This morning after Mass, we were all getting ready for the Reading Club when Father surprised us.
“No apple tree today,” he announced. “And no church basement either. Everybody into the Cadillac!”
Robert asked where we were going, but Father only said, “I am in need of a truly great cup of coffee.”
That was enough of an explanation for him.
We all piled into Father’s Cadillac and drove to Le Mars and the Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream Shop. Mini sat close beside me and watched everything through the window. I think she knew we were going someplace wonderful.
Father had arranged the whole thing ahead of time. Behind the shop, the workers had placed a picnic table in the yard and covered it with a bright red-checkered tablecloth. There were napkins, spoons, cold water, and everything we needed for our meeting. It looked so cheerful and perfect that Mini and I could hardly believe it had all been prepared for us.
Father was handed a large cup of hot coffee almost as soon as we arrived. He took one sip, closed his eyes for a moment, and said, “Now this is coffee.”
We all laughed.
After everyone was seated, Father nodded for me to begin. I opened our book and read my shortened chapter summary.
Baron Massy, Jacomet, and several other officials who had opposed the events at Lourdes were transferred elsewhere. Bishop Laurence, meanwhile, wisely waited until the public excitement had calmed before beginning the Church’s official investigation.
On October 17, the commissioners came to Lourdes and questioned Bernadette. She spoke calmly and modestly, telling them about the Apparitions, the spring, Our Lady’s request for a chapel, and the words, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”
The commissioners then visited the Grotto and carefully examined the spring and the reported cures. They questioned the sick, their families, neighbors, witnesses, and doctors. Two physicians studied each case to decide whether the cure had a natural explanation or could only be explained by the power of God.
The investigation was very strict. Witnesses were allowed to speak only about what they had personally seen, and all doubtful stories were rejected. The commissioners wanted neither to accept miracles too quickly nor deny them too soon. They wanted only clear facts and the truth.
When I finished, Sister Mary Claire said she admired the patience of the Bishop. He had not rushed merely because people demanded an answer.
Robert said, “They investigated everything almost like detectives.”
Father held his coffee cup between both hands and replied, “That is because the Church has nothing to fear from an honest search for truth. A true miracle does not become less true because it is carefully examined.”
I thought about Bernadette standing before all those important men. She did not try to sound clever or impressive. She simply told them what had happened.
Sister said that humility and truth often walk together because a humble person does not need to add anything to the facts.
Then came the surprise food. The shop had prepared a great banana split for the whole club, with Wells Blue Bunny ice cream, sliced bananas, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and bright red cherries. We each had our own dish too, and Mini received a little bowl of vanilla ice cream all her own.
Father was offered another cup of coffee. He accepted it at once.
The breeze stirred the red-checkered tablecloth, and the happy sounds from the ice cream shop drifted into the yard. It was certainly different from our usual meeting beneath the apple tree, but it felt just right.
Before we left, I led the closing prayer.
“Dear Blessed Mother, help us to love the truth and never be afraid to seek it honestly. Give us the quiet courage of Bernadette, the patience of Bishop Laurence, and hearts that trust God even when we must wait. Please bless all who are sick or suffering, and lead them closer to your Son, Jesus. Amen.”
Father raised his hand and gave us his blessing.
Then he finished the last of his coffee and said, “A good chapter, good ice cream, fine company, and excellent coffee. I believe this meeting has been a complete success.”
I believe so too.
Good night, dear Diary.
Kathy
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