The Hand Made Whole

 
Dear Diary,

This afternoon our reading club met in the old garage. Father LeRoy came over after dinner, and Sister Mary Claire helped arrange the chairs near the open doors. Mini settled beside me, ready for the meeting.

When everyone was quiet, I presented my chapter summary.

The spring at the Grotto continued to flow clear and plentifully, and many graces were being received there.

One of the most remarkable cures was that of Catharine Latapie-Choust, a poor farm woman whose right hand had been badly injured in a fall. For eighteen months, three of her fingers remained bent and useless. Her doctor finally told her that she would never regain the use of them.

One night, Catharine felt a powerful inward voice telling her, “Go to the Grotto, and you will be cured.”

Although she was near the time for her baby to be born, she set out at three o’clock in the morning with her two children. They traveled by moonlight and reached Lourdes at daybreak.

After praying at the Grotto, Catharine placed her injured hand in the spring water. At once, her fingers straightened and became strong and supple again. For the first time in eighteen months, she was able to join her hands in prayer.

Soon afterward, the pains of childbirth began. Catharine prayed to the Blessed Virgin that she might be allowed to return home first. The pains stopped, and she made the long journey safely. Shortly after arriving home, she gave birth to a healthy son.

When I finished reading, a lively discussion followed.

Robert said Catharine’s courage amazed him almost as much as her cure. Sister Mary Claire pointed out that Catharine did not make a great display when her hand was healed. She simply knelt and thanked God.

Father LeRoy said that was one of the most beautiful parts of the story. True faith, he said, trusts God and remembers to be grateful.

Lunch was cold milk and Nestlé’s Baked Just Right cookies. Robert inadvertently dropped part of his cookie under the table, and Mini found it before anyone else noticed. She looked quite pleased with her unexpected share of lunch.

Before we left, I read the prayer:

“Blessed Mother, teach us to trust God when the road ahead seems dark. Help us to pray with confidence and to give thanks for every grace we receive. Lead the sick and discouraged closer to your Son. Amen.”

Father LeRoy gave us his blessing and dismissed the club.

As the afternoon sun shone through the garage doors, I looked at my own hands and thought of Catharine joining hers together after eighteen long months.

Sometimes the simplest prayer must feel like a miracle.

Good night, dear Diary.

What Chemistry Could Not Explain

Dear Diary,

This evening, Sister Mary Claire and I went to Saturday evening Holy Mass. Father thought it would be easier for everyone if the Reading Club met beforehand, so we gathered beneath the apple tree while the afternoon was still warm and bright.

After everyone had settled down, Father asked me to read my chapter summary.

I explained that the Prefect, Baron Massy, was still searching for some ordinary explanation for the cures taking place at Lourdes. Since he could not have Bernadette arrested as insane, he turned to chemistry. He hoped that an official examination of the spring water would prove that its natural mineral properties were responsible for the healings.

A chemist named M. Latour de Trie examined the water and found that it was clear, without any unusual smell or taste, and very much like ordinary water. It contained several common minerals, but nothing that could truly explain the remarkable cures. Even so, the chemist suggested that medical science might someday discover special healing properties in it.

Father said this was exactly the explanation the Prefect had wanted. If the cures could be blamed upon minerals, there would be no need to admit that anything supernatural was happening.

But there was an embarrassing disagreement. While the Prefect’s chemist praised the water and predicted that it might become one of the mineral treasures of the region, the Prefect’s own newspaper mocked it as dirty water and made jokes about the many cures being reported.

We all smiled a little at that. Sister Mary Claire said it showed how difficult it is to keep an argument straight when people have already decided what they want to believe.

Robert said, “One report says the water is valuable, and the other says it is worthless—but both are being used to deny the miracles.”

Father nodded and said that truth does not become less true merely because people disagree about how to explain it.

The Prefect had acted very quickly. He had ordered the offerings removed from the Grotto, considered arresting Bernadette, abandoned that plan, and obtained the chemist’s report—all within only a few days. Yet after all his activity, he was still waiting anxiously to see what would happen next.

Would the spring dry up in the summer heat? Would the people stop coming? What would Bernadette do? The Prefect watched everything closely, hoping that the whole matter would simply come to an end.

