Root Beer Floats by Indian Creek

Dear Diary,

It is about the hottest time of the whole Iowa summer, so today our Reading Club decided that the coolest place we could possibly meet was down by Indian Creek, on the grassy spot near the cave and not far from Shaggycoat’s lodge. The trees made plenty of shade, and the creek sounded cool even before we got near it.

After everyone settled down, Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary.

My Chapter Summary

The troubles at Lourdes were finally quieting down, and Bishop Laurence’s Commission could begin its work without interference. Bernadette was questioned carefully and told her story simply and calmly, just as she always had. The Commissioners investigated the spring and the remarkable cures, listening to witnesses and doctors and accepting only what could be firmly established. Their purpose was not to prove a miracle, but to discover the truth.

Sister Mary Claire said that was the important part.

“Faith does not have to be afraid of careful questions,” she said. “If something is true, an honest investigation cannot hurt it.”

Father nodded and said there was a great difference between believing eagerly and believing wisely.

Then Robert suddenly said, “I think this meeting needs further investigation.”

He opened his big cooler.

Vanilla ice cream!

And underneath were cold bottles of root beer, tall glasses, straws, and everything else necessary for the finest root beer floats I think Indian Creek has ever seen.

Robert poured the root beer over the ice cream until the foam came right to the tops of the glasses. Then he reached into the cooler again and brought out a little dish he had packed especially for Mini. She got her very own scoop of plain vanilla ice cream, with no root beer of course.

I think Mini decided right then that Robert was the finest member of the Reading Club.

Afterward we all took off our shoes and stockings and went wading. Oh, that water was cold! We squealed at first, but pretty soon it felt wonderful.

I asked Sister Mary Claire, “How long do you suppose water has been running through Indian Creek?”

She looked up and down the valley and said that the answer went back farther than I could imagine, to the Ice Ages, tens of thousands of years ago.

She told us that enormous glaciers once covered great parts of this country. They moved slowly across the land, grinding rocks beneath them into gravel, sand, and the finest powder. When the ice melted, great streams carried much of it away. Later the prairie winds lifted some of that fine soil and laid it down across western Iowa, helping to make the deep, rich farmland we have today.

I tried to imagine our green Iowa countryside with great sheets of ice nearby, cold meltwater rushing through the valleys, and no farms, roads, churches, or cornfields anywhere. Then I looked down at Indian Creek sparkling around my bare feet and thought how very old this little corner of God’s world really is.

The afternoon was slipping away when Father LeRoy said, “I had better get home. There is still a Sunday sermon waiting for me.”

Before leaving, Father stood on the grassy bank, raised his hand, and gave all of us his blessing.

Then he started climbing the creek bank with Mini trotting faithfully behind him.

We watched until Father reached the top.

The instant Mini saw that he was safely there, she turned around and came racing straight back down the bank to Robert’s cooler!

We all laughed, and even Father turned around at the top of the hill and laughed with us.

It was one of those summer afternoons I wish could last forever—the shady creek, bare feet in cold water, root beer floats, good friends, Father’s blessing, and even a lesson about glaciers.

And Mini making absolutely certain Robert had not forgotten another scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Kathy

Truth, Ice Cream, and Father’s Perfect Cup of Coffee

Dear Diary,

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

Take me to YouTube

The Barriers Came

Dear Diary,

After Mass, our Reading Club gathered again beneath the apple tree behind St. Mary’s. Father LeRoy asked me to begin by reading the chapter summary and Mini sat right beside me.

The mayor of Lourdes finally announced that the decree against the Grotto had been revoked. His proclamation was read throughout the town with drums and trumpets, and notices were posted on the walls.

Jacomet and the policemen then went to the Grotto with axes and tools to remove the barriers. A large crowd had already gathered. Some people knelt in prayer, while others quietly waited. Many women prayed their rosaries, and some carried bottles to fill with water from the spring.

No one in the crowd touched the barriers. They waited for the officials who had put them up to remove them.

Jacomet gave a speech, claiming that he had always supported the people and had even pleaded their cause. The crowd listened in cold silence. Then he ordered his men to tear down the barriers and carry the boards away.

Soon the road to the Grotto was filled with people. They knelt before the rocks, sang hymns, prayed the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, and drank from the spring. At last, the faithful were free to pray at Massabielle again.

Robert said it was strange how quickly some officials tried to make themselves appear helpful after the struggle was over.

Sister Mary Claire said, “It is always better to admit that we were wrong than to pretend we were right all along.”

Then Sister surprised us with a beautiful pecan pie and freshly whipped cream. Everyone was delighted. Mini could not have pie, but she received a small dish of plain whipped cream.

When we finished, Father asked me to dismiss the club with prayer.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for giving courage and patience to those who remained faithful during the persecution.

