Sister Bernadette Moriau returned to the cauda equina syndrome from which she suffered until her unexplained recovery.
- The ponytail is a bundle of nerves located in the lower area of the spine.
- An MRI is immediately performed if cauda equina syndrome is suspected.
In 1996, Sister Bernadette Moriau learned that she had cauda equina syndrome. It is a rare neurological pathology. This condition occurs when the bundle of nerves that runs from the lower part of the spinal cord becomes compressed or damaged, depending on the MSD Manual. This syndrome, usually caused by a herniated disc, is manifested by intense pain in the lower back, urinary problems and loss of sensation in the buttocks, genital area, bladder and rectum.
“I started to suffer in my spine. I was operated on twice because of a herniated disc and then afterwards, there was neurological damage. I underwent two other operations, including a transplant, but without any improvement, told the nun to Faustine Bollaert, host of the show It starts today broadcast on France 2.
“I have tried every treatment possible and imaginable”
In this episode published on June 14, the patient indicated that she had to use a wheelchair to get around, as she had difficulty walking properly due to a neurological problem. “I tried all the treatments possible and imaginable. I had the devices, the morphine treatments to calm the pain and anti-inflammatories. I had a cast and a corset. I lived with a device”, detailed Sister Bernadette Moriau. After taking these numerous treatments, which had no effect, she realized that she could not cure cauda equina syndrome. “I knew that I was going to end my life like this and that on top of that, I was getting to a stage where I could no longer walk at all”, continued the nun.
A miraculous healing
But in 2008, a miracle happened. In July, Sister Bernadette Moriau took part in her diocese’s pilgrimage to Lourdes, after hesitating. She received the Sacrament of the Sick “to be able to give meaning to this suffering”. During this blessing, “I really felt this presence of Jesus through the Eucharist. I renewed the gift I made of my very young life and I especially prayed for the sick who were next to me asking for their healing”, she elaborated.
After the pilgrimage, the patient did not feel well and lay in bed for three days. “On the third day, there was a prayer with adoration in our chapel. So I joined the sisters. At 5:45 p.m., before the Blessed Sacrament, I felt in my body a relaxation and a warmth that invaded. I didn’t understand what was going on so I finished my prayer and went back to my room. And there, I have an inner voice that tells me ‘take off your devices'”she recalled.
Sister Bernadette Moriau was cured of this incurable syndrome. Until today, no explanation has been given regarding his recovery. For 14 years, she has been the 70th and last miracle of Lourdes. Some time after this miracle, she stopped all these treatments and was able to walk normally again. “I recovered everything without rehabilitation”, she concluded.
