From Our Correspondent in Portugal
LISBON.
I have just returned from Fatima, where I personally witnessed a miraculous cure.
It happened last Friday, May 13, on the anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady to the little shepherd children.
Just after the blessing of the sick I was standing by the bed of a young Portuguese girl who had been lying on her back for the last
four years. Suddenly she got up and walked unaided. it was a roost amazing experience.
She was examined by doctors, in
cluding two from Ireland. I was the first person to be allowed into the room after the examination.
As yet, of course, the medical men will not say much but there is no doubt. however, that when I first stood by her she looked as if she was about to die.
The sudden change in her condition was terrific. She talked to me and when I told her I was English she gave me a rose petal to send back home.
Four hundred' thousand pilgrims came from Britain, Holland, Belgium, Spain, the United States, Canada, Brazil and Portugal. Some reports say that it was the greatest pilgrimage ever made to Fatima. The English pilgrimage included a party of 23 from Scarborough who had come all the way by motor coach, through France and Spain. They were particularly struck at the wonderful reception received from the Spanish people.
The first National Irish Pilgrimage, had been organised by the Irish Dominican Fathers, and had conic in a special ship, the "Ales,"
The Society of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Baltimore, Maryland, sent forty-eight dozen roses to represent the forty-eight States, together with one dozen for the Russian people. The roses were placed at the feet of the Statue.
PRAYING IN RAIN Pilgrims knelt and prayed for rain to end the disastrous drought which had been threatening crops on farms all over Portugal Suddenly, a thunderstorm broke and heavy rain pelted down on the crowd. In spite of their drenching, the people remained on their knees in prayer, thanking God for the miracle.
A young Catholic couple. Mr. and Mrs. Burke, flew over with their ord.)/ son. Tommy, aged five years, who is suffering from an incurable disease, and has been given three years to live by American doctors.
He is a sweet little boy. full of spirit. Mrs. Burke told me that this trip to Fatima has been the roost wonderful experience of their lives. Tommy seems better today and they will take him to their doctor on their return.