Help us to admit when we are wrong and never pretend that we did good when we did not.

May Our Lady of Lourdes strengthen all who suffer for their faith.

Bless our Reading Club, our families, and all who ask for our prayers.

Amen.

Father gave us his blessing, and we all went home thankful that the barriers had finally come down and the people were free to pray at the Grotto.

Kathy

The Emperor Opens the Grotto

Dear Diary,

After Mass, our Reading Club met beneath the apple tree as usual. The morning was warm and bright, and everyone seemed especially cheerful because today’s chapter brought such welcome news.

I read my chapter summary aloud. The newspapers that had attacked Lourdes had finally grown quiet. Their arguments had not stopped belief in the Grotto. Instead, all their writing had spread the news of the miracles throughout France and even into other countries. People from Italy, Germany, and farther away were asking for drops of water from the spring.

Still, the officials would not give up. M. Rouland, Baron Massy, Jacomet, and the guards continued trying to keep people away. They acted as though their own wishes were stronger than the Bishop, the people, the evidence, and even God.

Then two important men went to speak with Emperor Napoleon III at Biarritz. Petitions were also sent to him, asking that the people be allowed to pray at the Grotto, that the sick be allowed to seek healing, and that everyone be given the freedom to examine the events for themselves.

When the Emperor finally learned the whole truth, he became very displeased. He rang for a servant and sent a short message by telegraph. The order was clear: the decree against the Grotto was to be withdrawn immediately, and the people were to be given complete freedom.

For a moment, everyone under the apple tree was quiet. Then Robert said, “Well, it certainly took them long enough.”

Father smiled and said that human pride may delay the truth, but it cannot defeat it forever.

Sister Mary Claire said the chapter showed why we must never become discouraged when something is right. Things at Lourdes were finally beginning to straighten themselves out.

Then Father announced that we should celebrate. He had brought a large carton of Wells Blue Bunny vanilla ice cream and a can of Hershey’s chocolate syrup. Robert passed the bowls while Sister poured the syrup. Some of us had so much chocolate that the ice cream could hardly be seen.

Mini received a little bowl of plain vanilla ice cream. She ate it carefully at first, but soon her whole nose was white.

The discussion became very lively. We talked about liberty of conscience, the duty to seek the truth, and how God can use even opposition to spread His work. Father said that the enemies of Lourdes had tried to silence the story, but had instead carried it throughout the world.

When the bowls were empty, I closed our meeting with this prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for giving courage to those who defended the truth at Lourdes. Help us to remain faithful when others oppose what is right. Keep us humble, patient, and brave, and grant freedom to all who seek You with sincere hearts. Through the prayers of Our Lady of Lourdes, lead us always closer to You.

Amen.

Father raised his hand and blessed us:

May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Then we gathered the bowls and spoons while Mini searched the grass for one last drop of ice cream.

Good night, dear Diary.

Mini’s Eighth Birthday at the Reading Club

 

Dear Diary,
 
This morning after Mass we gathered again under the old apple tree behind St. Mary’s for our Lourdes Reading Club. There was just enough of a cool breeze to remind us that summer won’t last forever. Father LeRoy opened with a prayer, and then he asked me to read today’s chapter.

The chapter told about how the miracles at Lourdes kept happening even while people argued about whether they were real. A little boy named Jean-Marie had suffered terrible pain for months, and no doctor could help him. His mother carried him to the Grotto, where she prayed to Our Blessed Mother. After he was washed in the spring water, he said, “I see God and the Blessed Virgin.” A few moments later he stood up completely healed. He walked home on his own feet, and everyone in his village rejoiced.

Then I read about Jeanne-Marie Massot, whose hands and feet had become almost useless. The moment she dipped her hands into the water at Lourdes, they became strong again. Instead of thinking only about herself, she used her newly healed hands to help a tired young peasant girl lift a heavy bundle of firewood onto her head. Sister Mary Claire smiled and said that was her favorite part of the chapter because real gratitude always becomes charity.

The chapter also told of another woman whose hearing was restored after years of deafness. All these miracles reminded us that God was still working quietly through Our Lady, giving hope to people who had almost given up.

After our discussion, Robert surprised us with a birthday party for Mini, who turned eight today! He brought a pitcher of cold Kool-Aid and what he called a healthy white cake with thick butter frosting. It was delicious. We all sang “Happy Birthday” to Mini, who wagged her little tail-less bottom as if she understood every word. Then Robert cut a small slice of birthday cake just for Mini and set it beside a bowl of cold milk. She happily enjoyed every crumb of her cake, lapped up every drop of milk, and then looked around with frosting on her nose, hoping someone might have another little piece for the birthday girl. We all laughed, and I think Mini knew it was her special day.

