1954 12 00 Pelerin No 3763

Magazine Overview

Title: Le Pèlerin
Issue: N° 3763
Volume: 77th year
Date: December 26, 1954
Price: 18 francs
Publisher: Bonne Presse
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of 'Le Pèlerin' magazine, dated December 26, 1954, is dedicated to the Christmas theme, with the cover featuring a painting of the Nativity scene by Georges de la Tour. The magazine explores the spiritual and human dimensions of Christmas, alongside various news items and practical content.

Articles and Content

Cover Story: "Clarté du regard de nos enfants devant Noël et son mystère..."

The cover image is a reproduction of Georges de la Tour's painting of the Adoration of the Shepherds, highlighting the painter's work which had been rediscovered. The text on the cover invites readers to contemplate the mystery of Christmas through the eyes of children.

"JÉSUS EST NÉ"

This section recounts the biblical story of the birth of Jesus, as told in the Gospel of Luke (II, 6-15). It details Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem for the census, the birth of Jesus in a stable, and the annunciation to the shepherds by an angel.

"NOËL" by Michel de Saint-Pierre

Michel de Saint-Pierre offers a personal reflection on Christmas. He begins by acknowledging the often harsh realities of life – cold, suffering, and despair – which can weigh heavily on him, especially during winter. However, he finds solace and renewed faith in the concept of the Incarnation, the birth of the Child-God. He emphasizes that God becoming human signifies a profound honor and a source of confidence in humanity. He believes Christ understands human suffering and fragility, having experienced temptation and doubt himself. The article concludes by stating that Christ's birth is a testament to the inherent value of human life and a response to pessimism.

In a subsequent section, Saint-Pierre further elaborates on the joy and wonder of Christmas, linking it to childhood memories and a sense of gratitude. He sees Christmas as a 'fountain of youth' that rejuvenates the spirit, especially at the end of the year when one might fear aging. He reiterates that Christmas brings a renewed sense of love for the Creator, fellow humans, and oneself. He finds profound meaning in the belief that God became human, offering a counter-argument to those who view humanity as inherently flawed.

"Saint Pierre Chanel: LE CANONISÉ FRANÇAIS DE L'ANNÉE MARIALE"

This section highlights the miracles attributed to Saint Pierre Chanel, the first martyr of Oceania, who died in Futuna. It mentions extraordinary graces and healings occurring after his death, including the healing of Marie-Françoise Perroton and young Louis Wendt. The text suggests that these events are due to his intercession.

"Réveillon" by Germaine Mornand

This narrative piece describes a Christmas Eve experience of an elderly woman, Mademoiselle Despoix, who, despite her initial loneliness, finds warmth and companionship with her neighbors after attending midnight mass. The story emphasizes the theme of reconciliation and the creation of new friendships through shared experiences.

Another short story, "Minuit," depicts a young boy named Marc waiting for his father to return home on Christmas Eve. Marc is initially anxious about his imposing father but is ultimately touched by his father's tenderness and the gifts he brings, realizing that the true gift is the love and confidence he receives from his father.

"CETTE SEMAINE"

This section provides a roundup of various news and events:

• The Mauvais Temps en France: Reports on severe snowstorms and flooding in the Haut-Jura and Dauphiné regions, causing significant damage and one fatality.
• Le Bon Lait des Gosses: Details the distribution of free, sweetened milk and biscuits to schoolchildren in Seine-et-Marne, with plans for wider distribution.
• Religious and Charitable News: Mentions the authorization for the beatification process of Pope Pius IX, the large number of visitors to Rome during the Marian Year, and the significant financial contributions to the Pontifical Work of the Holy Childhood.
• Other News: Includes news about the canonization of Saint Pierre Chanel, the work of Sister Marie-Suzanne among lepers, the appointment of Mother Marie-Caritas Konishi as Abbess in Osaka, and the reduction of French military forces in Indochina.
• International Affairs: Covers the Soviet Union's threat to denounce the Franco-Soviet pact, diplomatic discussions in Paris involving Mendès-France, Foster Dulles, and Sir Antony Eden, and events in Cyprus and Vietnam.

"Menu RÉVEILLON"

• This section offers a detailed menu and recipes for a Christmas Eve supper, presented by I. de Jouffroy-d'Abbans. The menu includes:
• Potage Crème Flamande
• Poisson Froid en Mayonnaise
• Terrine de Veau et Porc
• Salade
• Cornets au Chocolat
• Pailles au Fromage
• Vin Chaud à la Normande

Recipes are provided for the soup, cold fish, terrine, chocolate cornets, cheese straws, and mulled wine.

"DE NOËL 1954"

• This section contains recipes for:
• Terrine de Veau et Porc: A recipe for 10 people, detailing ingredients and preparation steps for a terrine.
• Cornets au Chocolat: Instructions for making chocolate cornets, including a recipe for a chocolate pastry cream without eggs.
• Pailles au Fromage: A simple recipe for cheese straws.
• Vin Chaud à la Normande: A recipe for mulled wine with Calvados.

