The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-01-15
slated for the Morning Star from the French of
Mgr. de SegEr.
HE WONDERS OF LOURDES.
IContinued. !
XIX.
POLICE /! ! !!

While these events were transporting, the po-
| CO department, inspired by local authorities,
REV more and more jealous 10 their opposition
b the work of God. This new pilgrimage did
OF in the 1east catch their fancy ; so, they
fould stife the nascent superstition ere it de-
|eioped in Co more vigorous growth.
Prodisies were the inaugural ceremonies of
Ia pilgrimage prodigies continued to
|5mpany irs gradual establishment. The
iraeulous cure of Louis Bourriette, the more
emarkSble resuscita of little Justin, did
lot remain isolated in their individuality, as
perations of supernatural power. Other facts,
|nmistakably miraculous, were daily occur
bg. At Lonrdes itself Blsse Maumus,
|estaurant keeper, beheld enormous eS-
rescence, that disdgured his wrist, melt away
md vanish almost instautaneously in the
Eater of the spring. An old widow, named
Erozat, as deaf as stone for twenty years,
|ndcenly recovered her hearing by the simple
DUPLICATION of the woodworking water.
kuguste Bordes, famed many years previously
By an accident, saw his leg stretch ont to its
Rormal length, aud resume it's natural form
lad vigor. These people, and others beside,
here of the town ITSELF They were known by
Very body. The miracles therefore were I'M
! - the very eyes of inquiry. They could be
6ched with the hand.
The devil, the police, the administration
aid by Ro means put up with this state of
|Alngs. At first, they had assailed the inns
ut child chosen By the Blessed Virgin to lay
be foundation stone of the pilgrimage. The
|feak and defenceless are the choice tit-Sits
n arbitrariness. Thanks to heaven, and to
ae worthy curaSe, Mgr. Peyramale, tho sterm
|EsseS harmlessly over the head Of Berna-
|@tte. They oocld not vent their ad9,inisbra-
I've snger upon the invisible power, wkich
n it's manifestations at the grotto, was the
|Rimary cause Of this "crying scandal" The
otto itself sho0ld bear the weight of their
Owe; the spring, the Massabieilie rocks
|*Dula have their share in the penalty. The
I'd was not to be caught; bat the cage
ight be broken. His satanic majesty select
for the accomplishment of this sublime
ission, the prefect of Tarbes with his 'bu-
|paeocracy, and full prefectorial staff.
The Prefect of Tarbes at this time was @ man
q good honorable intentions; practical
hristian, but of the mild -and-wetec type
BE tribe abounds in the region of governnen-
l.circles. These gentlemen do not, in theory,
|bny the possibility of miraeles but, in prac-
|'ee, they uEoompromisingiy repudiate any
Felation OF supernatural influence. In their
les, whatsoever bears the stamp of heavenly
|Aervention, is mere triekery or illusion.
| heir religious existence is fixed in level
10. Everything that rises above that iBsipid
! hin is to be mathematical, as an .edifce
|ected by blind fanaticism, headstrong su.
Rsttition. A miracle in the full blaze OF the
eeteenth century,! What a scandal to the
lighteQuent of the age!!i
Such were the opinions that found respon-
| Re echo in the deep mind of the Pceftct.
BE reports of his efficient police went Ger to
rirm hin in the design he meditated, viz.
put stop to these popular gatherings at
n price. Public order might be endangered,
peace of consciehces be disturbed, the
|pnuine interests of religion be seriously
|Rsged. This wisdom was further corrobo-
- by the appreciation of the Solomon, then
|iEping supreme in the Ministry of PaSlic
csahip, the illustrious and deVout Mr.. Rou-
~. The .Prefect, fully guided as to his
are course, by the flood of light that was
OWN from the ofice of the Minister, begon
ct with all the assurance of self asserted
liability. He pronounced the miracles of
ardes, so-cd2ssd, shameful hoax. Measures
~ taken in accordance with this prociana-
Pitiable, characters are such men Puffed |
with the ideG of their own consequence, |
Ated with the spirit of pride. they attack
in his works, with the most astounding |
| ID faith and CO nmit real crimes with those
est Intentions that form prominent part
ne pavement of hell. The blood of PLATE
sms to course through their veins.
rhe Project determined to strike "supersti-
| p" at its very roots. All ooncourse of pee
to the grotte was to be interdicted. A few
eks after the miraculous fortnight, the Pre-
sailed q meeting of all the mayors of the
try around. Before this select audience
delivered an ofaoial sermon, redolent with
zion, and sPiced with considerable vigor.
made them clearly understand that the &C.
Fences of the gretto were based on-nothing;
6 such an outbreak of religious folly brought
credit on the department that white was
PIX that in fne,-by lenient means. or bv
lent measures this disgraceful comedy
1uld be squashed!!! Wherefore, in copsid-
ton of his great lights on the subject, and
virtue Of his unquestionable authority, he