Franz Werfel wrote a popular book called The Song of Bernadette. The reason he wrote this book goes back to World War II.
Shrine at Lourdes, France
As a controversial Jew in occupied France, he was on the Nazi hit list. He and Alma, his wife, fled from the Nazis who pursued them.
They sought shelter in Lourdes where the famous shrine of Mary is located. One night he went alone to the shrine.
In the darkness, he prayed, “God, I’m not a believer. I must be honest and say so. I am a Jew. But in my extreme need, on the chance that I could be wrong, I ask you to help me and my wife. If you see us safely to the United States, I promise to write a story of Lourdes for all the world to read.”