The Little Club Kitchen

 

Dear Diary,

Our Readers Club met again in the little clubhouse today. Sister Mary Claire got busy right away at the tiny kitchen counter Robert had put in for us. With the little Frigidaire underneath and the hot plate on top, it is beginning to look almost like a real kitchen.

Sister said that after all the crackers, frosting, and doughnuts we have enjoyed, she was making something healthy today: hot oatmeal with raisins.

She warmed four cups of Jersey milk in a saucepan. Then she stirred in two cups of rolled oats, one-half cup of raisins, and a pinch of salt. She cooked it slowly until it was thick and creamy.

Sister spooned it into our bowls and topped each serving with a pat of butter, brown sugar, and a little more rich, icy-cold Jersey milk from the Frigidaire.

Before she added the raisins and sugar to the last little spoonful, she fixed Mini her own small dish of plain oatmeal with a splash of cold milk. Mini ate every bit and licked the dish so carefully that Robert said she had given Sister’s cooking her highest approval.

Robert said the oatmeal was good enough to make a person forget it was healthy. Sister said that was the mark of good cooking.

Afterward, Father LeRoy opened the Lourdes book.

“Kathy,” he said, “please read your chapter summary.”

I stood with my notebook and began:

“As June came to an end, visitors arrived in the Pyrenees from all over Europe. There were sick people seeking health, travelers enjoying the mountains, learned men studying what had happened, and curious people who simply wanted to see Lourdes.

“Rich and poor, believers and unbelievers, writers, businessmen, priests, and important officials all heard about Bernadette, the Grotto, the miraculous Spring, and the people who had been cured.

“God had first shown His work to the humble people living near Lourdes. Now He was bringing the rich and powerful to see it too. It was like Bethlehem, where the shepherds came before the Wise Men.

“The police still tried to keep people from the Grotto, but the barriers and threats were becoming useless. Some came because of faith and others because of curiosity, but they all saw the people who had been healed.

“One day the police stopped the famous Catholic writer Louis Veuillot. He gave them his name without fear and continued toward the Grotto.

“Another time, a lady was discovered kneeling near the barrier. When the officer demanded her name, she calmly said she was the wife of Admiral Bruat and the governess of the young Prince Imperial. The officer quickly dropped the charge because she was important.

“This showed how unfair the rules had become. Powerful people could disobey, while poor and ordinary people were punished.”

When I finished, Robert shook his head.

“So it depended upon who you were,” he said. “That does not sound like justice.”

“No,” Sister Mary Claire answered. “A law should not be heavy for the weak and light for the powerful.”

Father LeRoy nodded. “The officials could close a path, but they could not close every human heart.”

I said I especially liked the comparison with Bethlehem. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette, a poor and simple girl, just as the angels first announced the birth of Jesus to humble shepherds.

“That is often God’s way,” Father said. “He does not judge importance as the world does.”

Robert said all the visitors must have carried the story of Lourdes home with them.

“Yes,” Sister said. “Every visitor became another messenger.”

Before we left, Father asked me to lead our prayer.

Dear Blessed Mother,

Thank you for watching over Bernadette and leading so many people to Lourdes. Help us remember that every person is precious to God, whether rich or poor, famous or unknown.

Give us courage to do what is right. Teach us never to favor the powerful over the weak, and give us simple hearts that recognize God’s work.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Amen.

Father LeRoy blessed us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Mini curled up beneath the table afterward, warm and satisfied from her little dish of oatmeal and milk.

Good night, Diary.

Kathy

 

When it Rains it Pours

Dear Diary,

Father LeRoy, Robert, Sister Mary Claire, and I met in the Readers Clubhouse again today. We had only just settled around the table when Father nodded for me to begin my chapter summary.

I had hardly read the first sentence when there came a tremendous clap of thunder. The whole clubhouse seemed to tremble, and then the rain began pouring down so hard that we could scarcely hear one another.

“When it rains, it pours in Iowa,” Robert said, looking toward the windows.

But we were perfectly safe and dry inside. The roof held tight, and the little clubhouse felt especially cozy while the storm beat against it.

I began my summary again.

The people of Lourdes were no longer willing to remain quiet while the authorities kept them away from the Grotto. Some climbed over the barriers and gave their names openly to the guards before kneeling to pray. Even a few of the guards believed in what was happening, although they still had to carry out their orders or risk losing the small wages that fed their families.

Others found hidden paths to the Grotto. One person would remain behind to watch for the police and give a signal if they approached. Some people even swam across the swift Gave River so they could pray near the Spring and drink its water.