Father LeRoy said that today’s chapter teaches us something important. When God blesses us, we should look for someone else to help, just as Jeanne-Marie did. Blessings are meant to be shared.

Closing Prayer

Dear Blessed Mother, thank You for the miracles of Lourdes and for reminding us that God still cares for every suffering soul. Help us to be grateful for every blessing and quick to help others with cheerful hearts. May we always trust in Jesus, even when life is difficult. Amen.

Father LeRoy’s Blessing

“May Almighty God bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us safely to everlasting life. And may Our Lady of Lourdes watch over each of you until we meet again. Amen.”

When Truth Asked to Be Examined

Dear Diary,

After Holy Mass, our Reading Club met beneath the apple tree behind St. Mary’s. Mini settled beside me while Father LeRoy asked me to read the chapter summary.

It told about the great newspaper battle over Lourdes. The Bishop had appointed a Commission to examine the cures and events at the Grotto. Catholic writers welcomed a fair investigation, while many unbelieving writers had already decided that miracles were impossible.

Robert said it was not fair to decide before looking at the evidence. Sister Mary Claire added, “Truth is never afraid of the light.”

Father explained that the Catholic newspapers defended the Church’s right to investigate but wisely waited for the Bishop’s judgment.

Then Sister served sweet cornbread with butter and maple syrup, along with cold milk. Mini received a small plain piece.

Before leaving, I prayed:

“Dear Lord Jesus, give us honest hearts. Help us seek truth with faith, reason, and courage. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.”

Father blessed us:

“May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

Dear Diary, today I learned that truth never fears a fair examination.

Love, Kathy

 

The Cake, the Blanket, and the Trailer

 
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.

Pride Would Not Give Way

 
Dear Diary,

Today was such a pretty summer day that our Reading Club met on the grass near the farmhouse. The willow branches moved softly in the breeze, and everything smelled warm and green after morning Mass. Mini stayed close beside us while we sat on the picnic blanket.

Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary. The Bishop’s inquiry and M. Filhol’s report had taken away every good reason for keeping people from the Grotto. The water was safe, and the Church was carefully studying what had happened.

The officials should have admitted their mistake and removed the barriers, but their pride would not let them.

Sister Mary Claire said pride sometimes makes people hold tightly to what is wrong, even when the truth is plain. Father said it takes humility and courage to say, “I was wrong.”

Afterward, we had chocolate sundaes. Mine had plenty of chocolate syrup and a cherry on top. Mini could not have chocolate, so she had a little dish of vanilla ice cream and seemed perfectly happy with it.

I prayed, “Dear Lord, keep pride out of my heart. Help me to love the truth and humbly admit when I am wrong. Amen.”

Father gave us his blessing, and we stayed beneath the willow a little longer, enjoying the lovely day.

Kathy

Frosted Buns in the Clubhouse

Tuesday, July 28, 1957

Dear Diary,

The Reading Club met inside our clubhouse today. It was warm and cheerful, with the window open and the leaves rustling outside. Father LeRoy, Robert, Sister Mary Claire, and I gathered around the table with our books.

Sister brought the most wonderful frosted buns. The frosting was thick and white, and Robert said they looked almost too pretty to eat. Almost! We had them with cold Jersey milk from the little refrigerator.

Father asked me to read my summary of Chapter Ten. It told how Professor Filhol, a respected chemist from Toulouse, carefully examined the water from the spring at Lourdes. His tests showed that it was ordinary, wholesome drinking water and contained no powerful minerals or medicines that could explain the remarkable cures.

Robert said this made the cures even more difficult for the officials to dismiss. Sister Mary Claire explained that honest science had not opposed the truth. Instead, it had removed the false claim that the water itself was some kind of natural medicine. Father said true faith never needs to fear a careful investigation, because truth cannot contradict truth.

Before we left, I thanked God for our little clubhouse, our books, our friends, and for helping us recognize the truth with both our minds and our hearts.

Father LeRoy gave us his blessing, and our meeting was adjourned.

Good night, dear Diary.

Kathy

Milk and Hershey Bars Beneath the Apple Tree

 
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

Sunday Dinner Under the Apple Tree

Dear Diary,

After morning Mass, the weather was so beautiful that our Reading Club met beneath the apple tree. Mini rested beside me while the leaves made dancing shadows across our books.

Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary.

I explained that Bishop Laurence had scarcely issued his order when he received a letter from M. Rouland, the Minister of Public Worship.

The officials had sent greatly exaggerated reports about the false visionaries at Lourdes. No one knew for certain who had encouraged the children, so a careful historian could only tell the known facts and leave the rest for the reader to judge.

M. Jacomet and M. Massy tried to use the foolish visions to distract people from Bernadette, the spring, and the cures. But Abbé Peyramale quickly stopped the false visionaries, and the public was not deceived.

