While she was a nun, and for some time before, Bernadette underwent intense scrutiny and much publicity for her visions at Lourdes. Civil authorities, including police and prosecutors, tried to convince her that she was falsifying the observations. Even some bishops and priests opposed it. However, as part of her spirituality, Bernadette used the gift of courage to stand up to naysayers. His faith never wavered through the animadversions of his visions. Bernadette realized that it was part of God's plan that she was the chosen one to see these apparitions, which included standing up to those who accused her of being dishonest (Lord and Lord 219). While Bernadette was fortified against her detractors, she was also very humble, especially towards the pilgrims flocking to see "the chosen one." Bernadette hated the publicity she received because of her visions. The pilgrims bombarded Bernadette in public, to which Bernadette responded with wit and humility. For example, when pilgrims asked her if she would sell medals, she replied, “But I am not a merchant” (Lord and Lord 222). A pilgrim had the audacity to ask Bernadette if she could cut a piece of her dress to keep it, to which Bernadette humorously retorted: “How stupid you are!” (Lord and Lord 222). Perhaps best illustrating Bernadette's humility, Bernadette demonstrates her human nature when a pilgrim asks to be healed by her. Bernadette replies: “Why are you taking me? I'm like you. I have no power. All I can do is pray for you” (Lord and Lord 222). Keep in mind that Bernadette and her family were private. Bernadette could easily have sold medals, rosaries, or even portions of her clothing, but she refused to do so. While she was a nun, she was interviewed by the local newspaper. The int......middle of the paper......the spring and obeys the Immaculate Conception; Bernadette said “yes” to Mary, just as Mary said “yes” to God. Works Cited Keyes, Frances Parkinson. Bernadette of Lourdes: Shepherdess, Sister and Saint. New York: Julian Messner, 1953. Print. Laurentin, René. Bernadette speaks: A life of Saint Bernadette Soubirous in hers. Trans. John W. Lynch and Ronald DesRosiers. Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 2000. Print. Lord, Bob and Penny Lord. Saints and other powerful women of the Church. Journeys of Faith, 1989. Print.Pettinger, Tejvan R., “Biography of Bernadette Soubirous”. BiographyOnline.net. np, nd Web. December 12, 2013. “Spirituality: Saint Bernadette Contra Mundum.” WordOnFire.org. Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, April 2012. Web. December 12, 2013. “St. Bernadette Soubirous. Catholic.org. Catholic Online, 2013. Web. December 12 2013.