Our Namesake
Bernadette Soubrious (1844-1879) was born to a very poor family in Lourdes, France. When Bernadette was fourteen, out gathering firewood for her family, the Mother of Jesus first appeared to her. Bernadette was confused. The townsfolk refused to believe her. On the eighteenth and last appearance, the Blessed Virgin identified herself as the “Immaculate Conception”. Then everyone believed, for these were words unfamiliar to a simple fourteen year old. Mary asked Bernadette to make known the healing powers of the springs of water in Lourdes.
When she was twenty-two, she was admitted to a religious order. She spent the rest of her days there, a short distance from Lourdes. After suffering heroically for years with tuberculosis, she died a bold death on April 15, 1879.
A beautiful church, called the Rosary, and a statue of the Virgin Mary were erected at the grotto where the vision occurred. Each year, a few million people visit the shrine to pray and seek healing. Bernadette was declared a saint in 1933.
The devotion that St. Bernadette had for Mary the Mother of Jesus inspires us at St. Bernadette School to continue to pray for social justice and world peace.
Honoring Our Namesakes: A Legacy of Inspiration
At Edmonton Catholic Schools, the names of our schools are more than just titles—they are symbols of faith, dedication, and excellence. Each namesake represents values and ideals that inspire our students, staff, and community.
Our schools are named after saints, historical figures, and community leaders whose lives reflect courage, service, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. These individuals serve as role models, guiding our students to grow in faith, character, and learning.
By celebrating the legacies of these remarkable individuals, we connect with our Catholic traditions and roots, creating an environment where every student is encouraged to embody the virtues and values that these namesakes represent. From fostering compassion and leadership to nurturing academic and spiritual growth, the stories behind our school names remind us of the profound impact one life can have on many.
Edmonton Catholic Schools is proud to honor these namesakes, whose lives continue to inspire generations to come.