M. Rouland, however, trusted the official reports without examining them carefully. He urged Bishop Laurence to condemn what was happening at Lourdes, even though the Bishop was already studying everything patiently and wisely. It was strange to think that this same Minister would later approve the building of a great church at Massabielle.

Robert said, “He believed the reports because they came from important officials.”

Sister Mary Claire nodded. “Important people can still be mistaken.”

Father said it was a lesson about rumors. “The Bishop waited, listened, and examined the facts. That is always wiser than judging too quickly.”

After our discussion, I prayed:

“Dear Blessed Mother, help us to love the truth and never judge others by rumors. Keep our minds clear, our words kind, and our faith strong. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.”

Father gave us his blessing, and we closed our books.

Then Sister Mary Claire and Robert hurried to the church basement and returned with a cart piled with Iowa loose-meat sandwiches, potato chips, baked beans, and vanilla pudding with whipped cream.

Robert grinned and said, “Well, it is Sunday dinner, you know.”

We ate beneath the apple tree while Mini watched every bite. Sister finally gave her a little dish of plain hamburger, which she ate very neatly.

It was a beautiful Sunday, Dear Diary—Holy Mass, a good lesson about truth, and Sunday dinner beneath the apple tree.

Kathy

The Reading Club Takes the River Road

Dear Diary,

Father LeRoy surprised our Reading Club today by saying he had an errand to do in Sioux City. He invited Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, and me to ride along, and said we could discuss the chapter in the car.

We followed the Big Sioux River toward the city. Everything was beautiful and green from all the rain. The trees were thick and full, and the river appeared now and then between the branches. As we passed Stone Park, Father slowed down so we could admire the wooded hills.

“Now, Kathy,” Father said, “you may read your chapter summary.”

I opened my notebook.

“Bishop Laurence had waited a long time before speaking officially about Lourdes. After hearing many trustworthy witnesses, he decided the time had come to investigate.

“On July 28, 1858, he appointed a Church commission to study Bernadette’s visions, the spring at the Grotto, and the cures connected with its water. Priests, doctors, and scientists were to examine the evidence carefully and question witnesses.

“The Bishop wanted to know whether the cures and visions could be explained naturally or whether they were truly supernatural. He asked the commission to seek the truth without leaving anything unexamined.”

When I finished, Robert said, “The Bishop was very careful.”

“Yes,” Sister Mary Claire answered. “He did not believe too quickly, but he did not refuse to listen.”

Father said, “Faith has nothing to fear from an honest search for truth.”

Apparently Father had planned more than just an errand. He reached into a little ice chest and brought out granola bars and a quart of cold milk packed carefully in ice. We passed the granola bars around, and Sister poured the milk into paper cups while Father drove.

Mini received a small corner of Robert’s granola bar, although Sister said granola bars were not really made for dogs.

After Father finished his Church errand in Sioux City, he drove us to Riverside Park. He had packed a real picnic without telling us. We sat beneath a shady tree near the river and ate sandwiches, boiled eggs, pickles, apples, and the rest of the cold milk.

The river moved quietly past us, and everything smelled green and clean. Father said it was good for a Reading Club to leave its regular meeting place once in a while, especially when the road itself gave us so much to look at.

Before we left, I read our prayer.

“Dear Blessed Mother, help us to seek the truth patiently and honestly. Keep us from judging too quickly, and teach us to listen with humble hearts. Amen.”

Father blessed us and our journey home. Then we packed the picnic things into the car and followed the Big Sioux River toward Littlemore, with the green trees and fields shining in the afternoon light. 

Love Kathy

The Little Club Kitchen

 

Dear Diary,

Our Readers Club met again in the little clubhouse today. Sister Mary Claire got busy right away at the tiny kitchen counter Robert had put in for us. With the little Frigidaire underneath and the hot plate on top, it is beginning to look almost like a real kitchen.

Sister said that after all the crackers, frosting, and doughnuts we have enjoyed, she was making something healthy today: hot oatmeal with raisins.

She warmed four cups of Jersey milk in a saucepan. Then she stirred in two cups of rolled oats, one-half cup of raisins, and a pinch of salt. She cooked it slowly until it was thick and creamy.

Sister spooned it into our bowls and topped each serving with a pat of butter, brown sugar, and a little more rich, icy-cold Jersey milk from the Frigidaire.

Before she added the raisins and sugar to the last little spoonful, she fixed Mini her own small dish of plain oatmeal with a splash of cold milk. Mini ate every bit and licked the dish so carefully that Robert said she had given Sister’s cooking her highest approval.

Robert said the oatmeal was good enough to make a person forget it was healthy. Sister said that was the mark of good cooking.

Afterward, Father LeRoy opened the Lourdes book.