The fines frightened many poor families because even a small fine could grow into a ruinous amount. Still, the faithful found other ways to pray. When they could not reach the Grotto, they knelt beside the boundary posts or gathered in the meadows on the opposite bank of the river, facing the place where Our Lady had appeared.

Night after night, the boards closing the Grotto were torn down and thrown into the river. The police tried to discover who had done it, but no one was found. Petitions were also sent to the Emperor, asking that the people’s freedom to pray be restored.

One day, after a higher court overturned a judgment against several women who had spoken about the Grotto, a great crowd surged through the barrier. The police stepped aside rather than struggle against thousands of people. Afterward, the authorities ordered even stricter watching and tried to frighten the faithful with false stories about imprisonment.

The saddest part was about the sick people who came from far away. Some were blind, paralyzed, or suffering from illnesses the doctors could not cure. They begged the mayor to let them go to the Spring, but he refused. Reports were even written against the sick themselves.

Since they could not reach the Grotto, many gathered across the river on privately owned land. The owners welcomed them, believing God would bless the fields where so many suffering people knelt in prayer.

Meanwhile, Bernadette’s asthma became worse. She was exhausted from sickness and from the constant stream of visitors who wanted to question her about the Apparitions. The Bishop quietly encouraged her family to send her away for a time to the baths at Cauterets. Bernadette went there with her aunt and remained for two or three weeks, drinking the waters and seeking silence and rest.

When I finished, the thunder was still rolling, though it had moved farther away.

“It seems the officials created more disorder by trying to prevent peaceful prayer,” Robert said.

Father LeRoy nodded. “People can endure many hardships, but when what they hold sacred is treated with contempt, their patience can be sorely tested.”

Sister Mary Claire said the guards must have been in a painful position. Some of them believed, but they also had families depending upon their wages.

“That does not make an unjust order right,” she said, “but it reminds us that not everyone carrying out an order has a cruel heart.”

Father said the people’s courage was admirable, though anger can quickly lead even good people into actions they may later regret.

“The strongest protest in the chapter,” he said, “may have been the people kneeling quietly beside the boundary posts. They could not enter, but no one could prevent them from turning their hearts toward God.”

By then Sister Mary Claire decided it was time for our refreshments. She said she was especially glad she had brought soda crackers and chocolate frosting before the storm began. She set Robert and me to work spreading frosting between pairs of crackers.

The milk was icy cold from the little refrigerator Robert installed in the clubhouse.

“If Kathy can supply the clubhouse,” Robert said, “I can at least supply the refrigeration.”

Everyone laughed, and Sister said that cold milk and chocolate-frosted crackers were exactly right for a rainy Iowa morning. Mini received a plain cracker and settled beneath the table, listening to the rain.

Before we left, Father asked me to read the prayer.

Dear Blessed Mother,

Please help us remain faithful when doing what is right becomes difficult. Give courage to those who are afraid, comfort to the sick, and wisdom to those who hold authority. Help us to defend what is holy without hatred or violence. Please watch over everyone traveling through today’s storm, and keep Shaggycoat safe in his lodge beside Indian Creek.

Amen.

Father LeRoy raised his hand and blessed us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He dismissed the Reading Club, although we waited a little longer for the heaviest rain to pass before leaving our dear Reader's Clubhouse.

Good night, dear Diary.

High Water or The Bishop Who Waited

 

Dear Diary,

Because the rain had soaked the ground, the Reading Club met in the Clubhouse. Sister Mary Claire opened the windows, Robert poured cold milk, and we ate granola while water dripped from the eaves.

Mini had a little dish with boiled chicken, which she loves. Thank you, Sister Mary Claire.

Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary.

“Monseigneur Laurence still hesitated to believe fully in the Apparitions at Lourdes. He was careful, learned, and afraid of being misled by excitement or exaggeration.

“He did not approve of the civil authorities’ harsh measures, but he also did not want the Church to act too quickly. His caution was part of God’s providence. By waiting, he allowed the events at Lourdes to prove themselves without the support of Church authority.

“The people had great faith, while the Bishop had patience. God used both to fulfill His plan.”

Robert said, “So the Bishop’s doubts became part of the proof.”

Father LeRoy nodded. “Yes. When he finally spoke, no one could say he had been carried away by popular enthusiasm.”

Sister Mary Claire added, “The people needed patience, and the Bishop needed light. God gave both in the proper time.”

Before we left, Father asked me to read the closing prayer.

“Dear God, give us the faith of the people and the patience of the Bishop. Help us to trust Your providence and wait for Your truth to become clear.

