"You are certainly in the right on many points, my dear son," he said, "and I often share your views--share them completely.

But come, you are doubtless not aware that I am the protector of Lourdes here at Rome.

And so, after the page which you have written about the Grotto, how can I possibly pronounce in your favour and against the Fathers ?" Pierre was utterly overcome by this announcement, for he was indeed unaware of the Cardinal's position with respect to Lourdes, nobody having taken the precaution to warn him.

However, each of the Catholic enterprises distributed throughout the world has a protector at Rome, a cardinal who is designated by the Pope to represent it and, if need be, to defend it.
"Those good Fathers!" Sanguinetti continued in a gentle voice, "you have caused them great grief, and really our hands are tied, we cannot add to their sorrow.

If you only knew what a number of masses they send us! I know more than one of our poor priests who would die of hunger if it were not for them." Pierre could only bow beneath the blow.