“Kathy,” he said, “please read your chapter summary.”

I stood with my notebook and began:

“As June came to an end, visitors arrived in the Pyrenees from all over Europe. There were sick people seeking health, travelers enjoying the mountains, learned men studying what had happened, and curious people who simply wanted to see Lourdes.

“Rich and poor, believers and unbelievers, writers, businessmen, priests, and important officials all heard about Bernadette, the Grotto, the miraculous Spring, and the people who had been cured.

“God had first shown His work to the humble people living near Lourdes. Now He was bringing the rich and powerful to see it too. It was like Bethlehem, where the shepherds came before the Wise Men.

“The police still tried to keep people from the Grotto, but the barriers and threats were becoming useless. Some came because of faith and others because of curiosity, but they all saw the people who had been healed.

“One day the police stopped the famous Catholic writer Louis Veuillot. He gave them his name without fear and continued toward the Grotto.

“Another time, a lady was discovered kneeling near the barrier. When the officer demanded her name, she calmly said she was the wife of Admiral Bruat and the governess of the young Prince Imperial. The officer quickly dropped the charge because she was important.

“This showed how unfair the rules had become. Powerful people could disobey, while poor and ordinary people were punished.”

When I finished, Robert shook his head.

“So it depended upon who you were,” he said. “That does not sound like justice.”

“No,” Sister Mary Claire answered. “A law should not be heavy for the weak and light for the powerful.”

Father LeRoy nodded. “The officials could close a path, but they could not close every human heart.”

I said I especially liked the comparison with Bethlehem. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette, a poor and simple girl, just as the angels first announced the birth of Jesus to humble shepherds.

“That is often God’s way,” Father said. “He does not judge importance as the world does.”

Robert said all the visitors must have carried the story of Lourdes home with them.

“Yes,” Sister said. “Every visitor became another messenger.”

Before we left, Father asked me to lead our prayer.

Dear Blessed Mother,

Thank you for watching over Bernadette and leading so many people to Lourdes. Help us remember that every person is precious to God, whether rich or poor, famous or unknown.

Give us courage to do what is right. Teach us never to favor the powerful over the weak, and give us simple hearts that recognize God’s work.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Amen.

Father LeRoy blessed us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Mini curled up beneath the table afterward, warm and satisfied from her little dish of oatmeal and milk.

Good night, Diary.

Kathy

 

When it Rains it Pours

Dear Diary,

Father LeRoy, Robert, Sister Mary Claire, and I met in the Readers Clubhouse again today. We had only just settled around the table when Father nodded for me to begin my chapter summary.

I had hardly read the first sentence when there came a tremendous clap of thunder. The whole clubhouse seemed to tremble, and then the rain began pouring down so hard that we could scarcely hear one another.

“When it rains, it pours in Iowa,” Robert said, looking toward the windows.

But we were perfectly safe and dry inside. The roof held tight, and the little clubhouse felt especially cozy while the storm beat against it.

I began my summary again.

The people of Lourdes were no longer willing to remain quiet while the authorities kept them away from the Grotto. Some climbed over the barriers and gave their names openly to the guards before kneeling to pray. Even a few of the guards believed in what was happening, although they still had to carry out their orders or risk losing the small wages that fed their families.

Others found hidden paths to the Grotto. One person would remain behind to watch for the police and give a signal if they approached. Some people even swam across the swift Gave River so they could pray near the Spring and drink its water.

The fines frightened many poor families because even a small fine could grow into a ruinous amount. Still, the faithful found other ways to pray. When they could not reach the Grotto, they knelt beside the boundary posts or gathered in the meadows on the opposite bank of the river, facing the place where Our Lady had appeared.

Night after night, the boards closing the Grotto were torn down and thrown into the river. The police tried to discover who had done it, but no one was found. Petitions were also sent to the Emperor, asking that the people’s freedom to pray be restored.

One day, after a higher court overturned a judgment against several women who had spoken about the Grotto, a great crowd surged through the barrier. The police stepped aside rather than struggle against thousands of people. Afterward, the authorities ordered even stricter watching and tried to frighten the faithful with false stories about imprisonment.

The saddest part was about the sick people who came from far away. Some were blind, paralyzed, or suffering from illnesses the doctors could not cure. They begged the mayor to let them go to the Spring, but he refused. Reports were even written against the sick themselves.

Since they could not reach the Grotto, many gathered across the river on privately owned land. The owners welcomed them, believing God would bless the fields where so many suffering people knelt in prayer.

Meanwhile, Bernadette’s asthma became worse. She was exhausted from sickness and from the constant stream of visitors who wanted to question her about the Apparitions. The Bishop quietly encouraged her family to send her away for a time to the baths at Cauterets. Bernadette went there with her aunt and remained for two or three weeks, drinking the waters and seeking silence and rest.