“Please protect our homes and farms after the heavy rain. Watch over Shaggycoat, too. The water in Indian Creek was running very fast, and I pray that his lodge held together and that he is safe. Amen.”

Father LeRoy blessed everyone, and the Reading Club agreed to meet again tomorrow.

As Mini walked around the puddles, I thought that sometimes God asks us to believe, and sometimes He asks us to wait.

Good night, dear Diary.

Kathy

The Lightning Storm

  

Dear Diary,
 
It began raining during Holy Mass this morning, and by the time Father LeRoy gave the final blessing, the drops were pattering steadily against the church windows. Our meeting beneath the apple tree was plainly impossible, so everyone carried their books downstairs to the church basement.

It was not nearly as pretty as sitting outside, but it was warm and dry, and the sound of the rain above us made the basement feel rather peaceful. Mini settled beneath my chair and rested her chin upon her paws while Father asked me to read my chapter summary.

Today’s chapter told how the people of Lourdes had become deeply troubled by the continued silence of Bishop Laurence. The clergy still kept away from the Grotto and obeyed the Bishop’s orders not to take part in the growing movement.

The people could not understand it.

They had witnessed the spring flowing from the rock, heard of many wonderful cures, and seen the government begin to persecute those who visited Massabielle. Surely, they thought, the Bishop ought to speak. Some wanted him to defend the pilgrims, while others wished him at least to begin an investigation.

When the Prefect even claimed that he was acting in agreement with the Church authorities, Bishop Laurence still made no public reply. The people began to murmur that perhaps the Bishop was timid, indifferent, or unwilling to recognize what God was doing.

When I finished, Robert said, “It must have required great courage for the Bishop to remain silent when nearly everyone was demanding that he act.”

Sister Mary Claire nodded. “Sometimes silence appears to be weakness when it is really patience. A bishop must protect the faithful not only from unbelief, but also from accepting something before it has been properly examined.”

Father LeRoy said that Bishop Laurence was responsible before God for whatever judgment he made. “The people saw many convincing signs,” he explained, “but the Bishop had to determine whether those signs were truly supernatural. He could not allow enthusiasm, fear, or even persecution to make the decision for him.”

I said that I would have found it very difficult not to answer when people were accusing me of cowardice.

Father smiled and said, “That is often the hardest kind of courage, Kathy—to wait quietly while others misunderstand you.”

Then Robert uncovered the morning’s refreshments: fried-egg sandwiches with mayonnaise and pickles. They were still a little warm and smelled delicious. The eggs were folded neatly between thick slices of bread, though the pickles made some of the sandwiches rather slippery.

“An excellent choice, Robert,” Father declared after his first bite.

Everyone agreed. They were easily enough to hold us until lunchtime.

Sister Mary Claire looked at the size of her sandwich and said, “I believe this has already replaced lunch.”

Robert said that had not been his intention, but he did not appear very sorry about it.

Mini watched every bite with great attention. Robert finally gave her a small corner of plain egg and bread, without mayonnaise or pickles, which she accepted as though it were the finest meal ever served in a church basement.

Before we left, Father asked me to read our prayer.

Dear Blessed Mother, help us to trust the wisdom of those whom God has appointed to guide His Church. When we do not understand their silence or their decisions, keep us patient, humble, and charitable. Teach us never to mistake haste for courage, nor careful judgment for weakness. Amen.

Father LeRoy blessed us and reminded us that true prudence is not fear, but the courage to wait for God’s proper time.

When we climbed the basement stairs, the rain was still falling gently. I kept thinking about Bishop Laurence. Everyone wanted him to hurry, yet perhaps God was teaching him to stand still.

Good night, dear Diary.

Kathy

Freedom to Pray

Dear Diary,

After Holy Mass today, we all met beneath the apple tree behind St. Mary’s. The leaves made dancing shadows across our books, and Mini settled beside me as Father asked me to read my chapter summary.

Today’s chapter told how the government continued to block the Grotto, even though the cures from its waters could not be denied. No disorder had taken place, and no one had been harmed. Still, barriers were raised and guards were posted, as though prayer itself were something dangerous.

Robert said, “If Bernadette had only discovered a useful mineral spring, the officials probably would have given her a medal.”

Sister Mary Claire nodded. “But because people knelt and prayed before drinking, the authorities called it superstition.”

Father said that true freedom must include the freedom to believe, to pray, and to ask God for help. He reminded us that the Church had not yet made an official judgment about the Apparitions, but the government had already judged against them without a fair examination.

Then Father closed his book and said, “We should be getting ready to leave Lourdes. We are nearing the end of our book.”

