Danièle Ajoret | Bernadette of Lourdes (Drama, 1961) Colorized Film | Subtitles

(dramatic music) (soft music) (light music)(birds chirping) (sheep bleating) – Bigoux! Bigoux! Bigoux, Bigoux! (Bigoux barking) (soft music).

Papa. Papa (coughing), – Ah, another coughing spell? – It's nothing. Why are you lookingat me that way? – We all have missed you. – Papa, Mama, Annette,Jean-Marie, Tristan. – I have very good newsfor you, Bernadette. I'm bringing you back.

– To school, to catechism? – And to home. – The dungeon?- Mm hm, yes. – All right now, children,open your notebooks. We are going to havea lesson in writing. Now, now Augustine. (kids laughing) That's enough, children. The older pupils will start.

You will write out yourname in full and your age on the top line of a page. Pauline, I said thetop of the page, and legibly, if you please. – Bernadette, do youwant some of these? – Do you want some? – Stand up. When one is this backwardas you, Bernadette, one should at least behave.

What is God? – God? God is love. – That's all? – Yes. God is love. – Sophie? – God is a spiritof purity, eternal, infinitely perfect creatorof heaven and earth.

And master of all things. – That's more like it. Take your seat now. (light music) – Where are yougoing to, Louise? – Gone for wood, wedon't have any more. – Hello, Miriam.- It's Saturday. We'll go for you. – Just let us, Mama.

– We'll gather such a lotthere'll be some left to sell. – Not you, Bernadette. It's too cold out,the job is for you. – In the mountains,I was always outside. – All right, but goput on your cape. – I'll be right out. – Guess what happened yesterday? Sister Danielle punishedJuleyka whispering to Sophie. – What about Sophie?.

– Sister let her off. – She sure is sister's pet. It's disgusting. (bright music) – Should we go across? – Looks like we've got to. We've got to findwood somewhere. – In that case. Well, I'm goin'.

(water splashing)Oh, it's cold. – Hey, wait for me. – Well hurry up. – Oh, it's cold as ice. Annette, loweryour skirt though. He's watching. – Annette, please throwsome stones in the water so I can cross. – Oh, throw them yourself.

– Miriam? Miriam, would you carry me? You know I'm not supposedto get my feet wet. – Well why don't you tryacting like everyone else for change, darlin'. – Oh, you must fear going alone. – Coming, Miriam?- Okay, we're going all right. Dammit, dammit. (Bernadette gasping).

– Annette! Annette. Miriam. Annette! (wind howling) (shoes thudding) (soft music) – Bernadette. Bernadette!.

– She sure is lazy. – What are you doing? – You'll see. – Miriam, she seems dead.- Oh no, if she were dead, she'd be lying down.- Let's go across. – Yeah, let's go. (water splashing) – Hey, what are you doing?.

(bright music) – Nothing. – You were praying. Gosh, you're stupidto pray out here. – Every place is good to pray. The water's not a bit cold. To me, it's just aswarm as dishwater. (water splashing) – Warm.

– Warm as dishwater. Didn't you see anything? – No. – Did you see something? – I saw nothing. (girls laughing) Wait a second. Listen. I've got to tell you.

She was so pretty,- Who was? – Promise you won't tell a soul? – No, no. – In the grotto, Isaw a beautiful lady, about my height, no more. She was all dressed inwhite with a light blue belt and yellow rosesat both her feet. – Say, are you kidding us? – No, Miriam.

Look at her. She's not trying to kid us. – My goodness. I'll be so happywhen we go back. (light music) (sister humming) – Ouch! Ow! – Don't be such a sissy.

– Ow! Mama? – Yes?- You know what? Bernadette says she sawa miracle at Massabielle. – What? Bernadette Bernadette? Is what Annette tells me true? – Yes, Mama.

– Did you tell anyone else? – Yes, Miriam. – Then everyone will know. – What's going on here? – You see your fathercan't find a job, you realize all theworries we have, and all you can dois make up stories. When will you begin tosee that people like us can't afford to draw attention.

And you, you're going to get it. – Oh, ow! (Annette crying) No, no. It's all your fault. (stick banging) – Eloise! – It was a dream. It was a bundle of branches,.

A bundle of branchesyou imagined with. – Oh no, Mama, she hadsuch a wonderful face. I'm better now, Mama. It's over. – This was bound tohave an effect on you. I don't want you togo to the grotto. Promise? – Yes, Mama. – You promise?.

– Yes, I promise. (girls laughing)- You're cheating again. I'm not going to play with you. – And there were yellowroses at both her feet. – Well, what doyou think of that? – Yes, yellow roses. – Big liar.(hand slapping) – What's going here? – Sister, Bernadette'smaking up lies.

(bell tolling) She says she sawa beautiful lady at the rock at Massabielle. – Yes, sister, I did. – Oh, is that so? Why don't you go andtell it to father Pamian? – That's the way Bernadettetold me the story. – My dear Father Pamain, what on earth makes youimagine that this story.

