Year: 1876

almost daily wonders which take place at
Lourdes through the power of God and the ln-
tercession of His Blessed Mother; but it is
truly consoling when hear of the same
things happening in our midst, and proving to
us the ever-tender love of her who is 80 justly
styled the Help of Christians. We will relate
one of these miracles of Oar Lady, just as we
heard it from the lips of the pious mother who
was the recipient of the gracious favor.


For nearly two years lady of this city,
native of France, but the widow of brave
officer of the United States navy, had expert
enced the distress of seeing her only child-a
son of much promise-unsble to procure
livelihood for himself or her.


Highly gifted, with complete collegiate
education, and endowed with q noble nature,
it was agony to the young man to see his
mother toiling for her daily bread; while he,
unable to assist her, was even obliged to depend
upon her exertions for support.


We will speak of the mother and son as Mr..
and Mrs. K.


The conduct of the yOung man towards his
mother was, what is very rare alas in these
progressive days-tender respect, blended with
most affectionate familiarity, and chivalrous
thoughtfnlness which reminded one of the
medie7al character of q true knight.


But on the mothers part there was also al
adaptation to her sons wishes, which made
the little trials of life seem like pleasures, and
which naturally awakened in the young man
feeling of grateful regard.


We have often heard this model mother
speak of the simple way in which she pleased
herself while apparently intent only upon
pleasing him. Did he wish to visit or walk
out, she was always ready to accompany him !;
did he prefer to remain at home, she was
equally ready for mutual entertainment in
the way of cards, music or reading.


Thus were spent their hours of leisure: their
busy moments were employed, by the mother
in teaching, by the in looking for some
thing to do.


Those who bave had the same experience,
know that this looking for something to do is
very sad and disheartening; it annoys those
who are Indifferent to you and it tires even your
best friends. Aud yet it must be done, for the
something to do does not look for you, aud thus
day after day, for two long years, the son kept
seeking, and the anxious mother kept hoping
that God would reward his search.


But anxiety of mind reacts upon the body,
and Mr.. Y. fell sick with hope deferred and
often disappointed expectations.


1t was then his mother told US that she had
ceased to ask for profitable situation for her
son; all she hoped for now was occupation
occupation for his mind and hands, so that she
might not see him prey to dark and despond-
| ent feelings.


1t was not craving for money, nor even for
the comforts of life, which made the mothers
heart yearn 80 bitterly, it was grief for the one
dear child of her love-the only object of her
widowed lfe-to see his early manhood thus
| overcast, and to know that he felt himself a
useless and worthless member of Gods large
| family-this was hard indeed.


Runors of Our Lady's graces at the shrine of
Lourdes prompted Mrs <. to seek it's humble
representative in the Cathedral Of our city.
Prostrste before the image of her who declared
herself The Immaculate Conception" Mrs.
K. made Novena, praying Our Lady of Lourdes
| to giant her son some reasonable occupation
that would keep his mind free from anxiety.


At the close of the Novens, after q fervent
| reception of the Sacraments, she resumed the
tangled thread of her daily life, with new and
loving hope within her breast born of her pure
and simple faith.


few days only passed away, when Mr.. \,
greeted his mother with the unexpected news
that he had found employment. It was moi
lucrative one, indeed it gave him moth
ing but work, and an uncertain promise fol
the future; but the mothers heart was salts
fed, and she thanked God for His great mercy
Within less than q month from that day O.


humble rejoicing, Mr.. Y, received q permanen


situation, with salary beyond the most san


g1ine expectations of the mother or the con


And proof of the generosity of her hea


venly protectress, the widow, who was th
owner of few Improbable country acres
which were being surely consumed for heav!
taxes, received one day a handsome offer fo
her land, and to her surprise found herself ricl
enough to bay little home in the city ant
with funds enough left to enable her to pay
visit to France.


"Our Blessed Lady," she said to us, "grante,
l me more than had asked. prayed only 70
} occupation for my SOD, aud behold she has pro
r cured him an excellent situation, and has givel
me more money than had ever dreamed of