Born on 7th January 1844, Bernadette Soubirous was the eldest child of Francois Soubirous and his wife Louise (nee Casterot). As a miller, Francois provided a comfortable living for his family. Bernadette had a total of six brothers and two sisters, but only three of her siblings lived beyond the age of ten.
Isinilang si Bernadette noong ikapito ng Enero 1844, panganay na anak ng mag-asawang Francois Soubirous at Louise Casterot. Maganda ang kabuhayan ng mag-anak; nagtatrabaho bilang manggigiling si Francois. May walong kapatid si Bernadette -- anim na lalaki at dalawang babae -- subalit tatlo lang sa kanila ang tumanda nang mahigit sampung taong gulang.