Merits our interest? – I was impressed. – Thank you, Teresa. – And who are these subio? – Soubirous? Why, they're the poorestfamily we have in Lourdes. But they have a spirit of lovefound only among the poor. There are six of them inone miserable little room.

That used to be adungeon in the old days. – Scandalous. – For whom? – Speaking about dungeons, the air seems tobe familiar now. Why yes, I once visited the man ofFrançois Soubirous in prison. He used to be a miller and he couldn't manageto make a go of it.

It was just last year he wascaught stealing something or other, a plank of wood. – What's that? A plank of wood, whynot breath to breathe? The poor are always wrong. – They say when there'ssmoke, there's fire. – A maxim, father, say,worthy of Pilate or Herod, but not of you. How is he faring at present,this Francois Sousbirous?.

(horse neighing) (happy music) – You wouldn't dare. – I bet you, I bet you wouldn't. – Oh no, wouldn't yoube happy to go back? – I've got to go back. (both groaning) – Then it's settled. I'm going to runand get permission.

From your father (laughing). – Come on, hurry up! – Papa, Papa. Papa? – Now what's all theexcitement about? – Please let her go, Papa.- You know you shouldn't be coming here.- Please give her permission, Mr. Sousbirous.- Who asks for permission? – To me, Papa.

Me, Papa. Please, Papa.- Permission for what? – To go to Massabielle.- The grotto. – No, Bernadette, youknow you promised Mama. (girls groaning) – Oh, let her go, Mr. Soubirous. The lady's holding rosary beads, she can't harm the child. – Well, all right.

– There.- Thank you Papa. Thank you, Mr. Kazanaugh. – Thank you, Mr. Kazanaugh. (bright music) – Oh hurry, come on. – Do try your bestplease, Louise, won't you? – Yes, I'll try, Mrs Mark. Day after tomorrow. – Mrs. Soubirous,.

Will you please let Bernadettego out to the grotto? – She wants so much to go, Mama. – Mr. Kazanaugh says that aslong as she's got rosary beads on her it must be all right. – Don't insist, youknow we both forbid it. – But Mr. Soubirousgave permission. – Yes.- Yes he did. – Oh, now Louise, why not? Since Francoise agrees.

(girls laughing)- Come on, hurry up. (happy music) – There's nobody here, come on. – Did you rememberto bring the cup? – I wasn't supposed to. Annette, haven't you got it? – It's not me who has it. I gave it to Augustine. – I know, I'm notthe one who has it.

It's Sophie.- It's not me either. I told you what he'd do. – (gasping) It'sright where I put it. – Is it full?- Yes. – Are you coming? The others have all gone. (bright music) – Everybody kneel down. I said everybody.

And take out your rosaries. (soft music) You see the light? There she is. Look closely. Her rosary beadsare by her side. She's looking at us. – Sprinkle it with holy water. If it's the devil,he'll go away.

– If you are the devil, go away. If you come from ourLord in heaven, stay. Oh, please stay. – Bernadette? Bernadette? Look at her. – Maybe she's dead. Maybe she's dead. – But she looks happy.

– There's somethingcertainly wrong. – Maybe she's under his spell. – Let's try to wake her.- Bernadette. – Bernadette.- Oh, I'm scared. Run, get your mother. – No, I'll go. You stay here.- Julie. Maybe Tony Nicolo's inthe pasture, go and see. – Hurry, hurry.

– Bernadette, wake up. – Wake up, Bernadette. (happy music) (dog barking) – Bernadette? – What?- You all right? – Yes. – What happened toyou, Bernadette? – You fought melike a little tiger.

– Were you still ableto see the rest of us? – You gave me a realscare, you know. Here's Mama. – There you are. You want them laughing at us? Why'd you have tobring anybody along? – But Mama, I didn't askanyone to come with me. – Oh, you. – Louise, what are you doing?.

– She's a disgrace. – No, Louise, she's an angel. – I know you're goingto go back there again. – [Mrs. Millet] Don'tyou worry, Louise. Next time, I'll go along myself. (soft music) – Mrs. Millet went toMassabielle with all the girls. – And what happened, Teresa? – Well, the beautifullady commanded Bernadette.

Will you do me the grace ofcoming to see me for two weeks? – The grace. And what did theydeliver, did they answer? – After having asked forpermission from my parents? Yes, I will. – Isn't that fun? – And the lady went on. I do not promise that youwill be happy in this world, but in the next one.

– Good evening, gentlemen. – Good evening. – Evening, doctor. – Ah, my dear judge. – Hello, doctor. How are you? – It's good to do some better. Capital six. – That's not bad.- (chuckling) Evening, Martin.

Good evening to you, Mr. Mayor. – Good evening, doctor. – Evening, colonel. – Evening, doctor. Say, doctor, you' re just a man. What do you thinkmedically speaking of the events at Massabielle? – The events, that's going far. Let's not exaggerate.

– No, indeed, I'm serious,my dear commissioner. I mean exactly what I said. – No hypnosis,hallucination, don't ask me. My dear colonel, now doyou think you'd be able to bring a case to a jury without studyingits whole history? With me, it's the same thing. I'm not a diagnostician andI examine at the patient. – Obviously.