We discussed how people sometimes search for complicated explanations because the simplest truth frightens them. Father reminded us that faith does not oppose true science. Chemistry could tell what was present in the water, but it could not explain why certain people were suddenly healed through it.

Just then, the church bell began to ring across the yard.

Father closed his book and smiled. “That is our signal.”

Everyone stood, and Father gave us his blessing. Then he asked me to lead our Reading Club prayer.

“Dear Lord, help us to love the truth, even when it surprises us. Keep our hearts humble and teach us never to place our own opinions above Your wisdom. Through the prayers of Our Lady of Lourdes, strengthen our faith and lead us always closer to You. Amen.”

We gathered our books and hurried toward the church together as the bell continued ringing.

It seemed like the perfect ending to our meeting—and the perfect beginning to Holy Mass.

All for Jesus,

Kathy

When the Cures Could No Longer Be Denied

Dear Diary,

After Holy Mass this morning, we met at the Reading Club, and Father asked me to read the chapter summary.

Today’s chapter told how the doctors and scientific men of Lourdes could no longer deny that people were really being cured by the water from the Grotto.

At first, they had laughed at Bernadette and called her visions childish nonsense. Then, when the cures began, they tried to say that the sick people had been healed by their own imaginations. But as more cures took place and the evidence became harder to dismiss, that explanation no longer worked.

So they changed their argument.

Now they said that the water must contain some very powerful natural mineral. In that way, they could admit that the cures were real without admitting that God had anything to do with them.

The chapter included a letter written by Doctor Lary about a woman named Galop. Rheumatism had made her left hand almost useless. She could not spin, make her bed, draw water from the well, or safely carry glasses and dishes.

After one visit to Lourdes, where she used the water from the Grotto, she regained nearly all the use of her hand.

Doctor Lary honestly admitted that she had greatly improved, but he believed the water must contain alkali. Other medical men began using the same explanation for almost every cure, even those that happened so suddenly that ordinary mineral water could hardly account for them.

The believers then asked a very sensible question.

Why had this remarkable spring appeared at the exact moment Bernadette, while in ecstasy, heard the Lady tell her to drink and wash? Why had it come forth during the heavenly visions? And why were the sick going to it with prayer and faith rather than upon the advice of their doctors?

The unbelievers answered that it was all chance. They said Bernadette had accidentally uncovered the spring while digging in the earth during a hallucination.

But the faithful thought that explaining everything by chance did more violence to reason than believing that God had acted through Providence.

By the end of the chapter, the men who had first denied the spring, then denied the cures, and finally admitted both, began speaking of government control. They said the water ought to belong to the State or the town and that no one should be allowed to use it without a doctor’s permission.

Some even said that a bathing establishment would be more suitable at the Grotto than a chapel.

That was how matters stood when the Prefect’s measures against the Grotto began, along with the attempt to have Bernadette confined as insane. But Curé Peyramale unexpectedly stepped forward and prevented it.

When I finished reading, everyone was quiet for a moment.

Father said the chapter showed how error often retreats one step at a time. First it laughs at the truth. Then it denies the truth. Finally, when the truth can no longer be denied, it tries to explain it without acknowledging God.

Sister Mary Claire said that the doctors were right to examine the cures carefully. Faith does not ask anyone to be careless or foolish. But she said it was not reasonable to decide beforehand that no explanation involving God could ever be accepted.

Robert said, “They were willing to believe that the water could do almost anything, just so long as Heaven received no credit.”

That began a lively discussion.

Father reminded us that truth does not need to be frightened or hurried. It remains true even when people laugh at it, argue against it, or try to explain it away.

I liked that very much.

Before the meeting ended, Father led us in prayer. We thanked God for the gift of reason and asked Him to protect us from pride. We also prayed for doctors and scientists, that their learning might always be joined with humility and an honest love of truth.

It was another peaceful Reading Club meeting. The story of Lourdes becomes more interesting with every chapter, because the more the truth was resisted, the more clearly it seemed to shine.

Dear Blessed Mother, help me never to turn away from the truth merely because it leads me closer to God. Teach me to be humble, honest, and ready to accept whatever is true. Amen.

Good night, dear Diary.

