First published:Das Lied von Bernadette, 1941 (English translation, 1942)

Type of work: Novel

Type of plot: Religious chronicle

Time of work: 1858-1875

Locale: Lourdes, France

The novel "The Song of Bernadette" captures a compelling narrative of faith and transformation set against the backdrop of 19th-century Lourdes, France. It delves into the life of Bernadette Soubirous, whose mystical experiences at the Grotto of Massabielle sparked both skepticism and reverence. Through Franz Werfel’s vivid storytelling, the novel not only recounts historical events but also explores the profound impact of spiritual encounters on individuals and communities.

Principal Characters:

• Bernadette Soubirous: a religious mystic
• Louise Soubirous: her mother
• Francois Soubirous: her father
• Dean Peyramale: the parish priest
• Sister Marie Therese: Bernadette’s teacher and superior

The Story:

The Soubirous family lived in dire poverty in Lourdes, following the loss of the mill that had sustained them. Francois Soubirous resorted to menial jobs, while his wife, Louise, supported the family by doing laundry. Despite their efforts, the family struggled to provide for their children and lived in the Cachot, a building so unsanitary that it was no longer used as a jail.

The eldest child, Bernadette, was frail and suffered from severe asthma. She was often deemed the least intelligent by her peers and her teacher, Sister Marie Therese, due to her limited knowledge, even in religious matters—a surprising shortcoming for a girl raised by Catholic parents. At fourteen, her understanding of core Catholic doctrines was minimal, casting doubt on her potential to achieve much in life.

One fateful day, the Soubirous children were tasked with collecting firewood near the infamous Grotto of Massabielle. The site, known for its polluted stream and rumors of ancient pagan rituals, was far from idyllic. Slow to keep up, Bernadette found herself alone at the grotto. There, she witnessed a mysterious light and a vision of a beautiful lady, dressed in blue and bathed in a radiant glow. Overcome with awe and fear, Bernadette fell to her knees in prayer.

Though Bernadette tried to keep her vision a secret from her siblings, word soon spread, and she became the subject of town gossip. Despite the ridicule, she returned to the grotto as instructed by the apparition to visit daily for fifteen days. Curiosity about Bernadette's visions grew among the townspeople, though many dismissed them as mere superstition or political intrigue.

As Bernadette continued her pilgrimages, authorities, fearing religious and political repercussions, pressured her to confess fraud. Nonetheless, she remained steadfast. In one of her encounters, the lady requested that a chapel be built at the grotto. When Bernadette conveyed this to Dean Peyramale, he demanded a sign—roses blooming in February at the grotto—as proof of the apparition's divine origin.

The vision, unperturbed by the dean's challenge, guided Bernadette to dig in the ground, revealing a spring. Though the act seemed irrational to onlookers, who saw only dirt, it was not long before a flow of water emerged. When a townsman applied the water to his blind eye and regained sight, skepticism turned to belief.

The burgeoning spring prompted both the Church and state to intervene. Bernadette was forbidden from returning to the grotto, and the site was closed off. Despite these measures, Dean Peyramale, witnessing roses blooming at the site, was compelled to reconsider the possibility of a miracle. His inquiries led to the Church's formal investigation, affirming Bernadette’s visions as genuine.

With the Church's endorsement, Bernadette entered a convent, dedicating her life to spirituality under the tutelage of her former teacher, Sister Marie Therese. The nun remained skeptical of Bernadette's experiences, but Bernadette’s humility and warmth won...