– I'm Dr. Douzous. – Commander in Chief Renault of the gendarme station at Tarpe on a mission in Lourdes forthe events just mentioned. – Have they gone as far as that? – I'm going there tomorrowmorning at the usual hour. – Oh, well you'll see me there. Yes, I've planned to look inon my way to the hospital. Might as well.

– Splendid. – Now tell us exactlywhere she was standing. – Close by. I could have touched her byjust stretching out my hand. – But why are you rubbingyour eyes, my dear? – When she goes away, it's as if I were passingfrom sunshine to shadow. (angelic music) – And then why did you cry?.

Tell me why. – Because she did. She said to me. – She said to you? – Pray to God forall the poor sinners. – How does it happen youhear her voice, Bernadette? – I can't be sure. It seems to come to me here.

– It comes to me here. Pulse quiet and regular,respiration free and easy. No sign of hysteriaor nervousness. It's very disturbing. Gentlemen. – Well, our friend has let thegirl take him in, hasn't he? – Absurd. It's ridiculous. No, thank you.

It's just play acting. – I would even gofurther than that, Judge. I'd wager that this isa family conspiracy. – A conspiracy? – It's the parents who exploit theirchildren to make money. End of story. – Yes, but all thismight take a bad turn. I don't think we shouldtake it too lightly.

– Let me handle it. And I can promise to put a stopto this Bernadette nonsense once and for all. – After me, if you don't mind. I'll have her broughtto my office at once. (light music)(rock clattering) (door knocking) So you're Bernadette Soubirous? – Yes, I am.

– What's all this I hearof a vision at Massabielle? – It's the truth, sir. – Sit down and now tellme exactly what you saw. – I saw a beautifullady, so beautiful, dressed completely in white(clock ticking) with a light blue belt andyellow roses upon her feet. (soft music) (rock clattering) (door knocking)- Yes?.

So you were out there listening. – That's my business,Colonel Dutour. Well? – Well. Well the childseems to be sincere. She believes she saw something. – Though we knowit's impossible. – Obviously. – There's someonebehind all this.

– I guess so. Without her knowledge. – Well, now I shouldhave my turn, colonel. – What do you intend to do? – To go and fetch her whenshe comes from Vespers today and question her, in my fashion. Sit down child, thiswill take a while. – Thank you, sir. – What's your name, young lady?.

– Bernadette. Bernadette Soubirous. – What is your occupation? – My occupation? – Yes, what do you do all day? – I go to the sister school. I help Mother withher housework. I take care of my brother. – Very well.

Tell me now, just what do youthink you saw at Massabielle? – A beautifullady, so beautiful. – Beautiful say asMadame Decouraiges or Baroness Gramon? (Bernadette giggling) – Much more so they can'thelp it though, Poor thing. – Much more so. They can't help it,the poor things. – Poor things?.

And you maintain thatshe's the Virgin Mary? – She didn't tellme her name, sir. (light music) – Hey, Soubirous. Soubirous – Hey Francois. What do you want? – It's Bernadette.- What about her? – Come on down.

– Oh, but I'm working. Luca, would you mind if I? – Go ahead. – Be right down. – Come on, Francois. – Where are we going? – Jacomet has been questioningher for over an hour now. – Jacomet? But what for?- It's the same old story.

– The Colonel this morning andnow the police commissioner. – And with him, it'll be worse. To them, we're all criminals. – Yeah, don't I know. – I thought I shouldcome and get ya. – You're a pal, Francois. – Now I'm going to read youprecisely what you've stated. Let's see, you toldme that she appeared in the back of the grotto.

– Why, no I didn't at all, sir. I said above the briars. – Very well. She was wearing a purple belt and her golden hair floatedon her back and shoulders like a billowing veil. – No, my goodness, you'vemade everything sound silly. I said she wears a veil,but since it's a long one, her hair wouldn't be seenthrough it, would it?.

And her belt is blue. – Purple! – How would you know about it? It was blue. – This foolishness has got tobe stopped once and for all. Will you, yes or no, promise not to go backagain to Massabielle? – I've already promised. – Ah, good.

– I promisedthe lady to go for 15 days. – So, you insist on going. I'm warning you, I'mbringing the gendarmes. They'll take you to prison. – Well then I won'tcost my father so much. (laughing) I hopeyou'll allow someone to come and teach catechism. (voices clamoring) – Hey there, hey there!.

Where do you think you're going? – My daughter's up thereand I want to see her. – Hey, hey, getyour hands off him. – You can't go upwithout permission. – What'sthe meaning of this? Who are you? – I'm Bernadette's father. – Soubirous? Oh yes, I recognize you.

Well, you're right on time. This child is a minorand you are responsible. – I know it. – Yes, and you know verywell without my telling you just what it coststo break the law. Now then, what is yourversion of all this nonsense? – She believes it,Mr. Commissioner. – That's her affair, not mine. But what is mine is thatshe's creating disorder.

