This morning after Holy Mass, our Reading Club met under the apple tree behind St. Mary’s. Father LeRoy opened with the Sign of the Cross, then asked me to read my summary.
“Today’s chapter is about Henry Busquet, a fifteen-year-old boy who was terribly sick. He had a dreadful sore on his neck and chest, and nothing the doctor tried could heal him. Henry wanted to go to Lourdes, but he was too weak, so a neighbor brought him water from the spring.
That night Henry and his family knelt and prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then Henry washed his sores with the Lourdes water and went to sleep full of hope. In the morning, his pain was gone, the sores were closed, and the swellings had disappeared. The doctors said the cure could not be explained by nature.
Henry stayed well. Years later he was strong, working as a plasterer and singing while he worked. He never forgot that he owed his life to Our Lady.”
When I finished, everyone was quiet. Father said Henry’s simple faith was beautiful. Sister Mary Claire said Our Lady’s kindness reached even the sick who could not come to the Grotto.
Then Sister brought out blueberry muffins made from berries from their garden. Robert had picked up a half gallon of Jersey milk and packed it in ice so it would be extra cold. What a treat!
Before we left, Father asked me to read the closing prayer.
“O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the sick and sorrowful, help us trust in Jesus with simple hearts. When we are weak, bring us near to Him. When God gives us any grace, help us never forget to thank Him. Amen.”
Father blessed us and dismissed the club.
I kept thinking of Henry singing from the scaffolding. Maybe gratitude has its own music.
Love,
Kathy
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