Saint Bernadette, born Marie-Bernarde Soubirous (January 7, 1844 April 16, 1879), was a miller's daughter from the town of Lourdes in southern France. Her Occitan name is Maria Bernada Sobirs, aka Bernadeta (little Bernada). From February 11 to July 16, 1858, she reported eighteen apparitions of "a Lady." Despite initial skepticism from the Catholic Church, these claims were eventually declared to be worthy of belief after a canonical investigation. After her death, Bernadette's body remained incorruptible, and the shrine at Lourdes went on to become a major site for pilgrimage, attracting millions of Catholics each year. On December 8, 1933 she was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church; her Feast Day is celebrated on April 16. She is patron saint to Sick people, poverty, the family, Lourdes, and shepherds.