Her name in religion was Sr. Marie-Bernarde. One of her chores in the convent was to work as sacristan in the lovely Neo-Gothic chapel of St. Joseph attached to the convent (the chapel was unfortunately wreckovated after the Council). There she embroidered and repaired altar clothes and other vestments as needed. This beautiful example gives insight into the high measure of her talent. Hopefully it will inspire a new generation of sisters.
Bernadette died there in 1879 at age 35. This alb is on display at her museum in Lourdes, called the St. Bernadette Museum.
In the Catholic tradition, the alb is made of pure linen, as in the Book of Leviticus. A unique feature on this alb is the embroidered neckline. Thankfully this beautiful example was made long before the days of cheap polyester and velcro. It is encouraging to see young priests today going back to this more Biblical style alb, elegance that has been made use of for centuries.