When I finished, the thunder was still rolling, though it had moved farther away.

“It seems the officials created more disorder by trying to prevent peaceful prayer,” Robert said.

Father LeRoy nodded. “People can endure many hardships, but when what they hold sacred is treated with contempt, their patience can be sorely tested.”

Sister Mary Claire said the guards must have been in a painful position. Some of them believed, but they also had families depending upon their wages.

“That does not make an unjust order right,” she said, “but it reminds us that not everyone carrying out an order has a cruel heart.”

Father said the people’s courage was admirable, though anger can quickly lead even good people into actions they may later regret.

“The strongest protest in the chapter,” he said, “may have been the people kneeling quietly beside the boundary posts. They could not enter, but no one could prevent them from turning their hearts toward God.”

By then Sister Mary Claire decided it was time for our refreshments. She said she was especially glad she had brought soda crackers and chocolate frosting before the storm began. She set Robert and me to work spreading frosting between pairs of crackers.

The milk was icy cold from the little refrigerator Robert installed in the clubhouse.

“If Kathy can supply the clubhouse,” Robert said, “I can at least supply the refrigeration.”

Everyone laughed, and Sister said that cold milk and chocolate-frosted crackers were exactly right for a rainy Iowa morning. Mini received a plain cracker and settled beneath the table, listening to the rain.

Before we left, Father asked me to read the prayer.

Dear Blessed Mother,

Please help us remain faithful when doing what is right becomes difficult. Give courage to those who are afraid, comfort to the sick, and wisdom to those who hold authority. Help us to defend what is holy without hatred or violence. Please watch over everyone traveling through today’s storm, and keep Shaggycoat safe in his lodge beside Indian Creek.

Amen.

Father LeRoy raised his hand and blessed us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He dismissed the Reading Club, although we waited a little longer for the heaviest rain to pass before leaving our dear Reader's Clubhouse.

Good night, dear Diary.

High Water or The Bishop Who Waited

 

Dear Diary,

Because the rain had soaked the ground, the Reading Club met in the Clubhouse. Sister Mary Claire opened the windows, Robert poured cold milk, and we ate granola while water dripped from the eaves.

Mini had a little dish with boiled chicken, which she loves. Thank you, Sister Mary Claire.

Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary.

“Monseigneur Laurence still hesitated to believe fully in the Apparitions at Lourdes. He was careful, learned, and afraid of being misled by excitement or exaggeration.

“He did not approve of the civil authorities’ harsh measures, but he also did not want the Church to act too quickly. His caution was part of God’s providence. By waiting, he allowed the events at Lourdes to prove themselves without the support of Church authority.

“The people had great faith, while the Bishop had patience. God used both to fulfill His plan.”

Robert said, “So the Bishop’s doubts became part of the proof.”

Father LeRoy nodded. “Yes. When he finally spoke, no one could say he had been carried away by popular enthusiasm.”

Sister Mary Claire added, “The people needed patience, and the Bishop needed light. God gave both in the proper time.”

Before we left, Father asked me to read the closing prayer.

“Dear God, give us the faith of the people and the patience of the Bishop. Help us to trust Your providence and wait for Your truth to become clear.

“Please protect our homes and farms after the heavy rain. Watch over Shaggycoat, too. The water in Indian Creek was running very fast, and I pray that his lodge held together and that he is safe. Amen.”

Father LeRoy blessed everyone, and the Reading Club agreed to meet again tomorrow.

As Mini walked around the puddles, I thought that sometimes God asks us to believe, and sometimes He asks us to wait.

Good night, dear Diary.

Kathy

The Lightning Storm

  

Dear Diary,
 
It began raining during Holy Mass this morning, and by the time Father LeRoy gave the final blessing, the drops were pattering steadily against the church windows. Our meeting beneath the apple tree was plainly impossible, so everyone carried their books downstairs to the church basement.

It was not nearly as pretty as sitting outside, but it was warm and dry, and the sound of the rain above us made the basement feel rather peaceful. Mini settled beneath my chair and rested her chin upon her paws while Father asked me to read my chapter summary.

Today’s chapter told how the people of Lourdes had become deeply troubled by the continued silence of Bishop Laurence. The clergy still kept away from the Grotto and obeyed the Bishop’s orders not to take part in the growing movement.

The people could not understand it.

They had witnessed the spring flowing from the rock, heard of many wonderful cures, and seen the government begin to persecute those who visited Massabielle. Surely, they thought, the Bishop ought to speak. Some wanted him to defend the pilgrims, while others wished him at least to begin an investigation.

When the Prefect even claimed that he was acting in agreement with the Church authorities, Bishop Laurence still made no public reply. The people began to murmur that perhaps the Bishop was timid, indifferent, or unwilling to recognize what God was doing.