Kathy

One Small Step at a Time

Dear Diary,

After Holy Mass this morning, everyone gathered once again in our little Readers Clubhouse. It is beginning to feel like a second home. Father LeRoy asked me to read today's chapter summary, and everyone settled into their chairs while Sister Mary Claire poured cold Golden Rule milk into glasses. A plate of chocolate chip cookies was waiting on the little table, but Father smiled and said we should feed our minds before our stomachs.

I stood up and read my summary.

"Today's chapter reminded us that not every miracle happened all at once. Some of the healings at Lourdes came little by little, as if Our Lady was gently leading people toward health one step at a time.

One little boy named Lasbareilles had never been able to walk because his body was badly deformed from birth. His parents lovingly rubbed the water from the Grotto on him again and again. At first nothing seemed to happen, but they never gave up hope. On Holy Thursday he took a few steps by himself, and over the next several weeks he grew stronger until he could walk almost like any other child. Other people who suffered from paralysis and epilepsy were also healed gradually after using the water of Massabielle.

The chapter reminded us that God's miracles are not always sudden. Sometimes they come quietly and patiently, asking us to keep believing even when we cannot yet see the answer."

When I finished, everyone was quiet for a moment. Father LeRoy said that sometimes we expect God to work like lightning, but often He works more like the sunrise. We hardly notice the light growing until suddenly the whole world is bright. Sister Mary Claire said she admired the faith of the little boy's mother because she never stopped hoping. Robert nodded and said that mothers probably understand hope better than anyone.

After our discussion we enjoyed the cookies and the cold milk. We laughed together, but I kept thinking about how many blessings in life seem to arrive one little step at a time. Maybe growing closer to Jesus is like that too.

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

"Dear Jesus, thank You for bringing us together again today. Help us to trust You, whether Your answers come quickly or slowly. Give us patient hearts, strong faith, and thankful spirits. May we always remember that You are working, even when we cannot yet see the whole picture. Bless our families, our parish, and everyone who needs Your healing. Amen."

Father made the Sign of the Cross over us and gave us his blessing. We all said goodbye until next time, and I walked home feeling thankful that God never forgets His children, even when His miracles come one quiet day at a time.

Love,

Kathy

When Truth Can no Longer be Denied

Dear Diary,

This morning after Holy Mass, our Reading Club met in what everyone now calls the Readers Clubhouse. I like that name very much. Robert fixed up the old garage for me, but now it feels like it belongs to all of us.

The windows were open, and the air smelled fresh and clean. Sister Mary Claire set chocolate chip cookies on the little table, and beside them was a cold jar of Golden Rule Dairy Jersey milk.

After Father opened with a prayer, Father asked me to read my chapter summary. I stood up with my notes. I was a little nervous like I always am, but everyone was smiling, so that helped.


“Today’s chapter is called When Truth Could No Longer Be Denied.

The people who opposed Lourdes had tried for weeks to explain everything away. At first they simply denied the spring and the cures. They did not want to investigate because they had already made up their minds.

But the spring kept flowing, and more people kept being cured. Some who had been called incurable were now walking through town in good health, where everyone could see them.

The author says their mistake was denying the facts too soon. Once the truth became plain, they had to invent new explanations instead of admitting they had been wrong.”

When I finished, Father said pride can make a person shut his eyes even when the truth is right in front of him.

Robert said, “The spring was there, and the healed people were there too. They could not hide either one.”

Sister Mary Claire said God gives enough light for people to believe, but He does not force them.

That stayed with me. I hope I never become so proud that I cannot say, “I was wrong.” It seems much better to follow the truth than to protect my own opinion.

After our discussion, we had cookies and cold milk. Mini sat close to the table and behaved very well, except for watching every crumb.

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

“Dear Jesus, give us humble hearts that welcome truth. Keep us from pride and fear. Help us to follow the light You give us, and to trust You even when we do not understand everything. Amen.”

Father made the Sign of the Cross and blessed us.

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace.”

When the meeting was over, the sunlight was still shining through the clubhouse windows. I think every chapter is teaching us the same thing in a new way: truth belongs to God, and we should never be afraid of it.

The Readers Clubhouse

Dear Diary,

Our Reading Club met today in the old garage that Robert fixed up for me as a quiet little prayer room. It used to be plain and dusty, but now it has a warm stove, a lantern on the table, a curtain by the bed, and the sign over everything that says All for Jesus.

Sister Mary Claire brought cookies and a jar of Golden Rule Milk for our lunch. Robert said cookies and milk are about the best reading food there is. Father LeRoy smiled and said he could not find fault with that.

