The Song of Bernadette

With All Saints’ Day approaching, this week’s film looks at the life of Saint Bernadette (1844-1879).

In 1858, fourteen-year-old Bernadette lives in poverty with her family in France. One day while gathering firewood, Bernadette sees a vision of a beautiful lady dressed in white. She seeks no fame or attention for the vision, but when word of it spreads through town, Bernadette faces disbelief from everyone, including her own parents.

As Bernadette continues to visit the grotto at the lady’s request, she endures interrogation from skeptical civil authorities and reluctant church officials, but her simple sincerity continually confounds them. When the lady asks her to dig in the ground, a miraculous spring appears with healing properties, drawing crowds to the town and forcing everyone to grapple with whether this humble peasant girl truly experienced something divine.

Based on Franz Werfel’s novel, this 1943 film follows the traditional account of Saint Bernadette’s life while exploring themes of faith, humility, and the mystery of why God chooses whom He chooses. The inspiring story may also remind us of how worldly concerns often blind us to God’s work, and how the temptation to measure our worthiness by our suffering can lead to spiritual pride. The film is not rated in the modern system, but would likely be G, and is family friendly.

Runtime: 2 hours, 36 minutes
Rated G
USCCB rating: A-I
87% on Rotten Tomatoes
IMDb Parents Guide
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