A few paces from the Basilica stood Hotel Orleans, to which they had been recommended by Monsieur Cartier; having secured rooms, they went out for a walk. They climbed a hill from which they saw a beautiful panorama of white sails and verdant islands set like jewels on the bosom of the St. Lawrence.
The next morning after Mass, Mr. Allen went to the Monastery and asked the Abbot to allow him to begin his retreat. The good Priest was delighted to receive him and found on examining his neophyte that he was very well informed on religious matters and firmly believed in all the truths of the Catholic religion.
When Mr. Allen entered on his retreat, he requested that no one should visit him. His wife and son willingly agreed to make the sacrifice of being separated from him for a time, so that their beloved one might give all his attention to preparing for the most important events of his life, viz: The reception of Baptism and Holy Communion.
Bolax accompanied his mother to all the chapels and shrines in the neighborhood. They went up the Holy Stairs on their knees, at the top was a figure of Pilate, and one of Christ standing, both life-size. In other Chapels were representations of the different stages of our Lord's passion; all the figures were life-size and so realistic as to startle one, who came upon them unawares. In a tiny room with barred windows, resembling a prison, Bolax came upon the statue of Christ as He is being crowned with thorns. The God-man sits with His Garments torn from His limbs, which are covered with wounds; streams of blood flow from the divine face; a soldier is in the act of spitting on Him, another driving the thorns into the sacred head. On seeing this, the boy burst into tears, he felt as though he was really in the presence of his suffering Redeemer. Knowing the effect such a pitiful sight would have on his mother, he went with her everywhere, carefully avoiding the distressing image.
One day while watching the sailboats landing the pilgrims, Bo heard his name called, looking around he saw Leon Casgrainie, his mother and sister, from L'Islet; they were so glad to meet again. Bo introduced his mother. Madame Casgrainie embraced Mrs. Allen as if she had been an old friend, for these Canadians are so full of hearty friendliness. In a few days the ladies were almost on intimate terms.
The day appointed for Mr. Allen's reception into the Church was August thirty-first. Madame Casgrainie expressed a wish to be present, so Mrs. Allen invited her and the children to the ceremony, which was to take place at the seven o'clock Mass, in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
The altar was a blaze of light; tiny electric lamps of all colors were placed in every available position, and full-blown roses shed sweet perfume over all.
The Abbot celebrated Mass. Just before the Offertory, he read the prayers admitting a catechumen to Holy Baptism. Mr. Allen bowed his head in all humility while the Priest poured upon him the saving water which made him a child of God and heir to Heaven. Immediately after this the Abbot placed a white cope over the newly baptized, emblematic of the purity with which his soul was adorned by this most Holy Sacrament.
After the Priest's Communion, Mr. Allen mounted the altar steps, still wearing the white robe and received our Lord for the first time. At the "Domine non sum dignus," the tears rolled down his cheeks; he was so overcome with the sanctity of the act, so full of faith and love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Mrs. Allen and Bo also went to Holy Communion. After Mass, Mr. Allen asked that his wife and son be admitted to see him. I have no words to describe the ecstasy of delight that thrilled their hearts when congratulating the beloved one. Mr. Allen pressed them both to his heart in silence. When he could speak, he said: "I feel our Angel child is rejoicing with us on this, the happiest day of my life." The good Abbot came to bid farewell, and shed tears of joy while bestowing the Papal Benediction on the family.