In your place, Soubirous, I'd not be exposingmyself one bit further. – I'd be glad tooblige, commissioner. My wife and I are fed upwith all this business, being followed,questioned, investigated. – Ah, that soundsmore reasonable. I'm pleased with your attitude. You may take her home in thatcase, and no more nonsense. I think you'd bettergo out this way.

Tirvan, from this moment on you'reto have them followed and report on every singlemovement of the girl, her parents, and the neighbors. Hang about, post a gendarme at the grotto. Ah, and he's to identifyeveryone who goes there. – Comeon, get a move on. No loitering, please.

(light music) – Yesterday morning, February22nd, mass was not said, and no visitorsapproached the grotto. But then in the afternoon, we followed her on theroad from the school. If you ask me, the operation'safraid of gendarmes. There were no visionsfor the first time. – And what about the girl? – Bernadette?.

She began crying like a Madonna. All her relativeswere there begging her not to go to the grotto. – Yes, yes, yes, wellit's most disturbing. – But nothing occurred,what's disturbing about that? – Yes, that's what's disturbing? You see, if the child werereally making believe, what would stop herfrom inventing thesame story as before? – Ah, let's put itthat she's a bit mad.

– A bit mad? Then the policewouldn't bother her. She'd have goneright ahead with it. – Well, in my opinion,this is pure invention, Mr. Commissioner. – It was my opiniontoo, you realize. But my dear fellow, howwould you explain the fact that her mother and auntsare all pleading with her not to go to Massabielle?.

All pleading with hernot to go to Massabielle. (birds chirping) (angelic music) – Godrink of the spring and wash yourself in its waters. No. Not here? In the grotto. But there's only alittle dirty water.

Drink of this water? Wash myself? But it's muddy. Eat of this grass? But it's dry. Oh, it's so bitter. (birds chirping) – She's completely crazy. – She must be,she ate that grass.

What does she think she's doing? It's very strange. – This timeshe's gone too far. – I was never taken in. I'm still not convinced. – Did you happen tosee Madame Jacomet? – I'll bet her husband'sgoing to get a talking to. – Poor Bernadette, it's a pity. – What did shethink she was doing?.

There was never any waterin that spot, never. – Mama, come here. Come here, Mama. Look at the water. Do you see it? – Comealong, that's enough. (water bubbling) – What can I dofor you, my child? – I'm Bernadette Soubirous.

– Come inside. Now then, what's the trouble? – Father, the lady in the grottosaid I should tell a priest that she wishes to havea chapel in Massabielle. – Did she? And exactly who is this woman? – She didn't tell me. – Didn't you ask her?.

– Oh yes. But she just smiled at meand she didn't say a word. – And now you affirmthat she said to tell me that she wishes to havea chapel at Massabielle? – Yes, Father.- Here's you perched on top of a rock. The name you can't tell me. He's quite probablyas mad as you are. He wants us to build achapel in the grotto.

When you accept thisincredible message and you expect us to bestupid enough to believe you. – She didn't ask me tomake you believe it. She only asked me to tell you. – You're just play acting. You made a spectacle of yourself in front of everybody yesterday. What for? – I only did whatmy lady told me to.

– Told you to? How do you know youeven understand her? You're ignorant. Why, you can't even read. At mass in Vespers,how do you manage? Listen, because you wishto continue this game, try once more tofind out who she is. And as long asshe seems to think that she should havethe right to a chapel,.

Make her give you some proof. For instance, she couldmake a flower bloom on the briar in the grotto. – Father, could it be eversuch a tiny little one? – Little what? – Chapel, if you please. (priest groaning) – A chapel. That's what thechild came to ask me.

On behalf of herlady in the grotto. I bless the Lordeach and every day that we didn't get mixedup in this whole affair. – And yet, many people can'tunderstand our silence, Father. – They're the same. Yes, The very sameones who'd attack us if we did take astand on the matter. – I cannot adopt the maximthat prudence is a virtue. – Real prudence isindeed a virtue.

It's being able toforesee one's imprudences. Take my word for it. – Yes. But that would make usall equal to St. Thomas. – My dear Pamian, the doubting of St. Thomasturned out as valuable, in my opinion, as thefaith of all the disciples. (girls clamoring) – Why, judge, what a surprise.

– Please excuse me, madame. But it's reallyindispensable that I see you before next Thursday. The last day in the two weeks. – Just to be sure. Back to your studies,children, please, Sister Damien, pleasetake the children in. – Except.- Of course. Bernadette.

– Ah, so there you are. – You wanted to see me, sir. – Would you care togo into the parlor? – It won't be necessary. She'll be staying insidefor a long time soon. Do you see those gendarmes? They've come totake you to prison. (fingers snapping)- But you can't do this judge. – You can put me in prison,.

But make sure it hasvery heavy bars, sir. Or I may escape. – Listen, I offer you one last chance. Will you be reasonable? – What do you mean bythe word reasonable? – Renounce going to the grotto. – That, no. And nobody can make me.

