In
no way could the Blessed Mother appear anywhere on earth without God's permission. The
coming of Our Lady at Lourdes is a great gift from God.
Many people know the name Lourdes and the fact that the
Blessed Mother appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in France. If we ask the question:
"Why did she come?" "What was her message?" Some suggest ideas like
devotion to the rosary, penance and healing. That's about it.
We want to go much farther and we can
give thanks to copious notes gathered by Fr. Cros and two French books by Fr. Michel
Gasnier, OP, entitled "The Message of Lourdes" and "The Divine Comedy of
Lourdes." With these we can go much further in our understanding of the message of
Lourdes and be deeply uplifted by all that Mary and Bernadette did, by all that happened
from February 11 to July 16, 1858. We need to know the deep meaning of what took place.
As we consider the apparitions, we
realize that the first three apparitions were like an introduction.
February
11, 1858
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Mary
appeared and Bernadette believed
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Faith
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February
14, 1858
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With
this apparition Bernadette wanted so much to see the Lady
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Hope
|
February
18, 1858
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Bernadette
fell deeply in love with Mary
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Charity
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So the first three visits deal with
faith, hope and charity. That is our invitation also as we say the first three "Hail
Marys" in the rosary.
At the third apparition, a friend
convinced Bernadette to bring a pen and paper and to ask the Lady: "Would you be so
kind as to write your name and tell me what you want?" Our Lady answered: "What
I have to tell is not necessary to put in writing. Would you do me the favor of coming
here for fifteen days? In that way you will know who I am."
Mary has something to say. What is
it?
But it will not be in writing. How
will she do it?
Many historians of Lourdes wondered
why Our Lady said so little. The answer could be simply because our human language is very
poor to explain heavenly realities. The Bible regularly uses images; Jesus spoke in
parables or with common every day examples; the Church uses symbolism. All these are
excellent ways of giving a message. Mary used the same method. It is as if she says: the
joys, the pains, the glory on the face of Christ are like what you see in Bernadette's
face.
In Lourdes, Our Lady uses symbolic
action. A picture is worth a thousand words. Mary used a simple way to give a message that
can be understood by all. Mary wanted people to witness the apparitions. Thousands
followed Bernadette. On March 4th, 20,000 people were there.
Of course symbolic interpretation is
not the only way to explain the eighteen apparitions, but this way certainly coordinates
all kinds of dimensions, sheds tremendous light unseen otherwise, gives precise meaning to
an abundance of details otherwise unimportant, fits with all the other teachings of
Lourdes, agrees with all the historical events, and, gives total meaning to all that
happened.
This symbolic interpretation is a
marvelous confirmation of the key point of the apparitions: the Rosary. In fact, it is
only after Bernadette began the recitation of the Rosary that Mary appeared and she left
very soon after the Rosary. Lourdes is the land of the Rosary. The Rosary is its permanent
prayer in many languages.
Once you hear this explanation you
cannot forget it or brush it aside either.
So then what happened? Mary came for
a very definite purpose. She came as a teacher with a teaching plan. All that took place
is very supernatural. The mysteries of the Rosary equal the main events in the life of
Jesus and Mary which will all be presented, acted out. "Mary will teach Bernadette
and everyone for centuries how to say the Rosary, not only with our lips, but with our
heart and spirit." (Gasnier)
"Mary chose Bernadette as an
actress, a child of fifteen years of age, because of her purity and docility, using her to
explain one after the other the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. She would act them out to
show us how to meditate."
"To this end, Mary used a simple
living tableaux, presentations, a word or gesture to point out the heart of a mystery. At
times she may interrupt the recitation of the Rosary. Then a scene of the gospel would be
presented to which some spectators were unknowingly drawn to play a role (Finding in the
temple, Agony, Resurrection). On other occasions, Mary will condescend to become herself
an actress (Finding in the temple and Assumption)."
The hillside, the rock wall, the
Grotto with the niche with a double opening to the outside and inside of the Grotto served
as a marvelous setting and backdrop for Our Lady to direct Bernadette as she acted out the
fifteen mysteries of the Rosary with all the details that help us understand and meditate
on the mysteries.
The apparitions took place between
February 19 to April 7, 1858 with July 16th as a wonderful epilogue - encore, adieu.
February 19 - 24 the Joyful Mysteries
Bernadette is gracious, smiles, makes
wonderful salutations, provokes our admiration - all done in ecstasy.
February 25 - March 1 the Sorrowful
Mysteries
Bernadette is in pain, in poignant
tragic action to the stupor of the crowd. No ecstasy at all.
March 2 - April 7 the Glorious
Mysteries
Bernadette's face is transfigured,
glowing. It's the glorification of the Grotto with ideas of procession, chapel to be
built, all in midst of ecstasy.
Clearly Bernadette is under the direction of Mary, like a stage director, who leads
Bernadette through the fifteen mysteries. Bernadette acts a lot. At times, after the
apparitions she did not remember certain things she did in ecstasy. For example, she did
not know why she drank the muddy water or washed in it, except that very docile, she
obeyed the Lady.
On Bernadette's face can be seen joy,
sorrow, jubilant joy, the very ideas of the fifteen mysteries, as she saw them in the face
of Mary, like in a clear mirror. All this is revealing one after the other the successive
sentiments animating the actors of the Gospel scenes, like an echo reaching deep in our
own hearts. The total mystery finds its complete repercussion in Bernadette's soul and
body.
She hears, listens, speaks, smiles,
all according to what she sees in Mary. Her face, her hands, her gestures tell the story.
"I do like the Lady."
"She greets me, I greet her in
the same way."
"Who showed you how to make the
sign of the cross? I do like her."
"Why did you cry?...because she
cried."
Sometimes she looked like another person with great nobility.
Even when she did bizarre things, she
did not seem crazy because her face was so calm.
On February 26th she made a gesture
with great force, seemingly with a sense of irritation as under divine inspiration.
The Grotto reminds us of the Grotto
in Bethlehem.
Her parents are poor like Mary and
Joseph.
The blind Louis Bourriette recovers
his sight at the Spring like the man at Siloam.
The sufferings of Bernadette are like
the sufferings of Jesus in agony.
When she drinks and washes in muddy
water people are scandalized as they were with Jesus.
Not only did Bernadette act at the
Grotto, sometimes the mysteries were lived out during the day and even into the evening.
Many people unknowingly were brought into the action as characters in the Bible, for
example, Rosine Casenave, the aunts, uncles, parents, police commissioner, Mayor,
forester, etc.
A very important note: If you switch
the many details from one day to the next, they are meaningless, but on the day they
happened, these details show different facets of that particular mystery. The recitation
of the Rosary takes place in front of the Grotto. Mary, from the niche outside, or from
the one inside the Grotto (there is a passage way from one to the other) directs the
entire drama performed by Bernadette and others.
Now we will consider the fifteen
apparitions. Our presentation will be done in two columns: One for the Bible, one for
Lourdes, so you can use the two together for meditation or either one separately. You
could just place the text before you. Read the text with your eyes and at the same time,
recite the Rosary. You will meditate without distraction as if you were a witness of the
events of Lourdes or the life of Jesus and Mary.
JOYFUL MYSTERIES
First Joyful Mystery
THE ANNUNCIATION
At the
moment of the Incarnation, Mary was about fifteen.
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Bernadette
was the same age.
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Mary was
a descendant of the royal family of David. At this time, the family of David had no
prestige.
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Bernadette
was from a wonderful family of Lourdes, but at this time they lived in abject poverty.
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Mary
lived in the small town of Nazareth.
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Bernadette
lived in the small town of Lourdes.
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Nathaniel
said: "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" John 1:46
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Mr.
Dutour, a Lourdes politician said: "Can anything good come from the Soubirous
home?"
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After
the sin of Adam and Eve, the devil kept roaming round the world. The world was in
darkness.
|
It had
been written that the Grotto of Lourdes was a picture of original sin. A desolate area,
nonproductive ground, snakes moved about.
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God had
promised to send help. We remember the word about the serpent and the Woman.
Genesis 3:15
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A wild
rosebush grew there as a sign of better things.
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"The
angel came down from heaven."
Luke 1:28
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On this
day, February 19, 1858, Bernadette takes the path leading to the top of the Grotto. She
went down the side so fast that no one could follow her. To go down that way you would
have to hold with your hands, dig in your heels and still slide. Different witnesses said:
"She came down in the wink of an eye...like a sparrow...like the wind." (It's
the only time she came this way.)
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As
Christ came to Nazareth.
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Mary
comes to Lourdes at the Grotto of Massabielle.
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Nazareth
did not have a good reputation.
|
In the
niche of the Grotto where Mary will appear there was a square stone of different
composition from the Grotto which apparently at one time was used for pagan sacrifices.
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"I
will put enmity between you satan and the Woman, your offspring and hers; he will strike
at your head while you strike at his heel."
Genesis 3:15
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How
appropriate and meaningful for Mary to stand on that stone since she is the one who came
to crush the serpent's head through her Son.
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"The
angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth."
Luke 1:26
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As soon
as Bernadette arrives, she kneels at the Grotto in front of the niche.
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He came
to announce the coming of Jesus.
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She
brought with her a candle of the Children of Mary. We know the candle represents Christ
(Holy Saturday); so she had a candle in one hand, the Rosary in the other.
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The
angel came to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph of the house of David.
In all the pictures, we see the angel
greeting Mary.
"The Virgin's name was Mary.
Upon arriving, the angel said to her: Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you."
Luke 1:27-28
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As she
began the mystery of the Annunciation, Our Lady appeared. "Bernadette started
greeting Mary with her hands and her head. It was really a joy to see her. It was as if,
in all her life, she had never done anything else. At the same time, she kept repeating
the "Hail Mary," bowing and greeting with her hands and head." A woman
exclaimed: "How beautiful she is!"
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"She
was deeply troubled. The angel said: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with
God. You shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name Jesus. Great will be his
dignity. He will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord will give him the throne of
David, his father. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever. His reign will be without
end."
Luke 1:29-33
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Bernadette
smiled beautifully, her face changed. Her body bent forward as in prayer as she repeated
the "Hail Mary." The candle in Bernadette's hand is a symbol of Christ, the
light of the World.
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There
was a long preparation before the Incarnation, God speaking to one prophet after another.
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Many
times the recitation was interrupted with a dialogue between Mary and Bernadette. The
beautiful smile that illumined her face was like currents of celestial joy going right
through her.
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Though
he was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God, something to be grasped
at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave being born in the likeness of
man.
Phil.2:6-7
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Imagine
the Son of God becoming a man, emptying himself. Bernadette became pale like wax. Her Aunt
Bernarde said: "She is dying!"
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"God
the Father loved the world so much, he gave his only Son."
John 3:16
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Bernadette's
mother exclaimed: "O my God, don't take away my child."
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The
devil would have done anything to block this action, if he had known.
Catherine Emmerick in her vision of
the Annunciation saw an ugly serpent at the door of Mary when the Angel Gabriel was
talking to her.
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All of a
sudden, over the waters of the river Gave nearby, voices as of a quarreling crowd were
heard: "Run away! Run away!" Bernadette said: "It made me shiver." The
Lady raised her head and her eyebrow and the voices disappeared in every direction.
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We can
imagine how St. Joseph felt. He could not doubt Mary, but he did not know what to think.
Matthew 1:19
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When her
Aunt Bernarde (Bernadette's Godmother) heard the remarks of the people around her, she
exclaimed: "Poor little one. How miserable I am."
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Mary
never told her secret to anyone. Imagine Mary's joy when Joseph told her about his dream
and the clear word to take Mary as his wife.
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Bernadette
received three secrets that she never told to anyone. Bernadette came out of ecstasy and
threw herself in the arms of her aunt. "I never asked her what the Lady said and she
never told me. I did not know what to think."
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"The
Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, hence
the holy offspring to be born will be called Son of God."
Luke 1:35
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That
night Josephe Ouros called in Bernadette, listened to her story and offered her a medal of
the Blessed Mother. Her husband, a cobbler, made her a leather cord.
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"Let
it be done to me as you say."
Luke 1:38
And Mary was with child.
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Bernadette
wore a medal of the Blessed Mother.
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God was
smiling over the world. It was the beginning of redemption. Remember the words of
prophecy: "Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a
Savior."
Isaiah 45:8
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During
this apparition, the sun rose and rain began to fall.
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During
Advent, the Church sings the beautiful song: "Rorate Coeli Desuper" - the Savior
like the sun came down in the womb of the virgin as rain falls on the grass.
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(There
were seven or eight persons present.)
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Note: The Annunciation and Visitation
are two mysteries of joy, salutation, greetings, faith and intimacy. There is a definite
resemblance in the two.
