Counsel, or right judgement, the third gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult cases. The natural virtue of prudence relies on our own human ability. The supernatural gift of counsel relies on the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

At the age of 14, from 11 February to 16 July 1858, St Bernadette had 18 visions of a lady who told her to pray and do penance, and taught her how to say the Rosary well. On first seeing the lady, St Bernadette was cautious and took out her rosary. On the second occasion, she sprinkled holy water to test whether this vision was from God or from the devil. She sought and followed the advice of her parish priest.

St Bernadette eventually joined the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. As a novice, she was treated strictly, and she undertook menial jobs for the community. Later, she contracted tuberculosis of the bone, and died at the age of 35. When the German army was shelling Nevers during the Franco-Prussian war, she was asked whether she was afraid. She said that the only thing she was afraid of was bad Catholics.

From a poor family, and suffering ill health for most of her life, St Bernadette had limited human resources to draw upon. Her trust in God, her obedience to her superiors, and her heroic faith kept her on the right path. When others might have made unfortunate decisions tinged with pride, she walked the narrow and courageous path of holiness.

St Pio of Pietrelcina said “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” St Bernadette shows us by her example how to follow this simple advice when we have to make difficult decisions.