Word: melvina
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...work ground to a halt, Théas appealed to Pope Pius XII, who put him in touch with energetic, persuasive Monsignor George Roche, onetime parish priest in Poitiers, France, head of a lay order, Opus Cenaculi (work of the cenacle). The group, originally backed by Melvina Rivet, a wealthy Canadian widow in her 80s, had raised millions to build schools and churches in France and Italy...
Roche underwrote the basilica, but in return demanded complete control of all basilica finances in Lourdes. He formed a small controlling group called "Association of the Friends of Lourdes" (among the members: Backer Melvina Rivet), which promptly required shrine passes from all pilgrims (86^ for French, $1.72 for foreigners), launched sidelines to bring in more money-sale of medals, souvenirs, books. Aghast at more commercialism, Bishop Théas protested to Rome, which finally sent a coadjutor bishop to keep an eye on the enterprising association...
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