This morning Good Neighbor Robert came early to pick us up for Holy Mass, but it was such a gorgeous day that we all decided to walk the half mile to St. Mary’s instead. Mini was the happiest of all and trotted ahead with her big smile, then came running back as if she wanted to hurry the rest of us along.
As we came near the church, I saw a banner stretched across the front lawn. I knew it was a banner right away, but we were still too far off to read what it said. Mini noticed something was different too, and ran ahead as fast as her little legs would go to see what was happening. When we got closer, I could finally see the words: St. Mary’s Reading Club — Our Lady of Lourdes — Our First Book.
I stopped right in the road, because then I knew this was no ordinary morning.
Sister Mary Claire looked at Robert, and Robert looked at the ground, trying not to smile too much. Then I knew they had planned it together and kept it as a surprise. There was even a smaller sign saying the books were available at the back of the church and donated by Robert.
After Mass, Father LeRoy announced it properly. He said St. Mary’s was beginning a reading club, and the first book would be Our Lady of Lourdes. He held up his own copy and said he had one now too, and that there were plenty more available at the back of the church for anyone who wished to read along. I thought Robert might look embarrassed when Father thanked him, but he only stood quietly with his hat in his hands.
Father said it was a fitting book to begin with, because in France in the nineteenth century, when many people had grown cold in their faith, the story of Lourdes helped awaken belief again. Bernadette was poor and little, but Our Lady used her to call many hearts back to God.
Today’s chapter was about Monseigneur Laurence, the Bishop of Tarbes. He had grown up in the diocese and had taught many of the priests before he became their Bishop. The book made it sound as if he and his clergy were one large Christian family, bound together by trust and obedience.
I liked learning that he was warm-hearted but careful. He did not rush after every report from Lourdes. He waited, watched, prayed, and judged with patience. Sister said that made his approval of Lourdes stronger, because everyone knew he was not carried away by excitement. Father LeRoy said the Church is careful with holy things, because truth does not need to hurry.
All day I kept thinking of the banner moving gently in the breeze. It seemed like Our Lady herself had hung out an invitation. Maybe St. Mary’s is very small, but this morning it felt connected to France, to Lourdes, to Bernadette, and to all the people who found their faith again.
Tonight I am thankful for Sister and Robert’s surprise, for Father LeRoy’s joy, and for the first book of our little reading club.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to love the truth with patience, as Monseigneur Laurence did. Help me to listen humbly, as Bernadette did. Bless our reading club at St. Mary’s, and let Our Lady of Lourdes bring our hearts closer to Thee.
Amen.
Resolution: Tomorrow I will try to read slowly and carefully, and let Our Lady teach me one page at a time.
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