Following the jubilee year 2008, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the apparitions at Lourdes, 2009 has been designated as Bernadette Year.

A colloquium kicked off this commemoration with the aim of highlighting the figure of Bernadette: what path did she follow after the apparitions?

This book compiles all the papers presented at the conference.

It retraces the major stages in Bernadette's life, from Lourdes to Nevers, while placing her in the historical context of the 19th century and within her congregation, the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. Her vocation, the people who guided her spiritually, and her attachment to the Eucharist are carefully examined. It also looks at the image that has been projected of her, popular imagery, the beatification and canonisation processes, the fervour of pilgrims, the places of worship where she is honoured around the world, and the songs and music composed in her honour, not forgetting the wealth of consecrated literature.

Finally, a comparison between Thérèse of Lisieux and Bernadette adds the finishing touch to this book.