November-December, 2019 Vol. 11 No. 2 echoesfrom A publication of the Lourdes Center F Marist Fathers and Brothers

Out of the Darkness... A Child is Born THE DIRECTOR’S LETTER FR. GEORGE SZAL, S.M. Out of the darkness: Living a holy life in unholy times

“Your only Son, no sin to hide, ness from which I have escaped, I looked like before God entered but You have sent Him from Your can only praise and thank God for into it, conceived in the womb of side to walk upon this guilty sod the love he has shown me. My heart the Blessed Virgin Mary and born and to become the Lamb of God… is filled with pity for all the people at Bethlehem 2019 years ago. I was so lost, I should have died, still trapped in that living death. Through His Body, the Catholic but You have brought me to Your Our civilization has surely reached Church, a civilization of love be- side to be led by your staff and rod the lowest depths of infamy; robbery, gan to be born in the West and and to be called a Lamb of God.” violence, murder on every side, the was spread by missionaries to the (“Lamb of God” by Twila Paris) whole world reeking in blood; cruelty entire world bringing social service, and bloodlust at the games, parricide science, medical care, culture, art, If ever you want to know what and incest on the stage, perversion philosophy, and a more just legal the world would be like without in private life and corruption in the and political system into the world. God, leave home for the weekend administration of the law. Public of- Christianity was largely respon- and leave your teenage children fice is purchased by flattery, wealth sible for helping to abolish human in charge of things. Chaos! Or, gained by dishonesty. Men are in sacrifice, contraception, abortion, watch a James Bond movie and bondage to money and luxury, yet infanticide, slavery, euthanasia, see a very flat, purely horizontal they obstinately cling to the posses- marital infidelity, divorce and in- world, ruled by very clever mon- sions from which neither they nor cest. Certainly, Christians sinned keys engaged in a constant strug- their families derive any profit. The and in many cases failed to live up gle to survive by climbing over more exalted a person’s station, the to the life of virtue it proclaimed. the backs of other chimps until greater is his fear of losing it. A rul- Nevertheless, Christian values be- in their weakness and death they er who denies peace to his subjects came embedded in the culture of fall to the bottom of the heap and can find none for himself. What a Europe and led to progress and the others climb over them. This was price the world exacts for the honors improvement of human life wher- the kind of world that St. Cyprian, and dignities it bestows.” ever it spread. It was a culture of bishop of Carthage and martyr life and virtue that made it a little (From Darkness to Light: What it Meant (+Sept. 14, 251 AD) described in to Become a Christian in the Early Church, easier for souls to get to heaven. his conversion story: Anne Field O.S.B., Servant Books, 1978, However, since the emergence of p.191.

Continued on next page “When I look back on the dark- That’s what the world everywhere

Page 2 The Lourdes Center Ministry of The Marist Fathers & Brothers of The United States.S. Director’s Letter

Continued from previous page hem, and destroyed the power of the “Enlightenment” about 500 years death by His Cross and Resurrection. ago, pure human reason was exalted St. Matthew writes that when Jesus over Divine Revelation and natural saw the crowds that followed Him He law. God was thrown out of the pic- had compassion for them, “because ture and chaos entered into the West. they were harassed and helpless, like Gradually a benevolent view of the sheep without a shepherd,” (9:36). human race and universal brother- The Gates St. Bernadette recounts that in one hood was eroded and replaced with of her apparitions Mary looked out a philosophy of egotism, militarism with sadness over the crowds gath- and struggle between people and of Hell ered at the Grotto and gave Berna- nations. The world continued to ad- dette her mission: “Pray for sinners,” vance in technology, but without the cannot withstand and “Penance, penance, penance!” In grace of God those advances led to this holiday season let’s help to bring greater and more efficient means of the power the light of Christ into the world by destroying life. For instance, it is es- praying for the conversion of hearts timated that more people died from of God’s Love, and the perseverance of the just. As wars in the 20th century (over 100 brothers and sisters of Jesus and million) than in all the previous 19 embodied children of Mary we can do no less. centuries combined.* Today we even May you and yours have a joyous face the prospect of total destruction in His Body, Christmas and a Blessed, Happy and of world through nuclear war. It Healthy New Year! seems that we are back to the culture The Church. of death that St. Cyprian described Fr. George over 1,700 years ago – and worse. But the gates of hell cannot with- P.S. Our mission here exists totally on stand the power of God’s love, em- the charity of our friends and donors. bodied in His Body, the Church. If you can help us out with a dona- Beginning 500 years ago, through tion this Christmas we would appre- nine apparitions of the Blessed Vir- ciate it. We have just repaired some gin Mary, God has been calling us to broken windows in our three-story conversion and prayer (Guadeloupe, tions occurred before or during great building ($1,500.00), put up some Mexico in 1531, Rue de Bac, Paris in crises in Western civilization, e.g. the huge banners of Jesus and Mary on 1830, LaSalette 1846, Lourdes 1858, Protestant Revolution, the rise of com- the outside of our building to make Pontmain, 1871, Knock, Ire- munism, Nazism, World Wars I and II. it look more Catholic ($3,000.00), land 1879, Fatima, Portugal 1917, Mary is the Mother of our God who and have to decommission one of our Beauraing, 1932, Banneux, loved us so much that He humbled elevators which is too expensive to Belgium 1933). All of these appari- Himself, took on our flesh at Bethle- maintain any longer ($6,880.00).

