RIP, Jennifer Jones
I just found out that Jennifer Jones, who played Bernadette (and won an Oscar) in the classic movie “Song of Bernadette” died this month at the age of 90.
If you have never seen “Song of Bernadette” , you really must find time to do so; it is a wonderful film which beautifully captures the events surrounding the apparition of Mary in Lourdes, France in the 19th century. I especially love its portrayal of the local parish priest: he is a no-nonsense cleric who initially (and prudently) assumes Bernadette is making the story up, but after he accepts the apparition as valid, fiercely protects her from those who wished to destroy her.
As the opening credits of “Song of Bernadette” state,
To those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary.
To those who do not believe in God, no explanation is possible.
Say a prayer today for the repose of the soul of Jennifer Jones. I’m sure that St. Bernadette has been praying for her for a long time.
Merry Christmas,
I, too, was saddened to hear of Jennifer Jone’s passing. Song of Bernadette is one of my favorite films. One of the side stories built into this is the conversion of her novice master, I can’t remember her name but the nun who taught her in the beginning of the film. Her scene where she talks of pain and suffering and doubt to Bernadette is maginificent.
I showed the movie to my kids a few years back and thought they would be bored as the story does not move at the pace of modern day movies but I was wrong, they found it powerful and emotional. My youngest, 11, asks to watch it with regularity which shouldn’t but does surprise me.
Merry Christmas,
I,too,was moved at the news of the passing of Jennifer Jone’s.
She leaves behind a rich and rewarding bank of film in which to enjoy… So sad Love will always be a Many Splendored Thing.