"Soudain les cloches se mirent à sonner..."

This is a narrative piece describing a Christmas Eve celebration. It focuses on the preparations for a festive gathering, the reconciliation of neighbors, and the anticipation of midnight mass. The story highlights the communal spirit and the joy of shared celebration, culminating in the sound of church bells signaling the arrival of Christmas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Christmas, faith, spirituality, and the importance of family and community. The magazine's editorial stance appears to be one of promoting religious values, emphasizing hope, charity, and the enduring significance of Christian traditions. There is a focus on the human and spiritual aspects of Christmas, offering comfort and inspiration to readers amidst the challenges of life. The inclusion of recipes and heartwarming stories suggests an aim to foster a sense of togetherness and celebration.

This issue of "Le Pèlerin" from 1954, titled "NOËL antipodes," offers a diverse collection of content, ranging from global Christmas traditions and fictional narratives to sports news and advertisements. The cover features an illustration related to Christmas, with a prominent mention of "Prix du Renouveau Français 1954" awarded to Camille Bourniquel.

Christmas Around the World

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to exploring Christmas celebrations in various international locations. In New Zealand, despite warm weather, traditional meals are served, but many opt for camping and beach activities. Malta celebrates with elaborate nativity scenes. Uganda observes Christmas with traditional meals and paper decorations, though the day is marked by the sound of tam-tams rather than bells. Gibraltar, with its large population and garrison, holds full churches and feasts, even providing special rations for the army's monkeys. The Bermudas, despite a torrid climate, adopt European Christmas customs with imported fir trees, artificial snow, and festive lights. Jamaica features the "John Canoë" procession, a blend of African dances and European pantomime, alongside family gatherings and widespread hospitality. Tonga celebrates similarly to European countries, with the Queen addressing students and the exchange of gifts and traditional foods. Aden, a desert region, sees Christmas celebrated by the expatriate community, with one anecdote about an Englishman swimming back to shore on Christmas night. The article highlights the universal nature of Christmas while noting regional variations.

Fictional Narratives

"L'ÉPÉE DE JUSTICE"

This story, by Jean Fangeat, is presented with a summary indicating it involves Marc Blossin, a Parisian intern, who is accused of treating a drug trafficker. He participates in a speleological expedition to Trou Perdu in Savoie. Meanwhile, Renée Maindron seeks help in Paris against the gendarmes. The narrative details the rescue efforts for a stranded speleologist, Pierre Lachaume, and the involvement of journalists and police. The story touches upon the challenges of communication and the urgency of the situation.

"Lumières dans les abîmes"

This section, also by Jean Fangeat, continues the speleological adventure. Renée is concerned about Marc's actions and the potential consequences. The scene shifts to the chaotic aftermath of the speleological incident, with journalists and gendarmes swarming the area, seeking information. The narrative focuses on the efforts to relay information via telephone and the race against time to find the missing speleologists. The story highlights the dangers of caving and the media's intense interest in such events.

"Mais les anges voyageaient librement !"

This narrative, possibly a short story or excerpt, describes a Christmas Eve scene. A young boy experiences snow for the first time and observes a dimly lit pharmacy. He encounters an injured stranger and feels a connection. The story touches on themes of empathy and the unexpected encounters that can occur on a cold winter's night.

Sports News

Rugby

The rugby section reports on the French XIII championship, with Lyon leading the standings. It notes that the classification is unofficial as not all teams have played the same number of matches. Bordeaux, the previous year's champion, is performing poorly.

Football

In football, Sedan is described as "irresistible" in the second division, leading with a significant points advantage. The article details the standings for both the national and second divisions, mentioning key teams like Reims, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Rennes. It also notes the struggles of teams like Strasbourg and the competitive nature of the relegation battle.

Basket-ball

The basketball section covers the start of the second round of matches. Villeurbanne narrowly avoided defeat, and the P.U.C. also had a close game. The results and standings for Poule A and Poule B are provided, with Villeurbanne leading Poule B.

"Ils font parler d'eux..."

This brief segment mentions Carl Olson successfully defending his world middleweight boxing title for the third time against Pierre Langlois. It also notes a draw in a rugby match between France C and Espoirs, and a cross-country race won by Prat.

"Trop sur !..."

This article discusses the surprising knockout defeat of French featherweight boxing champion Chérif Hamia by the Belgian boxer Cabo in Algiers. The author suggests Hamia's overconfidence and aggressive approach led to his downfall, urging him to regain his modesty and learn from the experience.

Advertisements and Other Content

The magazine also includes advertisements for educational institutions like the "ECOLE UNIVERSELLE" offering correspondence courses, and a "CONTRAT-FOYER" from C.G.M. for home financing with a 5-year credit plan and insurance benefits. There are also ads for watches and a service to cure stuttering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a broad interest in international culture, human interest stories, and sports. The editorial stance appears to be informative and engaging, presenting a mix of factual reporting and fictional narratives. There's a clear emphasis on providing readers with diverse content, from the festive spirit of Christmas worldwide to the drama of sports and the intrigue of adventure stories. The inclusion of advertisements suggests a commercial aspect to the publication, aiming to serve various reader needs.