When I finished, Robert said, “It must have required great courage for the Bishop to remain silent when nearly everyone was demanding that he act.”

Sister Mary Claire nodded. “Sometimes silence appears to be weakness when it is really patience. A bishop must protect the faithful not only from unbelief, but also from accepting something before it has been properly examined.”

Father LeRoy said that Bishop Laurence was responsible before God for whatever judgment he made. “The people saw many convincing signs,” he explained, “but the Bishop had to determine whether those signs were truly supernatural. He could not allow enthusiasm, fear, or even persecution to make the decision for him.”

I said that I would have found it very difficult not to answer when people were accusing me of cowardice.

Father smiled and said, “That is often the hardest kind of courage, Kathy—to wait quietly while others misunderstand you.”

Then Robert uncovered the morning’s refreshments: fried-egg sandwiches with mayonnaise and pickles. They were still a little warm and smelled delicious. The eggs were folded neatly between thick slices of bread, though the pickles made some of the sandwiches rather slippery.

“An excellent choice, Robert,” Father declared after his first bite.

Everyone agreed. They were easily enough to hold us until lunchtime.

Sister Mary Claire looked at the size of her sandwich and said, “I believe this has already replaced lunch.”

Robert said that had not been his intention, but he did not appear very sorry about it.

Mini watched every bite with great attention. Robert finally gave her a small corner of plain egg and bread, without mayonnaise or pickles, which she accepted as though it were the finest meal ever served in a church basement.

Before we left, Father asked me to read our prayer.

Dear Blessed Mother, help us to trust the wisdom of those whom God has appointed to guide His Church. When we do not understand their silence or their decisions, keep us patient, humble, and charitable. Teach us never to mistake haste for courage, nor careful judgment for weakness. Amen.

Father LeRoy blessed us and reminded us that true prudence is not fear, but the courage to wait for God’s proper time.

When we climbed the basement stairs, the rain was still falling gently. I kept thinking about Bishop Laurence. Everyone wanted him to hurry, yet perhaps God was teaching him to stand still.

Good night, dear Diary.

Kathy

Freedom to Pray

Dear Diary,

After Holy Mass today, we all met beneath the apple tree behind St. Mary’s. The leaves made dancing shadows across our books, and Mini settled beside me as Father asked me to read my chapter summary.

Today’s chapter told how the government continued to block the Grotto, even though the cures from its waters could not be denied. No disorder had taken place, and no one had been harmed. Still, barriers were raised and guards were posted, as though prayer itself were something dangerous.

Robert said, “If Bernadette had only discovered a useful mineral spring, the officials probably would have given her a medal.”

Sister Mary Claire nodded. “But because people knelt and prayed before drinking, the authorities called it superstition.”

Father said that true freedom must include the freedom to believe, to pray, and to ask God for help. He reminded us that the Church had not yet made an official judgment about the Apparitions, but the government had already judged against them without a fair examination.

Then Father closed his book and said, “We should be getting ready to leave Lourdes. We are nearing the end of our book.”

That made us all rather quiet and sad. It seems as though we have truly been traveling with Bernadette these many weeks. But Sister smiled and said, “Another good story will pop up just when we need it.”

For our treat, Sister brought soda crackers again, but this time Robert had a new chocolate-and-hazelnut spread called Nutella. We spread it between two crackers and voted on it immediately.

“Triple A!” Robert announced.

We all agreed—even Father. Mini received a plain cracker and appeared to give that a triple A rating too.

Before we left, I read our closing prayer:

Dear Lord, help us always to defend the freedom to love You, to pray to You, and to follow the truth without fear. Keep us faithful when others misunderstand us, and teach us to trust Your wisdom in all things. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.

Father gave us his blessing and dismissed the Reading Club. As we walked away beneath the apple branches, I felt sad that our journey through Lourdes was nearly finished—but also curious about where our next book might take us.

Good night, dear Diary.

Kathy

When the Grotto was Closed

July 18, 1957

Dear Diary,

After Holy Mass, our Reading Club met again in the clubhouse. Father LeRoy brought a tin of sugar cookies made by his housekeeper, and Robert brought a bottle of cold Jersey milk. Mini settled beneath the little table before we had even opened our books.

Father asked me to read my chapter summary.

I explained that the Prefect ordered Mayor Lacadé to close the Grotto. The Mayor did not seem eager to do it, but he was afraid of losing his position. He agreed to sign the order only after wording was added to show that he was merely obeying his superiors.

Soon barriers were built around the Rocks of Massabielle, and guards watched day and night. Notices warned the people not to enter, yet many still came as near as they could to kneel and pray.

Those who disobeyed were brought before Judge Duprat. He fined them five francs, but then unfairly made each person responsible for the court costs of everyone who had gone to the Grotto that day. A small fine could therefore become a terrible burden for a poor family.