– I see. You prefer going to prison. Perishing in prison. – Please, judge, have pity. Leave Bernadette with us. Don't shut her in prison,she couldn't bear it. – If only she wouldchange her mind. But I'll grant yourrequest, Mother. I'll think it over.

– The last morningof the two week period, Lourdes had become a dead city. Everyone was at thegrotto, 20,000 persons. – There were 10, FatherHaman is exaggerating. – These are also the figures given by the policecommissioner. 20,000 arrived during the night from all the surrounding areas. They expectedsomething to happen.

Nothing happened, nothing. They all made adash to her door. – They were furiouswith her then. – And waited in line for hours to be able to kiss Bernadette. – To be able to kiss her. – I myself witnessedas father paramount the recovery oftwo paralyzed boys who had simply drunksome of the water.

– But what has the churchto reap from all of this? – Father paramountreminds your excellency that never before have somany come to confession or made the pre-lesson retreat. – What's so amusing? – The anger of father paramount. He says souvenir shopsare beginning to crop up along the entireroad to Massabielle. – The merchants willalways proceed the temple.

I would be curious tosee what she looks like, this little Miss Bernadette. (soft music) – Mama. Mama. I've got to go to the grotto. – Now, At night? – Yes, Mama. – Francois.(Francois mumbling).

– What's going on? – She wants to go to the grotto. – In the middle of the night? Well, at least we'll be alone. – That's what you think. It's the day beforeannunciation. – The day before annunciation? Oh, come quick. Oh, please hurry.

(rain pouring)(light music) Please, my lady. Oh, my lady, won't you pleasetell me what your name is? My lady, please, tell me your name,I need to know. Oh my lady, please. If you would only tellit to me, I must know. (joyous music) I am the immaculate conception.

– What did you say? You could curtsy atleast when you come in. – I am the immaculateconception. – What are you talking about? – I don't know, it'sthe name she told me. – Is that what she saidwhen you asked for her name? – Yes, that's what she toldme, Father, when I asked her. I asked her three times, and I'd have gone ontill she answered.

– Say it again. – She opened herarms and very slowly, she folded herhands on her breast, over her heart. And lifting her eyes, she said I am theimmaculate conception. – You must have been mistaken. You shouldn't repeat thingsyou don't know the meaning of. – Oh, but that'swhat she told me.

I've been saying it overand over so I'd remember it. – I've heard enough. You may leave. (soft music) – Father? Father, what's the matter? – Bernadette. The lady spoke toher last night. Today, 25th of March,Annunciation Day.

– And what did she say? – She said, I am theimmaculate conception. – But Bernadettemight've imagined it. – Oh no, she couldn't possiblyhave imagined such a thing. – But then. But then, but I don't understand, I'venever heard this expression. We never sayimmaculate conception. – But that's just it,nobody has ever used it.

Nobody. Therese, have youheard the news? – The news, Father. I've known about itsince the very first day. – Oh, come now. Bernadette herselfdidn't know it. – Perhaps not. But I saw it inher eyes, Father. (hammer banging).

– In other words if anyone triesto get over the barricades, you'll shoot him down. – Not quite, but he'dbe put in prison. – I'd wager your prison isgoing to be pretty full up. – Father, you don'tseem to appreciate that it is in the interestof the church that the commissionerissue the news. – You may tell thecommissioner that the church is able to look afterits own interests.

And where do you intendtaking all this, my good man? – To the town hall, Father. – Where they'll beheld at the disposition of their proprietors. – And they in turnwill bring everything right back to the grotto. One would think the mayordidn't know our parishioners. Now what's that? (hammer banging).

The mayor of thecity of Lourdes, in recognition of the importance to the interest of the church to put a stop to theregrettable incidents taking place in thegrotto at Massabielle, and considering furthermorethe general welfare to be. Therefore, consideringthat the law prohibits the exploitationof all sources of water without authorization bythe government decrees.

Article number one, that it is hencefortha crime to draw water at the said source. Therefore a crime todraw water at the source. Mr. Mayor, whom is thisruling intended to affect? – Everyone, naturally. – That's not quite true. Common knowledge that youhave already drawn the water for analysis and that youhope to further Lourdes.

As a tourist centerand as a health resort. – It's proper to do so. – And besides beingproper, no doubt Mr. Mayor, it would be good businessfor your administration, though to the detrimentof our parishioners. But what you forgetabout, Mr. Mayor, is that this morning at sixo'clock a paralyzed child, one who had been aninvalid all of his life, was bathed in these very waters.

And then ran all alone intothe arms of his mother. – That's a case for themedical authorities. Not the administration. By the way, father paramount, I wish to remind you thatthe law of June 30th, 1828. – '38. – To be sure. Makes provision for theinternment for treatment of persons suspectedof insanity.

– Am I suspected? – No.- Come on, Father. – The report of threemedical officials on Bernadette Soubirousdoes not conclude that such internmentis necessary. However, it does not oppose it. If you have no objection,therefore our intention is– – But I do have an objection. Bernadette is completely sane.

She cannot come under theterms of the law 28, 38, or any other year. And she's no menaceto public welfare. She has caused no disorder. She's at fullhealth, impoverished, but she is not unbefriended. Her soul is in my keeping. You may tell the commissionerthat his gendarmes should remember this,.