Echoes From Lourdes The Lourdes Center Ministry of The Marist Fathers & Brothers of The U.S. Page 3 Readers Write Dear Marist Fathers, praying to pated. We were in the midst of I feel that I need to let you and using . MA many other pilgrims, but each of know about a that I have us felt treasured, important, loved received from using the Lourdes Dear Father, Life changing! – as a child is loved by its mother. Water and the intercessions of That was my experience of My tears would not stop flow- Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint making a pilgrimage to Lourdes. ing when I witnessed my young Bernadette. I have been on eye I have renewed my faith like nephew going into the waters injections in my right eye for never before. It was truly a and as his mother and the assis- several years because of different rebirth. When diagnosed with tants guided him to the statue of problems behind behind my eye. Fibromyalgia and arthritis, one the Blessed Mother. For me, on a When I started these injections of my problems was not being deep level it meant so much for my vision was 20/60. The doc- able to fully turn my neck to the me to be dipped in the baths, par- tor told me that it is now 20/30. left and being in a lot of pain. ticipate in the Masses and proces- He told me that something won- At the Grotto Baths, while be- sions and interact with other pil- derful had happened. I say a ing helped out of the Holy Wa- grims. This pilgrimage deepened miracle.I have kept the faith to ter I was instantly dry. But that my Catholic faith that perhaps I reach 20/20 vision still using the was not all. I could turn my never had or lost along the way. Lourdes Water. I than you Fa- neck all the way to the left, and It will always be a reference point thers for getting this Lourdes Wa- was not in pain. I had not been in my daily life, a sort of North ter to those who ask and I pray able to do this for many, many Star. CZ that God’s blessing may always months. I continue to enjoy this be with you. I would like to or- Grace! The daily tours with all Dear Father, The blessings re- der two more bottles for friends the standing and walking were ceived while in Lourdes are too who are having eye problems. SD more enjoyable for me. The ser- numerous to count, but among mons were outstanding. They them are: renewed strength, peace [ed. Except for postage and gave me a lot to think about. So of mind and special friendships. handling, Lourdes water is sent Thankful! So Grateful! JV Since returning from Lourdes, free of charge to anyone in the the graces we have received have US and Canada who requests it.] Hi Father George, I am so hap- been subtle, sometimes silent py for this opportunity to share and, for he most part, unseen, Please accept the enclosed do- with you and others my incred- for they are gifts to the heart and nation in thanksgiving for a fa- ible journey. My niece called me mind. This makes them no less vor received. Last spring I suf- to the Knights of Columbus was miraculous, maybe even more so. fered a heart attack and promised gifting her and her son with a I prayed for peace of heart and public thansk if I recovered. I trip to Lourdes. He suffers from mind for myself and my 11 year used Lourdes Water and thanks Lyme disease that has spread to old son – that we might find joy to Our Blessed Lady, I am over- his brain. She was thrilled, but in every day. We now have these. coming the fright that I have had anxious. I blurted out, “I’ll go I prayed for improvement and ever since the attack. VT with you honey!” She worried, healing for my other son’s neu- about their ability to participate rological impairments so that he Enclosed is a donation sent in many aspects of the pilgrim- may overcome the damage done in thanksgiving to Our Lady age – something that makes to him by illness and grow into of Lourdes for a great favor re- many families “bow out”. I told a healthy, happy adult. There ceived. I had a lesion on my face her the Blessed Mother would has been improvement and heal- and the specialist thought that make things work out for them. ing. I can see that once you have it might be cancerous. My sis- Through her fear she prayed been to Lourdes the blessings will ter and I prayed to Our Lady of the Rosary and went forward continue to abound throughout Lourdes and I used Lourdes Wa- on faith that Our Lady had her one’s life journey. Not a day goes ter daily. The repost came back back. The entire trip flowed! by that I do not see yet another negative. I cannot thank our People were kind and helpful. blessing. The ability to see them dear Lady of Lourdes enough. Doors opened where obstacles now is perhaps the greatest bless- A day never passes without my and difficulties were antici- ing. MK

Page 4 The Lourdes Center Ministry of The Marist Fathers & Brothers of The U.S. Echoes From Lourdes MARIST GUIDANCE A Story for The Fall Season By Fr. Francis A. Grispino, S.M.

“From the mouths of infants…you have brought forth praise” (Matt 21, 16).