Second Joyful Mystery
THE VISITATION
"Arise,
my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!"
Song of Songs 2:10
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Bernadette
hears the deep calling of the Lady in her heart.
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In those
days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country to a town of Judah."
Luke 1:39
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She
leaves the Grotto and runs down the hill jumping like a deer.
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"O
my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see you,
let me hear your voice."
Song of Songs 2:14
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Bernadette
comes because there in the cleft of the rock, the Lady will come and her voice is
"gentle, gentle, sweet, sweet."
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Mary
"entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth."
Luke 1:40
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Bernadette
here plays the role of the Blessed Mother. She bends forward in beautiful salutations.
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Imagine
the joy of Mary and Elizabeth in each other's presence, greeting one another with
Zechariah joining in.
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Our Lady
inspires a young girl, Rosine Casenave, to play unknowingly the role of Elizabeth. Rosine
later wrote: "Coming to the Grotto, the thought to recite an Ave came to my mind in
case it were the Blessed Virgin. Bernadette was kneeling at my left. She turned a bit to
look at me and I did the same. When the Hail Mary was finished, I went with Germaine to
place myself in front of Bernadette, near the rock, with my back to the Grotto..."
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"And
it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary...filled with the Holy Spirit
she cried out: Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!"
Luke 1:41-42
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So
Rosine greeting Bernadette kept saying: Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee,
blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
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The
Angel had said to Zechariah: "You will be mute, unable to speak until the day these
things take place."
Luke 1:20
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Germaine
knelt there but, as Zechariah, did not say one word. The rest of the mystery is acted out
between Bernadette and the Lady.
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In her
joy Elizabeth exclaimed: "Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth cried out in a loud voice: 'Blessed are you among
women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!'"
Luke 1:41-43
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Bernadette
greets Mary with beautiful salutations, the celestial smile on her face is so visible
people exclaim "Now she sees her." It's not the same Bernadette. Her face is so
radiant people comment: "angels must be like that."
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"The
moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby leapt in my womb for joy."
Luke 1:44
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Louise
Baupe testified, "I heard from Bernadette's mouth or chest a prolonged 'yes' like a
deep breath that made me so happy."
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"Blessed
is she who trusted that the Lord's word to her would be fulfilled."
Luke 1:45
Zechariah doubted and became dumb.
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At a
certain point, Bernadette seemed sad and pensive. It could have been the sadness of Mary
realizing the condition of Zechariah because of his lack of faith.
|
Then
Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for
He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness."
Luke 1:48
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During
this apparition, Mary taught Bernadette a new, personal prayer.
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"Henceforth,
all generations shall call me blessed."
Luke 1:48
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Words of
admiration were overheard throughout the crowd and can still be heard today.
|
This
prayer of the Blessed Mother is her Magnificat, a wonderful hymn of thanksgiving.
|
This
unknown prayer was probably a hymn of thanksgiving. (Estrade, Sempé)
|
As Mary
spent three months away from home in the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
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So for
two days (yesterday and today) Bernadette is away from home. She eats and sleeps at Mrs.
Millet's.
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The
visitations end with the deep greeting of Elizabeth and Mary.
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Bernadette
concludes this apparition with a grateful greeting.
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Third Joyful Mystery
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
At the
time of the birth of Christ, a mighty Emperor ruled over the Roman Empire. He had
progressively attained the peak of his power after having disposed of his associates. The
wars were over, peace reigned completely. The Emperor occupied himself in reform and the
numbering of his subjects. His name was Caesar Augustus.
|
At the
time of the apparitions of Lourdes, history repeats itself. All that has been said of
Augustus can be applied to Napoleon III. The state of the French Empire during the events
of Lourdes recalls perfectly the state of the Roman Empire at the time of the birth of
Christ, according to the words of St. Pius X. It was a time of peace.
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The
prophet Micah wrote: "and thou Bethlehem art not the least for out of thee shall come
forth the ruler of my people."
Micah 5:1
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Long
ago, wonderful things were announced concerning Lourdes. Thirty-six years before, the
Pastor, just before dying, predicted that something wonderful would happen here and St.
Pius X added: "Bringing the world into a more intimate relationship with Christ our
Savior."
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Bethlehem
was an old fortified city with its tower half-destroyed, a stop-over point in the heart of
the mountains for weary travelers and their caravans.
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Lourdes
too was at one time a fortified city with its old castle and triple tower. A good
one-night stop for the diligence (stage coach) going through the mountains.
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Water
from Solomon's pool near Bethlehem, through aqueducts improved by Pontius Pilate, fed the
cisterns at the temple in Jerusalem.
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Waters
from the Grotto in Lourdes daily goes around the world to quench the thirst and heal a
people of faith.
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The
Grotto of Bethlehem until then had been the refuge of animals.
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The
animals went so frequently in the Grotto of Lourdes that they had polished the stones.
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PART I - IN FRONT OF THE GROTTO
Caesar
Augustus ordered a census, so Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth to Bethlehem because they
were of the house of David.
Luke 2:1-5
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Bernadette
on this Sunday came to the Grotto following a personal request of Mary.
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The
world in darkness...would see a great light.
St. John compares Christ to the light
of the world in the prologue of his Gospel.
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Bernadette
knelt in front of the Grotto. She held in her hand a lighted candle, always considered in
liturgy as the symbol of the Body of Christ. Her candle was shining in the dark.
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"The
real light which gives light to every man was coming into the world."
John 1:9
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The wax
represents the Body of Christ; the wick represents his soul; the flame represents his
divinity.
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"The
real light shines in the darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it."
John 1:5
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Soon her
face is transformed. It lights up with heavenly beauty. It is evident that now she sees
the Lady.
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St.
Joseph is refused from door to door...Christ, the light of the world, came unto his own,
and his own received him not.
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At the
beginning of the apparition, wind kept blowing out the candle, to signify how Christ, the
light of the world, was not accepted.
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"There
was no room for them where travelers lodged."
Luke 2:7
Mary unceasingly presents her child
to the world. Those who accept become children of God.
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But it
was clear to Bernadette that the candle had to remain lit. Each time it was extinguished,
Bernadette presented her candle to different bystanders, who, each in their turn, relit
the candle. It's the fight of light against darkness.
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There
was a man named John sent by God, who came as a witness to testify to the light so that
through him all men might believe.
John 1:6-8
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On this
day, February 21, Dr. Dozous came to check Bernadette's movements. He gave his witness:
"I took her arm, placed my fingers on the radial artery. The pulse was calm, regular,
the beating easy." No nervous disorders. Naturally, there was nothing abnormal.
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PART II: INSIDE THE GROTTO
Because
there was no room in the inn, Mary and Joseph went to the Grotto.
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"When
I let go her arm", Dr. Dozous said, "Bernadette stood up and walked into the
Grotto." It is important to note that for the first time in the series of the 15
apparitions, Bernadette enters the Grotto.
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Mary
brought forth her firstborn son and laid him in a manger because there was no room for
them in the inn.
Luke 2:6
As Jesus wanted the poor people, the
shepherds, to adore him first in the manger, there were shepherds in the field keeping
night watch.
Luke 2:8
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On this day, Mary wanted her people
at the Grotto.
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An angel
of the Lord appeared to them; you have nothing to fear. I come to proclaim good news to
you, tidings of great joy...
A savior has been born...in a manger;
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.
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An eye
witness said: "Her face looked like that of a newborn babe."
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Suddenly
a multitude of angels were with the Angel praising God: Glory to God...peace on earth.
Luke 2:10-14
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On her
face--the expression of radiant beauty and the most perfect peace anyone ever saw.
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As
"the shepherds said to one another: 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this event
that the Lord has made known to us.'"
Luke 2:15
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So, a
group of laborers profiting of the leisure of this Sunday came to the Grotto.
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The
thought of sin dominates the mystery of the Incarnation. Jesus came for sinners--for us
and for our salvation. And yet, how many still have no room in the inn and go on sinning.
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"The
Lady looked over my head in the distance and was really sad." Two tears ran down the
cheeks of Bernadette. "When I asked Mary the reason of her sadness, she said: 'Pray
for sinners.'" Bernadette's colors changed. She became pale "like a dead child
in a crib." (Callet) "Then Mary looked at me again and reassured me with an
expression of goodness and serenity. Then she disappeared."
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"The
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God."
Luke 2:20
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They
returned home and told everyone on the way. All who heard were filled with admiration.
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Herod
did not have to fear the son of the carpenter...
|
Till
then, the authorities kept aloof.
|
But,
behold, wise men came from the East to adore the Messiah.
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On this
day, Dr. Dozous, one of the most respected men of Lourdes, witnessed the apparition and
testified that "Bernadette is perfectly normal and that what is happening appears to
be supernatural." His testimony drew everybody's attention.
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Herod
summoned all the chief priests and the scribes.
Matthew 2:4
To find out where the Messiah was to
be born.
|
The
squadron chief of Tarbes was notified, witnessed the apparition, told the authorities to
have a guard at the Grotto and send regular reports...The mayor, the imperial procurator,
and the police commissioner had a meeting at the city hall to see how they could stop
these events at the Grotto. They said they were concerned about the popular reaction. The
imperial procurator said: "What good can come out of the Soubirous home?"
|
He is
the son of the carpenter.
|
Months
before, Mr. Soubirous had been accused, right or wrong, of having stolen a piece of wood.
So there was danger here of disturbing the peace of the city.
|
Herod
was troubled and privately called the wise men and diligently learned from them the exact
time the star appeared.
Matthew 2:3-4
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Mr.
Jacomet secretly called Bernadette, and asked her innumerable questions making believe he
was interested, hoping by persuasion to put an end to this affair. "Don't be afraid,
I want to know everything for myself...what you say is very interesting." Bernadette
was answering every question with no difficulty and no hesitation.
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Once
Herod realized that he had been deceived by the astrologers, he became furious.
Matthew 2:16
Herod decided the best way was to get
rid of this child. He ordered the Massacre of all the boys two years old and under in
Bethlehem and its vicinity.
Matthew 2:16
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Realizing
that Bernadette throughout this questioning was neither getting tired nor confused, but
that he was becoming confused, Jacomet all of a sudden changed his attitude and language.
He took a horrible and menacing attitude: "You're lying," he screamed,
"you're deceiving everybody. If you do not confess the truth right away, I'll have
the police pick you up. I will put you in prison. I will punish you."
Mr. Jacomet* stood up...all of a
sudden Mr. Soubirous, Bernadette's father, stormed into the office of the police
commissioner, claimed his daughter, promised to keep her away from the Grotto and walked
out with his daughter.
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The
angel told Joseph: "Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt."
Matthew 2:13
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Bernadette
on this day is also questioned by the imperial procurator and by Abbe Pène, parish
assistant.
*Later Bernadette said he was so mad
he could not find the opening to the ink well.
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Fourth Joyful Mystery
PURIFICATION AND PRESENTATION
It is important to understand that in the fourth joyful mystery we are invited to meditate
on two very different episodes: the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Jesus in
the temple. The way Mary chose to do this was to take two days. In Lourdes on Monday,
February 22, 1858 Mary did not appear. It was the Purification. On February 23, 1858,
Tuesday, the Presentation of Jesus was acted out.
A. PURIFICATION
"When
the days came to purify them according to the law of Moses, the couple brought him up to
Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord. For it is written in the law of the
Lord 'Every first-born male shall be consecrated to the Lord.' They came to offer in
sacrifice 'a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons' in accord with the dictate in the
law of the Lord...the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him the customary
ritual of the law...so they fulfilled the prescriptions of the law.
Luke 2:22-24, 27, 39
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As we
remember yesterday, there was quite an episode in Lourdes with the law in the police
Commissioner's office. Today there is another law that comes into play. Mr. Soubirous
promised to the police that Bernadette would not go to the Grotto, so now there is the
question of the authority of the parents and the obedience they deserve. However, for
Bernadette there was also a higher law that had a hold on her: she had promised the Lady
to come for fifteen days.
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Mary
clearly gives a lesson of obedience to the law in submitting herself to all the
prescriptions for the purification. Jesus would be obedient for thirty years (greatest
lesson He taught) and then obedient unto death and death on the cross.
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The
Soubirous parents insist on February 22nd Bernadette will not go to the Grotto in the
morning but go to school, with the possibility of a change of mind in the afternoon. So
Bernadette put her alphabet book in her basket and went to school. In the afternoon, there
is no change, Bernadette is to go to school. This was very hard for Bernadette, really a
dilemma. She said "I have to disobey you or the Lady."
However, when Bernadette reached the
top of the hill, near the police station, a mysterious hand prevented her from going any
further. She tried in vain. She could not go forward. Some police in the window watched
her feet just stamping the ground without moving forward. The only way her feet could go
is to turn towards the Grotto.
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On
February 2nd, we celebrate the Feast of the Purification of Mary and we bless the candles
in Church. It is a feast of lights and the candle procession reminds us that Christ is the
light of the world.
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Bernadette
says "bring me my godmother's candle." This was a candlemas candle blessed on
February 2nd for the Feast of the Purification. It's one o'clock. Bernadette heads for the
Grotto, flanked by two gendarmes and about fifty women and children.
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Mary is
faithful to the law.
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Bernadette
is accompanied by law enforcers to fulfill the law.
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As Mary
went to the temple for purification.
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Bernadette
went to the Grotto for purification.
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Mary
went to the temple with Jesus for the purification they did not need. She gave a beautiful
lesson of obedience, respect and submission to the law.
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As soon
as she arrives at the Grotto, Bernadette kneels, lights her candle and recites her Rosary
with her eyes fixed on the niche where Mary usually appears. But this time Mary does not
come. After Bernadette prayed a long time, she understood that there would be no
apparition and she seemed very sad. "I don't know how I failed the Lady." This
is a real purification for Bernadette.
As long as the law was in the way,
Bernadette could not see the Lady.
Someone asked her. "Do you see
her?" Bernadette answered: "The Marshal is there. I can't see anything."
The Marshal cut in: "If you were not a stupid little girl, you would know that the
Virgin is not afraid of the police, since she is without sin. You, why are you afraid?
Could it be that you feel a little guilty of lying? I am looking and I can't see a thing
and that's clear to you too..." Her aunt blew out the candle and walked away with
Bernadette.
Bernadette left the Grotto. A deep
sadness came over her. She wondered if she had done anything wrong, if she had offended in
any way. She was inconsolable. (Was she crying over our need of purification?)
She stopped at the Savy Mill and sat
in a chair. Bernadette's mother was there next to her daughter, sweating profusely. Miss
Estrade asked: "Do you know the girl." "I am the sad mother." She was
breathing sorrowfully.
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Your
heart will be pierced by a sword...your child will be a source of contradiction...
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(Could
it be this was done a day earlier to put all the suffering on this day and all the joy in
the next?)
That evening Bernadette went to see
Father Pomian in the confessional. He told her: "They don't have a right to stop you
from going."
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B. PRESENTATION
The
mystery of the Presentation is, above all, the mystery of the vocation of Christ. Coming
into the world, he was able to say:
"Sacrifice or oblation you
wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts or sin offering you sought
not then said I 'Behold I come.' In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, to do your
will, O my God is my delight and your law is within my heart."
Psalm 40:7-9
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In
today's apparition, Bernadette discovers her vocation. Today, February 23rd, Bernadette,
so glad to see the Lady, is in profound ecstasy. Father Pène wrote: after the first
decade, her rosary stopped sliding between her fingers, everything in her denoted that she
was deeply absorbed by a mysterious presence. Her face was transformed. First could be
seen an unexplainable ravishing joy beyond description and at the same time, a
supernatural beauty, something so pure, so gentle that the spectators were just thrilled.
While all eyes were riveted on her, Bernadette seemed to be completely isolated from
everything, neither seeing, nor hearing anything around her.
She had a heavenly face. She seemed
afraid to lower her eyelids for fear of losing the object of her contemplation...clearly
looking like ecstasy and beatitude (Estrade).
During the apparition, greetings,
large signs of the cross interrupt the slow recitation of the Rosary. Bernadette signifies
yes, no, is sad, smiles. A conversation seems to be going on. Questions, answers,
surprises, confidences, secrets were multiplied. Whatever was happening in Bernadette's
soul was reflected in her face.
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Behold,
I come to do your Will.
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Later
she explained:
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Jesus
offered himself to the Father. From now on he would be completely at his disposition.
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"While
I was praying, the Lady called me by name, Bernadette, and I answered: 'Here I am.'"
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There
lived in Jerusalem at the time a certain man named Simeon. He was just and pious and
awaited the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It was revealed to him
by the Holy Spirit that he would not experience death until he had seen the anointed of
the Lord.
Luke 2:25-26
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The
Pastor of Lourdes invited Mr. Estrade "a just and God fearing man" to go to the
Grotto. "Go, accompany those women, said Rev. Peyramale. I would not be at all angry
that someone serious witnessed what is happening."
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He came
to the temple, now inspired by the Holy Spirit, and when the parents brought in the Child
Jesus to perform for him the customary ritual of the law, he took him into his arms and
blessed God.
Luke 2:27-28
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So Mr.
Estrade came to the Grotto for the first time on February 23rd. Right from the beginning
of the ecstasy he was charmed and thrilled.
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"The
child's father and mother were marvelling at what was being said about him."
Luke 2:33
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He
wrote: "Spontaneously, mechanically us men who were there removed our hats and bowed
like humble women."
After the apparition he said: "I
was like a man coming out of a dream. I could not get over my emotions. A whole world of
thoughts were going through my soul. Even though the Lady was hidden from me, yet I felt
her presence and I was convinced that her maternal glance had rested on my head. O solemn
hour of my life!"
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"Now
thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace; because my eyes
have seen the salvation which thou has prepared before the face of all peoples."
Luke 2:25-31
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O
Mother, my hair is white, I am close to the tomb...I do not dare look at my iniquity and
more than ever I need to take refuge under the mantle of your mercy. When, at the supreme
hour, I will appear before your majestic Son, deign be my protectress and remember that
you saw me on the days of your manifestation kneeling and believing under the sacred vault
of your Grotto of Lourdes. (Divine Comedy #129-130.)
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The
father and mother were in admiration of what was being said of the child.
In the temple there was a dialogue
that provoked admiration in Joseph and Mary and three secrets that caused:
sadness - his child is for the fall
joy - and the rise of many in Israel
fear - your heart will be pierced by
a sword so that the thoughts of many may be laid bare.
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Many
times the joy in Bernadette's face changed into sadness but neither one nor the other can
be compared to anything here below. At certain moments Bernadette listened, then she
spoke; we could not hear her voice. We could only see the movements of her lips; but this
movement, whether slow or fast or brusquely interrupted or cut by intervals of rest was
all in harmony, clearly showing the emotions of the seer, her admiration and her joy, her
fear and her sadness. It was really impossible not to see there a real conversation
between the child and a supernatural person. (Divine Comedy Fr. Pène.)
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Then,
Simeon revealed this secret to the Blessed Mother: "This child is destined for the
fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be opposed. And thy own soul a
sword shall pierce...so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare."
Luke 2:34-35
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Today,
three secrets are confided to Bernadette that she brought with her in the tomb. From these
secrets "she probably drew a lot of understanding and strength to accomplish
faithfully and in a holy way the Mission she received." (Fr. Bouix - her Confessor)
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Already,
in the Presentation, we can discern the passion of Christ and the Mother of Sorrows.
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On this
day, Bernadette made many signs of the cross, "so pious, so noble, it seemed they
could be made only in heaven." These signs of the cross represent perfectly the
passion.
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"There
was also a certain prophetess, Anna by name, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was constantly in the temple, worshipping day and night in fasting and prayer. Coming
on the scene at this moment, she gave thanks to God and talked about the child to all who
looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem."
Luke 2:36-38
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Fr.
Pène's sister also was at the Grotto in the role of Anna. He wrote: "I still can see
her, when she came back from Massabielle. She too seemed to be coming from another world.
She narrated what happened at the Grotto with such enthusiastic conviction that I found
myself all caught up in the same emotions." (Divine Comedy 130.)
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When
Jesus was presented by Mary in the temple, he was coming to make up for the sin of Adam
and Eve. "The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes and
desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it..."
Genesis 3:6
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Anna
Dupas, a poor woman, that day wanted so much to give something to Bernadette. Apples were
very scarce at that time and she had a nice red one left. She really wanted to give it to
Bernadette. "She thanked me but did not want it. I really insisted, no matter what I
did she always refused." (Cros 237.)
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Often we
see Mary depicted with the Christ Child on her lap and John the Baptist standing nearby.
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That
evening, Bernadette was seen with a child in her lap, next to her was the little boy Jean
Marie.
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Fifth Joyful Mystery
THE FINDING OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
The
parents of Jesus used to go every year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.
Luke 2:41
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Bernadette
went to the Grotto each day for the rendezvous with the Lady. Today, February 24th Mary
will play the role of Jesus and Bernadette the role of Mary.
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The city
of Jerusalem was overflowing with people for the feast.
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There
were so many people at the Grotto. Everyone is at Massabielle. There is a lot of pushing.
Everyone seems to be fighting for the first place.
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"When
he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
And after they had fulfilled the days, when they were returning, the boy Jesus remained in
Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it."
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Bernadette
kneels, lights her candle, makes the sign of the cross and begins the rosary. At the end
of the first decade, her face turned white, like a cloud passed over her face. Where is
the Lady? Sighs were heard four of five times.
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"They
had come a day's journey before it occurred to them to look for him among their relatives
and acquaintances."
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She
begins an anxious search for her, trembling, walking slowly inside the Grotto, looking
towards the vault.
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"And
not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him."
Luke 2:42-45
Will we ever understand the anguish
of Joseph and Mary seeking the child? Or for us the horror of losing Jesus?
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Not
finding her, she comes back down with two tears fixed on her cheeks. Then she was really
crying profusely. Others began to cry; some of the men were deeply moved.
During about an hour (the time of the
apparition), this search was repeated four or five times. The last time she was walking
all bent forward as though under a terrible weight. She was asked to kiss the ground. The
Lady said: "Do you mind?" "O no." She goes up the incline, but at each
step she stops, kneels and kisses the ground.
Suddenly her anxiety was felt by all.
When the people saw how pale she was they cried out: She is going to die!
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As in
the Presentation, there is a glimpse of calvary: rise and fall of many, plus, your heart
will be pierced by a sword. Here too because our loss of Jesus can only be through our
sins.
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At one
point she stood up inside the Grotto, looked at the place of the apparition. She turns
around, her face full of tears and through the sobbing was heard three times. - penance,
penance, penance. This is a new word and a new idea in the message of Lourdes. Penance and
prayer for the conversion of sinners. Then Bernadette returns to her usual place.
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"And
it came to pass after three days, that they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst
of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who were listening
to him were amazed at his understanding and his answers."
Luke 2:45-47
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Then,
her face beamed. Those nearby heard a soft, hardly perceptible Ah!, as if to say: Ah!
there you are. When the Lady reappeared, Bernadette's whole body bent forward, with a
beautiful smile, beautiful greeting, her eyes fixed on the Lady. Again she was in ecstasy,
her face beaming in radiant white, as if wrapped in a ray of light. The witnesses were
able to observe easily the transformation on her face.
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When his
parents saw him, they were astonished and his mother said to him: "Son, why have you
done this to us? You see your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.
And he said to them: Why did you
search for me?"
Luke 2:48-49
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During
the apparition, the Marshall and another gendarme cut through the crowd, came next to
Bernadette, put his face next to hers, shook her shoulder and said (treating her as one
who breaks the law): what do you see funny girl? Bernadette did not make any movement, did
not turn her eyes. Bernadette left everything up to God.
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"Did
you not know that I had to be in my Father's house." Jesus defended the work of his
Father.
Luke 2:49
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Mary
came to proclaim the Rosary. On that day the rosebush on which Mary stood was mishandled
and a branch fell to the ground. Mary showed some displeasure and Bernadette started
crying* and said who touched the rosebush?
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The
caravan had left three days earlier, so the Holy Family left by themselves. "Jesus
went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother meanwhile
kept all these things in her heart. Jesus for his part progressed steadily in wisdom and
age and grace before God and men."
Luke 2:51-52
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After
the apparition, surprisingly, very few people walked with Bernadette on her way home.
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*After the apparitions, Bernadette
did not remember having cried at all.
This is the end of the joyful
mysteries. This last mystery is joy mixed with tears. Bernadette will have much growing to
do overnight. Tomorrow will be the agony.
SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
First Sorrowful Mystery
AGONY OF JESUS AT GETHSEMANI
Jesus
went out and made his way, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives.
Luke 22:39
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Bernadette,
at the same time as usual, went to the Grotto, on Thursday, February 25. It's 5:30 a.m.
Some 300 persons were at the Grotto.
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The hour
is at hand, let us go. If I don't go the Paraclete will never come.
John 16:7
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Today
Bernadette repeated: "Let me go by." "Let me go by."
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Jesus
went to the garden with his disciples. He had often met there with his disciples.
John 18:2
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Bernadette
went to the Grotto followed by the customary people.
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"But
when He was at the place, he said to them, 'Pray, that you may not enter into
temptation!'"
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Bernadette
kneels at what is now called "Bernadette's Place." And prays.
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Jesus
takes with him Peter, James and John.
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Bernadette
is accompanied by her three aunts.
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In the
garden, the humanity of Jesus is sorely tried. He was overcome by sadness. It was our
infirmities that He bore.
Isaiah 53:4
"My soul is sad unto
death."
The Lord laid upon him the guilt of
us all.
Isaiah 53:6
There was in him no appearance that
would attract us to him.
Isaiah 53:2
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Today
for Bernadette, there is no ecstasy, no transfiguration in her face. She makes the sign of
the cross and begins to pray, her eyes fixed on the Grotto. Her face was sad.
She was overwhelmed by the evil of
the world, as if she was going to die.
Her face lost all her composure.
(Looked decomposed).
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And he
himself withdrew from them about a stone's throw.
Luke 22:41
Jesus went down on his knees and
prayed in these words: "Father, if it is your will, take this cup from me, yet not my
will but yours be done!"
Luke 22:41-42
The apostles fell asleep-
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Before
the end of the first decade, she stands, passes her candle to her aunt, walks on her knees
over to the Grotto, crosses the bushes, goes beyond underneath the rock, deep inside the
Grotto, and kisses the ground. She enters carefully, gently she moves over the branches
hanging down.
She seemed really upset that some
people who followed her mishandled the rose bush and other bushes. She indicated her
displeasure, walked backward and with a sign of the head motioned to back-off.
...
Bernadette comes underneath the
opening in the Grotto, on the right side. Mary tells her to go to the other side. She goes
over on her knees along the back wall to the east wall.
Bernadette stays just a few moments,
then returns directly to her original place where she prays a few moments.
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Then he
came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter: "Could you not,
then, watch one hour with me?"
Matthew 26:40
Then he returned to the place of the
agony. He prays for a second time. "Father may this cup pass away from me. But thy
will be done."
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The Lady
points to the other side of the Grotto where Bernadette was a moment ago and tells
Bernadette to go drink at the fountain, wash, and eat some grass. Bernadette heads in the
direction that the Lady pointed, then suddenly turns, goes towards the river Gave. Mary
said, "No, not at the river."
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Again a
second time he went away and prayed saying: "My Father, if this cup cannot pass away
unless I drink it, thy will be done. And he came again and found them sleeping...And
leaving them he went back again, and prayed a third time, saying the same words
over."
Matthew 26:43-44
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Bernadette
looks at Mary in the Grotto, pointing again to the left side. She goes over, falls on her
knees, then bends really low - nearly on her stomach and starts scratching the soil. A
trickle of water came out of the red dark dirt, not enough, so she dug some more. Water
filed the hole. Mary kept encouraging Bernadette.
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A third
time he prayed, "If this chalice can pass away from me..., but your will be done, not
mine."
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Three
times she cupped water in her hand and threw it out. Finally she drinks some and then
drinks again and again.
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And
falling into an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat became like drops of blood
running down upon the ground.
Luke 22:44
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Then she
takes some water and washes (dirties) her face. Three times she takes pieces of grass and
eats them.
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And
there appeared to him an angel from heaven to strengthen him.
Luke 22:43
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Her aunt
Bernarde came forward, wiped her face, soiled with red dirt and mud, and accompanied her
afraid Bernadette would fall. The Lady seems very satisfied.
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Jesus
returned a third time and said to the disciples: "Still sleeping? The hour is on us.
You will see that the Son of Man is to be handed over to the clutches of evil men. Rouse
yourselves. Come along. See, my betrayer is near."
Mark 14:41-42
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For a
third time Bernadette returns to her original place. Bernadette stays just a few moments,
leaves for Lourdes - totally unconscious of the crowd who surrounds her laughing, mocking
her. The aunt said, "it seems like a comedy" and rushes her away.
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If,
therefore, you seek me, let these go their way.
John 18:8
Then all his disciples left him and
fled.
Matthew 26:56
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All the
spectators followed the different phases of this strange scene with an awful feeling and a
kind of stupor. A cry of deception and pity was heard on all the lips; "Bernadette is
gone, the poor child is going crazy!" Most of those in attendance disappeared.
(Estrade.) The Grotto was soon empty.
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You will
be scandalized this night because of me.
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Everyone
seemed deceived...nothing went on as usual.
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It is
written, "I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered."
Mark 14:27
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People
left, sad, confused, dismayed. Many were discouraged or lost faith in Bernadette.
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And the
soldiers "brought him to Annas first...If I have spoken ill, bear witness to the
evil, but if well, why dost thou strike me?"
John 18:13,23
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"In
the evening of this day full of enigma" (February 25), recounts Mr. Estrade, "I
called Bernadette to my home. I made her talk. I looked for arguments, for surprises and
contradictions in her story."
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Annas
sent him bound to Caiaphas.
John 18:24
Now the chief priests and all the
Sanhedrin were seeking witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death, but they
found none.
Mark 14:55
Many false witnesses were brought
forward but none could agree. They were looking in vain for witnesses to condemn him to
death.
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"Nothing
in the answers and in the reflections of the child denoted any kind of intellectual
deviation whatsoever." (Estrade.)
In the evening the Imperial
Procurator requested to see Bernadette. He tried to find contradiction in her story. He
menaced to have her sleep in prison. He pretended to send for the police commissioners.
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When
Moses hit the rock in the desert, water flowed as later from the side of Christ: water -
living water came out.
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When
Bernadette scratched the ground in the Grotto, the spring began to flow.
So on Pentecost the water will start
flowing in greater abundance.
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Second Sorrowful Mystery
THE SCOURGING OF JESUS
In the
agony Jesus underwent a great deal of interior suffering. Now in the scourging it will be
exterior.
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Bernadette,
in obedience to the Lady, will perform acts of penance, accepting suffering in her body
and humiliation in her soul.
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At
daybreak all the chief priests and elders of the people took formal action against Jesus
to put him to death. They bound him and led him away to be handed over to Pilate, the
procurator.
Matthew 27:1-2
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The
"strong minds" of Lourdes mock the visitors of the Grotto for their great
deception of yesterday. Nevertheless, some 800 persons come to the Grotto on this Friday,
February 26, many pushing in order to get a better view.
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The
Jewish people, who had awaited the Messiah for centuries, had suddenly placed all their
confidence in Christ when he triumphantly entered Jerusalem. But, now, most were deceived
at the thought of a tragic ending.
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The
visitors of the Grotto...in great part remain under the shock of their bitter deception;
for them, the ideal, imagined according to their own fancy, suddenly vanished like a
beautiful rose whose petals too quickly fade and fall. (L'Ami 1908.)
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Pilate
said I find no guilt in this man...and he sent him to Herod. Now Herod put many questions
to Jesus, but he made him no answer.
Luke 23:4,7,9
But Herod, with his soldiers, treated
him with contempt and mocked him, arraying him in a bright robe, and sent him back to
Pilate.
Luke 23:11-12
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Today,
Bernadette does not kneel at her customary place on arriving. Straight and without
hesitation...she goes up the incline; the flowing spring found is no surprise to her; she
makes her broad sign of the cross, bends low, drinks from the spring and washes
herself...Then, she goes to her place, kneels and begins her rosary. (L'Ami.)
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Pilate
said: "I will therefore chastise him and release him."
Luke 32:16
If thou release this man, thou art no
friend of Caesar.
John 19:12
Whom do you wish that I release to
you? Barabbas...or Jesus?
Matthew 27:17
Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a robber.
John 18:40
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It is on
this very day that the spring becomes an instrument of divine Mercy; Louis Bourriette, a
blind man (after 20 years) regains his sight.
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Jesus is
surrounded by the soldiers.
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There
she is. Move! She is like wrapped in the crowd.
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Pilate,
seeing that a riot was breaking out, took water and washed his hands in sight of the
crowd, saying: "I am innocent of the blood of this just man."
Matthew 27:24
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Our Lady
appeared when Bernadette was reciting the second decade - the Scourging. At that moment
the sorrowful drama is felt in her soul and lived in her body.
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On Good
Friday, in the prayers of the liturgy, we read this loving reproach of Jesus: "O my
people, tell me, what have I done to you to deserve this scourging?" Three times in
succession we kneel at the unveiling of the cross saying: "It is through your cross
that you have saved the world, that joy spreads throughout the world...." David had
said: "You have torn my body...and at the very same time you have spread joy around
me." (Gasnier.)
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On her
knees, she starts greeting the invisible Lady three times. She bows slightly, then more
and, finally to the ground. At the same time, she seems filled with joy and manifests her
happiness by small childish outbursts of laughter. (Gasnier.)
She never seemed more happy. Her
attitude will help so much that the spectators will leave today happy and content.
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Pilate
then took Jesus and had him scourged.
John 19:1
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Tears
soon stream down her cheeks. Bernadette falls in contemplation. Suddenly, the Lady tells
her: (Those nearby can hear moaning) "You will kiss the ground for sinners."
Right away the child bends her head, and her eyes full of tears, she profusely kisses the
ground...act of obedience, of humility and love. (L'Ami.)
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Pilate
therefore again went outside and said to them, "Behold, I bring him out to you, that
you may know that I find no guilt in him."
John 19:4
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Soon
after, on her knees, she climbs to the Grotto, repeatedly kissing the ground. (Petitot)
She was full of mud: her face, her
hands, her knees. Having practiced penance, she acquired the right to be heard. (Gasnier.)
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On Good
Friday, the priest presents us the cross three times in adoration and reparation.
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She had
heard the words "Penance, Penance, Penance." Now she was putting them in
practice.
Bernadette stands, turns to the
crowd, places her finger on her lips, with rosary in one hand, extends her arms.
Energetically invites everyone to kneel. Most remained immobile. She repeated the gesture
forcefully. She seemed irritated, as if possessed by divine inspiration. Those around
cried out and motioned to kneel. All followed their example, kissing the holy ground.
(L'Ami.)
For Bernadette kissing the ground was
an answer to the request of Our Lady done in humility consecrated by love.
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As the
blood of Jesus poured out of his body from the scourging to cleanse us from sin.
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Rain
fell on those in attendance at one point during the apparitions.
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Catherine
Emmerich in her experience of the scourging said a man shouted: "Do you want to kill
him? You can see, he can't take anymore. He will die."
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Bernadette's
aunt Lucille at this moment gave a loud cry and fainted. The cry pulled Bernadette out of
ecstasy. She looked at her aunt and said: "Auntie, don't be afraid."
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...for
we have not a high priest who cannot have compassion on our infirmities, but one tried as
we are in all things except sin.
Hebrews 4:15
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Then
Bernadette went into the Grotto, washed herself, and ate some grass. Eating grass seemed a
way to be united in the humiliation, sufferings, triumphant strength and love, as we can
do in communion.
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Third Sorrowful Mystery
THE CROWNING WITH THORNS
The
crowning with thorns is but the prolongation of the scourging. Mockery is added to the
suffering.
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The
events at the Grotto today are but a reproduction of yesterday. A large crowd is in
attendance.
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Jesus
predicted He would suffer...this was partly realized by orders from Caiaphas, Herod and
Pilate.
(Prat.)
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On this
Saturday, February 27, at 6:30 a.m., Bernadette arrived, and as on the two preceding days
went through a number of penitential exercises. (Petitot.)
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Jesus is
surrounded by the cohort, about 500 soldiers.
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A large
crowd was in attendance.
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Then
Pilate handed him over to them.
John 19:16
Now the soldiers led him away into
the courtyard of the praetorium.
Mark 15:16
The soldiers...gathered together
about him the whole cohort. And they stripped him and put on him a scarlet cloak.
Matthew 27:27-28
Like a lamb under the hand of the
shearer.
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Bernadette
knelt, became considerably pale, smiled, greeted, became sad as if she were going to cry,
and smiled, again she was ready. (Gasnier.) "To obey an order of the Lady, she stood,
removed her head covering, and gave it together with her lit candle to some person around
her; she knelt again, and started to climb rapidly on her knees, in the wet soil, the
incline leading to the center of the Grotto, up to the edge of the rocks." (Petitot.)
On the way, many times she would
spread her hands, place them on the ground, kiss the soil, lift her head quietly, clasp
her hand and continue.
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And
plaiting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed into his right hand; and
bending the knee before him, they mocked him saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
and they spat on him, and took the reed and kept striking him on the head.
Matthew 27:29-30
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All
around the child, some people sneered and fleered. They stood before her to look at her in
the face. They treated her as a fool. Her Godmother hearing all the comments did not even
dare look at the poor child. Some people, she said, were saying bad things around us.
(Gasnier.)
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And when
they had mocked him, they took the cloak off him, and put his own garments on him.
Matthew 27:31
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However,
the general attendance was in respectful awe.
Bernadette frequently kissed the
ground, soiling her face. She did this with so much ardor that a few days later some
doctors wrote: "in her delirium she bit the ground." Coming into the Grotto, at
the highest accessible point, she turned and went back down, always on her knees and
kissing the ground, till she arrived at her former place. She prayed a little while, then
went up and down in the same way again. (Petitot.)
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Think of
Christ, under torture, thirsty, trembling, moaning, his face cooled only by blood flowing
from thorns on his Head.
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All the
time, faint moaning was heard from her lips, and her tiny body trembled all over.
Bernadette's face was not
recognizable. Deep sadness covered her face, a kind of indescribable smile, strange
pallor, lips a bit parted, eyes turned upward. She did not seem to be any longer from this
world.
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Pilate,
therefore, again went outside and said to them, "Behold, I bring him out to you, that
you may know that I find no guilt in him." Jesus, therefore, came forth, wearing the
crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And said to them, "Behold, the man. Ecce
homo."
John 19:4-5
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In
Pilate's courtyard, everything was mockery, there was a crown, gestures of adoration, the
title of king, the salute and subjects all around. But what the soldiers were doing in
derision and blasphemy, Bernadette accomplished in a true spirit of adoration and
reparation. Through it all, she is looking at the Lady and manages to smile. (Gasnier.)
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When the
chief priests and the attendants saw him, they cried out, saying, "Crucify him!
Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I
find no guilt in him."
John 19:6
The Jews answered him, "We have
a law and according to that law he must die, because he has made himself the Son of
God!" And from then on Pilate was looking for a way to release him. But the Jews
cried out, saying, "If thou release this man, thou art no friend of Caesar."
John 19:7,12
Then he handed him over to them to be
crucified.
John 19:16
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They did
not dress her with a purple cloak like a fool, but treated her that way. Around her,
people were smiling, laughing, stood in front to look at her straight in the face, as if
she were crazy. Her aunt said, "I did not dare look at her. People were saying all
kinds of bad things around us." However, the general attendance was in respectful
awe.
Bernadette goes to the spring, washes
her face and eats a few bits of grass.
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The
soldiers "led him out to crucify him. And they forced a certain passer-by, Simon of
Cyrene, coming from the fields, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to take up his
cross."
Mark 15:20-21
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Towards
the end of the interview, all of a sudden, the Lady seemed to recollect herself as someone
meditating a grave decision. Then, she broke her silence and told Bernadette in a solemn
tone that seemed like an order: "Go tell the priests that a chapel must be built
here." (L'Ami.)
The Pastor received Bernadette
rudely, but he understood; and, after she left, he was convinced: "This child is
truly sent by God. All is truth in her." (L'Ami.)
And he became her staunch protector.
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The
crowning with thorns is a mystery of disgrace and derision, a mystery of the royalty of
Christ.
He is crowned - with thorns
He is adored - in mockery
He is hailed - as King of the Jews
Surrounded by the whole cohort like a
human crown.
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Bernadette
is mocked, laughed at, the object of bad words.
She is totally surrounded by a crown
of people, even on the side of the Grotto - hanging on the ledge.
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Fourth Sorrowful Mystery
THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS
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On this
Sunday, all the laborers profited of their leisure to be at the Grotto; even some soldiers
from the Fort of Lourdes were there. When Bernadette arrived, she recited a few decades of
the rosary; then became nearly immobile. It's clear she sees the Lady. She stops praying.
Her eyes are fixed on the niche. She seems to be listening with a great attention.
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"And
when they had mocked him, they took the purple cloak off him, and put his own garments on
him, and led him out to crucify him."
Mark 15:20
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Then as
if following an order, she stands, removes her headdress, giving it to someone nearby,
then she falls on her knees and climbs on her knees, the incline leading to the opening of
the Grotto, kissing the ground very frequently. But the crowd was so compact, she couldn't
move. (Petitot.)
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And so
they took Jesus and led him away. And bearing the cross for himself, he went out to the
place called the skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
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Two
soldiers noticing her embarrassment, on their own accord, pushed through the crowd and
came to Bernadette's rescue, one on each side, as if they had been commanded. They
ordered: Make way! Make way! Make way! and accompanied Bernadette wherever she wanted to
go. (Petitot.)
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Jesus
taking his cross began to walk towards Calvary. As Jesus fell three times on the way to
Calvary...
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Bernadette
three times makes the ascent of the incline to the Grotto which then was fairly steep.
Each time returning to her place.
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And they
forced a certain passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of
Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Mark 15:20-21
Christ commands all of us to take up
our cross and follow him. We must understand Jesus offers his crown to each of us
as an invitation
as a necessity
as an order.
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Of
course, as we have already said, the staunch protector of Bernadette, her Simon of Cyrene,
is without doubt the Curé of Lourdes. But in the eyes of God, everyone must take up the
cross and follow Jesus. As the soldiers forced Simon, so today, Verges, the forester, all
of a sudden, as if possessed by inspiration from above, turned around and in a loud voice,
exclaimed: "Kiss the ground, everybody!" Verges gave the example, knelt and
kissed the ground a number of times like Bernadette. (Gasnier.)
Everyone tried to follow the example,
providing they could kneel because of the size of the crowd.
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A woman
wipes the face of Jesus.
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Many
tried to come close to Bernadette but it was impossible to get through the serried ranks.
Today there were more people than
ever before. More than two thousand spectators had assembled around the Grotto. (Petitot.)
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Now
there was following him a great crowd of people, and of women, who were wailing and
lamenting him. But Jesus turning to them said: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep
for me but for yourselves and for your children. For behold days are coming in which men
will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never
nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains 'Fall upon us,' and to the hills,
'cover us.' For if in the case of green wood they do these things, what is to happen in
the case of the dry?"
Luke 23:27-31
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An aunt
of Bernadette, holding the lit candle, followed Bernadette, and, imitating her, frequently
kissed the ground.
All of us are this dry wood that
burns easily.
Again she washes at the spring and
eats a few bits of grass. (Gasnier.)
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Other Reflections
Jesus
walking by on the way to Calvary - deserves all our respect.
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On this
day the crowd did not tolerate anyone with hat or umbrella.
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Nothing
distracted Jesus on the way to Calvary. It was his hour, nothing could stop him.
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When
Bernadette arrived at the summit of her Golgotha, she was really absorbed and seemed alone
in the midst of this great crowd, no noise, no incident whatsoever disturbed her.
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Christ
walked through the crowd, in deep union with the Father, totally absorbed in his
sacrifice, offering himself for all, unconcerned about his condition - the dirt, the
blood, the spittle.
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She was
deeply absorbed in what she was doing, in contemplation of the Lady, carrying out all her
orders. At the sight of her, it was hard not to cry.
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As Jesus
began to suffer persecution from the moment of his birth to his death...
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When
Bernadette acted out the mystery of the Nativity, her persecutions began and will continue
to the end.
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After
the Last Supper, Jesus went to Gethsemane and was arrested.
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On the
28th of February, Bernadette is arrested after the Solemn Mass at the church.
The District Representative by the
order of the commissioners grabbed Bernadette and brought her to the Judge of Instruction.
They threaten to put her in prison
and put her to death. "I am ready, put me in prison. Be sure it's solid. Soon I will
escape."
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Two
others who were criminals were led along with him to be crucified.
Luke 23:32
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The
Judge of Instruction reminds her that her father had to spend time in prison (for
allegedly stealing a piece of wood).
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The wife
of Pilate begs her husband to have nothing to do with this man.
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The
Sister Superior came and begged the authorities to release Bernadette.
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Pilate
said: "What wrong has he done? I find nothing in him deserving of death."
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The
authorities admitted: "What do we do? We have no grounds against her."
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Fifth Sorrowful Mystery
THE CRUCIFIXION
The
soldiers of the procurator "led him away to crucify him."
Matthew 27:31
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From the
path to the Grotto eight or ten soldiers walked in pairs in front of Bernadette. A crowd
followed. (Gasnier.)
One of them gave the command to
march. (Petitot.)
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"Now
there was following him a great crowd of the people."
Luke 23:27
All categories were present at the
crucifixion of the Son of God.
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In the
crowd could be seen people of all ages and conditions: men, women, and children, laborers,
peasants, rich men and soldiers. There was a large attendance, nearly two thousand five
hundred on this Monday, March 1st.
(Petitot.)
Today Bernadette's father and mother
also come to the Grotto.
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Near the
cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary
Magdalene with the disciple whom he loved.
John 19:25-26
...Mary the mother of James the
younger and Joses and Salome.
Mark 15:40
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Next to
Bernadette was her mother, her Godmother, her aunt, and Father Dezirat, a young priest
just ordained.
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"And
they came to the place called Golgotha, that is, the Place of the Skull. And they gave him
wine to drink mixed with gall; but when he had tasted it, he would not drink."
Matthew 27:33-34
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Bernadette
knelt, holding in one hand a lighted candle, in the other her rosary. Soon she entered
into ecstasy. She tried to cross over to the Grotto on her knees and with clasped hands,
but it was impossible because of the crowd. So a soldier spontaneously placed himself in
front of Bernadette and walking backward ordered "Make room!" Bernadette walked
on her knees, kissing the ground. Then she went to the spring, always preceded by the
soldiers. She drank, and then returned to her place.
(Petitot.)
Bernadette knelt. O good! The Lady
was there smiling at her! She took a rosary and started the sign of the cross with it.
Bernadette seemed to be listening more attentively...she put her hand in her pocket and
showed her own rosary to the Lady.
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Jesus is
stripped of his garments.
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But the
Lady asked: "Where is your rosary?" Bernadette showed her the rosary in her
hand. The Lady continued: "You are mistaken, that rosary is not yours."
Bernadette understood and later explained: "Pauline Sans had asked me to use her
rosary when I saw the Lady...She told me: 'that is not your rosary.' Then I took out mine.
The Lady smiled and said: 'Use that one.'"
When Bernadette lifted her rosary,
her father said: "Quick lift up your rosaries." Many did so.
Bernadette's gesture showing her
rosary to the Lady was not well interpreted. Many followed her example and presented their
rosaries to heaven. Soon after, the anticlerical newspapers of Paris told how the
"little comedian of Lourdes, the visionary who treats the crowd like a bunch of
monkeys and has them perform all kinds of odd practices...for a bit of variety in the
ceremonies...decided to usurp the priestly functions..." (L'Ami.)
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"They
crucified him,"
Mark 15:24
"and the criminals, one on his
right hand and the other on his left."
Luke 23:33
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In the
eyes of some people Bernadette is between two criminals: her father allegedly accused of
stealing a piece of wood and her mother accused by some of drinking.
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The Son
of Man must be lifted up so that all who believe may have eternal life in him.
John 3:14-15
When you lift up the Son of Man you
will come to realize that I AM.
John 8:28
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Bernadette
was on her knees and, yet, she seemed to be lifted up and not touching the ground.
(L'Ami.)
Also, in Lourdes the rosary was
lifted up and still is all the time.
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Think of
the deep union between the Will of Jesus and that of the Father, the joy of accomplishing
the Father's Will and the indescribable suffering of Jesus praying for the sins of the
whole world since the beginning of time till the end of the world, the eyes of Jesus are
on the Father and on the abyss of sin.
All this was seen in the face of
Bernadette.
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Here we
have a unique opportunity to see the face and the soul of Bernadette and also the faces
and souls of Jesus and Mary because of this wonderful description of Fr. Dezirat, the
young priest who stood next to her like St. John. "Bernadette was kneeling, very
straight, her head lifted up looking in the direction of the niche. Her whole body seemed
drawn by the apparition. While saying the rosary Bernadette was moving her lips. It was
clear by her attitude and the expression in her face that her soul was ravished. It was as
if she wasn't even breathing, except for a few soft expressions of joy.
What deep peace! What suave serenity!
What high contemplation! The smile is beyond all description. The best artist could never
reproduce it, could never reproduce the charm, the grace. The gaze of the child towards
the apparition was so delightful. Her smile was so beautiful, it would be impossible to
imagine anything so pure, so sweet, so loving.
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Jesus
suffering for the pain in his mother. Mary suffering for the pain in her Son. The two are
like one. The Redeemer and the Co-Redemptrix, both intimately united in the work of
salvation.
We have all the reasons to believe,
with St. Thomas, that on the cross, Christ was enduring excruciating suffering, at the
same time he experienced divine happiness because He was doing the Will of the Father and
saving the world.
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What
impressed me as much as the smile and the looks was the joy and the sadness that were
depicted one after the other on the face of Bernadette. Celestial joy, vivid sadness like
a two edged sword, deep as the abyss. However, it did not alter at all the peace in her
face. When the phenomena succeeded one another, it was quite like lightening, but nothing
abrupt, all was done with an admirable transition with nuances that I cannot describe. It
was good to be there. I felt as if I were in the vestibule of heaven. What I saw is what I
testify."
The joys were longer than the sadness
alternating in less that a minute, but with the most perfect calm in the midst of the most
profound sadness.
In the moments of joy, it was as if a
brilliant ray was on her face. In the moments of sadness it was like a veil covered her
face, as if her soul was deeply absorbed by indescribable pain. Her eyes were wide open,
filled with love. Around I could hear people praying, crying.
Bernadette's face was the same color
as her candle, like the face of an angel. No one could ever put her in that state. I was
deeply moved to see her like that.
(Jean Domingieux.)
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Jesus on
the cross and Mary at the foot of the cross experienced similar pain and happiness.
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Bernadette
is reliving both the anguish and the happiness of Jesus and Mary.
The silence was stunning.
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"Now
there was standing by the cross of Jesus his mother...and the disciple...whom he
loved."
John 19:25-26
"Pilate also wrote an
inscription and had it put on the cross. And there was written, 'Jesus of Nazareth, the
King of the Jews.' Many of the Jews therefore read this inscription...and it was written
in Hebrew, in Greek and in Latin."
John 19:19-20
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Near the
child could be seen her mother and a young priest, Father Dezirat. (Gasnier.)
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"And
the soldiers also mocked him..."
Luke 23:36
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The
police report read in the Café de Lourdes ridiculed a sort of blessing of rosaries.
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"And
the passers-by were jeering at him..."
Mark 15:29
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Miss
Estrade said: "It is evident Bernadette is laughing at us."
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"In
like manner, the chief priests with the Scribes and the elders, mocking, said he saved
others, himself he cannot save."
Matthew 27:41-42
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When
Bernadette arrived in Lourdes, she had to give all kinds of explanations...even Father
Pène called her.
(Petitot.)
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Now from
the sixth hour there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. But about the
ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice saying,..."My God, my God, why has thou
forsaken me?"
Matthew 27:45-46
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During
the apparition there was a tremendous silence all around the Grotto which was broken only
by deep sighs and moaning.
(Gasnier.)
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The Seven Last Words
1.Father
forgive them, they don't know what they are doing.
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Bernadette
is accused of acting like a priest blessing rosaries.
Father forgive them...
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2.Today
you will be with me in Paradise.
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Pauline
Sans asked Bernadette to use her rosary at the Grotto.
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3.Behold
your mother, behold your son.
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With the
presentation of the rosaries, Mary accepts her children, they accept their mother.
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4.My
God, my God, why has Thou abandoned Me.
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At one
point, Bernadette was unable to go through. The soldiers leading the way had been cut-off
by the crowd. Bernadette stopped, sat on her heels, looked right and left.
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5.I
thirst. They gave him gall.
John 19:28
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The
soldiers backing up to lead the way went to the spring where Bernadette drank - mud
remained on her lips.
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6.All is
consummated.
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Bernadette
gave a final sigh of moaning and breath of joy.
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7.Father
into your hands I commend my spirit.
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Bernadette
looked at the Lady once more; thus ended the apparition.
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The
Centurion who stood guard over him, on seeing the manner of his death, declared,
"clearly this man was the Son of God!"
Mark 15:39
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Bernadette
was awesome!
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"One
of the soldiers opened his side with a lance and immediately there came out blood and
water."
John 19:34
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Was
Pilate afraid enough of the threats to write to the Emperor about the death of Jesus to
explain his action?
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The
Imperial Procurator of Lourdes that night wrote to the General Procurator to explain the
activities stating that nothing was yet against the law, but that he was ready to explore
it if need be.
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GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
First Glorious Mystery
THE RESURRECTION
The
evangelists have spoken a great deal of all Christ did on Easter, but hardly anything is
to be found about the resurrection itself.
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All the
writers speak of what Bernadette did during the whole day of March 2, but very little is
to be found about what happened during the apparition in the morning.
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As the
first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the
sepulcher.
Matthew 28:1
(Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of
James and Salome.)
Luke 24:10
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That
morning Bernadette was accompanied by her two aunts; they went to the Grotto. Bernadette
was in ecstasy at the entrance of the Grotto.
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An angel
of the Lord came down from heaven...and he said to the women..."Jesus of Nazareth is
not here; He is risen. Go quickly, tell his disciples that he has risen; and behold, he
goes before you into Galilee; there you shall see him."
Matthew 28:2, 7
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The
Blessed Lady appeared to Bernadette and told her: "Go tell the priests to have a
chapel built here and to come in procession."
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And they
departed quickly from the tomb in fear and joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Matthew 28:8
And having returned from the tomb,
they reported all these things to the eleven...But this tale seemed to them to be
nonsense, and they did not believe the women."
Luke 24:10-11
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Bernadette,
having received a new message for the priests: to come in procession, did not for one
moment shrug from this duty. Her aunts, sick with fear, decided to accompany her to the
rectory. As soon as she was in the presence of the pastor, as in a single word, Bernadette
said: "The Lady wants a procession to the Grotto." L'Abbe Peyramale (see
crowning with thorns) seemed more rude than ever: "Liar, how do you want us to make a
procession to this Lady?" (Petitot.)
"You didn't see anything. A lady
does not come out of a hole." Bernadette was so taken off guard that she forgot half
of the message.
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The
night of his resurrection, Jesus builds his church. "Receive the Holy Spirit...As the
Father sent me, I send you."
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Through
the resurrection, all the channels of grace open up-Sacrifice of the Altar, forgiveness of
sins, communion...We need a chapel, people need to come.
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When it
was late that same day...Jesus came...and showed them his hands and his side. The
disciples therefore rejoiced at the sight of the Lord...Now Thomas...was not with them.
The other disciples therefore said to him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them,
'Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the
nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
John 20:19, 24-25
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Then the
pastor said: "If the Lady is the one you lead us to believe, I will indicate to her a
way to be recognized and give authority to her message. At the Grotto she stands over a
rose bush. Well, tell her on my part, to make this rose bush blossom suddenly in front of
the assembled crowd. The morning you come to tell me this wonder took place, I will
believe in your word and I promise to accompany you to Massabielle."
(Petitot.)
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Mary
Magdalene twice went to see the apostles to tell them of the resurrection.
John 20:1, 18
Our Lord appeared twice to the
apostles.
John 20: 19, 26
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Bernadette
knew she had not thoroughly accomplished her mission; that night she wanted to return to
the rectory. The aunts refused to go. Dominiquette Casenave accompanied Bernadette on this
second visit on the same day.
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"Thomas
'Bring here thy finger, and see my hands, and bring here thy hand, and put it into my
side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.' Thomas answered and said to him, 'My Lord
and my God.' Jesus said to him, 'Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed. Blessed
are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.'"
John 20:27-29
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"Reverend
Pastor, the Lady dressed in white told me to ask the priests to have a chapel built at the
Grotto." The Pastor softened. "When we know her name, we will build her a
chapel, and it will not be a small one, no, but a good large one." (Petitot.)
Bernadette left the rectory and said,
"I am very happy; I did my errand."
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After
the crucifixion, the disciples were at a loss to understand the events: "We thought
that he was the one..." Then a cry of triumph: "He is risen"...but they
refused to believe.
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The
crowd had real difficulty with the last apparitions, walking on her knees, drinking and
washing in muddy water, eating grass. Suddenly, a triumphant message: "Go tell the
priests to build a chapel and come in procession." Most, like the apostles, refused
to believe. The Pastor needs a sign (that the rosebush bloom) in March.
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The
apostles stayed away. "The story seemed like nonsense and they refused to
believe."
Luke 24:11
Only Peter and John went to the tomb.
John 20:3
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The
priests stayed away not to encourage Bernadette in case the whole story was false. Yet
some believed.
Could this be the work of the devil?
Bernadette is too humble. She does not lie. She keeps to her story even at the threat of
prison and death...Would the devil ask for a chapel and procession?
|
Either
we believe in the resurrection, or we don't. Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior, or he
isn't. If he is, our lives must be influenced by him.
|
The
whole question boiled down to this...Believe or don't believe in the message of
Bernadette.
|
What is very striking in the mystery
of the resurrection, both in Jerusalem and in Lourdes is the identity of the message in
all its details:
The message is given to women
It is to be given for the priests
It was delivered in two separate times
the content is symbolically the same.
|
Today in
Lourdes is celebrated the resurrection. It's time now, go tell the priests to build a
chapel.
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Second Glorious Mystery
THE ASCENSION
But go,
tell his disciples and Peter that he goes before you in Galilee; there you shall see him
as he told you.
Mark 16:7
|
The
Blessed Virgin had asked Bernadette to come to the Grotto for fifteen days.
Many people arrived the day before
and spent the night at the Grotto.
|
After
all the famous events of the condemnation and death of Christ, the apostles, knowing that
Christ had risen, did all they could to see him.
|
Bernadette,
after the ordeal of the preceding evening in her interview with the Pastor, was looking
forward to the meeting with the Lady, to tell her her difficulties, doubts and to talk to
her.
(Petitot.)
|
The
Ascension, in fact, is the disappearance of Christ with a promise to return.
(Gasnier.)
|
On the
morning of Wednesday, March 3, Bernadette before 7:00 a.m. made her early morning
pilgrimage to the Grotto, she kissed the ground, knelt in her usual place, took her rosary
and recited her prayer. She waited quite a while. Not seeing the Lady over the wild rose
bush, bowing her head, she thought an instant, then she kissed the ground again, made the
sign of the cross, and with a heart filled with sadness, she got up and left. "The
Lady didn't come today." (L'Ami.)
|
You are
sad for a time, but I will see you again then your heart will rejoice.
John 16:32
|
Back
home, leaning on her bed, her face in her hands, filled with sadness she said: "What
have I done to her! Maybe she is upset (angry) with me!"
|
They
therefore who had come together began to ask him saying, "Lord, wilt thou at this
time restore the kingdom of Israel?" But he said to them, "the exact time is not
yours to know, the Father has reserved that to himself."
Acts 1:6-7
|
For
Bernadette, this was a real trial. She rejoiced so much in seeing the Lady...This very
thought had been her strength...However, she did not complain, she had profited too well
of the lessons of obedience and humility. She suffers, but at the thought of her
worthlessness, she submits herself.
(L'Ami du Clergé 1908.)
|
The
apostles had real reasons to fear having been the disciples of Jesus who was put to death.
|
Her
mother, trembling added: "They will put us in prison."
|
Ascension
is the disappearance of Christ, with the promise to return.
|
Around
nine o'clock Bernadette felt a deep desire to return to the Grotto. The desire was so
strong, nothing seemingly could stop it. After much hesitation her parents allowed her to
go. So Bernadette returned to Massabielle by way of the Fort to avoid drawing attention.
|
Then he
was seen by more than five hundred brethren at one time.
1 Corinthian 15:6
|
To her
great surprise, three to four thousand people who were there in the morning were not
discouraged and had kept waiting nearly three hours. No one could explain why they stayed.
The "worthy" had stayed.
On this March 3rd it is not
Bernadette who came at 9:00 a.m. Our Lady called her, came first and waited for Bernadette
to arrive.
Bernadette immediately on seeing the
Lady fell in ecstasy. The Lady told her: "You did not see me this morning because
some people who wanted to see your face in my presence were not worthy. They had spent the
night and dishonored the Grotto."
This is very interesting: they were
not worthy to see the face of Bernadette reflecting the face of Jesus and Mary.
|
And
while they were gazing up to heaven as he went, two men stood by them in white garments,
and said to them, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up to heaven? This Jesus
who has been taken from you into heaven, shall come in the same way as you have seen him
going up to heaven." Then they returned to Jerusalem.
Acts 1:11, 12
|
As on
the Ascension, Christ was taken away from the sight of the gazing apostles, so in Lourdes
Our Lady does not appear to Bernadette. Whereas, in Jerusalem two angels had come to
reassure the disciples, in Lourdes, the Virgin herself comes to reassure Bernadette.
(Gasnier.)
|
The
Apostles returned in great joy.
|
Bernadette
left the Grotto very happy.
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"But
you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be my
witnesses...even to the very ends of the earth." And when he had said this, he was
lifted up before their eyes and a cloud took him out of their sight.
Acts 1:8-9
|
Bernadette
visited the Pastor again. What do you want today. The Lady smiled when I told her you
wanted a miracle. When I told her to make the rose bush bloom, she smiled again. But she
does want a chapel. "Do you have money to build a chapel?" "No I
don't." "Neither do I. Tell the Lady to give you some."
|
John who
had taken Mary into his home accompanied her.
|
The
Pastor was not so opposed this time. Bernadette asked her preferred cousin and Godfather
Jean-Marie to accompany her the next day. He promised. But Mary encouraged her not to get
too close to him because he would be taken soon. She is the one who stayed and followed
Jesus.
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Third Glorious Mystery
THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
After
the betrayal and death of Judas, Peter told the apostles another one "must become a
witness with us of his resurrection." And they put forward two...and the lot fell
upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 1:22-26
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On March
3, Bernadette asked her cousin and Godfather Jean-Marie, her favorite, to accompany her on
the next day to the Grotto.
Father Gasnier sees in this gesture
the disciple John who became the protector of the Blessed Virgin, or maybe Matthias, the
new apostle.
|
PENTECOST
Both in Jerusalem and in Lourdes this
is the day of the Holy Spirit.
|
Again
the records of this day are unique; from her rising to the apparition, Bernadette said
seven words that make us think of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
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1- The
gift of Wisdom seeks to be in deep communication with God above all.
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Jeanne-Marie
Védère, Bernadette's cousin, wanted to be close to Bernadette to be close to Our Lady at
the next apparition so she slept at the Soubirous' home. Bernadette reassured her:
"Be in peace, you will be there close to me." Jeanne was in deep peace. Blessed
are the peacemakers, the seventh beatitude is the fruit of Wisdom.
|
2- The
gift of Knowledge helps us to see everything in God.
|
At 5:00
a.m. three doctors from Bordeaux came to question Bernadette with their human approach.
Bernadette promptly excused herself to go to church. She had a superior knowledge.
|
3- The
gift of Understanding gives us quick understanding of what to say or what to do.
The Holy Spirit is the guide.
|
At the
6:30 Mass suddenly after Communion, Bernadette left. She had like a sudden illumination
that is what she was to do. "I felt pushed interiorly to leave."
|
4- The
gift of Fear of the Lord is the fear to lose or to be separated from God.
|
"We
went down the road below the Fort; there was such a crowd I was really afraid to be
separated from Bernadette so I told her." She assured Jeanne-Marie: "Relax, you
will be close to me."
|
5- The
gift of Piety is a gift that gives us great love for God Our Father and for all his
children.
|
Bernadette
was deeply recollected. A man came to her and said: My daughter is blind; she cannot find
her way alone. Please pray for her. Bernadette answered: "You pray also and wash her
eyes with the water at the Grotto."
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6- The
gift of Counsel helps us to understand what to do and what to avoid, what to say or
not to say.
|
A woman,
followed by a nana with a boy of 3 or 4 years old who could neither talk nor walk offered
a candle to Bernadette and begged her to offer it for the healing of her son. Bernadette
thought for a moment and said: "I will pray for your son, but you burn the candle
yourself at the Grotto or the Church in honor of the Blessed Virgin."
|
7- The
gift of Fortitude. The Holy Spirit gives us his strength and guides us. All
difficulties disappear. We operate with his help.
|
Jeanne-Marie
all of a sudden was cut by the crowd from following Bernadette. All of a sudden somebody
called out: The Little One is asking for her cousin. At that moment the police
commissioners and a gendarme each took me by the hand, brought me to Bernadette and asked
if I was the one. She said "yes." Bernadette acted all day under the influence
of the Holy Spirit.
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PENTECOST
The
Middle Ages gave to the Pentecost the beautiful name of Easter of Roses. The crimson color
of roses...brought to the mind of our fathers the flaming tongues that descended in the
Cenacle on each of the disciples.
(Dom Guéranger.)
|
The
pastor had said: "Tell the Lady to make the rose bush blossom!" That was the
miracles of March 4: The Rosary of Our Lady bloomed at the Grotto.
(Rev. Fr. Cros.)
|
In
Jerusalem, Pentecost was the harvest feast.
|
At
Lourdes it was the annual market time when all the farmers came to sell the fruits of
their harvest.
|
Now
there were staying at Jerusalem devout Jews from every nation under heaven...Parthians and
Medes and Elamites, and inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and
Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene and visitors from
Rome, Jews also and Proselytes, Cretans, and Arabs too."
Acts 2:5-11
Marvelous occasion to spread the good
news.
|
The
first pilgrims on this day were estimated at about twenty thousand. When the sun rose, it
shed its light on the multitude of men of various costumes denoting their country of
origin.
(L'Ami.)
People came from Pau, Tarbes,
Bagnère and D'Argeles, from Saint Pé, from Courreges, d'Omerx, they came from Ségus,
Adé, Bartes, Ossen.
(Petitot.)
One could see women, men, young
girls, mountaineers, gentlemen, ladies, soldiers, unbelievers, devout people, curious.
(L'Ami 1908.)
|
All
these with one mind continued steadfastly in prayer with the women and Mary, the mother of
Jesus, and with his brethren.
Acts 1:14
Christ had told them to wait for
"you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
|
Bernadette
was expected at the Grotto at 7:00 as on the preceding day, but she came only at 7:15.
|
And when
the days of Pentecost were drawing to a close, they were all together in one place. And
suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a violent wind blowing, and it filled the
whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:1-2
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It was
like the sound of a strong driving wind, as all the voices rose together: "There she
is!" "There she is!" As thousands looked in her direction.
(L'Ami 1908.)
There was a real spirit of
expectation. Most thought that it was the last visit, not realizing it was only the
thirteenth.
Bernadette is escorted by seven: four
uncles, two aunts and her father.
(Petitot.)
|
But when
he, the Spirit of truth has come, he will teach you all the truth. For he will not speak
on his own authority, but whatever he will hear he will speak, and the things that are to
come, he will declare to you.
John 16:13
|
"From
these groups serried and sparse rises a powerful rumor, a calm murmur without any kind of
menace."
It is a quarter past seven when the
child kneels before the Grotto... the immense soft murmur of these recollected crowds
suddenly ceases.
(L'Ami.)
|
In the
fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, the Holy Spirit makes us understand the entire life of
Christ.
|
Bernadette
kneels at her usual place, lights her candle, and makes the sign of the cross. She prays
up to the third ave of the second decade, when a marvelous change takes place. Her face
and hands take the color of wax. Everybody whispers, "Now she sees her!" People
kneel, uncovering their heads. Bernadette greets the Lady three times with a beautiful
smile seen by many. Then she finishes her rosary interrupting the recitation only to smile
from time to time and to greet in bowing her head. Three times she tries to bring the
cross to her forehead for the sign of the cross but is unable to do so. She finally makes
the sign only on the third attempt because the Lady at that time made the sign of the
cross.
As she recites the joyful mysteries,
such happiness fills her soul that it is communicated to all those around her.
Our Lady of the Rosary made her
recite the sorrowful mysteries. During this time, according to Mr. Estrade, her face
reflected the sentiments of the ladies at the foot of the cross. Her face became sad
"because the Lady became sad and asked me to pray the rosary for sinners." After
half an hour, at the end of the second rosary, Bernadette passed over a great rock as if
not even seeing it, as Christ coming out of the tomb. Could it be that the first visit of
Jesus after the resurrection was to his Mother?
The Lady came down from her niche,
first during the mystery of the resurrection.
She went inside the Grotto looking
through the opening as she was face to face with the Lady for two minutes, she smiled. For
3 minutes she looked very serious, then she began to smile again. Her lips were moving,
but no sound was heard. This could have been an
instruction on the rosary - for
herself or about her mission. She bowed three times and returned to her place.
Then she recited the glorious
mysteries, during which she smiled and greeted our Lady as before, her face as one talking
to heaven.
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Jerusalem,
the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles.
|
The Lady
came down a second time from the niche during the mystery of the descent of the Holy
Spirit. In Lourdes, the Lady comes down in the Grotto and speaks to Bernadette face to
face.
Mary and Bernadette never spent so
much time together, they were never so close, so intimate, you "could have touched
her." Never so much variety and such harmony on her face. Like the total message of
these mysteries revealed to her, relived by her. A love for the rosary was the special
gift of this day. The rose bush did bloom - as a mystical rose, on this Easter of Roses.
It's clear Bernadette received a gift
of tongues to speak to Mary. After the apparition, everyone hears how throughout all the
time of the vision a dove stood over the head of the child.
(Gasnier.)
|
The Holy
Spirit will instruct you in everything and remind you of all that I told you.
John 14:26
|
It was
the first time that Bernadette recited the complete rosary.
(Gasnier.)
|
In the
fifteen mysteries of the rosary the Holy Spirit makes us understand the entire life of
Christ, a total teaching, and Mary showed Bernadette how to act it out.
|
-
reliving the total teaching of all the mysteries under the guidance of the Holy Spirit who
teaches all things.
Bernadette finished the third rosary
smiling and greeting as before.
Then she went inside the Grotto again
for another special colloquy with the Lady as the preceding one. Then she went down, made
the sign of the cross, prayed a moment, extinguished her candle, left with two aunts and
her father. She seemed in a hurry to leave the Grotto.
|
And the
apostles mounted to the upper room where they were staying.
Acts 1:13
"and when the sound was heard,
the multitude gathered."
Acts 2:6
|
Following
the apparition, Bernadette went up to the second story of her home as Peter did on
Pentecost. A window has been opened on the street, and, many times, Bernadette looks out
of the window to satisfy the curiosity of those who called for her. This wasn't enough...
those closest to the house succeeded
in going in...
they went in on one side and came out
the other, after having touched the hand of Bernadette or having embraced her. This lasted
a couple of hours.
Marshal D'Angla said that the word
got around that all should go to the house of Bernadette. Those who were disappointed
because they were not able to see at the Grotto, here were well rewarded. Two gendarmes
were outside for order.
Hundreds came through the house
hugging Bernadette.
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And
there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, which settled upon each of them. And
they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign tongues, even as
the Holy Spirit prompted them to speak.
Acts 2:3-4
|
Many
wanted to have their rosaries blessed. She took them by the bundle rolled then around and
around with hers. "Keep them because they touched the rosary I used during the
apparitions."
|
Peter
said: "Listen to what I have to say. You must realize that these men are not drunk.
It's only nine o'clock in the morning.
No, it is what Joel the prophet spoke
about.
|
Bernadette
could have said: I am not a liar, I am not stupid. Doctors examined me and said I am
normal.
|
But
Peter, standing with the Eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke to them: And it shall come
to pass in the last days, says the Lord, that I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all
flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see
visions...
Acts 2:14-17
|
Bernadette
later would insist: I really saw her. I saw her...
|
Jesus
had said: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you, then you
are to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, even to the ends of the earth."
Acts 2:8
|
The
three doctors from Bordeaux came back at night and told Mr. Soubirous: If you want to keep
your children, get out of there. This lodging is too humid, does not have enough air. Same
word given to the apostles. Leave here - go.
|
The
community of believers were of one heart and one mind. None of them ever claimed anything
as his own; rather everything was held in common.
Acts 4:32-33
|
At
night, a woman really wanted to give money to Bernadette, receive her rosary as a gift or
buy it. Bernadette refused everything; she insisted to give some oranges. Bernadette
agreed on condition that they eat together.
|
While
they were with him, the apostles asked: "Lord are you going to restore the rule of
Israel now?" The exact time is not yours to know, the Father has reserved that for
himself.
Acts 1:6-7
|
On this
Easter of Roses, the rosebush did not bloom but the Rosary of our Lady blossomed
beautifully and forever. Lourdes since that day has been the land of the Rosary - a great
prayer for all people with Mary in perfect openness to all the mysteries of Jesus and Mary
taught by the Holy Spirit. Love of the rosary is the special gift of this day.
|
Fourth Glorious Mystery
THE ASSUMPTION
Arise,
my beloved, my beautiful one and come! For see, the winter is past, the rains are gone,
the flowers appear...
Song of Songs 2:10-12
|
Spring
is in the air. Life is bubbling everywhere.
|
After
Pentecost, the Blessed Mother joined in all that was happening to the Christian Community.
Her intimate life with Jesus made of her a source of inspiration, consolation and
enlightenment.
|
After
March 4th, all France seemed interested in the Grotto of Massabielle. Local and national
newspapers as well publicized the event. Bernadette was sought regularly by visitors for
more information or by curiosity.
|
Mother
of the Church, it was a joy for Mary to see the daily progress of the Church
notwithstanding the opposition and persecution.
|
Bernadette
was always ready to speak of Our Lady and experienced great joy in the people who
themselves were transforming the Grotto into a chapel. Representations of Jesus, pictures,
banners, artificial and natural flowers, wreaths, medals, rosaries, even a basket for
offerings, Bernadette was really hoping to see a chapel and people coming in procession.
|
Mary's
thoughts, however, were on her Son. She missed him, so much wanted to be with him, her
only Love.
|
Bernadette
experienced sadness in her heart because she no longer saw the Lady. She wanted so much to
see her.
In Lourdes the general opinion was
that the apparitions were not over. Bernadette more than anyone hoped to see her again.
|
Jesus
had gone to heaven over twenty years ago. That seemed incredibly long.
|
For
twenty days now there had been no apparition.
|
Having
mentioned that Mary was in the midst of the Apostles on Pentecost, the evangelists do not
add a single word concerning the Blessed Virgin, neither about the rest of the her life on
earth, nor of her death or "sleep", nor of her assumption or crowning in heaven.
|
After
all the turmoil that followed the apparition of March 4th, everything seemed silent and
for the atheists the supposedly miraculous events of the Grotto were finished once and for
all.
On March 12th, Baron Massy could
write: "To-day that is all out of the questions."
(Petitot.)
The young Bernadette is no longer
seen at the Grotto...
|
On the
Assumption, Pius XII wrote: "Testimonies, indications, numerous leads of this common
faith of the Church have appeared throughout the centuries since the ancient times...all
the arguments, and considerations of fathers and theologians based themselves on Sacred
Scripture as their primary foundation."
(Bull: Munificentissimus Deus)
|
However,
the Pastor of Lourdes and his assistants were, without any doubt, as of March 15th,
favorable and nearly entirely won over to the cause of the Grotto.
(Petitot.)
A few days later the police
commissioner wrote concerning the Grotto: "The details keep growing at the very
moment we thought everything was ending...the visitors keep flowing in."
(Petitot.)
|
I can
just imagine one day Jesus saying: "Mother get ready, I'm coming to get you
soon..."
|
On March
24th in the evening, in the depth of her heart, Bernadette heard the invitation to come on
the next day. Imagine her joy as she told her parents.
|
Mary was
ready, watching, waiting. "My beloved, my beautiful one, come."
Song of Songs 2:10
|
She
probably didn't sleep too soundly. The night was long...
At the first ray of dawn Bernadette
got up, dressed quickly and was on her way to the Grotto, her mother holding her by the
hand. Spring was in the air and in her heart.
|
O my
dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff; let me see you, let
me hear your voice for your voice is sweet and you are lovely.
Song of Songs 2:14
|
When
Bernadette arrived at the Grotto, the niche was illuminated, the Lady was waiting
surrounded by singing angels.
|
In
heaven, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, all the angels and saints are waiting for Mary.
|
On this
day in Church was celebrated the feast of the Annunciation, the fact that Mary was to be
the Mother of God is the real reason why she was immaculate in her conception and assumed
into heaven. The Immaculate Conception calls for the assumption also. As Bernadette
arrived at the Grotto she knelt, began her rosary and fell into ecstasy.
|
Ah you
are beautiful, my beloved, ah you are beautiful; your eyes...your hair...your lips...your
neck...you are all beautiful my beloved and there is no blemish in you.
Song of Songs 4:1-7
|
As
always, Mary was so beautiful. The celestial beauty of her white dress and veil, her blue
sash, her face, her eyes, the white rosary with the golden chain held gracefully around
her fingers, the two golden roses on her feet. Everything was heavenly.
|
There is
so little in Scripture about Mary, about her mission, she herself said only seven words,
but "she pondered everything in her heart."
Luke 2:19
|
People
were asking why has she been so silent. Most people are not aware of all that Mary said
and did in Lourdes through all the acting out of the mysteries.
Why didn't she give her name?
|
No doubt
her empty tomb on the day of her Assumption was a powerful Word.
|
Today is
a very special event, because the Lady will disclose her identity.
|
The
privilege of the Assumption is very closely linked to that of the Immaculate Conception.
(Hervé.)
The dogma of the Immaculate
Conception...gave serious hope of seeing proclaimed as soon as possible the dogma of the
Assumption.
Pius XII:Bull
Both had been believed throughout the
centuries.
|
Concerning
this apparition in 1861, Bernadette writes in her own hand to Father Gondrand of the
Oblates of Mary Immaculate: "The Lady lowered her arms, lifted her eyes to heaven,
and told me that she was the Immaculate Conception." (Petitot.)
While praying, the thought of asking
her name was so strong and so persistent I forgot all other desires. I was concerned
because this request had been unanswered up to now, but something obliged me to ask. Then
finally I could not hold myself and I said, "Please, tell me who you are." She
bowed her head and smiled. I felt really courageous; I asked again and received the same
reply. A third time, recognizing my unworthiness, I joined my hands and asked again. Then
she looked serious and seemed to humiliate herself. She unclasped her hands, opened up and
lowered her arms, then lifted them up toward heaven, rejoined them with fervor, and, with
an indescribable gratitude, said,
"I am the Immaculate
Conception."
Bernadette was never satisfied by
any description she read or heard because the gestures of Mary really implied the whole
mystery of the Immaculate Conception and of the Assumption, a complete victory over sin
and death.
Bernadette felt that everyone passed
too quickly over this apparition. The gestures and the words of Mary tell the story. The
meaning is all there. The total purity of Mary is expressed in her lowering her hand to
the earth; immaculate in her conception, free from all sin, after raising them up;
therefore, she was raised to heaven.
Before she gave her name, the Lady
came down nearly to Bernadette's level in the Grotto to signify that even if her body was
assumed into heaven, her heart is close to us. Bernadette explained: she never came down
so low. She wants us to know she is with us forever.
Also on the 25th of March at
different times as she was speaking to Bernadette she glanced to the side at all the
objects of devotion in the "new chapel." Bernadette explained later to
Dominiquette Casenave that Mary looked especially at a statue of the Immaculate
Conception.*
|
My lover
has come...
Songs of Songs 6:2
Jesus came with the angels to carry
Mary in heaven body and soul.
|
On this
day the Lady told Bernadette to leave her candle burning at the Grotto. The candle always
represents Christ; was this to indicate the eternal union of Jesus with Our Lady assumed
into heaven?
|
The
Assumption is a special privilege whereby the Blessed Virgin leaves the earth to go to
heaven.
|
After
the apparition of March 25th, all kinds of means are resorted to in order to put away
Bernadette.
|
* Remember, the dogma of the
Immaculate Conception was pronounced just 39 months before.
Fifth Glorious Mystery
THE CROWNING OF OUR LADY IN HEAVEN
I would like to present this in two
parts: April 7th and July 16th.
Part 1: April 7th
"We
proclaim, declare and define that it is a dogma divinely revealed that Mary, the
Immaculate Mother of God, always Virgin, at the end of the course of her earthly life, was
uplifted in soul and body to the celestial glory."
(Pius XII - Bull: Munificentissimus
Deus)
We cannot believe that her body
underwent decay.
(Amédée)
|
On
Wednesday, April 7th, Bernadette had been praying for three-quarters of an hour.
She lit her candle, started her
rosary and fell into ecstasy.
|
She
received the characteristics of a glorified body:
Impassability: inability to suffer,
an incorruptible body can no longer suffer.
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A young girl (who later became a
nun), to play a trick thrust a long pin with a black head in Bernadette's shoulder. There
was no reaction. Later Bernadette said she never felt a thing.
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Clarity:
divine splendor; a glorified body reflects the splendor of the divinity.
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Witnesses
noticed the rays of beauty on the forehead and face of Bernadette.
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Subtlety:
not affected by matter; can even co-penetrate.
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"Miracle
of the Candle." Dr. Dozous reported Bernadette was kneeling, praying with angelic
fervor, reciting her rosary. Then she started towards the Grotto and stopped. Her right
hand with the big candle moved under the left hand with the rosary. The fingers were a bit
apart, enough for the flames to go in between and lick the fingers. There was a good wind
that activated the flame. I did not allow anyone to touch her.
As I observed very carefully, I timed
the phenomena. It lasted a quarter of an hour. Then Bernadette moved forward to the
Grotto.
When she finished her prayers and the
transformation on her face had disappeared, I called her over and examined her hand very
carefully. There were no trace of burns whatsoever.
I asked the girl who now had the
candle to relight it. I placed the flame under Bernadette's hand a number of times. She
would pull back her hand, saying "You're hurting me."
"I saw this myself. Others
witnessed it as well." Bernadette had been in ecstasy as is another world.
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The body
of Mary is clothed with light and immortality. Her soul is flooded with divine love, light
and blessedness. Such is the intimate union of Mary with the Divinity.
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The
intensity of the vision was so deep that the bystanders said they never saw her so
absorbed, so intense. Think of a person in the presence of God. The vision was accompanied
with deep union and total gift of oneself.
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The
Divinity envelops Our Lady.
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A candle
represents the body of Christ, the flame, the divinity, like the flames enveloped the hand
of Bernadette.
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As
mother, Mary is the dispensatrix of all graces. She handles all the graces in the name of
God. All come through her.
Hurry my beloved, come.
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This is
the symbol of the divine graces, symbolized by the flames coming through the fingers of
Bernadette.
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Picture
Jesus presenting his mother to the Father, rising from his throne to place on Mary's head
a crown of royalty, of brilliant light, really indicating her unique place in heaven: no
one ever was more united to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
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Clearly
Bernadette stands out as a unique person. From her we all have something to learn.
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Crowning
is a sign of the beatitude and of the unique position of Mary in heaven above the angels
and saints because she was brought in the order of the incarnation. Nothing is greater.
Then God's temple in heaven opened
and in the temple could be seen the Ark of the Covenant.
Revelations 11:19
A great sign appeared in the sky: A
woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve
stars.
Revelations 12:1
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Today, twelve hundred persons were at
the Grotto. This is very surprising a regular Wednesday with no previous announcement. All
was done in perfect order and dignity.
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The
twelve tribes of Israel and a multitude that no one can count.
Revelations 7:4-9
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The
crowning also means fullness, completeness.
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Part 2: July 16th
It is
very difficult to describe the crowning of the Blessed Virgin in heaven. The immense wall
that separates heaven and earth reminds us of the barricades of Lourdes. John describes
the crowning beautifully in Revelation 12:1.
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The
civil authorities decide to close the Grotto on June 8th. "A barricade of boards will
be set up at the entrance of the Grotto to prevent all access, and a post will be planted
with this inscription: 'It is prohibited to enter on this property.'" (L'Ami 1908.)
On Friday, July 16th, on the Feast of
Our Lady of Mount Carmel...in the afternoon while Bernadette is praying in the parish
church, she hears in the depths of her soul the well-known voice of Mary calling her to
the Grotto...She rises immediately and runs to her aunt. It has been over three months
since the last apparition. "Auntie, please be kind enough to accompany me to the
rocks of Massabielle." (L'Ami.)
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"...the
august Mother of God, united from all eternity to Jesus Christ, in a mysterious manner, by
a same and unique decree of predestination, immaculate in her conception, Virgin most pure
in her divine maternity, generous associate of the divine Redeemer who gained a complete
triumph over sin and all its consequences, has, at last, obtained as the supreme crowning
of all her privileges to be kept intact from the corruption of the sepulcher, so that as
her Son had already done before, after this victory over death, she was uplifted in her
body and in her soul, to the supreme glory of heaven, where as Queen she would be all
resplendent at the right of her Son, immortal King of the centuries."
(Pius XII:Bull
Munificentissimus Deus)
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The
entrance to the Grotto is closed, so Bernadette and the group that accompanied her stay on
the right side of the River Gave. Having arrived in front of the Grotto, they all kneel.
(L'Ami.)
All of a sudden her eyes are
resplendent, her face brightens, beams, is illuminated by a supernatural light and she
exclaims: "Yes, yes, there She is! She greets us, She smiles at us over the
barricades." Then Bernadette is in ecstacy. However, it seems that the Blessed Virgin
does not utter a single word. It is time to part and the Lady wants to make it as easy as
possible for the child...
One word of adieu and the tears would
stream down her face. Mary on the contrary wants to leave her a joyful souvenir. She
smiles at her all the time and the eyes of the smiling Bernadette never tire looking at
Her. Mary smiles again and disappears.
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Queen of
Angels
Queen of All Saints
Queen of the Holy Rosary
Queen of the Family
Queen of Peace
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It is
the last apparition at the Grotto. Bernadette will not see her again until at the very
moment of her death, Mary will come to bring her to heaven so she too can be crowned with
glory.
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"And
a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon was under her
feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars."
Revelations 12:1
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