What do you think?
Rate this book
Vision Books for Young Readers
Bernadette, Our Lady's Little Servant: Our Lady's Little Servant
This is the story of the girl to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared as "a little young lady" and revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette Soubirous lived with her family in the abandoned jail of the little French village of Lourdes, never dreaming that the very name of Lourdes would one day bring inspiration and hope to millions. Bernadette studied her Catechism, took care of her brothers and sisters, and gathered firewood – and no one knew she was a Saint. But one day, as she was gathering wood, Our lady appeared. Within a few weeks, thousands were kneeling in the field to pray to the Lady who could be seen and heard only by Bernadette. This was the beginning of one of the greatest Marian Shrines of modern times and of the miracles with which Our Lady blessed her children. Illustrated Cover art by Chris Pelicano This book is now part of Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader program . Quizzes are currently available.
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
About the author
Hertha Pauli
34 books1 followerHertha Ernestine Pauli was a journalist, writer and actor. She wrote books about Alfred Nobel and the Statue of Liberty. Her books for children, including "Silent Night: The Story of a Song," published in 1943, were particularly successful.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 10, 2024
I took up this read to honor the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is the story of a young impoverished girl in France whose humility and pure love for God granted her numerous encounters with the Virgin Mary. In the face of European Enlightenment rationalism, skepticism, and mockery of Christianity, St. Bernadette confounded French authorities. In a French society which popularized the idea that science rules all miracles impossible, St Bernadette evangelized her entire community by proving through several miracles that she truly encountered Mary who revealed herself in a title: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” St Bernadette had no education and considered herself a “fool,” yet I was reminded that “The foolishness of God is wiser than men…” (1 Cor 1:25). The spotlight ends up not being on Mary, but is more truly about Mary’s role as evangelist for Jesus Christ, since this event resulted in thousands of conversions and healings.
This book invites readers to contemplate Mary, who is immaculately conceived, as the first disciple of Jesus, mother, and model for every Christian. As Pope St John Paul II said,
“In contemplating this mystery in a Marian perspective, we can say that "Mary, at the side of her Son, is the most perfect image of freedom and of the liberation of humanity and of the universe. It is to her as Mother and Model that the Church must look in order to understand in its completeness the meaning of her own mission" (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Libertatis conscientia, 22 March, 1986, n. 97; cf. Redemptoris Mater, n. 37).”
This book invites readers to contemplate Mary, who is immaculately conceived, as the first disciple of Jesus, mother, and model for every Christian. As Pope St John Paul II said,
“In contemplating this mystery in a Marian perspective, we can say that "Mary, at the side of her Son, is the most perfect image of freedom and of the liberation of humanity and of the universe. It is to her as Mother and Model that the Church must look in order to understand in its completeness the meaning of her own mission" (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Libertatis conscientia, 22 March, 1986, n. 97; cf. Redemptoris Mater, n. 37).”
May 12, 2025
Just a beautiful saintly book…
4 stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 17, 2025
This volume is I believe the fifth ever published in the Vision Books for Young Readers series. There are currently 40 titles in print from Ignatius that brought many of the original books back into print and has since expanding the series with new offerings. There were 72 original volumes released between 1955 and 1967 and Ignatius has added 9 new titles to the series since the year 2000. This title originally released in 1956 and was reprinted by Ignatius in 1999. It should be noted this volume has been published under this title Bernadette, Our Lady's Little Servant and also Bernadette and the Lady.
I love the Vision Books for Young Readers, and this is another excellent offering in this great series.
The current Ignatius description of this book states:
“This is the story of the girl to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared as "a little young lady" and revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette Soubirous lived with her family in the abandoned jail of the little French village of Lourdes, never dreaming that the very name of Lourdes would one day bring inspiration and hope to millions. Bernadette studied her Catechism, took care of her brothers and sisters, and gathered firewood – and no one knew she was a Saint. But one day, as she was gathering wood, Our lady appeared. Within a few weeks, thousands were kneeling in the field to pray to the Lady who could be seen and heard only by Bernadette. This was the beginning of one of the greatest Marian Shrines of modern times and of the miracles with which Our Lady blessed her children. Illustrated.”
The original description was:
“This is the story of the girl to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared as "a little young lady" and revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception.
Bernadette Soubirous lived with her parents, brothers, and sisters in the abandoned jail of the little French village of Lourdes, never dreaming that the very name of Lourdes would one day bring inspiration and hope to millions. Bernadette studied her Catechism, took care of her brothers and sisters, and gathered firewood—and no one knew she was a Saint. But one day, as she was gathering wood, Our Lady appeared. Within a few weeks, thousands were kneeling in the field to pray to the Lady who could be seen and heard only by Bernadette.
This was the beginning of the greatest pilgrimage of modern times and of the miracles with which Our Lady blessed her children. And all Bernadette could say was, "If Our Lady could have found a greater fool than I, she would have chosen her. ..."
Bernadette and the Lady is the little story of the great miracle of Lourdes.”
