The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1875-12-26

The wondering spectators examined atteu
lively the miraculous spring, and some devout
~ stepped their handkerchiefs in it's muddy
receptacle. On the next day. the source of the
Blessed Virgin, increasing minute by minute
had became o stream of the thickness of Il fin
ger. At the end of q few more days, the water
issued pure and limpid from the Garth, in q
current as large rs a chiid's arm. At this point
its growth ceased.
The spring has since been measured with
mathematical precision. From the very first
weeks, it furnished eghty-ive quarts per
minute, five thousand one hundred per hour,
one hundred and twenty-five Thousand and
four hundred per day.
Aud yet, to the knowledge of all the inhabi
tauts of this district, neither moisture nor
dampness of any kind ever appeared upon the
sandy soil or the rocky sides fthe grotto.
The "strong minded" heads of the locality
proclaimed by word of mouth, and published
through the medium of the press, that the
whole circumstance could easily be explained
THIS was no real natural spring the craZed
Bernadette had simply, by the merest accident
placed her hand on a reser Vior of water, which
had gathered to one spot from the oozings oi
the rocks. The supply being limited, would
be soon exhausted.
TIE miraculous water of Lourdes has been
analysed by experienced chemists it is a pure
native fluid, mingled with no element usually
styled curative.
FRIDAY FEB. 2G-1HE FIRST MIRACULOUS CURE
n, tba pnt
manifest herself. From all sides, Bernadettt
was greeted with testimonies of respect and
reverence, which were pushed even to the
confines of veneration Whenever she was seen
to pass. people exclaimed Aloud "Tbere goeI
the Saint ~
Al, The Mother of meek ness and humility wish eG
dou ubtless to put her on her guard against the
insidious advances of vain-glory. In valid did
Bernadette to day pour out her soul in ferVent
aspirations. in burning prayers, in tears
Mary answered not her call. Humbled and
downcast Bernadette was obliged to return
home. The bitter tears did not cease 10 flow
down her cheeks till she reached her humble
roof
Instead of the accustomed ecstasy, the
crowds were able to indulge their curiosity by
freer view of the new spring that living
witness Of the presence of the mysterious
Ladp. The worthy pastor of Lourdes had
asked for some sign. In place of the very
simple sign which he required, Mary gave q
grand token of her power, not to him alone
but to all, whether faithful or faithfess. The
blooming of the rose tree would have been an
Insignificant miracle agreeable TO behold it 10
true, but of momentary effects. The super"
natural spring was u magnificent miracle, an
unceasing prodigy, the fountain head of
numberless other prodigies. The Blessed Viz
gin is better acquainted with our needs than
we ourselves
On this Friday Feb. @j:h, the miraculous
water worked its first wonder; miracle of
the first ORDER verified and attested by science
in the first place, and finally by coolest astical
authority. AtLourdes lived poor quarry III an
named Bourriette one Of whose eyes had been
frightfully mangled twenty years previous to
this date by the explosion of a mine. 1t was
long before he recovered from the effects Of the
accident. notwithstanding the devoted care
and uuhaGging attention of DE- Dozous, the
same who examined Beruadette in ecstasy, the
sight Of the poor miner grew weaker year after
year. At the epoch of which we are speaking
his right eye could 10 longer distinguish be-
tween objects. Bourriette was well known
aud esteemed IL the whole town; he was,
moreover, a man OF faith, solid Christian. Tie
wa, married, aad had numerous family. Ac-
counts reached him of the marvellous scenes
taAt occ Irred AZ the Erotto, and especially of
the woudcrful source which had suddenly come
to light. "Go bring Inc come of that water
= aid he to his daughter. The Blessed Virgin,
N she il, has only to wish it and shall be
cured" Half an hour after the child returned
with some Of the water, still muddy.
Papa, this is ol,y dirty water No mat
ter" answered Bourriette, aud began to pray.
He bathes the jsjared eye with the water.
From Ii, LIP, b1:s:s loud cEy-an exclama-