Our Reading Club met again today in the clubhouse. When everyone was settled, Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary.
I explained that newspapers in Paris and other parts of France had begun writing about Lourdes. Some praised the government officials for trying to stop the gatherings, while the Catholic newspapers said the Church should be allowed to examine the Apparitions and decide what was true.
Still, every effort to discourage the pilgrims seemed to bring even more people to the Grotto. Some came because they believed, some hoped to be healed, and others came only out of curiosity. Spring had returned, the roads were easier to travel, and thousands made their way through the hills and valleys to pray and drink from the Spring.
What impressed everyone most was how peaceful the crowds remained. Even when the police removed candles, flowers, money, and other offerings, the people continued praying quietly. One night, someone tore up the pipe from the Spring and covered the water with rocks, dirt, and sand. The people were very upset, but they still did not become violent. The mayor soon ordered the pipe replaced and the Spring cleared.
The stonecutters of Lourdes had planned a large procession for Ascension Day, but they were afraid their anger toward the officials might lead to trouble. Instead, they gave up the procession and even canceled their yearly dance out of respect for Our Lady.
When I finished, Robert said it seemed that the officials could carry away the candles and flowers, but they could not remove the faith from the people’s hearts.
Sister Mary Claire said the patience of the pilgrims was one of the strongest parts of the chapter.
Father LeRoy nodded and said, “True peace is not weakness. It often takes greater courage to remain calm than to strike back.”
Then Sister suddenly asked who had brought lunch.
Everyone looked around the room.
It turned out that each person had thought someone else was bringing it. Thanks to Sister’s quick thinking, we ended up with a pitcher of cool Kool-Aid and a plate of crackers.
Mini sat beneath the table, watching every cracker that passed from hand to hand. Robert glanced around, broke off a small piece, and slipped it to her when he thought no one was looking. I saw him, but I did not say anything. Mini ate it so quickly that she looked innocent again before Father LeRoy even turned his head.
It was not much of a lunch, but we laughed and agreed that Kool-Aid and crackers tasted quite good when shared among friends.
Before we left, I read our prayer:
“Dear Blessed Mother, help us to remain patient and peaceful when we are misunderstood or treated unfairly. Teach us to answer anger with gentleness and to keep our hearts close to Jesus. Please watch over the sick, the troubled, and all those searching for faith. Amen.”
Father LeRoy gave us his blessing, and we gathered our books and went our ways.
Kathy
No comments:
Post a Comment