About the series in the first edition we are informed:
“Each new Vision Book adds another exciting life story to this rich collection of biographies for Catholic youngsters. Written by wellknown authors in sparkling, lively language, Vision Books are based upon careful research and historical fact. Imprimatur.”
About the author we are informed:
“Hertha Pauli, actress and author of wellknown books for children, was born in Vienna. Now an American citizen, she has lived and traveled in many countries of Europe. The land of Bernadette is especially significant in her life since it was in Lourdes that she and a group of other Europeans found refuge in their 1940 flight from the Nazis. It seemed miraculous that the invading Nazi Army stopped just short of Lourdes, and now, with deep faith and warm affection, Hertha Pauli recreates the story of Bernadette and the Lady.”
And she contributed two volumes to this series. I have read a few volumes about Saint Bernadette and Lourdes over the years and I am always blessed and challenged by them.
The chapters in this volume are:
1. Wood-gathering
2. Rockslide
3. Promises
4. Grotto Duty
5. Heartburn
6. Muddy Water
7. Messages
8. The Procession
9. "I Am -"
10. At the Crossroads
11. Farewell Across the River . . . .
12. The Other World
Typically when I read a vision book, I highlight several passages. I was so fascinated working through this one I find I did not highlight any passages, much to my surprise.
There is a lot we can learn from Saint Bernadette, and how she lived her life. She can be an example to us no matter our stage of life or age, and also no matter our vocation. Her simple approach; and trust is inspiring and challenging. I have read this at a time of transition in life, changing roles at work, moving because our landlord sold the house we rent, and other changes. It inspired me to pray and trust differently through this season. I have randomly been reading the books in this series, this one was perfectly timed for me, now, and at this place. This excellent volume will inspire and challenge readers of all ages.
I love this book and series! My two youngest both teenagers enjoy the Vision Books, I am in my fifties and I love them, those Ignatius brought back in print, the new expansions of the series, and the originals I can lay my hands on that Ignatius has not licensed. This was a title early in the series and I am thankful to have read it. It would be an excellent volume for any home, school, or church library!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
I love the Vision Books for Young Readers, and this is another excellent offering in this great series.
The current Ignatius description of this book states:
“This is the story of the girl to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared as "a little young lady" and revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette Soubirous lived with her family in the abandoned jail of the little French village of Lourdes, never dreaming that the very name of Lourdes would one day bring inspiration and hope to millions. Bernadette studied her Catechism, took care of her brothers and sisters, and gathered firewood – and no one knew she was a Saint. But one day, as she was gathering wood, Our lady appeared. Within a few weeks, thousands were kneeling in the field to pray to the Lady who could be seen and heard only by Bernadette. This was the beginning of one of the greatest Marian Shrines of modern times and of the miracles with which Our Lady blessed her children. Illustrated.”
The original description was:
“This is the story of the girl to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared as "a little young lady" and revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception.
Bernadette Soubirous lived with her parents, brothers, and sisters in the abandoned jail of the little French village of Lourdes, never dreaming that the very name of Lourdes would one day bring inspiration and hope to millions. Bernadette studied her Catechism, took care of her brothers and sisters, and gathered firewood—and no one knew she was a Saint. But one day, as she was gathering wood, Our Lady appeared. Within a few weeks, thousands were kneeling in the field to pray to the Lady who could be seen and heard only by Bernadette.
This was the beginning of the greatest pilgrimage of modern times and of the miracles with which Our Lady blessed her children. And all Bernadette could say was, "If Our Lady could have found a greater fool than I, she would have chosen her. ..."
Bernadette and the Lady is the little story of the great miracle of Lourdes.”
About the series in the first edition we are informed:
“Each new Vision Book adds another exciting life story to this rich collection of biographies for Catholic youngsters. Written by wellknown authors in sparkling, lively language, Vision Books are based upon careful research and historical fact. Imprimatur.”
About the author we are informed:
“Hertha Pauli, actress and author of wellknown books for children, was born in Vienna. Now an American citizen, she has lived and traveled in many countries of Europe. The land of Bernadette is especially significant in her life since it was in Lourdes that she and a group of other Europeans found refuge in their 1940 flight from the Nazis. It seemed miraculous that the invading Nazi Army stopped just short of Lourdes, and now, with deep faith and warm affection, Hertha Pauli recreates the story of Bernadette and the Lady.”
And she contributed two volumes to this series. I have read a few volumes about Saint Bernadette and Lourdes over the years and I am always blessed and challenged by them.
The chapters in this volume are:
1. Wood-gathering
2. Rockslide
3. Promises
4. Grotto Duty
5. Heartburn
6. Muddy Water
7. Messages
8. The Procession
9. "I Am -"
10. At the Crossroads
11. Farewell Across the River . . . .
12. The Other World
Typically when I read a vision book, I highlight several passages. I was so fascinated working through this one I find I did not highlight any passages, much to my surprise.
There is a lot we can learn from Saint Bernadette, and how she lived her life. She can be an example to us no matter our stage of life or age, and also no matter our vocation. Her simple approach; and trust is inspiring and challenging. I have read this at a time of transition in life, changing roles at work, moving because our landlord sold the house we rent, and other changes. It inspired me to pray and trust differently through this season. I have randomly been reading the books in this series, this one was perfectly timed for me, now, and at this place. This excellent volume will inspire and challenge readers of all ages.
