The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-12-05
Translated for the Morning Star the French OF
Mgr de Segur
THE WONDERS OF LOURDES.
ICoutinued.l
VIII.


THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF THE MIRACULOUS
FORTNIGHT.
On their return to the town, Bsrnadette's two
friends recounted to her parents what they had
witnessed. These latter were deeply affected.
They resolved that one or both of them should
go with their daughter and see what took
place. Bernadette, with her usual frankness,
informed them of the Communications she lad
received from the Lady of the Grotto, and of
the promise made to visit the Grotto during
fifteen consecutive days
1t happened that this was a fair day at
Lourdes. The report of the Apparition was
speedily disseminated among the assembled
crowds. Before the close of the following day,
the had spread over hill and valley, and
penetrated to distant towns and villages: An
immense excitement throughout the neighbor-
ing districts was the result. "Should there be
truth in the Apparition, it is assuredly the
Blessed Virgin that manifests herself to Berna
dette." This was the opinion prevalent.
On Friday, Feb. Josh, when Bernadette, at.
tended by her father and mother, arrived
before the Grotto, short time after dawn
almost a hundred spectators were station cd
around in waiting Thenceforward the crowt
Increased with each succeeding sun. On the
oh, four or FIVE hundred were assembled or
Sunday, the 21st, they were already counted
by thousands. All the approaches to the
Grotto, and the town lots on the other side oil
the stream, encountered by the sway ing
masses.
Tue mother of this Innocent child had the
happiness of behoding, with her own eyes, the
| ecstacy of her daughter under the influence O
| Z ~
she saw that thin, wan face, so colorless in il
natural state, brighten up of a sudden with
| heavenly glow. Her brow was beaming with
preternatural radiance; her features seemed
TRANSPORTED into something angelic; her part
ed lips expressed wonder, beatitude; the.
seemed to inhale the breathings of Paradise
her eyes cleaning with happiness, drank in
glory which NO othereye beheld, but which al
knew to be present: nay, it was in certain
sense perceptible, reflected by a species o
reverberation from the enraptured countenanc
of the child.
Those who have seen Bernadetto in thi
state, affirm that they have never, in thei
personal experience, met with anything SINH
lar. After the lapse of many years, the i'm
preston produced by the spectacle is as fresl
and vivid as at the first moment.
The little sc0r, as she was thenceforth styled
maintained without alteration, in the midst o
these crowds, her simple, quiet, unassumiDl
manners. Always clothed in her poor, blacl
dress, enveloped in her white wooden cGpuIet
with a taper in her hand, she would calmly
| proceed to her accustomed place, knee1 down
take out her beads, and recite her prayers with
as much modesty and composure as if she were
alone before the altar of her God. Peacefulnes
of soul, truth, innocence were stamped upoI
her brow.
A respectful silence reigued without inter
ruption among the spectators. Wheneve
Bernadette appeared, they reverentially opened
q passage for her. The grace of God evidently
lowered over this immense concourse!
On Sunday, the 21st, the Blessed Virgin ap
peared to her little friend in her usual manner
She had her spotless white garments, hel
azure girdle her shining rosary. She smiled
upon Bernadette, and with head and hand ex
tended to her q maternal welcome.
Once the vision appeared to recede, and t.
bury itself within the recesses of the cave
Bernadette, not to lose sight of her, dragged
herself on her knees towards the interior ex
tremity of the Grotto. The countenance of tn
Blessed Virgin had become clouded with dec
melancholy.
"What is the matter" Bernadette venture,
to inquire, what must be DONE" Pray 70
sinners" replied the Mother Of Mercy. .Tw
largo tear drops, yelling from the fascinated
eyes of Bernadette, were seen to bedew be
cheeks. Returning joy soon dispelled tn
ShadoWs on her face. for the countenarce G