When I finished, Robert said, “They tried to frighten the people away without appearing cruel.”

Sister Mary Claire nodded. “And Mayor Lacadé tried to escape responsibility by saying he was only obeying orders. But we are still responsible for the things we choose to do.”

Father LeRoy said the barriers could keep people from reaching the rocks, but they could not stop their prayers or their faith.

Then Father opened the cookie tin. The sugar cookies were soft in the middle and sprinkled with sugar on top. While everyone was talking, Robert broke off a tiny corner and quietly slipped it beneath the table. Mini took it very gently and then looked up at him as though she had been terribly neglected and might require another.

Before we left, Father asked me to read our prayer.

“Dear Blessed Mother, help us to remain faithful when doing what is right becomes difficult. Give courage to those who are treated unjustly, and teach us never to hide behind excuses when we know what God asks of us. Lead us always closer to Jesus. Amen.”

Father LeRoy blessed us and dismissed the club with the Sign of the Cross.

The officials had placed barriers around the Grotto, but I do not believe any barrier made by men can keep a sincere prayer from reaching Heaven.

Good night, dear Diary.

Love, Kathy

The Barrier at Massabielle

Dear Diary,

After Holy Mass, we met in the Reading Clubhouse, and Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary.

The Prefect, Baron Massy, was determined to stop people from visiting the Grotto. Since drinking from the spring was not against the law, the authorities decided that because the land belonged to the town of Lourdes, the Mayor could forbid anyone from entering it.

On June 8, 1858, an order was issued forbidding people to take water from the spring or cross the land near Massabielle. A barrier was placed at the entrance, and anyone who disobeyed could be prosecuted.

Father said the order made an innocent act appear unlawful. Robert added that because the authorities could not prove the spring was harmful, they tried to keep everyone away. Sister Mary Claire reminded us that unjust actions are sometimes hidden beneath proper-sounding words.

For our treat, Sister served saltine crackers with chocolate frosting between two squares. They were sweet, salty, and very crisp. She also made one special cracker with peanut butter for Mini and asked Robert to give it to her. Mini accepted it very politely, though it disappeared in only two bites.

Sister Mary Claire's Chocolate Frosting

Mix 2 tablespoons softened butter, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1½ cups powdered sugar, 2 or 3 tablespoons warm milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Beat until smooth and spread between two saltine crackers.

Then I read our closing prayer:

“Dear Blessed Mother, help us remain faithful when the road is made difficult. Teach us to trust God, love the truth, and obey Him with courage. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.”

Father LeRoy gave us his blessing and dismissed the club.

As we left, I thought that men could place a barrier before the Grotto, but they could not stop God’s truth from reaching His people.


All for Jesus,

Kathy

When Truth Stood Firm

Dear Diary,

The Reading Club met again today in our clubhouse, and Father LeRoy asked me to read my chapter summary. Mini settled beneath the table, while Sister Mary Claire, Robert, and Father listened.

The chapter explained how every argument against Lourdes had slowly fallen apart. First, the unbelievers said Bernadette was pretending. When her honesty could not be doubted, they said she only imagined the Lady. Then the spring appeared, and they denied that it was really a spring. When its water began flowing abundantly, they called it an accident.

After the cures became too numerous to deny, they claimed the water contained special minerals. But careful men of science found that it was only ordinary water. Each time the truth became clearer, the unbelievers moved to another excuse rather than humbly admit that God was at work.

Father said the comparison with ripe wheat was especially beautiful. Empty stalks stand stiff and proud, but when they are filled with good grain, they bow their heads. Truly wise people become humble before the truth.

We had a lively discussion about how pride can keep a person from believing even when the evidence is right before him. Sister Mary Claire said that faith does not ask us to close our eyes, but to open them more widely and recognize the hand of God.

Just then, the Breakfast Club arrived with a great pan of biscuits and gravy. Our little table was not quite prepared for such a feast! Sister Mary Claire hurried into the house and returned with a ladle, a stack of napkins, and a tiny gravy dish for Mini. Mini looked very pleased with the arrangements, although Father reminded us that she must wait until her dish had cooled.

The biscuits were warm and soft, and the gravy was so good that nobody talked much for several minutes. Robert said that even the Reading Club could occasionally learn something from the Breakfast Club.

When everything was cleared away, I read our closing prayer, asking God to keep our hearts humble and willing to follow the truth wherever it leads. Father LeRoy made the Sign of the Cross over us and gave us his blessing before dismissing the club.

I thought about the spring at Lourdes, flowing quietly from the rock while arguments rose and fell around it. Truth does not need to shout. It only needs to remain true.

Good night, dear diary.

All for Jesus,
Kathy