As wonderful as the account of Our Lady's apparations at Lourdes, France, and the many miracles wrought at the grotto are, there is another stupendous phenomenon which is just as miraculous in the city of Nevers, France. It is the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette Soubirous, to whom Our Lady appeared. It is truly remarkable that, after a short life of 35 years which ended in 1879, her frail body would remain incorrupt to our present day - - a favor given to few saints.

In the long history of Christianity, we find that God has preserved over a hundred saints from the ravishes of the grave, some for a great number of centuries. King David testifies that the death of each saint is very precious in the sight of the Lord. Some, despite very adverse circumstances, remain incorrupt and fresh, with an inexplicable aroma surrounding them. How wonderful it is to be able visit in our own times the tombs of these incorruptibles and to personally witness this supernatural phenomenon.

As we honor St. Bernandette this month, let us not forget that her prerogative of incorruption is shared by other notable saints:

St. Cecilia (Died 177)
St. Agatha (D. 251)
St. Edward the Confessor (D. 1066)
St. Isadore the Farmer (D. 1172)
St. Albert the Great (D. 1280)

The incorrupt body of
St. Bernadette Soubirous in Nevers, France

St. Margaret of Cortona (D. 1297)
St. Frances of Rome (D. 1440)
St. Rita of Cascia (D. 1457)
St. Francis Xavier (D. 1552)
St. Stanislaus Kostka (D. 1568)
St. Teresa of Avila (D. 1582)
St. Charles Borromeo (D. 1584)
St. Philip Neri (D. 1595)
St. Germain Cousin (D. 1601)
St. Rose of Lima (D. 1617)
St. Jane Frances de Chantel (D. 1641)
St. Vincent de Paul (D. 1660)
St. Francis de Sales (D. 1662)
St. John Vianney (D. 1859)
St. Catherine Laboure (D. 1876)