Wisdom and Wonder · Week 3 · Grades 3–5
Guided Notes: St. Bernadette Soubirous
- Name
- Date
- Class
Follow along as your teacher presents. Fill in each section when its slide is on the screen.
The poorest family in town
Bernadette Soubirous was born in blank 1, France, on January 7, 1844. She was the oldest child in her family.
Her father was a miller, but he lost his mill. The family became so poor that they lived in one damp room. It had once been the town jail.
Bernadette had asthma, an illness that made it hard to breathe. At age 14 she still could not read or write. She was a small, honest girl who knew how to pray the blank 2.
Words to know
Write what each word means.
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Grotto | Write your answer |
| Apparition | Write your answer |
| Pilgrim | Write your answer |
| Canonized | Write your answer |
Eighteen visits
On February 11, 1858, Bernadette went to gather firewood with her sister and a friend. At the blank 3 she saw a beautiful Lady dressed in white with a blue sash. They prayed the Rosary together.
The Lady appeared to her blank 4 times that year. She asked for prayer and for a chapel to be built. One day she told Bernadette to dig in the mud. A spring of water began to flow there.
Many adults did not believe Bernadette. Police questioned her. She told the same true story every time.
Quick check
What was Bernadette doing when she first saw the Lady? Circle one.
- A Walking to school
- B Gathering firewood
- C Praying in church
- D Washing clothes
Telling it true
Bernadette told only what she saw, never more. Sort each choice: does it tell the truth, or does it stretch the truth? Check one box for each.
| Item | Tells the truth | Stretches the truth |
|---|---|---|
| Saying “I don’t know” when you don’t know | ||
| Adding made-up parts so a story sounds cooler | ||
| Telling a story the same way to everyone | ||
| Posting that you won when you really lost | ||
| Sharing a scary rumor in a group chat | ||
| Checking with an adult before you pass on news |
Quick check
What did Bernadette do when she grew up? Circle one.
- A She ran a shop in Lourdes
- B She became a famous writer
- C She traveled giving speeches
- D She became a religious sister
Think, pair, share
Bernadette became famous, but she chose a quiet, hidden life with God. Many people today want lots of likes and followers. Why might a quiet life be good? When do you need quiet?
Think: my idea before we talk
Sentence starters: “I think Bernadette chose a quiet life because ...”“Being noticed online can be hard because ...”“A quiet time I could keep this week is ...”
Pair: something my partner said
Let us pray
Jesus, thank you for giving us Mary, your mother.
Help us tell the truth and pray with quiet hearts.
St. Bernadette Soubirous, pray for us.
Amen.
My own prayer or intention:
Well done!
Bernadette was canonized on December 8, 1933. Her feast day is April 16. Millions of pilgrims visit Lourdes every year.
One thing I learned today:
One question I still have:
Challenge: Before you send a message or tell a story this week, ask: Is it true? Then spend two quiet minutes with God, screens off.