Before coming near her, theywill have to deal with me. (light music) – Mama.- Yes, dear? – Mama. I was just in church and Iheard her voice distinctly. She's calling me. – But it's been three monthssince you last heard it. – Doesn't matter, Mama. Oh, come on, please.

– What about thefences they put up? – Oh please, let's go, Mama. – But what am I goingto do about my laundry? – She may be waitingthis very minute. (bright music) Look, Mama. Don't you see her? She's watching us. She's nodding to usfrom behind the fence.

(light music) She didn't talk to me. I never saw her look prettier. But I don't understandhow you can see her. The river is so wide now. The barricades are so high. – I can see neither theriver nor the barricades. Only her. But now I know Iwon't see her again.

Her eyes were so blue. (voices clamoring) (gate crashing) – In the name of hisgracious majesty the emperor, from this day forward, access to the grottoof Massabielle and usage of the waters ofthe spring are free to all. The provisional ban of June8th is hereby withdrawn. – On this day, the18th of January, 1862,.

After two years of inquiry, we acknowledge thatMary the Immaculate, Mother of God, did actuallyappear to Bernadette Soubirous the 11th of February, 1858,and the days that followed. We hereby also humblysubmit our judgment to that of oursovereign pontiff. And we authorize in our diocese the cult of our Lady of Lourdes. We also propose toerect a sanctuary there.

– I can't bear it. I can't bear ourbeing separated. – I'm sure you see thatwith all things considered, it's for the best to come here. – I accept it. – And I wonder if it'sstill quite enough. – Not quite enough? – Protection. – Mother, please.

– You say mother. You know, that's whatBernadette calls me as well. But I think weboth should realize that we are neither ofus her mother anymore. – I know that. And I'm not jealous. No, no, I'm not jealous. And we are indebted to youfor your trouble, Mother. Bernadette's a realburden for you.

– You mustn't say that. She helps with the marketing, she does well in the infirmary. – In the infirmary? – Why, yes. We consider heralmost as one of us. – Already? (bell dinging) (soft music).

– Mama. I was afraid it was goingto be another bishop. (both laughing) – Hurry, hurry Bernadette,go ring the bell. The Bishop of Neversis at the gate. (bell ringing) – Bernadette. Won't you be seated, my child? Very well.

I am happy at last tosee your face, child. And your hand. Why, surely I didn'tintimidate you if you felt at ease withour Heavenly Mother. That's better. Now let's have a little talk. Have you thought of your future? – Why, I guess not. – What do you mean, child?.

We all must find somethingto do here on earth. – Oh, but I've been here withthe sisters for three years. – Yes, But generally oneremains here for a limited time. – I'd like to remain always. – (chuckling) Very easily said,but not so easy to arrange. – But why, monsignor? – Because you're not a nun. And it isindispensable to be one in order to remain indefinitelywithin the community.

You're no longer achild, Bernadette. I think you might be happyto establish yourself in the outside world. – Oh monsignor, please,I couldn't bear it. – Then tell me whyhaven't you petitioned to become a sister? Have you never thought of this? – Oh yes. But it's impossible,monsignor, I'm poor.

I couldn't bringthe dowry required. – From time to time, we dotake some into the novitiate who can bring no dowry. If they show vocation. – Yes, but surelythose without dowry are really smart and usefuland make it worth your while. But I don't know anythingand I can't do anything. Hasn't the MotherSuperior told you? – Now, Bernadette,.

That's not whatI've been hearing from the sister in the kitchen. We'll find some place for you. The sisters ofNevers have an order that is dedicated to devotion to the mosthumiliating services. – The most humiliating? – Under the cross of our Lord. So you see, there'sno need for schooling.

Or wealth among them. There are other things. At Nevers, the gatesat the main entrance are marked with the letters oftwo little words, God alone. This is the Supreme rule there. – God alone. – If you would like to, youcould ask her Mother Superior what advice she might give you? And I'll take care of the rest.

– I will, monsignor. But I can't be sure yet. (light music) – These are the principlesthat monsignor wants followed, on her arrival here we are toshelter Bernadette Soubirous not so much againstthe curious public, the walls around us and thegatekeeper will see to that, but against the admirationof her companions. – So they will never learnabout it from your own lips?.

– Yes, MotherMarie-Thérès, just once. Once only. Tomorrow, I'll assemblethe entire community. Bernadette will then recountthe whole story of Massabielle, but nobody thereaftermust ever make allusion to her presence. Does this seem excessiveto you, Mother Nathalie? – I'm sorry, Mother, but I'mjust reminded of the gospel. That one should not hideone's light under a bush.

The light will keep on burning. It shall light the world over. From Lourdes. But not from here. Nevars will serveas the dark river against which the lightwill only see more bright. Mother Marie Therese. – Yes, Mother? – You've told me whatyou said to your novices.

