The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1918-09-14
CONTINUED from page -
IN THE LAND OF CORTEZ.

IL 80. 30.
in case of extreme danger, might
hide the ciborium and the chalices in
the wall to the left of the Blessed
Virgins altar. He may not be home
for a few days, so I want you to do
this for me. You will do it, won't
you, John?" -..
But John was silent.
"There is slab of marble which
works on a pivotE 1t will open easily
and you can't miss it." ~ .a. -.
She placed the little gold key of
the tabernacle in, his hand.
you will do lit" she continued,
won't you, John?" t -..a
Really" he replied, taking the key
rather reluctantly. Il don't think
there is any great danger And Fa-
Their will be home tomorrow" ..~..
He almost wished the rebels would
burn the church to the ground just to
plague the old preist. ....
''But you will do it for me, John, l
know you, will. Oh, it would break
his heart, should anything happen"
John again was silent.
ooh, John, the Blessed Sacrament
is there and our dear Lord may have
no one to protect Him from the sacri-
legious hands of those rufians.
Won't you protect Him?'
He hesitated, but at that instant his
gaze rested upon his mother. There
were tears in her eyes. Rarely in his
life had he seen her shed tear, and
it was too much for him. All other
thoughts fed
'I'll do it, mother" he said as he
took her in his arms and kissed her
tenderly. Surely, mother, I'll do it.
The rattle of the wheels was heard
and no time was to be lost. John
babe them an affectionate farewell
and stood watching till the carriage
vanished into the darkness.
A new life seemed to have sprung
UP within him. His blood ran warm
in the chilly night air and his step
was light as he hurried towards the
church. 1t was gift from his mother
and it had been dedicated to his
patron, Saint John but he had never
entered it since he had fallen out
with the Padre
Walking up; the centre aisle with
the aid of his lantern he found the
secret slab. 1t soon yielded to a
slight pressure. Then with prayer
on his lips, the first IN many years,
mounting the steps of the altar he
opened the tabernacle. The yelled
ciborium stood before him, but great
fear had taken possession of his soul.
All his sins of pride and anger and
hatred and ingratitude rose before
him. Could his foul hands carry the
body of his Lord?
He raised his eyes and his gaze fell
upon the shadowy outline Of. the
crucifix That was what sin had done
and before the sinner lay the Crucified
who alone could pardon and forgive
All was still about him, yet it seemed
as though someone were speaking to
him. He listened The words were
clear and distinct, unmistakable.
Father, forgive them, for they know
not what they do"
He fell on his knees and burning
tears of repentance flowed down his
sunbrowned cheeks as he sobbed out
feryent Act of ContritiOn
The clouds of sorrow were lifting
and the happiness Of former days re-
turned. Reyerently taking, the Body
of his Saviour, he bore It to It's new
resting place by Mary's side and the
slab swung back into place. Turning
to go, he. remembered that. it was the
holy season of Christmas and today
the feast OF, Saint John, Kneeling. at
the altar-rai1 before the crib he, prayed
to The Babe of Bethlehem and to Mary !,