The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-07-26
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article from the Catholic World for August:
In the province of Aquitaine, a short dis
lance from the village of MOnleon, among
the hills of Les Hauts Pyrenees, is q valley
bearing the name of GARRISON, where stands
a votive chapel in honor of the Blessed Vir-
gin. 1t is a favorite place of pilgrimage for
all the country around, which has been ap-
proved ofby POpes Urban VIII and Gregory
XVI, who have enriched it with indulgences.
1t was erected in consequence of the appari-
ton of our Blessed Lady on the spot, about
the year $500, to young shepherdess who
was guarding her flock in the valley. The
legend is as follows, somewhat abridged:
A young girl of twelve years of age, An
glese de Sagazan, was guarding her flock
near a large hawthorn which shaded a
fountain of living water. The deep shade
and the soft murmur OF the fountain in
vited repose, and, opening her basket of
provisions, the young shepherdess seated
herself by the spring to dip her dry brown
bread in the clear, cold water. Suddenly,
a lady of majestic mien, with serene
countenance and gracious regard, clothed
in long, white robe, which fell in graceful
folds to her feet, stood before the astonished
maiden, who, dazzled by her appearance,
remained immovable and speechiess. Then
our gracious Lady, who loveth the poor
and the humble, declared to her that she
had chosen this spot as q. place of bcnedic-
ton, whereon she wished shrine erected
in her honor, around which her children
| might gather with more than ordinary as
surance. This apparition occurring three
days in succession, the maiden related to
her father what had happened. He, in turn,
reported the occurrence among his neigh
bors, who we're quite incredu1Ous, but yet,
through curiosity or inspired by God,
fOcked to the fountain, where was still to
be heard the voice of the Virgin, thong no
one saw her but the pure eyes of the shep-
herdess. The people went to see the cure,
TN ha nj ai in Wi
chanting hymns in honor of Mary. They
erected q large cross on the spot. After
that the water of the fountain seemed mir
aculously changed, and the sick went hither
to be healed. The sudden restoration of
many to health made the spot celebrated in
q short time. The number of miracles in
creasing, the present elegant vaulted chapel
was erected by voluntary offerings of CRATE
full pilgrims, and there the benediction of
Heaven descended upon the votaries of
gies wrought on soul and body at the shrine
Of our Lady of GARRISON. Ages ago God
healed many who, at the troubling of the
waters, descended to- the angel guarded
Pool of Sloan. His ways are not our ways.
:, I made a pilgrimage to Notre Dame de
GARRISON in June, 10; "Ciel!" l ex,1
the stone cross of st. Oren's Priory fast
disappearing, "have l returned to the
middle ages, or am dreaming!" could
not help rubbing my eyes, and wondering
what some of my more enlightened Ameri-
can friends would think, if they could see
ME seriously, deliberately setting off on
pilgrimage (even in a carriageD of thirty
miles, to pay my devotions at shrine of
the Virgin Mary! But yes-my lead was
quite sound, though filed with the vows
wished to offer in a spot peculiarly dear to
our Lady. This was the first visit l ever
,odo tn Of fhasc nj
votion, and 80, apart from my religious
motives, felt some curiosity to see this
mountain chapel, away almost upon the
confines of Spain.
In all the churches on the route there was
always an altar to the Virgin, adorned with
lace and flowers, and streaming with gay
ribbons and pennons, after the taste OF the
country. In one we found wedding party,
and were in season to hear the Ego cOnjungo
eos of the cure over II very modest and
subdued- looking pair.
We often passed huge crosses OF wood or
stone erected by the wayside, to winch
We're attached the instruments of the Pas
sion. l noticed among the passers-by that
the women made the sign of the cross, and
the men raised their hats.
of New England. The hills were finely
wooded, more SO than 1 had expected in
that old country. On leaving Monleon, we
entered a valley, narrow at first, but which
gradually opened, forming basin OF con-
siderable extent, with green meadows and
shady thickets. 1t is bounded and crowned
by hills, and a few hours distant are the
6 Pyrenees. This valley is solitary-secluded
, but not wild or uncultivated. Perhaps
there is score of houses in it. From about
the centre rise the turrets of Notre Dame
de GARRISON. -
The rain poured down in torrents wheI
: we entered the valley of GARRISON, but thai
!, did not prevent Ills from admiring the 10
cality favorable to devotion. In the
olden times the pilgrims were sheltered il
!, n monastery, which was devastated during
the revolution, and now, when great festi
walls draw crowds of people, the womer
often remain in the house all night. Leav
4 I,Dt,l Il