July 27, 1957
Dear Diary,
The Reading Club met beneath the apple tree behind St. Mary’s again today. There was just a little coolness in the air that made it seem as though fall might not be so far away.
Robert brought a quart jar of cold Jersey milk, and Father LeRoy surprised us with big nickel Hershey candy bars. What a treat! Mini watched us from beneath the picnic table until Robert filled a little dish with milk for her. She drank every drop.
Then Father asked me to read my chapter summary.
“The Minister of Public Worship wrote to Bishop Laurence after hearing exaggerated stories about Lourdes. He wanted the Bishop to condemn everything without first examining the facts.
“Bishop Laurence answered calmly. He explained that a few children had behaved foolishly near the Grotto, but the trouble had quickly ended. The priests of Lourdes had acted prudently and had not encouraged the pilgrimage.
“The Bishop would not condemn people merely for praying, especially when no disorder had taken place. Since the crowds and reports of cures continued to grow, he appointed a Commission to investigate carefully. His reply was so clear and reasonable that the Minister had no answer.”
Robert said the Minister wanted a decision before knowing the truth.
“That is how injustice often begins,” Sister Mary Claire said.
Father nodded. “Bishop Laurence had the courage to wait for the facts.”
Before we left, Sister said tomorrow’s meeting would be back in the Readers Clubhouse.
“And lunch will be on me,” she added.
We bowed our heads, and I prayed:
“Dear Lord, help us to be patient, truthful, and slow to judge. Bless Bernadette and our Reading Club. Amen.”
Father gave us his blessing, and Mini came out from beneath the table licking the last drop of milk from her nose.
Good night, dear Diary.
Love, Kathy
No comments:
Post a Comment