This is going to be thehappiest day in my whole life. – To behold the eyes thathave seen the Virgin. – Nevertheless, I suggestto you and even older you to consider BernadetteSoubirous as nothing more than any other of your novices, one amongst many. – You're tired, Mother. Why don't you get some sleep? – We will welcomeher in your place.

(clock ticking) (hooves clopping) (gates screeching) (light music) (angelic music) (singing in foreign language) – Well now Bernadette, is that where to lookfor your vocation? – Oh dear, pleasepardon me, Mother.

– Oh come now, what for? Just getting a bit tired? – A bit lost, above all. – But I am here, Bernadette. Give me your confidence. – All that I possibly can. (singing in foreign language) – You will take theveil in 10 days. I've chosen your name.

You are Sister Marie-Bernard. – Mother.- Shh. (bell tolling) (somber music) – She will not last the night. The doctor is definite. – We're not worthyof keeping her. The Lord only let us borrow her. – On the contrary, she isone of us for all eternity.

I agreed to let hermake professionalvows on her death bed. – Yet her spirit will remaina secret to us, Mother. – That must be monsignor. (somber music) – You are aboutto die, my child. – As God wills. – And I understand youwish to profess your vows. I shall be happyto receive them. – I'm not able toform the words.

– Then I shallpronounce them for you. It will suffice tosay simply so be it. I, Sister Marie-Bernard, aspiring to consecrate myselfto God and the congregation of the sisters of charityand Christian instruction established in thediocese of Nevers under the authorityof Monsignor Forcade, make vows of poverty, chastity,obedience, and charity in the manner prescribed bythe statutes of the order.

I pray our Lord Jesus Christthrough the intercession of the Virgin Maryto grant me the grace of accomplishing my vocationwith faith and humility. – So be it. – Pray with me, sisters, that we may all be gatheredtogether in the holy presence. Farewell, my child. – Mother Maria Therese, pleasesee Monsignor to the gate. – Her pulse is better.

– I'm not going to die toinght. – But the doctor said. – I know myself betterthan the doctor. – My my, you confess you knewthat you wouldn't die tonight. And you neverthelessled me disturb Monsignor at such an hour. I'm warning you that if you are not deadby tomorrow morning, I shall lift yourvows of profession.

And you will returnto the novitiate. – You must do as yourfeel best, Your Mother. God didn't want me,you see, Sister Emily. I went there, right tothe gates of his mansion, but I was toldreturn, it's too soon. But now I'm a nun. I'm so happy. They can't send me away. – What's the matter, sister?.

– It isn't me, butthere's someone dying. Sister, I, somebody's about to die. Oh, sister.(soft music) Mama. (dramatic music) (bells ringing)(upbeat music) Good morning, sisters. – Goodmorning, Bernadette.

– Good morning, my daughter. Good morning, children. Listen, everybody, thePostulentes in my company have had a tiring voyage. They should get some rest. Please see that they'reshown to their quarters and take themaround the convent. – You are so lucky to havebeen her childhood friend. – There you are.

Go along now, meetyour companions. – Oh no, thank you sister. You know, I'd like to tryto recognize Bernadette all by myself.- Shh. – Those are the eyes thathave seen the Holy Virgin. – What on earth are you doing? The Virgin only picked mebecause I was the most ignorant. If she'd foundsomeone more ignorant, why she'd havechosen her instead.

You're finallyhere, I'm so glad. So you've made upyour mind, Julie. How's everybody at home, Julie? – The whole family's well,I'll tell you all the news. – Oh no, Julie, we're nothere to gossip, you know. – Look what you can buy inall the shops around Lourdes. – How much does one cost? – Two cents.(all laughing) – It's all I'm worth?.

– Wait a minute. I've got somethingto show you too. – How tall the poplar trees are. – Whereabouts inthe grotto were you when the apparitions took place? – Here somewhere. Everything's different. I can't tell. – You seem to want toforget all about it.

– No, to be forgotten. Tell me, what doyou do with a broom? – (laughing) What a question. You use it to sweep with. – Then what? – Why, then you putit in a cupboard. – That's exactly my story. The Virgin used me to sweep with and then put me in my cupboard.

That's where I belong. And that's where I'll stay. – Please, Mother, Ilike so much to see her. I've wanted to see hersince I was a little girl. – There she is. Sister Marie-Bernard. – This is the one? – (laughing) Whyyes, miss, I'm sorry. Just a tiny little one.

But if our Mother will permit, I think I'm big enoughto show you the grounds. Come with us, Julie. – Tell me, do youstill like salad? – Why do you ask? – You remember when you had toeat that grass at the grotto? – My, but it was bitter. But I promised to dowhatever she said. You always obeyed yourmother, didn't you?.

– Yes, but sometimesI wondered why. – That's what Ilearned in this place. One needs many humiliations to make a littlebit of humility. – Sister Maria Piadigaluchio. In finishing her novitiate, Sister Maria Piadigaluchiois going for placement to the orphanage in Orleans where she will exercise thefunctions she has chosen.