When it was my turn, I stood near the stove and read my chapter summary.

I said that today’s chapter was about the chief government officer beginning to see that arresting Bernadette would not be easy. He did not seem very afraid of God’s signs, but he was troubled by the courage of Father Peyramale, the parish priest, who was ready to protect Bernadette.

The mayor did not want to help with such a harsh thing, and even offered to resign. The people were upset because the holy things had been taken away from the Grotto. Even the police and soldiers respected Bernadette, so the chief government officer could not be sure they would obey orders against her.

He had hoped the doctors would say Bernadette was crazy or confused, but they could not honestly say that. Everyone could see that she was sensible, truthful, and acting in good faith. So he had to stop his plan to have her locked away.

But he did not really give up. He only changed his plan. He still wanted to stop people from believing in the Apparition and from praying at Lourdes. Since he could not prove Bernadette was not right in her mind, he would look for another way to fight against what God was doing.

When I finished, Robert said, “So he lost that battle, but he still would not surrender.”

Father LeRoy said, “That is pride. It may change roads, but it does not easily change direction.”

Sister Mary Claire said the part that touched her most was how Bernadette remained free, probably saying her morning and evening prayers, without even knowing how much danger had passed over her head. Sister said, “God sometimes protects His little ones so quietly that they do not even know the whole battle.”

I liked that very much.

Then Father asked us what protected Bernadette in this chapter. I said, “The truth.” Robert said, “The priest.” Sister said, “God’s care.” Father smiled and said all three answers belonged together.

Before everyone left, we knelt in the little garage room and said a prayer together.

Dear Jesus, please protect the innocent and give courage to those who defend the truth. Keep me from being proud when I am wrong. Help me to follow You simply and faithfully, like Bernadette. Please bless our Reading Club, the little prayer room, and everyone who comes here. Let it all be for You. Amen.

Now the cookies are gone, the milk jar is empty, and the garage is quiet again.

But it does not feel empty.

It feels prayed in.

All for Jesus.

Home at Creekside

Dear Diary,

It was so good to be back at Littlemore Farm today. After getting home yesterday, Shaggycoat ran straight down the path toward the creek and his lodge, as if he had been gone a whole year instead of just a little while. So after Holy Mass this morning, the Reading Club decided to join Shaggycoat at creekside for the meetup.

Father LeRoy had picked up Krispy Kremes and a half gallon of cold milk, which made everything feel like a feast. We sat near the creek with our books open, the water moving quietly below the bluff, and the cave cool behind us.

When everyone was settled, Father nodded to me, and I read my chapter summary.

I told the club that this was a very sad day at Lourdes. The Prefect had ordered the Grotto to be stripped of the candles, statues, flowers, and little gifts people had placed there for Our Lady. M. Jacomet tried to get horses and a cart, but nearly everyone refused to help him. They did not want any part in what felt like disrespect toward the Blessed Virgin.

At last he found someone who would lend him a cart, and a great crowd followed him to Massabielle. The people were angry and sorrowful, but the priests had warned them to remain peaceful. They told them that if Our Lady wished, she could turn everything to her own glory without anyone needing to fight.

When the police removed the offerings and even broke the railing with an axe, the crowd nearly lost control. But some voices called out for calm, and no violence happened. That evening, the people returned to the Grotto with flowers and candles in their own hands, so the police could not seize them again.

When I finished, Father said that was a beautiful kind of protest—quiet, faithful, and full of trust. Sister Mary Claire said the people of Lourdes showed that love for Our Lady can be strong without becoming bitter. Robert said even the poorest people refused the money because their consciences were worth more than thirty francs.

I looked at the creek while he said that, and I thought how hard it must have been to watch holy things taken away and still not fight back. Maybe faith is sometimes strongest when it keeps its hands folded and lets God act.

After the meeting, we finished the last doughnuts, and Mini lay in the grass with milk on her whiskers. Shaggycoat stayed near the creek, looking very pleased to be home.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for bringing us back to Littlemore Farm and for the quiet beauty of the creek and cave. Help me to love holy things, to trust Our Lady, and to stay peaceful even when something feels unfair. Bless Father LeRoy, Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, Shaggycoat, and all our Reading Club.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Amen.