SAINT BERNADETTE was born in 1844, the daughter of a miller in Lourdes and was troubled by severe asthma and tuberculosis throughout her life. In 1858 she experienced a series of Marian visions at a cave grotto at Massabielle. Confirmed by the Church, the site at Lourdes went on to become a major site for pilgrimage in the Church particularly associated with miracles of healing. Bernadette sought refuge from unwanted attention by joining the Sisters of Charity of Nevers and died of ill health in 1879.