Bernadette Speaks: A Life of St. Bernadette Soubirous in Her Own Words [Paperback]

Rene Laurentin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0819811548 | ISBN-13: 978-0819811547 | Publication Date: October 1, 1999

This is a different kind of saint's biography - one that reads almost like a novel. In these pages Bernadette lives again. We follow her from birth to death, hearing her speak, watching her interact, experiencing with her the life-changing impact of the eighteen apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes. But this is not a novel. Everything recounted here has been strictly authenticated by the author, renowned Marian scholar Father Rene Laurentin. Father Laurentin has spent twenty years, in collaboration with several successive teams of experts, scientifically establishing the history of Lourdes and of Bernadette Soubirous. The fascinating result reveals the hidden face of Saint Bernadette. The Holy Spirit led Bernadette down a path of Gospel holiness and simplicity - a path of abandonment to the merciful love of God. She remains for us a humble and radiant herald of our Lord and our Lady, echoing across the centuries a message of challenge and of hope: change your heart; begin to fully live the Gospel of Jesus. Father Rene Laurentin, one of the foremost Marian theologians of our time, holds a licentiate in philosophy, as well as doctoral degrees in literature, history and theology. He has taught in universities across France, Italy and the United States. Father Laurentin's research on the apparitions at Lourdes, begun in 1952, has been compiled in no less than thirty volumes. His study culminated in the publication of Bernadette vous parle, presented here in its entirety in a first-time English edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

Product Details

• Paperback: 665 pages
• Publisher: Pauline Books & Media (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819811548
• ISBN-13: 978-0819811547
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,628 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism > Saints

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Life of Contradictions, June 13, 2005

By 

Kayla P. "The Magnificent" (Republic of Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bernadette Speaks: A Life of St. Bernadette Soubirous in Her Own Words (Paperback)

This is book is written in the format of a novel, but with Bernadette's actual words. This was a very satisfying hagiography, because it gave, I feel, a realistic portrait of Bernadette. Often, saints' biographies tend to make the saint out as more angelic than human.The author, for the most part, avoids this annoying habit.There are also many interesting photos, which add to the feeling of the "authenitic" Bernadette.
In sum, I would definitely reccommend this book for anyone truly interested in the life, words, and spirit of the peasant girl from Lourdes who was graced with the presence of the "the Immaculate Conception".

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A More Complete St. Bernadette!, April 27, 2009

By 

Kathleen Shaffer (Staples, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bernadette Speaks: A Life of St. Bernadette Soubirous in Her Own Words (Paperback)

This huge biography contains so many of St. Bernadette's quotes from so many various sources, that the reader obtains a new perspective on the saint. She has a much more dynamic character than I had thought from reading other books about her life! The completion of the book left me with a powerful sense of spiritual friendship with St. Bernadette. It was well worth the cost of the book and the time spent.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bernadette Speaks, September 8, 2008

By 

M. Burlin (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bernadette Speaks: A Life of St. Bernadette Soubirous in Her Own Words (Paperback)

Very interesting. Many details about Bernadette and the miracles of Lourdes included. Perfect reading for anyone who has been to the Lourdes Shrine or is thinking of making the trip to Lourdes, France. I highly recommend it.