This blog is dedicated to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, a favored child of Mary. She's my inspiration in so many ways in striving for a holy life. Bernadette directly interceded for my wife and I to meet and get married. I am certain of that. I'm a Catholic convert at 31. It's the greatest thing that has ever happened to me - it's not even close. "Mater Dei" is Latin for Mother of God.