I just found out that Jennifer Jones, who played Bernadette (and won an Oscar) in the classic movie “Song of Bernadette ^[1]” died this month at the age of 90 ^[2].

If you have never seen “Song of Bernadette ^[3]” , 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.