‘Thursday.’ Bernadette resumed her normal life. Nonetheless, word had spread. The Sisters of Nevers, whose “free classes” she attended at the Hospice bombarded her with questions. They reacted with mocking, rebukes, and commiseration; but she didn’t react at all. Sorry about having spoken, she decided to remain silent.
Among those who talked about these events was Mme. Milhet. Bernadette’s description of the Lady’s attire resembled the habit worn by the Daughters of Mary of Lourdes. Greatly curious that the figure is the ghost of a pious member who had recently died prematurely, she persuaded Louise Soubirous, once her employee, to allow Bernadette’s return to the grotto.
Mme. Milhet, Mme. Peyret (her seamstress) and Bernadette left at dawn because Mme. Soubirous wanted no publicity. Mme. Milhet had intended to find out who the lady is and what she wanted, from the mysterious figure herself. So she had brought pen, paper, and ink which Bernadette would hand over on her cue.
For the first time, a candle was brought along. Soon after starting their rosary, the Lady appeared to Bernadette who, while in ecstasy, kept on reciting her prayers. Pushed by the women, Bernadette got up and went inside the grotto.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p6
The beautiful Lady of Massabielle
Bernadette then said: ‘If you come from God, please tell me what you want; else, go away. The Lady smiled kindly, but with the last words, her face clouded over and she shook her head.’ From the Lady’s gesture, Bernadette thought she was to move back, and began to do so; but it was the others who had to and they did.
She then continued, ‘Please have the goodness to put your name and what you want in writing’. Then for the first time the Lady spoke, using the Lourdes patois, ‘There is no need to write what I have to say’. Bernadette relayed it to her companions and that the Lady had laughed. They said: ‘Ask her if we can come back’.
Bernadette returned to the Vision, who made her understand that ‘nothing need prevent their return’; then added, ‘Will you do me the kindness of coming here for a fortnight?’ Bernadette answered that she would -- she would ask leave. The Lady further added: ‘I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the other’. Then she disappeared.
From then on, Bernadette was besieged by questions. “The Lady spoke ... was her voice girlish?” ‘Her voice was very gentle.' “Could you hear it distinctly?” 'It seems to me that I hear it here’, and she pressed her hands on her heart. When Bernadette spoke and answered in her ecstasy, her words were inaudible. Surprised when people told her so, she said, ‘I was speaking quite loud, like now’.
On arriving home, Bernadette told her mother she had promised to go to the grotto each day for a fortnight. The family was convened; and agreed that Bernadette should be taken to the grotto very early.
Ref: C C Martindale, “St Bernadette, Peasant of Lourdes”, pp22-3
The Sick and the Holy Father
We have gathered to honor and celebrate Mary Most Holy through remembrance of her apparition to the humble Bernadette, at the grotto of Massabielle, to entrust her with a special message of mercy and grace. Who could deny that her message keeps its full value ‘in our days’ as well?
By making use of that unknown girl, Mary intended to call sinners above all to conversion, by asking for the common commitment of all Christian faithful for them and for their salvation. It is a fact that the appeal aroused a fervent movement of prayer and charity in the Church, in service to the infirm and the poor above all. ...
Please, accompany me with your thoughts and affection; but above all with the charity of a special entreaty, so the Lord, who alone can give it, will give me the indispensable aid, for God gives the increase (cf 1 Cor 3:6-7).
You especially who are tried by sickness, please unite the oblation of your sufferings and follow me closely in that way during my journeys. You can do much for me, of communicating to me that strength which I spoke of on the day after my appointment to the See of Rome, and the interior power which I experienced also during the days of my illness.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p89
Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law
The striking miracle at the synagogue could have encouraged the richest and noblest families of Capharnaum to invite Jesus to their homes.
But he “immediately left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John” (Mk 1:29). He voluntarily chose a poor and humble dwelling. Furthermore, he was moved by an act of charity for “Simon’s wife’s mother lay in bed with a fever” (Mk 1:30). On entering Simon’s house, “Jesus went to her, held her ... hand; and immediately the fever left her” (Mk 1:31).
This Gospel passage teaches that true charity always ‘takes the initiative’. The disciples did not wait for the sick woman to ask them. On their own they sought the help of Jesus as soon as he entered the house.
We also learn that intercession for the sick and suffering is very pleasing to God. Jesus at once granted their prayer; the sick woman was instantly cured. Let us, then, strive to anticipate the needs of our suffering brethren. Our charity will always be rewarded.
Cured, “immediately rising, ... ministered to them” (Mk 1:31). With what care and diligence she expressed her gratitude through this hospitality. Her eagerness to reciprocate seems only right and natural. She owed him her life, health, the use of her limbs. What could be more natural than to employ them to serve her benefactor?
We are also bound, in justice and gratitude, to use our life, health, all bodily and mental powers for God’s greater glory; and with utmost fervor and diligence.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp387-9
Our Lady of Laon (Rheims, France, 500) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of Laon, erected, into a cathedral and founded by St Remigius, Archbishop of Rheims, about the year 500, where he consecrated, as its first bishop, St Genebaud, his nephew. Miracles are wrought there; and, among others, we read that in the year 1395, there was seen on the steeple, the picture of a crucifix, the wounds of which bled. — Thomas Walsingham, Hist. of England, under King Richard I. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
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