Bernadette Soubirous

Bernadette Soubirous (behr-nah-DEHT sew-bee-REW) is a young girl from Lourdes, living in extreme poverty and often dismissed as slow-witted. During a solitary visit to the Grotto of Massabielle, she encounters a radiant lady, exuding a brilliant light, who appears to her alone. Despite being branded as delusional or deceitful, Bernadette's story spreads. Though the public is skeptical, the lady instructs her to request that Dean Peyramale construct a chapel at the grotto. He demands a miraculous sign: roses blossoming in the cave during February. Following the lady's guidance, Bernadette digs with her hands, appearing foolish to onlookers. However, a spring emerges, and its waters restore sight to a blind man. Subsequently, roses bloom, and the authorities eventually acknowledge that Bernadette witnessed the Blessed Virgin. Bernadette enters a convent, living a life of tranquility and humility until her death over seventeen years later, following a prolonged illness. She is canonized and recognized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

François Soubirous

François Soubirous (frah[n]-SWAHZ) is the father of Bernadette. His once stable life has crumbled into dire poverty, leaving him to rely on menial work from the more affluent residents of Lourdes to support his family.

Louise Soubirous

Louise Soubirous (lweez) is François's wife and Bernadette's mother. She supplements the family’s meager income by taking in laundry, but even combined with her husband's earnings, it is insufficient to adequately provide for their household.

Sister Marie Thérèse

Sister Marie Thérèse (mah-REE tay-REHZ) serves as Bernadette’s teacher and initially perceives her as hopelessly unintelligent, even in her religious studies. Her skepticism lingers even after Bernadette joins the convent. It is only when Bernadette lies on her deathbed that Sister Marie Thérèse acknowledges her mistake and comes to believe in the miracle.

Dean Peyramale

Dean Peyramale (pay-rah-MAHL) is initially firm in his refusal to construct a chapel at the Grotto of Massabielle without evidence of a miraculous event, such as seeing roses bloom in February. Although he eventually witnesses the miracle and its confirmation, he experiences disappointment and sorrow due to being overlooked by church authorities during the shrine's establishment.