ON the second of March, Bernadette repaired anew to the residence of the Curé of Lourdes, and spoke to him a second time in the name of the Apparition.
“She wishes a chapel to be erected, and processions to the Grotto to be organized,” said the child.
Events had crowded, the Spring had gushed forth, cures had been effected and miracles had supervened to bear witness, in the name of God, to Bernadette’s veracity. The priest had no further proofs to demand, and he demanded none. His conviction was settled, and thenceforth no doubt could touch his heart.
The invisible “Lady” of the Grotto had not declared her name. But, the man of God had not failed to recognize Her in Her maternal kindness and, perhaps, he had already added to his prayers—“Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.”
Not withstanding, however, the secret enthusiasm with which his ardent heart had filled on seeing the great things which had been done, he had with rare prudence succeeded in withholding the premature expression of the deep and sweet sentiments which agitated him, at the thought that the Queen of Heaven had descended amid the humble flock of his parishioners; and, he had not cancelled the formal prohibition of going to the Grotto which he had imposed on his Clergy.
“I believe you,” said he to Bernadette, when she presented herself to him anew. “But, what you demand of me in the name of the Apparition, does not depend on myself; it depends on the Bishop, whom I have already apprised of all that is passing. I am about to go to him and acquaint him with this fresh application. He alone can act in this affair.”