That made us all rather quiet and sad. It seems as though we have truly been traveling with Bernadette these many weeks. But Sister smiled and said, “Another good story will pop up just when we need it.”

For our treat, Sister brought soda crackers again, but this time Robert had a new chocolate-and-hazelnut spread called Nutella. We spread it between two crackers and voted on it immediately.

“Triple A!” Robert announced.

We all agreed—even Father. Mini received a plain cracker and appeared to give that a triple A rating too.

Before we left, I read our closing prayer:

Dear Lord, help us always to defend the freedom to love You, to pray to You, and to follow the truth without fear. Keep us faithful when others misunderstand us, and teach us to trust Your wisdom in all things. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.

Father gave us his blessing and dismissed the Reading Club. As we walked away beneath the apple branches, I felt sad that our journey through Lourdes was nearly finished—but also curious about where our next book might take us.

Good night, dear Diary.

Kathy

When the Grotto was Closed

July 18, 1957

Dear Diary,

After Holy Mass, our Reading Club met again in the clubhouse. Father LeRoy brought a tin of sugar cookies made by his housekeeper, and Robert brought a bottle of cold Jersey milk. Mini settled beneath the little table before we had even opened our books.

Father asked me to read my chapter summary.

I explained that the Prefect ordered Mayor Lacadé to close the Grotto. The Mayor did not seem eager to do it, but he was afraid of losing his position. He agreed to sign the order only after wording was added to show that he was merely obeying his superiors.

Soon barriers were built around the Rocks of Massabielle, and guards watched day and night. Notices warned the people not to enter, yet many still came as near as they could to kneel and pray.

Those who disobeyed were brought before Judge Duprat. He fined them five francs, but then unfairly made each person responsible for the court costs of everyone who had gone to the Grotto that day. A small fine could therefore become a terrible burden for a poor family.

When I finished, Robert said, “They tried to frighten the people away without appearing cruel.”

Sister Mary Claire nodded. “And Mayor Lacadé tried to escape responsibility by saying he was only obeying orders. But we are still responsible for the things we choose to do.”

Father LeRoy said the barriers could keep people from reaching the rocks, but they could not stop their prayers or their faith.

Then Father opened the cookie tin. The sugar cookies were soft in the middle and sprinkled with sugar on top. While everyone was talking, Robert broke off a tiny corner and quietly slipped it beneath the table. Mini took it very gently and then looked up at him as though she had been terribly neglected and might require another.

Before we left, Father asked me to read our prayer.

“Dear Blessed Mother, help us to remain faithful when doing what is right becomes difficult. Give courage to those who are treated unjustly, and teach us never to hide behind excuses when we know what God asks of us. Lead us always closer to Jesus. Amen.”

Father LeRoy blessed us and dismissed the club with the Sign of the Cross.

The officials had placed barriers around the Grotto, but I do not believe any barrier made by men can keep a sincere prayer from reaching Heaven.

Good night, dear Diary.

Love, Kathy

The Barrier at Massabielle

Dear Diary,

After Holy Mass, we met in the Reading Clubhouse, and Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary.

The Prefect, Baron Massy, was determined to stop people from visiting the Grotto. Since drinking from the spring was not against the law, the authorities decided that because the land belonged to the town of Lourdes, the Mayor could forbid anyone from entering it.

On June 8, 1858, an order was issued forbidding people to take water from the spring or cross the land near Massabielle. A barrier was placed at the entrance, and anyone who disobeyed could be prosecuted.

Father said the order made an innocent act appear unlawful. Robert added that because the authorities could not prove the spring was harmful, they tried to keep everyone away. Sister Mary Claire reminded us that unjust actions are sometimes hidden beneath proper-sounding words.

For our treat, Sister served saltine crackers with chocolate frosting between two squares. They were sweet, salty, and very crisp. She also made one special cracker with peanut butter for Mini and asked Robert to give it to her. Mini accepted it very politely, though it disappeared in only two bites.

Sister Mary Claire's Chocolate Frosting

Mix 2 tablespoons softened butter, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1½ cups powdered sugar, 2 or 3 tablespoons warm milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Beat until smooth and spread between two saltine crackers.

Then I read our closing prayer:

“Dear Blessed Mother, help us remain faithful when the road is made difficult. Teach us to trust God, love the truth, and obey Him with courage. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.”

Father LeRoy gave us his blessing and dismissed the club.

As we left, I thought that men could place a barrier before the Grotto, but they could not stop God’s truth from reaching His people.


All for Jesus,

Kathy