ENGLISH PILGRIMS AT LOURDES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7238, 26 October 1901, Page 4

ENGLISH PILGRIMS AT LOURDES.

+ REMARKABLE CASE OF A PARALYSED GIRL. The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin was a great day for the pilgrims at Lourdes. In the afternoon they walked in procession, headed by the banner of St j George, from their hotel to the crypt. Here, after prayers and hymns and a sermon by the liev Dctn Vere, they proceeded In v, body to the front of the church, and with the siok waited for the passage of the Blessed .Sacrament. This is one of the most thrilling sights in Lourdes, the people pray- . ing in most fervent tones for the cure- of the afflicted. Suddenly near the steps of the Basilica, after the Host had passed, there was a loud shriek, and a great commotion. Shouts of "Hosanna" rent the air. and the priests and officials had great difficulty in restraining the people from breaking out and crowding round. When quiet was restored an empty bed was seen, and a young woman { was observed kneeling on the steps surrounded by officials. After Benediction she was taken to the attestation bureau for examination. She had been paralysed, and had come for the fourth time Avith the Belgian pilgrimage. When she was seen walking up the steps the excitemsnt was intense, many pilgrims clapping their hands with joy. This thrilling sight was witnessed by a large number of English pilgrims. In tho evening the visitors were given the post of honour at the torchlight procession, at the conclusion of which an enormous crowd of pilgrims gathered in front of the Basilica, and were blessed by the Bishop of Tarbes. The Bishop then approached the English people, and asked them to sing a hymn. The pilgrims immediately sang "Faith of our fathers." At the conclusion the Bishop said a few congratulatory words, to which the English responded with three hearty cheps, much to the surprise of the pilgrim? of other nationalities present.