Our Reading Club met again today at the clubhouse, and Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary.
I explained that the governor was becoming more and more troubled by the crowds at Lourdes. The pilgrims remained so peaceful and prayerful that the police had no excuse to interfere with them. He could either admit that he had been wrong and leave the people alone, or he could use force to close the Grotto. The chapter kept saying that he must either retreat or advance boldly.
There was also growing doubt about the first examination of the spring water. A local chemist said it was only ordinary water and contained nothing that could explain the miraculous cures. Many other scientists agreed, so the town council asked the famous Professor Filhol to make a new and final examination.
“The governor must have been worried about what the professor would discover,” Robert said when I finished that part.
Father nodded. “Yes, because if the water proved to be ordinary, the cures would become even harder to explain away.”
Sister Mary Claire said quietly, “They kept searching for something in the water, when perhaps they should have been looking toward Heaven.”
We all thought that was very true.
Then I read about Bernadette making her First Holy Communion on the feast of Corpus Christi. Even while important men were examining the water of the spring, Our Lord was entering Bernadette’s pure and humble heart.
“That was my favorite part,” I told everyone. “Bernadette did not care about being noticed. She only wanted to love God.”
Robert smiled. “She certainly didn’t want to become rich from any of it.”
That began another lively discussion. Bernadette would not trade her plain rosary for one made of precious stones because her poor rosary suited her better. She also refused money from a priest, even when he suggested that she give it to the poor.
“She wanted to serve God without being paid,” Sister said.
“And that made her honesty even clearer,” Father added. “She and her family sometimes lacked bread, yet she would not profit from the favors God had given her.”
The chapter ended with government officials praising the governor and urging him to take stronger action against the Grotto and the miracles. Still, no one seemed to know what could actually be done against peaceful people who only wished to pray.
After our discussion, Father brought out a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and a quart of cold Jersey milk. The milk was rich and creamy, just the way we all like it, and the doughnuts disappeared very quickly.
When everything had been cleared away, Father asked me to read our closing prayer.
“Dear Blessed Mother, help us to be humble and honest like Bernadette. Teach us to love prayer more than praise and to serve God without seeking any reward. Give courage to all who must choose between what is easy and what is right. Keep our hearts pure and peaceful, and lead us always closer to your Divine Son. Amen.”
Father LeRoy then raised his hand and gave us his blessing.
It was a good meeting, and I kept thinking about Bernadette’s poor little rosary. It was not made of precious stones, but I think it must have been very precious to Heaven.
Love, Kathy
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