June 11, 1956
Dear Diary,
Robert came early this morning to pick up Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me. He had been reading ahead in Our Lady of Lourdes and said he could hardly stop. On the way to St. Mary’s, he talked about Bernadette, the spring, the crowds, and what might happen next.
After Holy Mass, Father LeRoy invited everyone downstairs to the parish hall for the Reading Club. He reminded folks that copies of Our Lady of Lourdes were still available at the back of the church.
We met just like the first time, around the tables in the parish hall. Sister Mary Claire counted ten in attendance, counting Mini.
“That is pretty good for a small congregation,” Sister whispered.
Father LeRoy opened with a prayer. Then he looked at me and smiled.
“Kathy, I believe you have today’s summary,” he said.
I stood up with my paper in both hands. My heart beat fast, but Sister Mary Claire gave me a little nod, and Mini sat beside my chair as if she were listening too.
I read:
“Part 5 is about M. Massy, a government official who did not believe the events at Lourdes were from God. Instead of waiting patiently for the Church to investigate, he wanted to stop everything quickly. He had the Grotto watched day and night and arranged for soldiers and police to be ready near Lourdes.
“What struck me most is that the people had been peaceful, but the officials acted as if trouble was already coming. The Bishop waited carefully, but M. Massy rushed ahead. I think this chapter shows the difference between patient faith and fearful control.”
When I finished, Father LeRoy nodded kindly.
“Well done, Kathy,” he said.
Robert started clapping first, and then everyone joined in. Mini looked around as if she thought the applause might be for her.
After that, the discussion began. Robert said the people at the Grotto seemed peaceful. They were praying, filling bottles from the spring, and going home.
“Why send soldiers if nobody is causing trouble?” he asked.
Father LeRoy said large crowds can make officials uneasy, especially when something unexpected is happening.
“Fear often grows when people think they must control everything,” Father said. “The Bishop was willing to wait and learn more. Others wanted answers immediately.”
Sister Mary Claire said the Bishop’s patience impressed her most.
“Patience is often quieter than force,” she said, “but much wiser.”
Then Father LeRoy said, “Truth is never harmed by an honest investigation.”
I liked that very much and wrote it in my notebook.
Afterward Father LeRoy brought out Krispy Kreme doughnuts, coffee, and hot cocoa. Everyone stayed a while longer, talking about Lourdes and what might happen next. Mini made her rounds beneath the tables, collecting smiles and a few crumbs.
On the way home, Robert said he might read just one more chapter tonight.
Sister Mary Claire laughed and said, “Only one?”
I think she knows him pretty well.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for Holy Mass, for our Reading Club, and for friends who love the story of Lourdes. Help me to be patient when I do not understand something right away. Teach me to seek the truth with a peaceful heart and never to rush to judgment. Bless Father LeRoy, Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, and everyone who came today. Amen.
Good night, dear Diary.
Love,
Kathy
Resolution: Tomorrow I will try to listen carefully before making up my mind.
Dear Jesus, You know that I love You.
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