Dear Diary,
The Reading Club met again today in the open air. We spread a large blanket beneath the apple tree behind the church, and the breeze made the leaves rustle softly above us. Mini settled at the edge of the blanket as though she belonged to the club as much as anyone.
Robert surprised us by bringing a double chocolate cake that he had made all by himself. He piled each slice with thick, heavy whipped cream. Sister Mary Claire said she never knew Robert had such hidden talents, and Father LeRoy said there was nothing hidden about the enormous slices he cut!
After we were settled, Father asked me to read my chapter summary.
I explained that the officials who opposed Lourdes had nearly lost their battle in the Pyrenees, so the newspapers began a new campaign in Paris and even in foreign countries. Some writers declared that miracles belonged only to ignorant times and refused even to examine the evidence. Others changed the facts, calling Bernadette deceitful and the spring merely a little trickle of water. One newspaper even printed a completely invented story claiming that the whole apparition had been rehearsed beforehand.
Robert said it was strange that men who called themselves enlightened would make up stories instead of searching honestly for the truth. Sister Mary Claire said pride can close a person’s mind before the evidence is ever considered. Father reminded us that refusing to look at the truth does not make the truth disappear.
We ate our wonderful cake afterward. Mini sat beside Robert hoping for a crumb, but chocolate is not good for dogs, so he gave her a little dish of plain whipped cream instead. She seemed perfectly satisfied.
I ended our meeting with a prayer that we might always be humble enough to seek the truth, even when it surprises us. Father LeRoy gave us his blessing, and we folded the blanket and went home very full and happy.
Good night, dear Diary.
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