugurated in 1872.

Photo credit: City of Lourdes

Rediscovery after 45 years

This precious letter was forgotten for 45 years in a safe at the Lourdes Public Treasury. The document was found during an inventory carried out by Isabelle Cagnat, former treasurer of public finances in Lourdes. Jean-René Nolf, departmental director of public finances, quickly made the decision to return the letter to the mayor of Lourdes, Thierry Lavit.

The return was formalised at a ceremony in December 2023, in the presence of many dignitaries, including Monsignor Jean-Marc Micas, Bishop of Tarbes-Lourdes, and François Giustiniani, Director of the Departmental Archives. The letter is now kept at the Municipal Archives of Lourdes, accessible to historians and pilgrims.

Why is this letter a historical treasure?

This authentic document is a rare and precious testimony to the life and spirituality of Bernadette Soubirous. Its exceptional state of preservation and its content reflect the importance of the gifts of the faithful for the development of the Sanctuary of Lourdes.

It also illustrates the links between Bernadette and the benefactors of the sanctuary, such as Madame Armand Douville de Franssu, whose name has been engraved in a vermeil heart placed in the high altar of the chapel.

The legacy of Bernadette Soubirous today

Bernadette Soubirous remains an emblematic figure of the Catholic faith. Lourdes continues to attract millions of pilgrims every year. At the same time, numerous heritage preservation projects are underway, including the renovation of the church containing Bernadette's baptismal font, which will reopen in 2025.

Prayer dedicated to Bernadette Soubirous

O Saint Bernadette, humble servant of the Holy Mary, you who were chosen to receive Our Lady's messages at the Grotto of Massabielle, we pray to you fervently.

Teach us to follow your example of humility and simplicity, to welcome life's trials with confidence and to always keep our hearts turned towards God. Like you, we want to grow in faith, hope and charity.

Intercede for us with the Blessed Virgin and her Divine Son, so that we may find peace in our hearts and the courage to bear witness to God's love every day.

Oh Bernadette, you who suffered so much in silence and acceptance, help us to bear our crosses with patience and to find consolation in prayer and trust in God.

We entrust to you our sorrows, our joys and our hopes. Protect us and guide us on the path to holiness, so that we may one day, like you, contemplate the glory of the Lord for all eternity.

Amen.