With this, you will now have the keyto the kingdom of heaven. And if you do not become as pure as the little ones you carefor, you are sure not to pass. – Sister Marie-BernardSoubirous. What is Sister Marie-Bernardgoing to be used for? – She unfortunatelyis capable of nothing and she would only be aburden wherever we send her. – So, you are asuseless as you said.

– I'm afraid it's allquite true, Monsignor. I'm good for nothing. – But then my poor child, whatare we going to do with you? And to what purpose was yourentry into the congregation? – That's just what I asked you when I was inLourdes, Monsignor. But you answered methat it didn't matter. – Surely you must becapable of something, boiling a pot of tea ofhelping take care of the sick.

Or peeling vegetables. – I'll try. – Well, then we shall allow her to stay here alittle while longer. I assigned to youthe duty of prayer. – Tea time. (Bernadette gasping) – Is it your asthma? – Don't tell anyone.

I'm used to it. That was tougher. – Are you suffering veryy much? – Don't worry. It's nothing. – Why don't you pray toMother and have her cure you? – It's useless. She already said– – What a dreadful thingit is not to be able.

To catch your breath. – It's troublesome, butwhen a strike rolls in, the soul itself isn'table to catch its breath. – What, you mean you? – Shh. (soft music) – It's 12 years nowsince I left you. The years pass asif they were hours.

And the hours asif they were years. My dear brother, it is timefor you to make a decision. Above all, I would notwant you to become a priest for any other reason but faith. I would rather youbecame a rag picker. Tell all our relatives notto seek riches or comfort. The humility of the pooris the key to heaven. Don't worry about my health, but do pray that myfaith remain unfailing.

There is nothing actuallywrong with my lungs. My illness is one which youcan live with a long time, just as you can dieof it in your sleep. So I put myself inthe hands of the Lord. Month. It's been a month, Mother,since this obscurity began. Why is it? Why is it? – Maybe you are payingfor the privilege of room.

When one fixes one's eyesupon too bright a light, the brightness blindsone for awhile. But blind people smileand have courage. Do as they do, little sister. – I'll try. – And don't worry. Patience is a virtuewhich has its rewards. You must wait. Even the most holy of saintswalked in darkness for a time.

The holiest. – They had more force. I've got no reserves. I am nothing but a failure. – No, you're nothing but a baby. And the courage of your faith must be like a baby.(bells tolling) It's time for mass. – The humiliationof being carried.

No. The grace of being carried. – What a little lazy bonesyou are to stay in bed. – This isn't a better path. No one here in my chapel. I'm performing a service. – And what serviceare you performing? – I'm being ill. – That's most usefulto the community.

– I assure you it is, Mother. You know, springs alone arenot enough to warm the metal. You've got to have some rain. That's what I am. I see in your eyes that youhave bad news from me, Mother. Tell me quickly. – My poor little friend,father paramount. – Oh my God. – The community isassembled in the chapel.

In prayer that hissoul may rest in peace. – His soul may rest in peace. But our souls donot want only peace. They want light. Yes, light to seeby in the darkness. Jesus Christ, our Lord. Our Lord. – My poor child. – Please, Mother,.

Will you send me Julie? I mean, Sister Vincent Garosse. She too was one ofhis parishioners. Send her, please. (singing in foreign language) – Bernadette, father paramount– – I know. Help me to put onmy clothes, Julie. – But you're ill.

You can't walk. – I want to come pray for him. Quick. – In the chapel? – No, outside in thewind, by the lake. It's there I'll find him. – But Bernadette. – I want to. Signora Portat.

Signora Portat. Amen. (singing in foreign language) Mother. Mother Nathalie. You hear me? – Yes. Your voice came to me in chapel. What's the matter?.

– I'm afraid. – Afraid? – Afraid. I received all their gracesand I didn't make use of them. – My dear sister. – I didn't have theright to this privilege. Why was it me, who is nothing? Nothing. – That is the very reason.

Sister Gabriel. – I'm all right, pleasedon't pay attention. If only you wouldchange my nurse. – But why? – Because you're not sleeping. – It's my duty.- No, it's mine. – Let's try to changeher position, sister. – Hold on now. Don't move me now.

Don't move me now. – You'll feel more comfortable. – Was he comfortableon the cross? – Now now, don't yousay another word. – Why was themiracle wasted on me? – Lay up not your treasures. (singing in foreign language) – Mother. Mother (gasping).

Mother, quick! Hurry. – I was in chapel, I sensedthat you were calling. – I'm sorry, Mother. Please pray for me. Mother, pray for me. I'm thirsty. – Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art though amongst women and blessed is thefruit of thy womb. – Jesus, Holy Mary,Mother of God. Pray for me in thehour of my death. In the hour of my. (singing in foreign language) (somber music) – Bernadetteis now a saint. And the humble card cardinal,.

Who years laterblessed her shrine, himself of peasant stock, has become hisholiness, John XXIII, Vicar of Christ andspiritual leader of over 500 million people. He has said of Bernadette, how luminous, theexample of that sanctity, which opened to such alittle and humble child the ways of the heavens.

In the words of St. Paul, and the weak things ofthe world has God chosen to put to shame the strong. (bright music)

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