This morning after Holy Mass, our Reading Club met under the apple tree.
Father LeRoy asked me to read my summary. I am getting more comfortable doing that now, and I do not mind standing up in front of everyone anymore.
The chapter told how Lourdes was changing people. Many returned to the Sacraments, old sins were confessed, stolen things were returned, and people were growing closer to God.
Then came the remarkable story of Bernadette and the candle.
While she was in ecstasy before Our Lady, the flame burned between her fingers for many minutes. Everyone could see it, but her hand was not harmed. When someone later touched the flame to her hand after the vision ended, she quickly pulled away and said it was burning her.
Father LeRoy said this was one of the most striking events at Lourdes because so many people witnessed it.
Robert said that ten thousand people gathering without being invited showed how interested everyone had become.
Sister Mary Claire said the greatest miracle was not the candle, but the conversions taking place in people's hearts.
I thought she was probably right.
After our discussion, Father served lunch. He brought a pitcher of Kool-Aid and a bag of Chips Ahoy cookies. Mini sat beside us hoping a cookie might accidentally fall to the grass and one did from Robert.
Before we left, Father asked me to read the closing prayer.
"Dear Jesus, thank You for bringing us together today. Help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Bless Father LeRoy, Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, and all our friends. May Our Lady of Lourdes always lead us closer to You. Amen."
Everyone answered, "Amen."
Father gave us his blessing and dismissed the club until next time.
Then we gathered our books and headed home.
Love,
Kathy
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