St Stan Illustrated Story

95 I t was the yearly custom in New Jerusalem to hold a solemn pro- cession, on the Feast of the Assumption from the Church of the Dominican Fathers to that of the Piarists. It was also customary for the procession to stop at the Chapel of the Last Supper to hear a sermon suit- able to the occasion. The preacher was usually Fr. Papczynski. On these occasions a pulpit was set up outside the small chapel. One year as Fr. Stanislaus ascended it to pour forth his own love for the Immaculate Virgin Mary into the hearts of his hearers, he saw a dark rain-cloud rapidly approaching. What was he to do? Only a very small number of those present would be able to shelter from the storm in the chapel itself. The anxious people were about to disperse when they were suddenly stopped by the firm and resolute voice of Fr. Stanislaus: “Don’t be afraid! Not a drop of rain will fall upon you from that cloud. Stay and listen to the sermon!” It was a strange sight that met the people’s eyes. To their stunned amazement one sign of the cross made by the Saint in the direction of the rain-cloud dispersed it immediately. Not one drop of rain fell upon the faithful gathered together. Father Stanislaus went on to deliver his sermon in accordance with the program. Need we add that in the circum- stances it must have been an unusually effective one?