Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Tuesday 2nd March 1858: 13th Apparition. Go and tell the priest to build a chapel here and to have people come in procession." At the end of her ecstasy on this fifteenth apparition, Bernadette heard these words. The task would be a daunting one. Monsieur le Curé (Fr. Peyramale) was not an easy-going personality. He was also quite impatient with the grotto story. Bernadette was determined to convey the message, and accompanied by her two aunts for support, she found herself on the front steps of the presbytery. Turned away at first and called a liar by the furious priest, she and her aunts left quickly, but not before the priest forbade her from returning to the cave. Fr Peyramale was left confused after Bernadette's visit. The parish priests no longer could agree.
Bernadette's confessor, the prudent Fr. Pomian, was content to wait for further developments. Peyramale felt it was time to act. He went to Tarbes to pay a visit to the bishop, Mgr. Laurence. The bishop concluded that Peyramale should remain safely away from the grotto, although Peyramale had grown eager to inspect the location firsthand.”. (J.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/5/2007; righe 11, parole 169)