Uncle Ben finally pushed himself to visit his sister at her home. Early upon his arrival he realized that she was in a state of anxiety. The kitchen was in disarray: there was a stack of dishes and silverware that needed rinsing before placing in the dishwasher, the heap of clean laundry was waiting patiently to be sorted out, a soiled batch was at the ready, the kitchen table with its cereal box showed signs that breakfast and lunch were about to overlap, and amid all of this, the children were in high gear competing for Mom’s attention. Uncle Ben to the Rescue from the back seat. Not without difficulty, Uncle Ben got his sister’s attention Third Question and suggested that he take The car was now out of the the youngest of the three chil- city and well into the suburbs. dren off her hands and go to The trees on both sides of the see Snow White and the Seven road could not be missed. The Dwarfs. Without hesitation, question this time was, “Why his proposal was accepted. The are all those leaves falling from child was put in the baby seat the trees?” Uncle Ben, once whichwas dutifully placed in again, offers an explanation the rear of the car. They are off some to see their doctors, oth- and informs him that the sum- to see the movie. ers to visit family members and mer sun had turned the green friends sick in the hospital, oth- colored leaves into brown and THE QUESTIONS ers are out visiting their friends, red. It is time for them to fall or simply taking a walk. Silence from the trees on to the ground. First Question from the back seat. In that way room will be made On the way, the car would on the branches for the new stop at the lights. People were Second Question green leaves to grow in the everywhere, on the sidewalk While driving on their way, our spring and summer months of right and left, some crossing in little occupant in the rear takes the next year front of the car in both direc- note of the birds lined up on tions. The first question from the wires. The question comes, Conclusion the back seat was, “Where are “What are all those birds doing In place of the dead silence all these people going?” Uncle up there?” Uncle Ben explains there was a pause. Then the Ben explains that some people that summer time has ended and child exclaimed, “Isn’t it all are going to work, others are the birds will find it too cold to so wonderful!” “What is all going home after working all stay around for the winter. So, so wonderful?” asked Uncle night. Some are going shop- in order to escape the cold wind Ben. Then came the reply, “The ping for food or clothing, some and snow, they are all gathering whole thing!” to put money in the bank or to head south where they will draw some out to pay their bills, find warmer weather. Silence

Echoes From Lourdes The Lourdes Center Ministry of The Marist Fathers & Brothers of The U.S. Page 5 There are independent this world, but in the next.” medical evaluations When she was 22, she joined the Sisters of Charity of Nevers. She Pope Saint Pius X established the was content to be apart from pub- Lourdes Medical Bureau to inves- lic life, regarding herself as a tool, tigate cases of medical miracles. such as a broom, which had served This Medical Bureau is a medical its purpose and then “the broom institution and not under Church placed behind the door once it has supervision. Over 7,000 people been used.” The teacher who had have asked to have their cases been harsh to her in her student declared as miraculous cures, years was to be her novice mis- yet fewer than 70 been signed off tress and as harsh to the young sis- on by both the Church and the Bernadette did not avail herself of the waters at ter as she had been to the student. Lourdes Medical Bureau as being It was not until this nun realized cures with no scientific explana- Lourdes the sanctity with which Berna- tion. Because this system for rigor- Never in good health herself, St. dette was bearing her final afflic- ous investigation was established Bernadette suffered greatly, and tion of tuberculosis of the bone early and openly, verified miracles with silent good nature, in the fi- that she realized what a truly holy from Lourdes are considered to be nal years of her life. She held fast young woman she had been privi- the most reliable and least contro- to Our Lady’s promise that she leged to teach and guide. Despite versial. wasn’t promised “happiness in her agony, Bernadette declined the opportunity to revisit Lourdes in search for a miraculous cure. She died a holy death at age 38 on April 16, 1879.

Page 6 The Lourdes Center Ministry of The Marist Fathers & Brothers of The U.S. Echoes From Lourdes Our Deceased BETTY C. WEAMER, MO MARGARET PAGE, ME We have been notified that the ROBERT. M. BEER, IA CLETUS KRAENZLE, MO following friends of the Lourdes Center have passed away. Please PETER MAY, AZ RICHARD DEUTSCH, MN join us in remembering them in ROSE LOFTUS, TN EDWINA HEIDEL, AL your prayers. JAMES BELLAND, MN VICKI HARRIS, TX MARY JEAN MIZERA, SD ESTHER HEFFENAN, IL MARILYN CULL, NY BERT SHIPLEY, FL MARLENE PTASZYNSKI, WI ELAINE PERRAULT, VA SILVESTRE MAGDAONG RICHARD DEU FRANCES MANGINO, IL BETTY RIZZO, LA MARGARET LINDLEY, TX BETTY DOUCET, LA ANNA M. FARRELL, NJ FRANCES SAGONA, CO DOLORES JABUREK, IL SR. TERESA KELLY, NY REV. JOHN J. SULLIVAN, GA THERESA SABARA, NY NORMA M. VASSALLO, CA EDSON KNIBBS, NY BRO. ERNEST MORASCI, GA BARBARA KNIBBS, NY JULIE CHARLET, TX FREDY MARTINEZ, IA MARY REICH, VA

Echoes From Lourdes The Lourdes Center Ministry of The Marist Fathers & Brothers of The U.S. Page 7 Lourdes Center Marist Fathers Lourdes Bureau P.O. Box 15575 698 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02215-2594

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Lourdes Echoes Published bi-monthly to promote devotion to Our Lady and interest in her shrine at Lourdes. Director: Rev. George, Szal, S.M. Printed with Ecclesiastical Approval