PROVIDENCE — At the instruction of a mysterious Lady visible only to the child, and to the uproarious laughter of thousands of ridiculing onlookers, 14-year-old Bernadette began digging into the dry ground at the Grotto of Massabielle until she unearthed enough moisture to smear a muddy mixture on her face. Later that day, the faithful were as amazed as the government officials were dismayed when a spring producing 25,000 gallons of water each day erupted from that very spot. It is arguably the most miraculous water the world has ever known.
Monday, Jan. 7, 2019 marks the 175th anniversary of St. Bernadette’s birth. To commemorate her inspiring life and the miraculous events begun in Lourdes, France during the winter of 1858, local award-winning author Paul F. Caranci released his new book, “I Am the Immaculate Conception: The Story of Bernadette of Lourdes.”
Meticulously researched for historical accuracy, “I Am the Immaculate Conception” is a day-by-day, hour-by-hour account of emotionally-charged events leading to the apparitions, the apparitions themselves and the controversial aftermath. With eye-witness accounts and eye-opening perspective, Caranci brings the story of Bernadette to life.
By Divine Providence, this 14-year-old peasant child was drawn into a series of events that ultimately changed the world. Exposed to the cruelties of disbelieving townspeople, angry government officials, and a confused clergy, Bernadette suffered great anguish leading to failed health and social abandonment. According to the author, “Her faith in God, and the comfort drawn from speaking with His Mother, enabled Bernadette to persevere and that determination provides an inspiration to all people today.”
Though a book of history, Caranci noted, “I Am the Immaculate Conception’ is written like a novel enabling the reader to experience the range of emotions felt by Bernadette Soubirous, and all who encountered her, during the time of the apparitions and beyond.” The book also chronicles many of the awe-inspiring miracles that resulted from contact with the waters of the miraculous spring. Those same miracles continue unabated to this very day. “In fact, the book’s foreword is written by Father Christy David Pathiala, Associate Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Bismark, North Dakota, himself a beneficiary of a miracle resulting from a bath in that miraculous spring water of Lourdes,” Caranci said. The reader will be amazed at his inspiring story as well.
Caranci added that the timing of the release of “I Am the Immaculate Conception: The Story of Bernadette of Lourdes” was coordinated by the publisher, Stillwater River Publications, to coincide with the 175th anniversary of the birth of St. Bernadette.
Caranci has written nine books, three of which have won critical acclaim. His last book, “The Promise of Fatima: One Hundred Years of History, Mystery and Faith,” was named a finalist in the International Book Awards held in Los Angeles in May of 2018.
Copies of “I Am the Immaculate Conception,” as well as any of his previous books, may be purchased at Stillwater Books, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, and on Amazon.com by searching by title and/or author. Signed copies of the new book may be obtained by mailing a check for $20, (free shipping) to Paul Caranci, 26 East Avenue, North Providence, RI 02911, or contacting the author at municipalheritage@gmail.com.
