The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-03-05


deep, inexpressihle quiet flooded her Who'll,
being. Her soul lay in state of noiselesi
peace from which 1t wished not to awake
Tears soon began to flow, tears of Joy end
thankfulness. By her side knelt and wept hel
,fiend' rapt in silence and prayers. After the
'apse of few minutes they recited together
the rosary Of the Seven Dolors. Miss Brocs
reads the considerations adapted to each
mystery. year had passed since she was
able to cast her eyes over o printed page.
She rises from her knees the body which fol
| so long time and but few moments ago had
presented the aspect Of crippled mass o.
deformed limbs, now rises to it's full heigh
symmetrical and erect. She hazards a few
steps and fpds that entire freedom of locomo
ton is restored; every motion is made
naturally, without effort or check. With her
two companions she seeks q retired spot and
seats herself. Miss Broca eats hard egg and
some bread. New marvels manifested them
selves at every moment and kept the two wit
nesses lost in wonderment.
The parish priest of Lourdes happens to
come to the grotto. The story of the resuscta-
ton is related to him. He draws a newspaper
from his pocket and offers it to Miss Brooa to
test her eyea. She reads rapidly, without the
slightest hesitation.
Atlength thS hcai of departure il announced.
She must tear herself away from the beloved
shrine, where heaven had deigned to grant her
life and health. The three prostrate them
selves for last time before the imsRe of Mary,
and with what outbursts of love and gratitude
they implore of her q final benediction, may be
easily imagined. But who can express the
emotion that shook the soul of Miss Broca as
she cast a farewell glance upon the statue of
her who had recalled her from the tombf
With firm step she walks along the path,
over which, one hour previously she was borne
half dead without support, and with nimble
pace, she picks her way over tho roughness of
the road, and startles her driver out of his re-
signed composure, by her sudden appearance
He did not recognize her at Grst, and after
wards, scarcely yielded to the testimony of his
own senses. She jumps into the carriage un-
aided. The cushions were found to be all to-
gether out Of place, and even quite inconve-
nient, when three were to be packed in the
same box. The horses found to their cost, what
q revolution had taken place in the DISPOSE
tions of their load ; the whip cracked with
rather unpleasant frequency about their sides,
and urged them to o smart trot, till they rolled
up before Miss Broca's house. Fatigue was a
question that had not entered her head, since
leaving Lourdes. She felt more refreshed than
incommoded by her agreeable drive. She
Jumps ont, hastens through the court yard, and
mounts the stairs with the greatest ease. At
thetOp, she runs against friend Of hers. "Good
day." exclaimed she joyously. At the sound
of that voice, SO long silsnced, the other looks
at her with bewilderment. "WhatI Is it
you." Certainly; it is myself, and no
stranger" And the two friends rush into
each others arms. When thoroughly con-
WINGED that Miss Broca was really cured, the
visitor made full profession of faith. "I did
not wish to believe in the wonders of Lourdes
am now converted believe firmly"
On the next day, which was Quasimodo
Sunday, Mics Broca, in presence Of one half of
the parish, received Holy Communion at the
early Mass. The report of her cure had begun
to benoised about since the evening previous.
This soon became the absorbing topic of con- |
throughout the town. She, who but |
yesterday shrunk oveTpowered beneath the |
weight Of human inAEmities that pressed upon |
her, was called upon by public curiosity TO |
stand exposed during the whole day, to the |
gaze Of sRcOessiVe crowds, who locked from ell |
quarters to feast their eyes on living, breath
ing evidence Of the Immaculate Virgins agency |
IN the occurrences Of LOuFdes. Her room was |
never omptied, and Miss BFooa, frOm morning
i'll evening, ceased not 10 repeat heR story, |
IND disclose TO greedy cara tho prodiRies Of |
soted by Mary upon her own person ct the |
blessed gTOttO. A slight PalsnssS was the only |
race left Of her mortal illness.
On Monday che resumed occupations that |
I'D baau hRohan of Ear khr,0 ya,r- E1,-v,.raa i
'Olor gradually returned. After SONS days
he accomplished long sxsRruions On a9os,
sIthCat preyei1g nv unusual eEhsarsie !