One morning, shortly before lunch, a wealthy gentleman stepped off the train at Lourdes. He was completely indifferent to religion and had only reluctantly agreed to accompany his wife and daughter to the shrine. He intended to remain there no longer than the time between two trains; that was all his wife and daughter had managed to obtain from him.
As soon as they arrived, the two women hurried to the Grotto to pray for the head of the family, whose irreligion caused them such sorrow.
Meanwhile, he, being more concerned with his stomach than with his soul, went in search of the best hotel and, calling the waiter, said:
— While I wait for my wife and daughter, prepare a good lunch for the three of us.
— Would you like a Friday meal, sir?
— A Friday meal? What do you mean?
— Today is a day of abstinence, sir, and almost everyone observes it here.
— What do I care what day it is? replied the freethinker. The lunch must be substantial. Besides, I'm a hunter—I want meat, do you understand?
The waiter bowed respectfully and instructed the cook to prepare steak, chicken, and other meats.
Lighting a fine cigar, the man thought to himself:
— They won't be able to say I didn't see the famous Grotto... I'll go have a look.
He arrived long before the two ladies had finished visiting the Grotto, the Basilica, and the Crypt, praying everywhere for their beloved but rebellious husband and father.
When they returned to the Grotto, what a surprise!
There he was, kneeling, weeping, and praying with great fervor.
Could it really be him?
They could scarcely believe their eyes.
Yes, it was indeed.
They hardly dared speak to him, but as soon as he saw them he exclaimed:
— Yes, it is I. I am praying and weeping. I only know that I came here thinking of nothing at all. But when I found myself before this image, an indescribable emotion overwhelmed me. I fell to my knees, and when I saw a priest I asked whether I might make my confession. Behind the little altar in the Grotto I confessed my sins. Oh, how happy I am! We shall stay here today, and tomorrow we shall receive Holy Communion.
He was not the only one in tears. All three wept and gave thanks to Our Lady.
Upon arriving at the hotel and seeing the dining room filled with people, he exclaimed:
— Ladies and gentlemen, I am the famous hunter N. N. When I arrived here, I was still an unbeliever. Now you see before you a man who has just gone to confession and who will receive Holy Communion tomorrow.
— Waiter, bring us a Friday meal!
What astonishment among everyone present!
From that Friday onward, Mr. N. N. became a fervent Christian.
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