I love this book and series! My two youngest both teenagers enjoy the Vision Books, I am in my fifties and I love them, those Ignatius brought back in print, the new expansions of the series, and the originals I can lay my hands on that Ignatius has not licensed. This was a title early in the series and I am thankful to have read it. It would be an excellent volume for any home, school, or church library!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
May 1, 2010
Summary: St. Bernadette is awesome - totally awesome.
Review: St. Bernadette is awesome - totally awesome.
Review: St. Bernadette is awesome - totally awesome.
July 19, 2010
Bernadette: Our Lady's Little servant was a really well written book. I've always liked Bernadette so this book was just perfect for me. double thumbs up!
August 15, 2010
I have the 1956 edition (belonged to my mother).
September 16, 2024
I want to make myself openly clear that I do not think the book is terrible, it's not really a bad book and as much as I like the story of St. Bernadette, I don't think that this book makes the best use of it. At least to it's complete potential. So I hope someone can read this review with charity. I'll begin with what I think is pretty great about it.
The story gives us the life of poor Bernadette, giving us constant and vivid descriptions of her poor living conditions, the behaviors of those around her like her sister, parents and friends who are both sympathetic, curious, skeptical and even hostile at various points through out the story. Kids act like kids and that is a good thing to note, which I think the author draws upon very well. Pauli makes constant use of the mind and imagery by forcing us to think about the garments of the priest, the interior of the Church, the vast countryside of France and how there's even various linguistical issues that the character has to deal with in her catechism class that is mentioned. The world is crafted really well and I loved using my mind to think to the best of my ability the surroundings of this period in 19th century southern France.
Here is my critique though, I think the story at times gets both side tracked constantly by the little stories happening in various characters lives through gossip and the amount of names that must be kept track of to understand the advancing story. It's not so much to do but imagining from the perspective of a younger audience, it might get a little difficult to comprehend all that is happening. It might seem better for this to be read to a child rather than a child to read it for him or herself. But that wasn't the purpose of the author. Not at least a primary purpose.
Other than that, the atmosphere is very detailed and the apparitions seem as they are. It's otherwise a good book that talks a great deal about Bernadette's life but also those around her. Which makes for great story telling and environment.
So what's with three stars? Because:
I) I do not personally think someone below novice reading capabilities can fully appreciate the story as well;
II) I find that the side interruptions that happen through-out the chapter and the constant introduction of new named characters who are (often) utilized very little in the story makes distraction an often occurrence.
Otherwise, read this book if you find yourself invested in her story. I think after reading it, I definitely gained a new insight about how to explain the story through child-like lenses.
The story gives us the life of poor Bernadette, giving us constant and vivid descriptions of her poor living conditions, the behaviors of those around her like her sister, parents and friends who are both sympathetic, curious, skeptical and even hostile at various points through out the story. Kids act like kids and that is a good thing to note, which I think the author draws upon very well. Pauli makes constant use of the mind and imagery by forcing us to think about the garments of the priest, the interior of the Church, the vast countryside of France and how there's even various linguistical issues that the character has to deal with in her catechism class that is mentioned. The world is crafted really well and I loved using my mind to think to the best of my ability the surroundings of this period in 19th century southern France.
Here is my critique though, I think the story at times gets both side tracked constantly by the little stories happening in various characters lives through gossip and the amount of names that must be kept track of to understand the advancing story. It's not so much to do but imagining from the perspective of a younger audience, it might get a little difficult to comprehend all that is happening. It might seem better for this to be read to a child rather than a child to read it for him or herself. But that wasn't the purpose of the author. Not at least a primary purpose.
Other than that, the atmosphere is very detailed and the apparitions seem as they are. It's otherwise a good book that talks a great deal about Bernadette's life but also those around her. Which makes for great story telling and environment.
So what's with three stars? Because:
I) I do not personally think someone below novice reading capabilities can fully appreciate the story as well;
II) I find that the side interruptions that happen through-out the chapter and the constant introduction of new named characters who are (often) utilized very little in the story makes distraction an often occurrence.
Otherwise, read this book if you find yourself invested in her story. I think after reading it, I definitely gained a new insight about how to explain the story through child-like lenses.
May 26, 2017
I picked the 1956 edition up at a used book store. I read aloud to my kids during our morning time. It is such a lovely story and deepened my devotion to the Immaculate Conception.
March 1, 2018
This focused more on Bernadette's time in Lourdes, without going into much of her history once she moved to a convent. A good introductory read about one of our most beloved saints.
March 29, 2019
I prefer the title of my 1956 original edition, “BERNADETTE AND THE LADY”.
January 20, 2022
my first saint book was really good giving it 4 stars because I expect better books
April 6, 2022
Vivid description of the events in Lourdes...
Indeed God can write with a leg of a table...
Indeed God can write with a leg of a table...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
this has been sitting on my bookshelf for 10 years
July 30, 2022
Easy reading for youngsters
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews