"One morning I received a message in great haste; this person

was very sick and wished to see me. I went at once, but the

disease was of so serious a character and its progress so

rapid, that I saw the poor man on the verge of the grave ere

I could find a means of turning his thoughts to eternity.

I had told his wife and daughters to give him a medal of

the Immaculate Conception, but he refused to accept it, and

we were reduced to the necessity of stealthily putting it

under his pillow. On the third day, as I was about to leave,

after rendering him all the care and attention in my power,

he wished, in the effusion of his gratitude, to shake hands

with me. I profited by the opportunity to tell him how much

pleasure he could give me by consenting to receive the curé,

who had just come to see him. He made a sign in the affirmative

and with a smile that very rarely parted his lips. We went

out of the room, leaving him alone with the priest, whom he

had welcomed cordially. In half an hour the latter returned

blessing God, for the sick man had made his confession. He

now consented to wear the medal, and that evening he received

Extreme Unction, but not the Holy Viaticum, as he had spells

of suffocation. I asked his wife to let his employees see him,

that they might be edified at their patron's conduct. The

request was granted, but not many came, as the workshops were

closed at this hour; those who did come, prayed a few minutes

beside him. Next morning his family was greatly rejoiced at his

apparent physical improvement, but their hopes were deceived,

and very soon his last agony began. He was recommended to

the prayers of the parish; the whole village manifested a

touching interest in his condition, and his employees all came

to see him. The throng around the dying man was renewed every

quarter of an hour, and we recited the _Chaplet_ aloud, a most

appropriate devotion for this occasion, the last moments of

one whom the Blessed Virgin had snatched from eternal misery.

Amidst this concert of praises to Mary, he expired. The

Christian Brothers, to whom he had been very hostile, willingly

aided us in rendering to him the last duties of religion."

CHAPTER VII.

PROGRESS OF THE DEVOTION TO MARY

CROWNED BY THE DEFINITION OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.--I. OUR

LADY OF LA SALETTE.--II. THE CHILDREN OF MARY.--III. THE DEFINITION

OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.

_I.--Our Lady of La Salette.--1846._

In her first manifestation to Sister Catherine, July 19, 1830, the

Immaculate Virgin announced the disasters which threatened France;

grief was depicted upon her countenance, tears stifled her voice, she

earnestly recommended prayer to appease the wrath of God.

Sixteen years later, this Mother of mercy, appearing to two little

shepherd children upon one of the summits of the Alps, repeated, in a

most solemn manner, the same warnings and the same counsels. The first

apparition remains in obscurity, but a knowledge of the second has

been spread throughout the world, and with most consoling results. The

miracle of La Salette has greatly increased devotion to the Blessed

Virgin, and given Christians a clearer idea of the important duties

of penance and prayer, which, in reality, are the embodiment of all

practical piety.

We quote the best authenticated account of La Salette, that of the Abbé

Rousselot, who himself received it from the mouths of the children.

"Two peasant children, Mélanie Mathieu, aged fourteen years,

and Maximin Giraud, aged eleven, both simple and ignorant, as

might naturally be expected of their age and condition, were

together upon the mountain of La Salette, which overlooks a

village where they were at service under different masters.

Their acquaintance was very slight, their first meeting having

been only the day before the occurrence we are about to relate.

When the _Angelus_ announced the hour of noon, they went to

soak their hard bread in the water of a spring. After this

rural repast, they descended a little farther, and laying down

their crooks beside another spring, then dry, they seated

themselves a slight distance apart, upon a few stones which had

been piled up there, and went to sleep.

"It was Saturday, September 19th, 1846, and eve of the day on

which fell the Feast of Our Lady's Seven Dolors.

"'After taking the cows to water, and eating our lunch,' says

Maximin, 'we went to sleep beside a stream, and very near a

spring which was dry. Mélanie awoke first, and aroused me to

hunt our cows. We crossed the stream, and going in an opposite

direction, saw our cows lying down on the other side, and not

very far off.'

"'I came down first,' says Mélanie; 'when I was within five or

six steps of the stream, I perceived a light like that of the

sun, but even more brilliant and not the color of sunlight,

and I said to Maximin: Come quick to see the bright light down

here.' 'Where is it?' inquired Maximin, coming towards me. 'I

pointed with my finger in the direction of the spring, and he

stood still when he saw it. Then the light seemed to open,

and in the midst of it appeared a Lady, she was seated, and

her head resting upon her hands.' 'We were both frightened,'

continues Maximin, 'and Mélanie, with an exclamation of terror,

let fall her crook.' 'Keep your crook,' said I, 'as for me,

I am going to keep mine. If it does anything to us, I will

give it a blow with my crook.' And the Lady arose. She crossed

her arms, and said to us: 'Come to me, my children, do not be

afraid. I am here to tell you something very important.' All

our fears vanished, we went towards her and crossed the stream,

and the Lady advancing a few steps, we met at the place where

Mélanie and I had fallen asleep. The Lady was between us, and

she wept all the time she was talking. 'I saw her tears flow,'

adds Mélanie.

"'If my people,' said she, 'do not humble themselves, I shall

be forced to let them feel the weight of my Son's uplifted arm.

I have stayed it heretofore, but it now presses so heavily that

I can scarcely support it much longer. And all the while I am

suffering thus for you, I must pray without ceasing if I wish

to prevent your abandonment by my Son. And, moreover, you do

not appreciate it.'

"'In vain will you pray, in vain will you strive, never can you

recompense what I have undergone for you. I have given you six

days of the week wherein to work, the seventh I reserved for

myself, and even that is denied me! It is this which weighs

down my Son's arm.'

"'Even those who drive carts must curse, and mingle my Son's

name with their oaths.'

"'These are the two things that weigh down my Son's arm.'

"'If the harvest fails, it is for no other reason than your

sins. I tried last year to make you see this in the failure of

the potato crop. You took no account of it. On the contrary,

when you found the potatoes rotted, you swore and mingled my

Son's name with your maledictions. The potatoes will continue

to rot, at Christmas there will be none.'

"I did not know what this meant," said Mélanie, "for in our

part of the country we do not call them potatoes. I asked

Maximin what they were, and the Lady said to me:

"'Ah! my children, you do not understand me, I will use other

language.'

"The Blessed Virgin now repeated the preceding in _patois_, and

the remainder of her discourse was also in _patois_. We give

the translation as follows:

"'If you have wheat, it must not be sown, the animals will

devour what you sow; and should any remain, it will yield

naught but dust when threshed.'

"'There will be a great famine. Before the famine comes, little

children under seven years of age, will be seized with fright

and die in the arms of those who are holding them. Some will do

penance by reason of the famine. Even the nuts will fail and

the grapes rot.'

"After these words, the beautiful Lady continued to speak aloud

to Maximin. Though seeing the motion of her lips, Mélanie hears

nothing. Maximin receives a secret in French. Then the Blessed

Virgin addresses herself to the little girl, and Maximin ceases

to hear her voice. She likewise confides to Mélanie a secret

in French, but a more lengthy secret it appears than that

entrusted to Maximin. Continuing her discourse in _patois_, and

so as to be heard by both, she adds: 'If they turn aside from

their evil ways, the very rocks and stones will be changed into

heaps of grain, and potatoes will be found scattered over the

fields.'

"The Queen of Heaven then addressed herself more directly to

the children.

"'Do you say your prayers with devotion, my children?'

"'Oh, no, Madame,' they both answered, 'we say them with very

little devotion.'

"Our divine Mother continued: 'Ah! my children, you must say

them fervently evening and morning. When you have not the time,

and cannot do better, say an _Our Father_ and a _Hail Mary_;

and when you have the time you must say more.

"'No one goes to Mass, except a few aged women; all the rest in

summer spend Sunday working, and in winter, when at a loss for

something to do, they go to Mass only to ridicule religion; and

during Lent they frequent the shambles as if they were dogs.'

"After a few more words, reminding Maximin that he had already

seen the failure of the grain, the august Queen finished in

French as follows: 'Ah! my children, tell this to all my

people.' And before leaving them, she repeated the command.

"The two children add: 'Then she ascended about fifteen steps,

to the place where we had gone to look after our cows. Her feet

barely touched the surface of the verdure, which did not even

bend beneath her, she glided over the surface as if suspended

in the air, and impelled by some invisible power. We followed

her, Mélanie a little ahead, and I two or three steps from the

Lady's side. The beautiful Lady was now gently elevated to

about the height of a yard,' said the children. 'She remained

thus suspended in the air for a moment. She glances up to

Heaven and then at the earth, her head disappears from our

view, next her arms, and lastly her feet. She seemed to melt

away. There remained a brilliant light that gleamed upon my

hands, and the flowers at her feet, but that was all.'

"At the first words of his son's narration, Maximin's

father began to laugh, but very soon recognizing the marks

of incontestable sincerity, he hastened to comply with

his Christian duties, so long neglected. The neighboring

inhabitants followed his example, there were no more

blasphemies, no more profanation of Sunday, the whole country

was soon transformed, even maternally. Like those of Jonas to

Nineveh, the prophetic warnings of the divine Messenger were

conditional. They were fulfilled in general, as can still be

remembered."[23]

[Footnote 23: Several details of this account have been derived

from "Illustrious Pilgrim Shrines."]

The apparition of La Salette, as is the case with all extraordinary

events, was variously appreciated even among Catholics, some receiving

the account with enthusiastic confidence, others strongly contesting

the reality. But for a long time doubts have ceased, Providence having,

by numberless miracles, confirmed the faith of those who believed;

and the mountain sanctified by Mary's presence, has never ceased to

be visited by pilgrims from the most distant countries. Mgr. De

Bruillard, Bishop of Grenoble, anxious to prevent illusion on so

important a question, nominated a commission composed of most competent

persons, to examine and pass judgment upon this apparition. The result

being in the affirmative. His Grace, in a circular of September 19th,

1851, declared as follows:

"We assert that the apparition of the Blessed Virgin to two

little peasants, the 19th of September, 1846, upon one of the

peaks of the Alps, situated in the parish of La Salette, of

the archpresbytery of Corps, bears every mark of truth, and

that the faithful are confirmed in believing it indubitable and

certain.

"Wherefore, to testify our lively gratitude to God and the

glorious Virgin Mary, we authorize the devotion to Our Lady of

La Salette."

The circular, before publication, was submitted to the Holy See, whose

approval it received, and Mgr. De Bruillard's two successors have

always endorsed his appreciation of the apparition.

Consequently, this devotion is invested with every guarantee of

authenticity that the severest criticism could exact.

A church of the Byzantine style and graceful appearance is erected

upon the holy mountain, near where the apparition took place. The

identical spot remains uncovered, and the grass still grows upon the

soil hallowed by Mary's sacred footsteps; a series of crosses, fourteen

in number, to which are attached the indulgences of the _via crucis_,

indicate the path she took. The spring, formerly intermittent, has

been inexhaustible since the apparition, and its waters have worked

miracles. Near the church, a convent has been built to accommodate the

numberless pilgrims, who daily resort hither in the favorable season.

Numerous chapels, dedicated to Our Lady of La Salette, are scattered

throughout Christendom, and abundant graces repay the faith of those

who in these sacred shrines invoke her intercession.

* * * * *

_II.--The Children of Mary.--1847._

Rome, the guardian of our Faith and Catholic traditions, has given

municipal privileges to the Children of Mary, in consecrating to them

a chapel in one of her most celebrated churches, St. Agnes Beyond the

Walls. The Italian sodalities are all inscribed there, and represented

by a group of the children of Mary surrounding this young Saint, who

in the third century was martyred for her virginity. They seem to say

to her, "Agnes, you are our eldest Sister, the well beloved of Jesus

Christ and His Mother."

This place of honor, this representation proclaims most eloquently,

that the Children of Mary form in the Church, a family as ancient as

Catholicity itself.

Nearly nineteen centuries ago, Jesus, our Redeemer, was in the agony

of death upon the tree of the cross, which his love had chosen as the

instrument of our redemption; "seeing," says the Evangelist, "that all

was consummated" for our salvation, He wished to place the seal upon

His work, by making His last will and testament.

Looking first at Mary, His Mother, and then at John, the beloved

disciple, he made John a Child of Mary in these memorable words: "_Ecce

Mater tua, ecce filius tuus_: Behold thy Mother, behold thy son."

Such is the origin of the Children of Mary. We believe with the holy

Church, that the eternal Word, after becoming incarnate to render men

redeemed with His blood, the Children of His heavenly Father, gave them

also, at the hour of His death, His own Mother to be theirs. We know

likewise, that among the children of every family, there is always one

most tenderly attached to the mother, for instance, Jacob and Rebecca;

John and Mary.

Even so, in the bosom of the great family of Catholicity, do we find in

all ages, souls jealous of rendering to Mary the most intimate filial

devotion, selecting her in an especial manner, for their model and

protectress.

Such are the religious orders particularly devoted to her service,

also, the confraternities established for the same purpose in many

parishes. The Society of Jesus, which was founded in the sixteenth

century, laboring zealously to extend the glory of God among the youth

under its charge, found no means so effectual in forming hearts to

virtue and piety, as that of placing them under Mary's protection; and

the celebrated Association of the Prima Primaria, canonically erected

by Pope Gregory XIII, in 1584, became the parent stem of all the

congregations, subsequently found in honor of the Mother of God.

It was reserved for our age, to give full development to this fruitful

devotion, by popularizing and thus making it a powerful means of

salvation. In placing themselves under the patronage of the Immaculate

Conception, the Children of Mary cannot fail to obtain from their

divine Mother the most abundant and precious benedictions.

In 1830, the Immaculate Virgin had uttered a prophecy which resounded

incessantly in the heart of the missionary, to whom was confided the

account of the apparitions of the medal. "The Blessed Virgin wishes

you to found a congregation, of which you will be the Superior, a

confraternity of Children of Mary; the Blessed Virgin will bestow many

graces upon it as well as upon yourself, indulgences will be granted

it. The month of Mary will be celebrated with great solemnity; Mary

loves these festivals; she will requite their observance with abundant

graces."

But why this command and this prediction of the Queen of Heaven to her

servant, in regard to something which was not all new?

Sodalities of the Children of Mary already existed among the numberless

youths educated by the Fathers of the Society of Jesus. And following

their example, the Ladies of the Sacred Heart had formed similar

associations among their scholars, and in 1832, had even established

them for ladies in the world, under the invocation of the Immaculate

Conception. It would seem then that a new work was superfluous.

It is true, Associations of the Children of Mary already existed and

accomplished much good, but they were confined to a few isolated

places, and recruited from a chosen class, they were not popular;

and Mary designed as elements of the future work, that multitude of

young girls in the ordinary walks of life, surrounded by all the

trials, exposed to all the dangers of the world, who to-day form her

blessed family, whose innocence she guards, whose modest virtues she

encourages, and from whom she receives in exchange, a tribute of love,

praises and a visible service acceptable to her heart. Let us speak

a word concerning its establishment. When the apostolic heart of M.

Aladel received Sister Catherine's consoling predictions, he did not

fully comprehend how he, a simple missionary, should accomplish the

designs of the Queen of Heaven.

Whilst quietly awaiting the propitious hour and means foreseen by

Providence, he seized every opportunity of speaking to the children and

young people of Mary's bounty and the happiness of belonging to her.

His simplicity and animation, when discoursing upon this his favorite

theme, attracted all hearts; his listeners hung entranced upon the good

father's words; and the unction of grace sustaining the ardor he had

enkindled, the associations were formed by way of trial, in the houses

of the Daughters of Charity, where M. Aladel had officiated.

Such were those of the Providence Orphanage in Paris, of the House of

Charity of St. Médard, of the Madeleine; also, those of St. Flour,

Mainsat, Aurillae, established from 1836 to 1846. The young girls, who

were externs, very soon rivaled the inmates of the establishments in

obtaining similar favors; several new associations were begun in the

year 1846, those of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Roch, St. Paul, St. Louis,

in Paris, and others in Toulouse, Bruguière, etc., in the province.

Whilst in Rome in 1847, M. Étienne, Superior General of the Priests

of the Mission and Daughters of Charity, obtained from the Sovereign

Pontiff a rescript dated June 20th, empowering him and his successors

to establish among the scholars attending the schools of the Daughters

of Charity a pious confraternity, under the title of the Immaculate

Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin, with all the indulgences

accorded the Congregation of the holy Virgin established at Rome for

the scholars of the Society of Jesus.

Three years later, the Sovereign Pontiff extended a similar favor to

the youths educated by the Priests of the Mission; also, to the little

boys in charge of the Daughters of Charity.

[Illustration: _The Miraculous Medal adopted as the Livery of the

Children of Mary._]

From this time, 1847, thanks to the benediction of Pius IX, the

Sodality of the Children of Mary, spread rapidly in all quarters of

the globe, wherever the Daughters of Charity were established. A

manual containing the rules of the Association, its privileges and

obligations, was compiled by M. Aladel, the Director of the work. The

livery naturally adopted by the Children of Mary was the Miraculous

Medal, suspended from a blue ribbon.

The new Association from its very origin gave a wonderful impulse to

youthful piety; humble girls, earning their daily bread, practiced the

most heroic virtues, under the influence of a desire to become faithful

Children of Mary; and, sustained by the same spirit, the poorest

courageously resisted temptation, and complied with those duties so

little esteemed at the present day--filial devotion and self-denial.

[Illustration: _The Miraculous Medal adopted as the Livery of the

Children of Mary._]

To these precious fruits are also joined some beautiful flowers of

devotion; how eagerly the Children of Mary repair to re-unions of the

Association, especially on all their Mother's feasts, chanting her

praises and exciting one another to fervent piety.

But the death of these young girls is still more admirable than their

life; many of them stricken down in the very bloom of youth, fortified

with their medal and ribbon as with a precious talisman, smile at death

and defy hell.

Thirty years have passed since the grain of mustard seed was confided

to the earth, and it has now become an immense tree, whose branches

overshadow the most distant countries. Europe numbers nearly a thousand

of these Sodalities, about six hundred being composed of externs, or

mixed associates. They amount, in other portions of the world to nearly

two hundred. This displays the visible effects of the benediction of

St. Peter's Successor; the promises made in 1830 were not realized

until they had received the approbation of the Vicar of Jesus Christ,

Pius IX, whose name will always be dear to the Children of Mary.

The Associations vary in number from ten to three hundred sodalists,

which gives us an average of eighty thousand young girls, courageously

holding themselves aloof from satan's snares and pomps, and leading a

life of purity and piety amidst the seductions of a corrupt world.

Surely this must be a miracle of God's right hand and Mary's bounty!

We have thought it would not be uninteresting to the readers, to give

the statistics for the end of the year 1877, of the Sodalities of the

Children of Mary, established in the houses of the Daughters of Charity

throughout the world.

LIST OF THE _SODALITIES OF CHILDREN OF MARY_.

SODALITIES.

_Internal._ _External SUMMARY.

and

Mixed._

France 287 451 } Internal Sodalities 287

} External and Mixed 451

_Europe._

(Exclusive of France.)

Belgium 11 14 }

Switzerland 1 7 }

Italy 55 64 }

Spain 17 25 }

Portugal .. 1 } Internal Sodalities 100

Great Britain 2 13 } External and Mixed 153

Poland 8 9 }

Prussia .. 5 }

Austria 4 11 }

Greece .. 1 }

Turkey 2 3 }

_Asia._

Turkey 2 7 } Internal Sodalities 2

Persia .. 2 } External and Mixed 10

China .. 1 }

_Africa._

Egypt 3 2 } Internal Sodalities 6

Algeria 3 17 } External and Mixed 20

Canary Isles .. 1 }

_America._

United States 11 44 }

Guatemala 4 3 }

Brazil 11 9 } Internal Sodalities 54

Peru 9 6 } External and Mixed 81

La Plata 1 6 }

Chili 3 1 }

Cuba 5 4 }

Mexico 9 7 }

Ecuador 1 1 }

_Oceanica._

Philippine Isles 1 6 } Internal Sodalities 1

} External and Mixed 6

--- --- ----

Total 450 721 Total 1,171

_III.--Definition of the Immaculate Conception._

We have observed several times in the course of this work, that the

principal end of the apparition of 1830, was to popularize belief

in the Immaculate Conception. The facts we have related, prove most

conclusively that, thanks to the Miraculous Medal, this object has been

fully attained.

As a preparation for the accomplishment of this great design,

Providence placed in St. Peter's chair, a Pontiff animated with the

most filial tenderness for Mary, and inspired him from the beginning

of his pontificate, with the desire of glorifying the most holy Mother

of God, by proclaiming the Immaculate Conception an article of Faith.

And this hope, this desire, had Pius IX, in the ninth year of his

reign, the happiness of realizing amidst the universal applause of the

Catholic world.

We quote below from M. Villefranche's beautiful History of Pius IX, the

account of this memorable event:

"By an Encyclical dated from Gaëta, Pius IX had interrogated

the Episcopacy of the Universal Church, on the subject of the

belief in the Immaculate Conception. The answers received were

six hundred and three in number. Five hundred and forty-six

Bishops earnestly entreated the doctrinal definition, a few

hesitated, though only as to whether it were an opportune

moment or not for the decision, for the sentiment of the

Catholic world was in unison as regards the belief itself.

"To assist at this solemnity, Pius IX summoned to his presence,

all the Bishops who could repair to Rome. They came five

hundred and ninety-two in number, and from all quarters of

the globe except Russia, where they were held in check by

the suspicious despotism of the Emperor Nicholas. These

prelates put the finishing touch to the work of the commission

charged with preparing the Bull; but at the very moment of

making the final pause in its rendition, it was asked if the

Bishops assisted there as judges, to pronounce the definition

simultaneously with the Successor of St. Peter, and if their

presence must be mentioned as judges, or, if the supreme

judgment should not be attributed to the word of the Sovereign

Pontiff alone. The debate terminated suddenly, as if by the

inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 'It was the last sitting,' says

Mgr. Audisio, an eye-witness; 'the hour of noon had just been

sounded, every knee was bent to recite the _Angelus_. Then each

one resumed his place, and scarcely had a word been spoken,

when there arose a universal acclamation to the Holy Father,

a cry of eternal adherence to the Primacy of St Peter's See,

and the debate was ended:' '_Petre, doce nos; confirma fratres

tuos!_ (Peter, teach us; confirm thy brethren!)' And the

instruction these pastors asked of the supreme Pastor was the

definition of the Immaculate Conception.

"The 8th of December, 1854, was the grand day, the triumphal

day, which, according to the beautiful words of Mgr.

Dupanloup's circular, 'crowns the hopes of past ages, blesses

the present age, evokes the gratitude of future generations,

and leaves an imperishable memory; the day that witnessed

the first definition of Faith, which was not preceded by

dissension and followed by heresy.' All Rome rejoiced. Immense

multitudes, representing every tongue and nation on the globe,

thronged the approaches to the vast Basilica of St. Peter's,

far too small to accommodate all who came. Soon, the Bishops

were seen forming into the line of march, ranged according to

their seniority, and followed by the Cardinals. The Sovereign

Pontiff, amidst the most brilliant surroundings, appeared

last, whilst the chant of the Litany of the Saints, wafted to

Heaven, invited the celestial court to unite with the Church

militant in honoring the Queen of Angels and men. Seated upon

his throne, Pius IX received the obeisance of the Cardinals and

Bishops, after which the Pontifical Mass began.

"When the Gospel had been chanted in Greek and Latin, Cardinal

Macchi, Dean of the Sacred College, accompanied by the Dean of

the Archbishops, and the Dean of the Bishops present, with an

Archbishop of the Greek rite and one of the Armenian, presented

themselves at the foot of the throne, and supplicated the

Holy Father, in the name of the universal Church, to raise

his Apostolic voice and pronounce the dogmatic decree of the

Immaculate Conception. The Pope replied that he willingly

granted this prayer, but ere doing so he would invoke once more

the assistance of the Holy Spirit And, now, every voice united

in the solemn strains of the _Veni Creator_. When the chant had

ceased, the Pope arose, and in that grave, sonorous, majestic

voice, to whose profound charm millions of the faithful have

borne testimony, commenced reading the Bull.

"He established: first, the theological motives for belief in

Mary's privilege; then he adduced the ancient and universal

traditions both of the East and West the testimony of religious

orders and schools of theology, of the holy Fathers and

the Councils, and finally, the pontifical records, ancient

as well as modern. His countenance, as he pronounced the

words inscribed upon these pious and magnificent documents,

betrayed his emotion. Several times he was so overcome that

for a few moments it was impossible for him to proceed. 'And

consequently,' he adds, 'after having offered unceasingly in

humility and fasting, our own prayers and the public prayers

of the Church to God the Father through His Son, that He would

deign to direct and confirm our thoughts by the inspiration of

the Holy Spirit, after having implored the assistance of all

the celestial court, ... in honor of the holy and indivisible

Trinity, for the glory of the Virgin Mother of God, for the

exaltation of the Catholic Faith and the increase of the

Christian religion, by the authority of Our Saviour, Jesus

Christ, the blessed Apostles, Peter and Paul, and our own.'----

"Here his voice was stifled with emotion, and he paused an

instant to wipe away the tears. The assistants, deeply affected

as well as himself, but mute with respect and admiration,

awaited in profound silence the continuation. In a clear,

strong voice, slightly elevated by enthusiasm, he proceeded:

"'We declare, profess, and define, that the doctrine affirming

that the Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved and exempt from

all stain of original sin, from the first instant of her

conception, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of

men, is a doctrine revealed by God, and for this reason, all

the faithful must believe it with firm and unwavering faith.

Wherefore, if any one should have the presumption, which

God forbid, to allow a belief contrary to what we have just

defined, let him know that he wrecks his faith and separates

himself from the unity of the Church.'

"The Cardinal Dean, prostrating himself a second time at the

feet of the Pontiff, supplicated him to publish the Apostolic

letters containing the definition; the Promoter of the Faith,

accompanied by the Apostolic Prothonotary also presented

themselves, to beg that a verbal process of the decree be

prepared. And now the cannon of the castle of St. Angelo and

all the bells of the Eternal City, announced the glorification

of the Immaculate Virgin!

"In the evening, Rome, enwreathed in illuminations, and crowned

with inscriptions and transparencies, resounded with joyous

music, and was imitated at that very time by thousands of

cities and villages all over the face of the globe. If we were

to compile an account of the pious manifestations relating to

this event, it would fill, not volumes, but libraries. The

Bishops' responses to the Pope before the definition were

printed in nine volumes; the Bull itself, translated under

the care of a learned French Sulpitian into every tongue and

idiom of the universe, filled about ten volumes; the pastoral

instructions, publishing and explaining the Bull, and the

articles on the subject in religious journals, would certainly

require several hundred, especially if we add thereto the

poems, scraps of eloquence, and descriptions of the monuments

and fêtes. We should not omit mention here of the spontaneous

and incomparable periodical illuminations at Lyons, each time

the course of the year brings round the memorable 8th of

December."

Pius IX knew that the Catholic movement leading to the definition of

the Immaculate Conception had originated in France, and he was happy to

see the French people enthusiastically welcome the Pontifical decree

of December 8th, and celebrate with unparalleled magnificence Mary's

glorious privilege. Henceforth, the love he bore that country was

firmly rooted in his heart, and her misfortunes had but increased his

tenderness and compassion. It consoles us to insert here the prayer to

the Blessed Virgin which he composed, and recited daily to obtain for

her the protection of the Queen of Heaven:

"O Mary! conceived without sin, look down upon France, pray for

France, save France! The greater her guilt, the more need of

your intercession. Only a word to Jesus reposing in your arms,

and France is saved."

"O Jesus! obedient to Mary, save France!"

[Illustration]

CHAPTER VIII.

THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL AND THE WAR.

The wars which have taken place since the year 1854, the epoch of the

definition of the Immaculate Conception, have presented a spectacle to

which the world was unaccustomed. Not only were _priests_ called upon

to administer to the spiritual necessities of the soldiers in camps

and ambulances, but _Sisters_ also were charged with the care of the

sick and wounded. The priest's cassock and the robe of the religious,

became almost as familiar to the eye as the military costume itself!

Sisters of Charity accompanied the armies in the wars of the East, in

1854; in Italy, in 1859; in the United States, in 1861; in Mexico, in

1864; in Austria and Prussia, in 1866; in France and Germany, in 1870;

and we find them ministering to the Russian army and also the Turkish

ambulance in 1877. For them no enemies existed; the camps of both

belligerents claimed their attention, they were equally devoted to all

who needed their ministry of charity.

During the hardships and dangers of war, chaplains and Sisters could

not fail to invoke the Blessed Virgin, and the Miraculous Medal

naturally became the sign of the soldier's devotion and the pledge

of our merciful Mother's protection, against the moral and physical

dangers war brings in its train. The medal was profusely distributed;

it was accepted and worn with confidence; even Protestants and

Schismatics asking eagerly for it; officers as well as private soldiers

attaching it to their uniforms when they set out for the combat; the

sick employed it to obtain recovery, or at least, an alleviation of

their sufferings; the dying kissed it with love; many attributed to it

their preservation in battle, and a still greater number were indebted

to it for their eternal salvation.

In proof of the above, we shall present some facts, selected from the

thousands related in the correspondence of the missionaries and Sisters

who followed the several armies.

WAR IN THE EAST, FROM 1854 to 1856.

"On the Feast of the Assumption, we shall have at Varna, a

beautiful religious ceremony, at which the whole army will

assist. I have brought from Constantinople a banner of the

Blessed Virgin; this we will set up, and confidently invoking

Mary, we know she will obtain the cessation of the cholera, and

success of our arms."[24]

[Footnote 24: Letter of Mr. Boré, Aug. 13, 1854.]

"The inmates of our hospital of Péra, at Constantinople, number

about twelve hundred, including sixty officers. These gentlemen

receive the Miraculous Medal with joy and gratitude. Endeavor

to find some good souls who will send us a large supply of

these pious objects."[25]

[Footnote 25: Letter of a Sister, September 29.]

* * * * *

"The three patients whose confessions I heard were poor

Irish. They manifested great resignation in their sufferings;

all three asked for, and gratefully received a medal of the

Immaculate Conception. An English officer (a Catholic), who

wore with pious confidence the medal of Mary, told me that

several of his colleagues, though Protestants, had accepted the

medal and preserved it respectfully, and that the cholera and

balls of the Russians had, so far, spared them."[26]

[Footnote 26: Letter of Mr. Boré, October 25.]

* * * * *

"Even amidst the turmoil of war, and in spite of the multitude

of sick and wounded, the Catholics of Constantinople celebrated

solemnly the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate

Conception. Mr. Boré wrote as follows, March 22d, 1835: 'The

_triduum_ of thanksgiving for the declaration and promulgation

of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception was fixed for the

Feast of Saint Joseph. We have endeavored to unite, in the

expression of our joy, with that of the faithful throughout the

Catholic world, and to imitate, to the best of our ability,

those magnificent and most consoling manifestations that have

taken place in France, who in this has shown a true love for

the Mother of God, a love already repaid by a new development

of national strength and vigor. The zeal and skill of our dear

Sisters in charge of the adjoining establishment have greatly

contributed to the splendor of the feast. The good taste

and experience of one of them suggested to her the idea of

substituting for the large picture over the main altar a figure

of the Immaculate Conception; the Blessed Virgin was crowned

with golden stars, her dress and drapery were rich and radiant

in a glory of gauze, the whole framed in lilies. The head,

borrowed from the portrait of a Circassian lady, and the golden

crescent under her feet, were happy indications, both in color

and emblem, of the events transpiring around us. A Catholic

Armenian lady lent a set of diamonds, which flashed back the

myriad flames of tapers and candles contained in candelabras,

hidden in the abundance of lilies. This illumination,

improvised by our pupils in imitation of those they knew would

take place throughout France, was indeed an honor to their

taste and piety.'"

* * * * *

"We sometimes meet with sick persons, who, through human

respect, ignorance, or indifference, are prevented from

receiving the succors of religion. We give them a medal of

the Immaculate Conception, and the Blessed Virgin charges

herself with their conversion. Nearly always, without any

other inducement, and, as it were, of themselves, they ask for

the priest and prepare to receive the Sacraments, manifesting

the most lively sorrow for having offended God and abused His

benefits. I could cite examples by thousands."

"Numbers of soldiers wear the Miraculous Medal, the scapular, a

reliquary, a cross, or sometimes not one but all of these, and

those who do not possess these articles are happy to receive

them. In a word, the army is, in a great measure, Catholic, and

knows how to pray."

"A soldier wounded in both legs at the battle of Alma, received

for more than two months, the unremitting attention of the

physicians and Sisters though without experiencing any relief.

Having despaired of saving his life otherwise, the surgeons

decided upon amputation. They began by the limb which was most

shattered. Next day the patient was in a hopeless condition;

there was no question of further amputation. Recourse was

then had to supernatural remedies; a novena was made to the

Immaculate Mary, and in a few days the patient showed signs of

improvement. He is now cured, and his piety and good example

are the admiration of his comrades."[27]

[Footnote 27: Report of Mr. Doumerq, 1855.]

* * * * *

"A patient who was brought in yesterday, refused to go to

confession. I placed under his pillow a medal of the Blessed

Virgin, and left him quiet, continuing to give him assiduous

care. This morning he called me, and in a resolute tone,

inquired if people here died like dogs. 'I am a Christian, and

I wish to confess.' 'Yesterday I proposed confession,' said

I, 'but you objected, and even sent the priest away.' 'It is

true,' he replied; 'but I am sorry for having done so; I wish

now to see him as soon as possible.' Since his confession

he is completely changed; and calmly awaits the approach of

death."[28]

[Footnote 28: Letter of a Sister, 1855.]

* * * * *

"Among the Russian prisoners brought to Constantinople after

the battle of Tchernaïa, many wore the medal of the Immaculate

Conception. By this I understood at once that they were

Catholics and Poles."[29]

[Footnote 29: Letter of Mr. Boré, August 25, 1855.]

"A young lieutenant in the eighty-fifth regiment, had been

wounded in the skull, and when brought to the hospital, his

throat was gangrened, and he could scarcely speak. A secret

sympathy attracted us towards each other, and he accepted

gratefully the services I rendered him. As he was evidently

sinking, I spoke to him of the Blessed Virgin, and alluded to

the medal he wore around his neck. He smiled, and replied by

pressing my hand. When his confession (during which he regained

his voice and strength) was finished, he said: 'Monsieur abbé,

I have a favor to ask of you.' 'What is it, my friend? tell

me; I am anxious to gratify you.' 'Be so kind,' said he, 'as

to inform Father Boré that I am here, and am very ill.' These

words pierced my heart; however, I was able to answer him:

'Father Boré is he who now speaks to you.' Raising his eyes

moistened with tears, and, again pressing my hand, he added:

'I am the brother-in-law of your dear friend, Mr. Taconet, and

also brother of the captain of zouaves, whom you assisted a

year ago at Varna.' I then recognized in him Mr. _Ferdinand

Lefaivre_; he had been recommended to me by a pressing letter

from Mr. Taconet, but this letter reached me only after my

young friend's death. Mr. Taconet wrote that, on the eleventh

of May, the lieutenant with his family had heard Mass at the

church of Notre Dame des Victoires, and that he did not doubt

but the Blessed Virgin would watch over a life so precious.

His hope was not misplaced, for the Blessed Virgin called him

to herself, fortified with the Sacraments, on the day of her

triumph."[30]

[Footnote 30: Letter of August 25, 1855.]

"While we were invoking our Immaculate Mother, on the eve of a

combat, in which one of our young soldiers was to take part for

the first (and perhaps last) time, he arose and went to Mary's

altar; kneeling an instant, he arose again, and hung around

the statue's neck a silver heart, in which were inscribed his

name and the names of his parents. I feel, as St Vincent has

forcibly expressed it, that he did not perform this act of

devotion without tearful eyes and a sobbing heart."[31]

[Footnote 31: Letter of Sister M----, 1855.]

* * * * *

"A serious fire had broken out in the city of Salonica. The

flames soon appeared opposite the Sisters' house, the buildings

on the other side of the street, a few yards distant, being

seized and devoured by the fire, which the wind continued to

fan into activity. Already the Sisters' roof and that of the

adjoining house were covered with dense smoke. I cast therein

several Miraculous Medals. There was no prospect of human

succor, as the rumor of there being powder in the vicinity had

caused every one to seek safety in flight. I also retired,

deeming it useless to expose myself longer; and besides, I was

obliged to go to the assistance of a poor man, who, partially

intoxicated, persisted in remaining near the fire. I returned

shortly after, expecting to see our houses in flames; I doubted

not but they would be wholly consumed. As I approached, a

young man stopped me on the way, and said: 'Your property

is saved, sir; the Sisters' house is not even in danger.'

Only on reaching the scene could I be convinced that he had

spoken truly. It would be impossible to express my emotion at

the sight. I sent to inform our dear Sisters of the fact and

they could scarcely credit this marvellous preservation. It

suffices to add, that all Salonica is unanimous in pronouncing

it a miracle."[32]

[Footnote 32: Letter of Mr. Turroque, July 16, 1856.]

* * * * *

"In an ambulance crowded with Russians was a young Pole,

severely wounded and suffering intolerable pain; he earnestly

invoked the sweet and merciful Virgin Mary. By his side lay

a Russian Protestant, wounded also, and attacked by violent

dysentery. So offensive was the odor from his disease, that

both patients and nurses complained. He appeared utterly

indifferent to everything concerning religion. He took no

notice of the Sister as she passed and repassed; he never

even deigned to look at her. The young Pole, on the contrary,

called her frequently, and gratefully received her care and

consolations. One evening our young Catholic was suffering more

than usual; the pain drew tears from his eyes; his groans and

cries were incessant. He called the Sister and begged her to

help him, saying his patience was exhausted; he was in despair;

his sufferings were excruciating. The Polish Sister, consoling

and encouraging him, bade him have confidence, and gave him

a medal to apply to the wounded limb. The young man followed

her suggestion; and laying his hand on the medal to keep it in

place, he soon fell asleep. Our Protestant appeared unconscious

of what was going on, yet he had seen and examined all. Some

days after, he called our Polish Sister to him, (she was the

only one who could understand him) and said: 'Sister, please

give me what you gave this young man that did him so much

good, for I suffer greatly!' 'My friend, she replied, I desire

nothing better than to relieve you also; but you lack what

effected his cure, faith and confidence. You Protestants deny

the power of the Blessed Virgin; you do not acknowledge her as

your Queen, your Advocate, your Mother. So what can I do? It

was a medal of Mary that so speedily relieved your neighbor,

the young Pole.' 'Give me one also, Sister,' he answered; 'I

believe all that you tell me; you do good to every one, why

should you deceive me?' 'But,' said the Sister, 'have you

confidence in Mary, the Mother of God? Do you believe in her

mercy and her power?' 'I believe all that you believe, Sister,

since Mary hears the prayers of the unfortunate, and brings

relief to the suffering, she cannot deceive us!' The Sister,

much consoled at hearing these words, gave him a medal, and

our admirable talisman effected in his soul most gratifying

results. He asked to receive instruction from a priest, and

after some days employed in studying the holy doctrines of

the Church, and in assiduous prayer to Mary he abjured his

errors. As he had been separated from the other patients, on

account of the unpleasant odor we have mentioned, he was at

full liberty to act as he wished. After his baptism, and the

reception of the holy Eucharist, being unable to restrain

his transports, he exclaimed: 'Oh! how happy I am! My heart

has never known such joy! I am content to die, and I do not

regret having been struck on the battlefield! To my wound do

I owe my salvation. Oh! how we poor Protestants are deceived!

By what lies are we led astray! How good God is to rescue me

from error! May the sweet and holy Virgin be known and loved

always and everywhere!' And in these beautiful dispositions, he

expired."[33]

[Footnote 33: Letter of Sister M----, July 9, 1857.]

"A sergeant advanced in years had been suffering for three

months from a severe dysentery; one morning the Sister who was

visiting the sick found him in tears. 'Ah! my brave soldier,'

said she, 'what is the meaning of all this grief?' 'O Sister,'

he exclaimed, 'lend me patience, for mine is exhausted. I am

in despair; I can endure my sufferings no longer; I feel that

I am going to die, and just at the time I was to receive a

pension--at the very moment I hoped to return to my country

with honor and see my family once more. Must I die afar from

home and leave my bones in a strange land?' Groans were

mingled with his words, and his gestures had all the violence

of despair. The Sister who relates the fact says: 'My heart

ached at witnessing the grief of this brave man, with his white

hairs and numerous scars. However, as my tears would not have

dried his, I tried to rouse his courage by other means, and I

promised him a perfect cure if he would unite in prayer with

our little family at the hospital. Giving him a Miraculous

Medal, I recommended him to God and Mary with my whole heart.

We made a novena to the Immaculate Virgin, and ere its

termination our sergeant was entirely cured."[34]

[Footnote 34: Letter of Sister M----, July 9, 1857.]

* * * * *

"Every evening our soldiers assembled around the Sisters in

charge and sang pious canticles; they even composed music and

words suited to the occasion. These they intoned, uniting

their deep, sonorous voices with the Sisters'. In unison and

harmony of mind as of voice, they repeated in chorus the sacred

names of Jesus and Mary as a rallying cry of hope, confidence

and triumph--a chant of love, a united echo of heaven and

country. Then their hearts thrilled with joy inexpressible,

and they were filled with pride and happiness at the thought

of belonging to that France who imparts to her children the

heroism of courage and the virtue of the perfect Christian.

During the month of May our military concerts were multiplied;

all were rivals in zeal. The altars were adorned with admirable

piety and taste, notwithstanding our extreme poverty. Entire

trees were felled to assist in concealing the dilapidated state

of the barracks, which had been converted into chapels. Had

our soldiers been free to do so, they would have despoiled the

gardens of the Turks to adorn the sanctuary of the Queen of

Heaven.

"In the ambulances of Péra some of the most zealous soldiers,

both officers and privates, wished to present Mary a solemn

homage of their devotedness and gratitude. They chose a heart

as the symbol of their sentiments. All the balls extracted

from their wounds were collected to compose the offering. But

a soldier suddenly exclaimed with enthusiasm: 'Comrades, what

are we doing? Shall we offer the Blessed Virgin a schismatical

heart? All these balls are Russians!' 'True,' replied another,

'these balls are Russian; we must have French balls. Let us ask

the Russians for those we sent them.' 'Stay,' said a third,

'you have forgotten that these Russian balls are stained with

our blood!' 'Well, then, let us use them,' suggested a fourth,

'the French balls will form the centre.' They went immediately

to ask the Russians for the French balls. These were willingly

given. The heart was prepared; their names inscribed on it with

the designation of the regiment, and the offering was presented

to Mary amid the most lively acclamations and transports of joy

and gratitude."[35]

[Footnote 35: Letter of Sister M., July 9, 1857.]

ITALIAN WAR, 1859.

Letter of Sister Coste:

_Gaëta, December 18th, 1860._

During the siege of Gaëta, the Sisters of Charity willingly

remained in the city, to assist the sick and wounded

Neapolitans. They felt that there was no greater security

against the dangers to which they were exposed, than that of

recommending themselves and their abode to the protection

of the Blessed Virgin, by means of the Miraculous Medal.

Their Superioress, Sister Coste, wrote December 18th, 1860:

"Frequently the cannon roars in our ears; bombs whiz around us,

but divine Providence is our shield. The first night of our

sleeping at the palace, we were saluted by the Piedmontese, who

sent us a multitude of bombs; one of them burst just outside

our room, and you might have supposed a thunderbolt had fallen.

Yet, the precious medal of our Immaculate Mother, which we

had placed at all the doors and windows, shielded us from the

danger. A large piece of iron detached itself from the bomb

above mentioned, and remains in the wall, a visible testimony

of Mary's protection. This circumstance reanimated our

confidence, and we hesitate not to pass through the streets,

notwithstanding the whizzing of projectiles."

UNITED STATES.

Extracts of letters written by Sisters of Charity during the War of

Secession, from 1861 to 1865:

_"Military Hospital (House of Refuge),_ }

_"St. Louis, Missouri._ }

"Many of our poor soldiers scarcely knew of the existence of

God, and had never even heard baptism mentioned. But, when

the Sisters explained to them the necessity of this Sacrament,

and the goodness of God, who, by means of it, cleanses us from

the original stain, and adopts us as His children, they were

filled with the deepest emotion, and often shed tears. On one

occasion, a patient said: 'Sister, do not leave me; tell me

more about that good God whom I ought to love. How is it that

I have lived so long and have never heard Him spoken of as you

have just done? What must I do to become a child of God? 'You

must,' replied the Sister, 'believe and be baptized.' 'Well,

baptize me,' was his answer. The Sister persuaded him to await

the arrival of Father Burke, who would be there next morning.

The patient consented reluctantly. 'Ah!' said he, 'it is very

long to wait, and I am so weak; if I die unbaptized, I shall

not go to Heaven.' To relieve his anxiety, the Sister promised

to watch near him and administer baptism, should she perceive

any unfavorable change in his condition. 'Now,' said he, 'I am

satisfied; I rely on you to open for me the gates of Heaven;

it is through your intervention I must enter.' He spent a

quiet night. Next morning, Father Burke admitted him into the

Catholic Church, by the Sacrament of Baptism, which he received

with admirable piety. A crucifix was presented him; grasping it

eagerly, he kissed it, saying as he did so: 'O my God! I did

not know Thee or love Thee before coming to this hospital!'

Then, turning to the Sister, he said: 'Sister, I have forgotten

the prayer you taught me;' and he repeated after her several

times, 'My Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit, sweet

Jesus, receive my soul.' He died pronouncing these words."

"The precise number of baptisms cannot be ascertained; there

were probably seven hundred during the two or three years of

our residence in the hospital. Five hundred Catholics who

had led careless or sinful lives returned sincerely to God

and resumed the practice of their religious duties. A great

number of these had received no other Sacrament than that of

Baptism, and they made their first Communion at the hospital.

The majority of the newly baptized died; the others on leaving

asked for medals and catechisms, saying they desired to

instruct themselves and their families."

* * * * *

"A soldier named Nichols fell dangerously ill, and in a few

days was reduced to the last extremity. Vainly did we strive

to touch his heart and awaken him to a sense of religion.

His sufferings were terrible; both day and night was he

denied repose, and he could scarcely remain a moment in the

same position. His condition was most pitiful. Many of his

companions, knowing that he had never been baptized, and having

perceived the beneficial effects of baptism upon others, begged

the Sisters to propose to him the reception of this Sacrament,

thinking it might be a comfort to him, and not being aware of

the many efforts that had already been made to induce him to

believe in its necessity and efficacy. However, we redoubled

our efforts, and placed a Miraculous Medal under his pillow.

His comrades regarded his sufferings as a visible chastisement

of his impiety. We could not induce him to pronounce the name

of God, but he implored the physician, in the most heart

rending accents, not to let him die. Four days passed without

the least change, when one of his companions, who appeared

the most deeply interested in his welfare, said to him, with

eyes filled with tears, how much he regretted to see him die

thus, utterly bereft of a hope for the future. The other

soldiers had engaged this man to acquaint the patient with his

danger, and persuade him to make his peace with God, for they

saw that human respect alone prevented his showing any signs

of repentance. This last effort of charity was crowned with

success; he called for the Sister, and when she came, said to

her: 'Sister, I am ready to do all you wish.' After instructing

him in what was necessary for salvation, and feeling convinced

of the sincerity of his dispositions, she asked him by whom

he wished to be baptized. 'By any one you please,' was his

answer. But, to be sure that he did not desire a Protestant

minister, she said: 'Shall I send for the priest who attends

this ward?' 'Yes,' he replied, 'it is he I wish to baptize

me.' The priest was sent for without delay, and we had the

inexpressible consolation of seeing this poor sinner admitted

into the number of the children of God by the very person who,

a few days previous, had been an object of his raillery. He

became perfectly calm, and expired shortly after, invoking the

holy name of Jesus."

* * * * *

"Among the patients was a poor young man named William Hudson,

who for a long time refused to receive baptism. The Sisters,

however, nowise discouraged, explained to him the Sacrament

of Baptism, and instructed him in the mysteries of our holy

religion, and the Sister, under whose immediate charge he

was, hung a medal around his neck. Finally, he asked to speak

to good Father Burke; was baptized, and expired in the most

edifying dispositions, pronouncing the holy name of Mary.

Several others followed his example, and made their peace with

God before death."

* * * * *

"Mr. Huls, a man of thirty-five, though convinced of the

necessity of baptism, postponed the reception of it from day

to day. Knowing that he had but little attraction for our holy

religion, I forbore to mention the subject too frequently.

Nevertheless, seeing that death was rapidly approaching, I

placed a medal under his pillow and begged the Blessed Virgin

to take charge of his salvation. The next day, just as I was

turning away after giving him a drink, he called me and said:

'Sister, what ought I to do to prepare for the next world?' I

told him that it was necessary to repent of his sins, because

sin is the greatest of evils, and it had caused the sufferings

and death of our Lord Jesus Christ; that God's goodness and

mercy towards sinners are infinite, and that He is always ready

to pardon us, even at the last moment, if we sincerely return

to Him. I urged him to cast himself with confidence into the

arms of this merciful Father, who earnestly desired to open

for him the gates of the Eternal City, and I added that it was

absolutely necessary to be baptized. He assured me that he

believed all I had said to him; he then repeated with fervor

the acts of faith, hope, charity, contrition, and resignation

to the will of God. Seeing that he was entering into his agony,

I baptized him; the Sacraments appeared to revive his strength.

He began to pray, and made such beautiful aspirations of

love and gratitude to God, that one might have said his good

angel inspired them, particularly the act of contrition. I

remained with him to the last, praying for him, when he had not

strength to do so himself; if I paused a moment through fear of

fatiguing him: 'Go on Sister,' he would say in dying accents,

'I can still pray.'"

* * * * *

"Another soldier, William Barrett, scarcely twenty years of

age, was almost in a dying condition when brought to the

hospital. After doing all I could for the relief of his poor

body, I inquired very cautiously as to the state of his soul.

Alas! it was deplorable; not that he had committed great

crimes, but that he was entirely ignorant of everything

relating to his salvation. He had never said a prayer, and he

hardly knew of the existence of a God. My first conversation

with him on the subject of religion, was not altogether

pleasing to him, for he did not understand it; but when I

had briefly explained the principal articles of Faith, he

listened very attentively, and begged me to tell him something

more. When I told him that our Lord had loved us so much as

to become man and die on a cross for our salvation, he could

not restrain his tears: 'Oh!' said he, 'why did no one ever

tell me that? Oh! if I had only known it sooner! How could I

have lived so long without knowing and loving my God!' I now

prepared him to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, and tried

to make him sensible of God's great mercy, in bringing him to

the hospital, that he might die a holy death. He understood

this and much more, for grace had spoken to this poor heart,

so truly penetrated with sorrow for sin. 'I wish to love God,'

said he, 'but I am such a miserable creature! I would like to

pray, but I do not know how. Sister, pray for me, please.' I

promised to do so, and offering him a medal of the Blessed

Virgin, I told him that by wearing it, he would secure the

intercession of the Mother of God, who is ever powerful with

her divine Son. He gladly accepted the medal, put it around

his neck, and repeated, not only the aspiration, O Mary!

conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee,

but other prayers, to obtain the grace of a happy death. He

then asked me when I would have him carried to the river, for

he was under the impression that he could not be baptized

without being immersed. I explained to him the manner in

which the Catholic Church administers this Sacrament, and the

dispositions necessary for receiving it. Listening eagerly to

every word I uttered, 'Pray with me, Sister,' said he, 'come

nearer, that I may hear you better, for I do not know how to

pray.' He repeated with great fervor all the prayers I recited,

and thought only of preparing himself for his baptism which

was to take place on the following day. From that time he

wished to converse with the Sisters only. If his companions or

the attendants came to him, he answered them in a few words,

evidently showing that he desired to be alone with his God. One

of the officers asked him, if he wished any one to write to his

family. 'Do not speak to me of my family now,' said he, 'the

Sisters have written to my parents. I wish for nothing but to

pray and to be baptized.' And the words ever on his lips, were

these: 'O God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' Towards evening he

became so weak, that I thought it best to remain with him. At

three o'clock in the morning, fearing that he was in his agony,

I administered the Sacrament of Regeneration; he lived till

seven o'clock. The fervor with which he united in the prayers

was truely edifying; even when scarcely able to speak, he tried

to express his gratitude to God for His goodness and mercy to

him. He was most anxious to quit this world, that he might go

to that Father, who had admitted him into the number of His

children, and whom he so earnestly desired to see and know."

* * * * *

"A soldier, advanced in age, told me one day, that in his

country the prejudices of the people were so strong against our

Faith, that they would refuse hospitality to a traveler did

they know him to be a Catholic; as to himself, he had never

met with a Catholic previous to his coming to the hospital;

but what he had seen here (nothing comparable to which had he

ever witnessed among Protestants), was sufficient to convince

him of the truth of Catholicity; that he had belonged to the

Presbyterian Church, but he would remain in it no longer, and

desired to be instructed in our holy religion. I gave him

a catechism and some other books, which he read with great

attention. Perceiving that his end approached, he asked for a

priest and was baptized. 'If it were the will of God,' said he,

speaking of his property, which was considerable, 'I should

like to live a little longer and enjoy my fortune; but if the

Lord wills otherwise, I am ready to leave all.' He was ever

repeating these words: 'Not as I will, O Lord, but as Thou

wilt.' From the moment of his baptism, he applied himself

most diligently to a profitable disposition of the remainder

of life, that he might prepare for his journey to eternity.

At times, when he felt a little stronger, he studied the

catechism; and when he could no longer hold a book, he prayed

and meditated in silence. One day as I was giving him a drink,

he showed me his medal. 'Ah!' said he, tears of gratitude

streaming down his cheeks, 'behold! my Mother. I kiss her

every hour!' He prayed constantly, even when he could neither

eat, drink, nor sleep. Once when he was extremely weak, the

attendants having changed his position, he fainted, and rallied

only with great difficulty. On perceiving that I was trying to

restore him: 'Ah! Sister,' said he, 'why did you not let me

go?' He also remarked to the attendants, that he feared the

Sister would prolong his life for a month, but his fears were

not realized; in a few days he slept the sleep of the just.

* * * * *

"One of the soldiers, who had been a long time in the hospital,

having fallen very ill, I tried to persuade him to make his

peace with God, before going to meet that God as his Judge. My

efforts met with little success; he did not admit the necessity

of baptism, and he was not in the least concerned about his

salvation. But he accepted a medal, and without being aware of

it, he swallowed some drops of holy water. Then I recommended

him very earnestly to the Blessed Virgin, and in a few days

after he asked to be instructed, and was baptized. We could not

give him greater pleasure than to pray beside him. He received

Extreme Unction with deep and sincere devotion, and expired in

the most happy dispositions."

* * * * *

"In the hospital was a soldier named Sanders, who, though not

very ill, was unable to join his regiment. He had no idea of

religion. I remarked that he observed us very closely, as if

examining our conduct; nothing escaped him. Before leaving, he

came to bid me good-by and thank me for the care I had bestowed

upon him. I was somewhat surprised, as I had had no occasion of

serving him; but, seeing he was so well disposed, I profited by

the opportunity to offer him a medal and a book explaining the

Catholic Faith. He accepted them with gratitude, and returned

to his regiment. A year later, he came again to the hospital,

hastening to inform me of his conversion, and seeking a priest,

by whom he was gladly instructed and received into the fold

of the Holy Church. 'I owe my conversion,' said he, 'to the

intercession of the Immaculate Mary and your prayers, and it

has been my happy lot to bring other souls to God.' This was,

indeed, the case; employed in a military hospital, where he was

the only Catholic, by his zeal and solicitude he instructed

many poor sick, called a priest, had them baptized, and enjoyed

the consolation of procuring eternal happiness for a large

number of his fellow-soldiers."

* * * * *

"In 1862, a Sister of the hospital at New Orleans gave a medal

to one of the attendants on the point of setting out for the

army, and she advised him to keep it always about him. Some

time after, he returned, having received a slight wound on

the head. On seeing the Sister, he exclaimed: 'Sister, here

is the medal you gave me; it has saved my life! Just in the

midst of battle, the string by which the medal hung around my

neck broke, and whilst the cannons were roaring around us, I

attached it to a button of my uniform; all my companions fell,

and I escaped with this slight contusion.'"

* * * * *

"_Military Hospital of Philadelphia._

"A soldier was brought to the hospital grievously wounded. A

few questions which the Sister put to him on the subject of

religion revealed the fact, that not only was he not baptized,

but also most ignorant of the truths essential to salvation.

The Sister then began to instruct him, and with all requisite

prudence, gave him to understand that the physicians despaired

of his recovery. From this moment he listened with the deepest

interest to explanations of the catechism; and, one day, when

Sister had spoken to him of the necessity of that Sacrament

which renders us children of God and heirs of heaven, he joined

his hands and said in the most beseeching tone: 'Oh! do not let

me die without baptism!' The Sister then asked him from what

minister he desired to receive this Sacrament and he replied:

'From yours; from him who says Mass in the Sister's Chapel.'

Before the close of the day, Father MacGrane had satisfied

the sick man's pious desire, and the new Christian, filled

with joy, incessantly repeated acts of love and gratitude. The

physician, making his evening visit, found him so ill, that

he directed the attendant to watch him all night, saying he

might die at any moment. Before retiring, the Sister gave him a

medal of the Blessed Virgin, and briefly narrating to him how

this tender Mother had often wrought miraculous cures by means

of her blessed image; she encouraged the dying man to address

himself to Mary with entire confidence.

"Next morning she was surprised to find him better; but he

was much troubled about 'his piece,' which he could not find;

he feared it had been taken away. The Sister soon found and

restored it to him; receiving it most joyfully, he asked for a

string and placed the medal over his wound. When the physician

came, which was soon after, he was no less surprised than the

Sister at perceiving the change in his patient's condition.

The patient, (Duken by name), continued to improve, and in a

few weeks he could walk with the aid of crutches. His first

visit was to the chapel; from that day, whenever we had Mass,

he rose at five o'clock in order to assist at it; and so eager

was he for Father MacGrane's instructions, that the intervening

time from one Sunday to another seemed to him very long. He

attributed his cure to the Blessed Virgin, and it was indeed

most remarkable; for he was out of the physician's hands long

before many other soldiers of the same ward whose wounds were

less dangerous, and who had received the same attentions, were

able to leave their beds. He asked for a furlough that he might

visit his wife, whom he was very anxious to see a member of the

true Church, but 'knowing her prejudice against Catholics, he

dared hope for such a happiness.' It was, nevertheless, granted

him; she consented to be baptized with her children, and Duken

returned to the hospital, blessing God and the holy Virgin for

the wonderful graces bestowed on his family.

"Our Sisters of the South, like those of the North, were

in great demand wherever sufferings and miseries claimed

relief, and they responded to the call with a holy courage and

eagerness.

"In these divers localities was the Miraculous Medal the

instrument God frequently employed in delivering souls from

the yoke of Satan. How often have we seen Mary's image

kissed respectfully by lips which had formerly uttered only

blasphemies against the Mother of God! Every one asked for

a medal; some, no doubt, urged by curiosity or the desire

of possessing a souvenir of the Sisters, as they themselves

acknowledged; but, even so, they could not carry upon

their person this sweet image, without growing better and

experiencing the effects of Mary's protection. In nearly every

case, what rendered the triumph of grace still more remarkable

was the fact of its acting upon men who were not only ignorant,

but fanatical, hating the name of Catholic, and excited to

fury at the sight of a priest. A Sister relates that she

ventured, one day, to ask a soldier, who was in the threshold

of eternity, if he had been baptized. 'No,' was the reply, in

a voice of thunder; 'no, and I have no wish to be plunged in

water just now. Let me alone!'

"'Recommending him to Mary,' says the Sister, 'I left him.

Towards evening, I heard a noise in the ward in the direction

of his bed, and the attendant came in haste to say that the

patient had sent for me.' 'Ah!' said the latter, in a tone

very different from that of his morning's speech; 'I am dying,

baptize me, I beg of you.' 'Giving him briefly the necessary

instruction, I administered the holy rite, and a few hours

later he peacefully expired.'

"Rarely did these poor soldiers complain of their fate; though

but little accustomed to the rigors of military life, they bore

them with admirable patience. However, there was one exception

to the general rule, that of an old soldier, who murmured

continually and accused God of afflicting him unjustly.

Arguments were worse than useless, they served but to aggravate

the evil. Failing in this means to bring him to a better state

of mind, I offered him a medal of the Blessed Virgin. By

degrees, his complaints ceased, his countenance became composed

and serene, and I had the consolation of seeing him expire in

the most edifying dispositions."

THE WAR BETWEEN PRUSSIA AND AUSTRIA, 1866.

Letter of Mr. Stroever, Priest of the Mission, July 1st, 1867:

"The wounded arrive in great numbers, and all our houses are

filled. Every one wishes to have a medal; I inquired of one,

who had begged for a medal at any price, if he were a Catholic.

'No,' was the answer; 'I am a Protestant but I would like to

have it as a souvenir of yourself;' and he received it most

gratefully.

"We observe a certain degree of piety among the soldiers,

and the sick are most eager to receive the Sacraments. The

Protestants show a remarkable inclination to Catholicity. Not

only the private soldiers, but even persons of distinction,

wishing to have medals, scapulars or a crucifix. They take no

measures to conceal these objects of devotion, and no one seems

surprised at seeing them on their persons."

REMINISCENCES OF THE COMMUNE, PARIS, 1871.

Notes of a Sister of the Hospital d'Enghien:

"During the siege, we had placed Miraculous Medals over all the

doors and windows of the house. As one of our Sisters expressed

the intention of concealing them, Sister Catherine exclaimed:

'No, no; they must be seen; put them in the middle of the

principal entrance.'

"During the few days immediately preceding our departure from

the house, the federal national guards said to one another:

'Let us go and ask the venerable Sister Catherine for medals;

she has given some to our comrades who have shown them to us,

we would like to have them too.' 'But you, poor creatures,'

replied a Sister, 'you have no faith, no religion, what good

will the medal do you.' 'Very true, Sister,' said they, 'we

have not much faith, but we believe in the medal; it has

protected others, it will also protect us, and when we go to

battle, it will help us to die as brave soldiers.' Good Sister

Catherine gave medals to all who presented themselves, and

many, who belonged to the enemy, sent their comrades to procure

them.

"After the army had entered Paris, thirty of the wounded

insurgents, before being brought to trial, were sent to the

Hospital d'Enghien to be nursed by the Sisters. The house

was already transformed into an ambulance, and we were

obliged to take one of the dormitories of the orphans for the

newly-arrived patients. The appearance of these men were so

frightful, that Sister Eugenie who had been appointed to attend

them, had not the courage for the first two days to make any

suggestions to them concerning religion; but finally, feeling

that she must comply with her duty, and urged by the advice of

a companion, she went to Sister Catherine and asked for medals

for the insurgents. Sister gave them cheerfully, and encouraged

her to use this powerful means of inspiring these unfortunate

men with Christian sentiments. Animated by this thought, Sister

Eugenie repaired to the ward, and much affected, proposed

to say evening prayers. 'Yes, Sister,' answered some among

them. Trembling, she began; but at the _Creed_, overcome by

excitement and terror, she wept like a child, and was obliged

to pause. When she recovered her voice, it was not to continue

the prayers, but to tell the prisoners how much she felt at the

thought that on the morrow, they would be judged and perhaps

condemned; then making them a brief exhortation, inspired by

the circumstances, she offered to give each one a medal of the

Blessed Virgin, begging them to retain it about their person,

happen what might. The proposition was accepted immediately,

but Sister Eugenie was too frightened to give the medal into

their hands; in the middle of the night, when all seemed to be

asleep, she quietly placed a medal under each one's pillow.

How great was her joy next morning, to see all these poor

insurgents with the medal around their neck.

"The Superioress came into the hall where the men were

collected and asked if they wished a priest to come and hear

their confessions. All consented with unequivocal signs of

gratitude. A good priest, one of the hostages of the Commune,

came and heard their confession. On leaving them he seemed

much consoled, and said he had every reason to hope for their

salvation. The unfortunate men left the house at seven o'clock,

and were conducted to Versailles; they were calm and resigned,

and when about to leave, showed the Sisters the medal they

wore. Doubtless, God accepted the sacrifice of their life in

atonement for their faults."

[Illustration]

CHAPTER IX.

Recent Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin

_IN FRANCE, ITALY AND GERMANY_.

THE CONFIDENCE WITH WHICH THESE APPARITIONS SHOULD INSPIRE US.

The definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, has, in our

age, brought to its climax, devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Divine

Providence employed twenty-four years in preparing the world for this

great event; we have seen in the preceding chapters, how much the

apparition of 1830, contributed thereto, and how powerful the influence

of the Miraculous Medal in propagating this devotion. Since this time a

second period of twenty-four years has elapsed, during which devotion

to the Immaculate Mary has shone as a radiant star in the firmament

of the Church, spreading everywhere the light of truth and the warmth

of true piety; and, by a gentle yet efficacious impulse, producing

unanimity of mind and heart in the great Catholic family.

Since the definition, as well as before it, France continues to be the

privileged country of Mary; nowhere else are miracles so numerous, or

graces so abundant. Whence arises this glorious prerogative? So far as

we are permitted to penetrate the secrets of God, it appears to us, to

our understanding: France who has wrought so much evil by disseminating

philosophical and revolutionary doctrines, is to repair the past by

propagating truth, and Mary desires to prepare her for this mission.

Everyone knows, moreover, that the French character possesses a force

of expansion and a power of energy that render the French eminently

qualified to maintain the interests of truth and justice. Then, again,

is not France the eldest daughter of the Church, since she was baptized

in the person of Clovis, the first of the Most Christian Kings; and in

virtue of this title, is it not her duty to devote herself under the

patronage of her Mother in heaven to the defence of her Mother on earth?

Be the motives of Mary's predilection for the French nation what they

may, the fact is incontrovertible. Nevertheless, the Blessed Virgin has

not forgotten other Catholic countries; they also have had their share

in the singular favors she has so generously dispensed in our days.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES.--1858.

Four years after the definition of the Immaculate Conception, Mary

vouchsafed to manifest herself anew to the world, and this time, as if

in token of her gratitude, she took the glorious name the Church had

just decreed her: "_I am the Immaculate Conception_." It was in France

that the vision of the medal took place, preparatory to the act of

December 8th, 1854; it was also in France, at Lourdes, in the diocese

of Tarbes, at the base of the Pyrenees, that Mary came in person, to

testify and proclaim that privilege which she prized above all others.

In 1830, she choose a young, unlettered Sister for her confidant; in

1846, she addressed herself to two poor peasant children; in 1858, she

also selects one in the humblest ranks of life as the depository of her

merciful designs.

Bernadette Soubirous, born at Lourdes in 1844, of poor parents, was

a young girl of weak and delicate health; she could neither read nor

write; she knew no prayers but her _Chaplet_, and she could speak only

the _patois_ of the country. "On February 11th, 1858," says she, "my

parents were in great perplexity for want of wood to cook the dinner. I

put on my hood, and offered to go with my younger sister Marie and our

friend, the little Jeanne Abadie, to pick up some dead branches." The

three children repaired to the bank of the Gave, opposite the grotto

of Masabielle; in which were collected the sand and branches of trees

drifted there by the current. But to reach the grotto, it was necessary

to wade through the shallow bed of the river. Marie and Jeanne took off

their shoes without hesitation; Bernadette delayed and feared to cross,

as she was suffering from a cold. Whilst thus deliberating, she was

astonished by a rushing of wind, instantly repeated, though the trees

near the river were motionless. One vine only was slightly agitated,

an eglantine, which grew in the upper part of this natural grotto.

This niche and the wild rose within reflected a most extraordinary

brilliancy; a Lady of admirable beauty appeared in the niche, her feet

resting on the eglantine, her arms gracefully bent, and her hands

joined; with a sweet smile, she saluted the child. Bernadette's first

emotion was one of fear; she instinctively grasped her chaplet, as if

seeking defence in it, and she tried to raise her hand to make the sign

of the cross, but her arm fell powerless and her terror increased. The

Lady also had a _Chaplet_ suspended from her left wrist; taking it in

her right hand, she made a very distinct sign of the cross, and passed

between her fingers the beads (white as drops of milk); but her lips

did not move. She smiled upon the shepherdess, who, reassured from

this moment, recovered the use of her arm, made the sign of the cross

and recited the _Chaplet_. The little Bernadette remained on her knees

nearly an hour, in ecstacy. At length, the Lady made her a sign to

approach, but Bernadette did not move. Then the Lady, extending her

hand, smiled, and, bowing as if bidding farewell, disappeared. Returned

to herself, Bernadette thought of rejoining her companions, who, having

seen nothing, were at a loss to understand her conduct. She entered

the water, which she found, to her surprise, of a gentle warmth. On

reaching home, she imparted the secret to her sister, and then to her

mother, who did not credit it.

However, the child being tormented by an earnest desire to behold the

apparition again, her parents granted permission for her return to the

grotto with several companions; the same manifestation took place and

the same ecstacy. On Thursday, February 18th, she again repaired to the

grotto; the apparition was visible for the third time, and the Lady

requested Bernadette to come there daily for a fortnight. Bernadette

promised. "And I," replied the Lady, "promise to render you happy not

in this world, but the next."

On the succeeding days, the young girl went to the grotto, accompanied

by her parents and an ever increasing crowd. None of them saw or

heard anything. The transfiguration of the countenance of Bernadette

announced the presence of a supernatural being, who urged the child to

pray for sinners.

On the sixth day of the fortnight, the august Lady revealed to

Bernadette three secrets, forbidding her to communicate them to any

one. She taught her a prayer, and charged her with a message. "You will

go," said she, "and tell the priest that a chapel must be built here,

and that the people must come here in procession."

Bernadette communicated this order to the curé, but he hesitated to

believe the child, and told her to ask the Lady for a sign which might

confirm her words, for example, to make the wild rose which winter has

divested of its leaves, break forth into blossom, then the month of

February.

The Blessed Virgin did not judge proper to grant the miracle, but she

tried Bernadette's obedience, by commanding her to kiss the ground

on several occasions, and to climb the rock on her knees, praying

meantime for sinners. One day she enjoined upon her to go and drink at

the fountain of the grotto, to wash therein, and to eat of a certain

herb which grew in that place. Bernadette saw no fountain, and no one

had ever heard of one in the grotto, yet on a sign from the Lady, the

docile child dug the earth with her fingers, and discovered a muddy

water which, notwithstanding her repugnance, she used as commanded.

At the end of several days, the little thread of muddy water had become

a limpid and abundant spring, and what was still more marvelous, it

wrought innumerable prodigies. On February 26th, by the use of this

water, a man who had gone blind twenty years previous, by the explosion

of a mine, recovered his sight, and on the last day of the fortnight, a

child dying, or as was supposed, dead, regained life and health in the

waters of this fountain.

We will not dwell here upon the persecutions directed against

Bernadette by the magistrates, or upon the vexations besetting the

pilgrims who flocked hither from all parts of the world. Every one has

read these details in the work of M. Lasserre, who so ably depicts the

dignity and firmness displayed in the affair by the parish priest, M.

Peyramale.

The apparition of March 25th, has a special significance. Bernadette,

on several occasions, inquired the Lady's name. At this question, the

vision, on the day mentioned, unclasped her hands, the chaplet of

golden chain and alabaster grains sliding on to her arm. She opened her

arms and directed them towards the earth, as if to indicate that her

virginal hands were filled with benedictions for the human race; then

raising them towards the celestial country, whence descended on this

day the divine messenger of the Annunciation, she clasped them with

fervor, and looking towards heaven with an indescribable expression

of gratitude, she pronounced these words: "_I am the Immaculate

Conception_." Having said this, she disappeared, and the child found

herself and the multitude in presence of a bare rock.

The Immaculate Virgin appeared to Bernadette twice again; on Easter

Monday, April 5th, and July 16th, the Feast of our Lady of Mount

Carmel.

The following 28th of July, the Bishop of Tarbes named a commission of

inquiry, composed of ecclesiastics, physicians and learned men. July

18th, 1862, he published a decree concerning the events that had taken

place at Lourdes; it was couched in the following words:

"We judge that the Immaculate Mother of God did really appear

to Bernadette Soubirous, Feb. 11th, 1858, and on succeeding

days to the number of eighteen times in the grotto of

Masabielle, near the city of Lourdes; that this apparition

bears all the characteristics of truth, and that the faithful

may rely upon its reality."

Mary had petitioned that a chapel be built upon the spot. The first

stone was laid in the month of October, 1862, the piety of pilgrims

furnishing the necessary funds for the erection of the edifice, and on

the 21st of May, 1868, the Holy Mass was celebrated there for the first

time, in the crypt which was to bear the new sanctuary. The connection

existing between the apparitions of 1858 and 1830 is indicated by two

painted windows in the sanctuary, one of which represents Bernadette's

vision, the other that of Sister Catherine.

The pilgrimage to Lourdes has assumed vast proportions; thanks to the

railroads, the pilgrims each year number hundreds of thousands, coming

from every quarter of the globe, and countless miracles recompense the

faith of those who seek in this sanctuary the merciful power of the

Immaculate Mary.

The grotto of Lourdes, reproduced in a thousand places, has become one

of the most popular objects of devotion.

As to Bernadette, the interest and veneration attached to her have not

in the least affected her candor and simplicity. She has retired to the

convent of Sisters Hospitallers of Nevers, and nothing distinguishes

her from the most humble of her companions.

OUR LADY OF PONTMAIN (DIOCESE OF LAVAL).--1871.

"France, having been invaded by the Prussians, was conquered;

Paris was besieged and suffered the horrors of famine,

aggravated by the rigors of an extremely cold winter. It

was at this period the Blessed Virgin vouchsafed to appear,

bringing words of hope and consolation to the people of her

predilection. The place favored with this apparition was the

little town of Pontmain, situated about four leagues from

Fougères, on the confines of the dioceses of Laval and Rennes.

It was Monday, January 17th, 1871, about six o'clock in the

evening; Eugène Barbedette, a child aged twelve years, looking

from the door of the barn where he was occupied with his father

and younger brother, Joseph, aged ten years, perceived in the

air, a little above and behind the house of the family of

Guidecoq, which was opposite him, a tall and beautiful Lady,

who smiled upon him. He called his brother, his father, and

a woman of the village who was talking to him at the moment.

But his brother was the only one except himself who saw the

vision, and both gave exactly the same description of this

wonderful being. The Lady was clothed in a wide-sleeved blue

robe, embroidered with golden stars. Her dress descended to

the shoes, which were also blue, fastened with a clasp of

gold-colored ribbon. She wore a black veil, covering a portion

of her forehead and falling behind her shoulders to the girdle.

Upon her head was a golden circle like a diadem, and with no

ornament but a red line passing through the middle. Her face

was delicate, very white, and of incomparable beauty.

"In a little while, quite a crowd had collected around the

barn-door; Madame Barbedette, the Sisters in charge of the

parish school, the venerable curé, and more than sixty other

persons, but of all these, only two shared the happiness of the

Barbedette children. These two were also children, boarders

at the convent. Frances Richer, aged eleven years, and Jane

Mary Lebossé, aged nine and a half. The other spectators were

witnesses only of the joy and happiness of the four privileged

ones, but all were convinced that it was truly the Blessed

Virgin who had appeared.

"The Blessed Virgin's attitude was at first, that seen in the

Miraculous Medal. After the parish priest arrived, a circle of

blue was formed around the apparition, and a small red cross

like that worn by pilgrims, appeared on the Blessed Virgin's

heart. All began to pray. Suddenly the vision was enlarged,

and outside the blue circle, appeared a long white strip or

band, on which the children saw letters successively traced

and forming those words: '_But pray, my children. God will, in

a short time hear you. My Son allows himself to be touched by

your supplications._' Then, raising her hands, as if in unison

with the singing of the canticle, '_Mother of hope_,' there

appeared in them a red crucifix at the top of which was the

inscription: _Jesus Christ_.

"This prodigy was visible for three hours. After juridical

information, Mgr. Wicart, Bishop of Laval, confirmed by a

solemn judgment, the reality of the apparition.

"On the 17th of January, 1872, the first anniversary of the

event, a beautiful statue representing the apparition, was

solemnly set up, in presence of more than eight thousand

pilgrims, and a magnificent church is now in course of erection

on the spot.

"The Holy See has authorized the clergy of the diocese of Laval

to recite the _Office_ and celebrate the Mass of the Immaculate

Conception, every year, on the 17th of January; and by Papal

brief, an archconfraternity, under the title of _Our Lady of

Hope_, has been instituted in the parish of Pontmain."[36]

[Footnote 36: Extract of a relation approved by the Bishop of

Laval.]

* * * * *

We could enumerate many other apparitions of the Blessed Virgin in

France, but, not having been approved, by ecclesiastical authority, we

dare not give them as authentic. We shall mention only the apparitions

with which Miss Estelle Faguette was favored with at Pellevoisin, in

the diocese of Bourges. The instantaneous cure of this lady, afflicted

by a malady judged incurable, may be regarded as evidence of the truth

of the account. Moreover, the Archbishop of Bourges appears to have

considered it reliable, as he has authorized the erection of a chapel

in memory of the event. On the 14th of February, 1876, the Blessed

Virgin appeared to Miss Faguette, and the vision was repeated fifteen

times in the space of ten months. Mary's attitude was similar to that

represented on the Miraculous Medal, except that the rays proceeding

from her hands were replaced by drops of dew, symbols of grace. A

scapular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was on her breast.

Mary expressed her love for France, but complained of her admonitions

being disregarded. She recommended fervent prayer, by the fulfillment

of which duty we may confidently rely upon God's mercy.

"What have I not done for France?" said she. "How many

warnings have I not given! Yet, this unhappy land refuses to

listen. I can no longer restrain my Son's wrath. France will

suffer. Have courage and confidence. I come especially for the

conversion of sinners. You must pray; I set you the example.

My Son's heart has so great love for my heart that He cannot

refuse my petitions. You must all pray, and have confidence!"

Showing the scapular, she said: "I love this devotion."

* * * * *

Who has not heard of the wonderful manifestations of the Blessed Virgin

in Italy of late years? How many thousands of persons, moved by piety

or curiosity, have visited the Madonnas of Rimini, of San Ginesio,

of Vicovaro, of Prosessi, etc., and have witnessed the movement of

the eyes, the change of color, and other miraculous signs certainly

attributable to none but a supernatural power. It does not appear,

however, that Mary has, in this country, presented herself in person,

though here she receives the most sincere and abundant tributes of

affection. Doubtless, she considers any stimulus to the faith of its

people unnecessary. And besides, may we not say that she has fixed her

abode in Italy, since her own house, the house of Nazareth, wherein the

mystery of the Incarnation was accomplished, and where dwelt the Holy

Family, has been transported thither by the hands of angels?

* * * * *

Whilst the Prussian government is persecuting the Church, the Blessed

Virgin vouchsafed to appear in the two most Catholic provinces of her

kingdom, and in two opposite frontiers, near the banks of the Rhine

and in the Grand Duchy of Posen. Does she not seem to say to the good

people of these localities, that they must have confidence and that

God will conquer their enemies? We must remark that on both of these

occasions, Mary announces herself as the _Virgin conceived without

sin_.

We give an abridged account of these two apparitions, which we have

every reason to consider supernatural. The second vision had been

formally approved by the Bishop of Ermeland.

On the 3rd of July, 1876, at Marpingen, an inconsiderable village of

the district of Trèves (Rhenish Prussia), the Blessed Virgin appeared

to three little girls, in a pine forest about the hour of the evening.

The three children were each about eight years of age, and belonged

to families of poor, honest farmers residing in the village. They

perceived a bright light, and in the midst of it a beautiful Lady

seated, holding a child in her right arm. The Lady and child were clad

in white, the Lady crowned with red roses, and in her clasped hands, a

little cross.

The vision was renewed several times. To the childrens' questions as

to her name, she answered; "_I am she who was conceived without sin_;"

and when asked what she desired, the reply was: "That you pray with

fervor, and that you commit no sin." Several sick persons were cured by

touching the place which the children pointed out as that occupied by

the Blessed Virgin. These facts are incontestable; but they have not

yet been examined by ecclesiastical authority.[37]

[Footnote 37: Extract from _Catholic Annals_.]

* * * * *

In the village of Grietzwald, in Varmia, one of the ancient provinces

of Poland annexed to Prussia, four young girls, poor and of great

innocence, were favored on various occasions for two months, beginning

June 27th, 1877, with apparitions of the Blessed Virgin, who appeared

sometimes alone, sometimes carrying the Child Jesus, holding in his

hands a globe surmounted by a cross. Both Mother and Child were clothed

in white.

To the children's question: "Who are you?" the apparition answered, on

one occasion: "I am the Blessed Virgin Mary, _conceived without sin_;"

and another time, "_I am the Immaculate Conception_."

In the first apparition, our Lady's countenance was sad, and she even

shed tears; afterwards, it betokened joy. She asked that a chapel be

erected and a statue of the Immaculate Conception placed therein. At

each apparition she blessed the crowd, which was always numerous; she

blessed also a spring, which has since then furnished an abundant

supply of water, effecting miraculous cures. She recommended the

recitation of the _Rosary_, and exhorted all to fervent prayer, and

confidence in the midst of the trials which were to come.[38]

[Footnote 38: Letters from Poland.]

* * * * *

These recent apparitions of the Blessed Virgin have founded new

pilgrimages, the faithful flocking to the favored spots in honor of the

Mother of God, and ask for the graces which she bestows with a truly

royal liberality. At the same time her ancient sanctuaries, far from

being neglected, have only become more endeared to piety, many having

been reconstructed with magnificence, or at least most handsomely

embellished; it suffices to mention Fourvières, Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde,

Rocamadour, Boulogne-sur-mer, Liesse and Buglose.

The coronation of the most celebrated statues of the Blessed Virgin,

in the name and by the munificence of Pius IX, was the occasion of

imposing solemnities, and also a means of infusing into the devotion of

the people greater vigor and fervor.

The exercises of the Month of Mary have extended to the most humble

villages, and there is scarcely a parish without its confraternity in

honor of the Blessed Virgin.

Science, eloquence, poetry, music, sculpture, painting and architecture

have rivalled one another in celebrating the glory of the Virgin Mother.

What may we deduce from this wonderful increase of devotion to the

Immaculate Mary?

The impression naturally produced is that of confidence. A society

which pays such homage to Mary, cannot perish. If, as St Bernard says,

it is unheard of that any one has been forsaken who had recourse to

her intercession, how were it possible that the fervent prayers of an

entire people should fail to touch her heart? No, the future is not

without hope; the mediation of Mary will save us.

The venerable Grignion of Montfort, in his _Treatise_ on true devotion

to the Blessed Virgin has written these lines: "It is by the Blessed

Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ came into the world; it is also by her,

that he is to reign in the world. If then, as is certain, the reign

of Jesus Christ will come, so likewise is it certain that this reign

will be a necessary consequence of the knowledge and reign of the

Blessed Virgin. Mary, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, produced that

most stupendous of all creations, a Man-God, and she will produce by

the power of this same Holy Spirit, the greatest prodigies in these

latter times. It is through Mary the salvation of the world began, it

is through Mary the salvation of the world is to be consummated. Mary

will display still greater mercy, power and grace in these days. Mercy,

to bring back poor sinners; power, against the enemies of God; grace,

to sustain and animate the valiant soldiers and faithful servants of

Jesus Christ, combating for His interests. Ah! when will arrive the

day that establishes Mary mistress and sovereign of hearts, to subject

them to the empire of Jesus?... Then will great and wonderful things be

accomplished.... When will this joyful epoch come, this _Age of Mary_,

in which souls absorbed in the abyss of the interior of Mary, will

become living copies of the sublime, original, loving and glorifying

Jesus Christ?"

Father de Montfort adds, in addressing our Saviour: _Ut adveniat regnum

tuum, adveniat regnum Mariæ!_ May the reign of Mary come that they

reign, O Jesus, may come!

Is not this the _Age of Mary_? Was there ever in the Church, a period

in which Mary was, if we may thus express it, so lavish of favors as

in these, our days? Was there ever a period in which she has appeared

so frequently and familiarly, in which she has given to the world,

admonitions so grave and maternal; in which she has worked so many

miracles; and poured out graces so abundantly? The reader of this

volume will answer unhesitatingly, that no period of history offers

anything comparable to what we have witnessed in our own days.

It is true, that the day of triumph announced by the venerated

Montfort, appears far distant; one might say that the kingdom of God on

earth is more compromised than ever. The wicked make unexampled efforts

to demolish the social edifice; they are numerous, powerful, and

possessed of incalculable resources. But for the Church, when all seems

lost, then is her triumph at hand. God sometimes permits the malice of

men to exceed all bounds, that His power may be the more manifest when

the moment of their defeat arrives.

All the united efforts of the Church's enemies in the course of ages,

all their errors, hatred and violence directed against her, the Spouse

of Christ, are now concentrated in what is termed the Revolution--that

is, anti-Christianity reduced to a system and propagated throughout the

world, it is Satan usurping the place of Jesus Christ.

But He who has conquered the world, and put to flight the prince of the

world, will not permit Himself to be dethroned. He will reign, and even

now, before our eyes, is His kingdom being prepared, by the mediation

of the Immaculate Mary, of whom the promise was made that _she should

crush the serpent's head, and to whom alone belongs the privilege of

destroying all heresies arising upon earth_.

_THE END._

Transcriber's Note: The book included a decorative image at the

beginning of each chapter.

The labels for these have been removed in the text version of

this book

The oe ligature has been expanded. There were many printer's errors in

this publication, which have been corrected.

Page 25 Extraordinay is now extraordinary.

Page 112 physican is now physician.

Page 158 Physycian is now for physician.

Page 258 Prepartion is now preparation.

Page 266 Tranformed is now transformed.

Inconsistent use of accents has resulted in 2 words being

amended. Chalons is now Châlons, and Eugene is now Eugène.

End of Project Gutenberg's The Miraculous Medal, by Jean Marie Aladel