This issue of Pèlerin magazine, dated December 1954, presents itself as the leading French family weekly, emphasizing its Christian spirit, scientific approach, and comprehensive content. The cover story highlights the magazine's preeminence among French family publications.

Charitable Endeavors and the Holiday Season

The magazine opens with a poignant piece about the approaching holiday season and the plight of children, particularly those affected by recent maritime tragedies. It details the work of the "Adoption familiale des Orphelins de la mer" (Family Adoption of Sea Orphans), an organization that provides annual financial aid to orphaned children. In 1953, the organization supported 365 orphans with 690,600 francs, averaging 1,900 francs per child. The article appeals to readers' generosity to help the organization continue its vital work in 1954, especially in light of new tragedies.

Everyday Life and Practical Advice

A section titled "Mouche à tous les coups" (Always a Hit) humorously notes a resurgence in the demand for glass "gobemouches" (flycatchers), suggesting a nostalgic return to older household items. This is contrasted with the perceived "progress" that sometimes leads us to overlook simpler, more effective solutions from the past.

Letters to the Editor

The "Lettres du balayeur" (Sweeper's Letters) column, addressed to "Mon Cher Grospiton," offers a witty observation on the innovative, albeit perhaps impractical, heating solutions employed by shopkeepers on Rue Tronchet in Paris to attract customers during the cold December weather. The writer humorously describes attempts to keep passersby warm, even if it means creating a draft.

Health and Well-being

Several articles focus on health and personal care. "Pour calmer les estomacs douloureux : la réglisse" (To Calm Stomach Aches: Licorice) discusses the therapeutic properties of licorice, particularly its antispasmodic effects on the stomach and its potential benefits for gastric ulcers, while cautioning against excessive consumption. Another piece, "Mon Médecin m'a dit" (My Doctor Told Me), features a recommendation for "FLAN LYONNAIS" as a digestive aid, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition. The "Décrets de la Mode" (Decrees of Fashion) section touches upon the ephemeral nature of fashion trends and suggests that simple, elegant clothing choices can remain stylish. It also highlights the "KABILINE" dye for refreshing clothing colors.

Inventions and Consumerism

"IL A DU RESSORT" (It Has Spring) introduces an inventor, M. W. Hozenberg, who has developed a "spring-powered bicycle," a novel concept for personal transport. The "Télé-bêtes" (Tele-beasts) segment recounts a story where lost pets were reunited with their owners through a television broadcast, showcasing the utility of television.

Fashion and Home

Page 4, themed "1er JANVIER CHEZ SOI" (January 1st at Home), offers advice on preparing for the New Year. It suggests simple yet elegant attire for family gatherings and emphasizes creating a welcoming home environment. The section also promotes the "CATALOGUE PRENATAL" as a guide for expectant mothers and new families, covering everything for mothers and newborns.

Product Advertisements and Services

The magazine includes numerous advertisements for various products and services. These include "PILULES DUPUIS" for constipation, "Fil à coudre NYLON D-M-C" for sewing, "Calm-Asmine" for asthma relief, and remedies for enlarged tonsils. There are also ads for "Zebrasif" chrome cleaner, "CATALOGUE LEVITAN" furniture, and "LEVITAN" appliances with credit options. The "PÈLERIN" publication is advertised with subscription details. Other ads promote watches from "CIRGA PRECISION," "MOTOCULTEURS LABOR" for gardening, "La Redoute" lingerie and clothing, and "LUX" detergent for delicate fabrics.

Financial and Legal Advice

The "petit courrier" (little mail) section provides advice on various personal matters, including pension claims, professional registration, and stain removal. It addresses inquiries about disability pensions, artisan status, and retirement benefits, offering guidance based on French regulations.

Automotive Innovation

A significant advertisement promotes the "ÉPARGNE-CRÉDIT 4 CV" initiative by RENAULT. This program allows customers to reserve a 4 CV car with a down payment and then make monthly payments over 8 months to earn interest, followed by a credit period of 16 months for the remaining balance. The advertisement emphasizes the affordability and accessibility of owning a Renault 4 CV.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a blend of traditional values, such as charity and family, with modern advancements in technology, health, and consumerism. The editorial stance appears to be one of practical guidance, offering solutions to everyday problems while maintaining a Christian and family-oriented perspective. There is an emphasis on making the most of life's simple pleasures and leveraging available resources, whether through charitable giving, personal care, or innovative products and services. The magazine aims to be a comprehensive guide for the French family, covering spiritual, practical, and material aspects of life.

This issue features a prominent Christmas carol, "D'où viens tu Bergère?" (Where do you come from, Shepherdess?), presented as a critical, unpublished version by Guillot de Saix, based on popular tradition from the Massif Central. The carol is accompanied by musical notation and arranged and harmonized by Vincent Gambau. The issue also includes a dramatic report on an aviation accident.

"D'où viens tu Bergère?"

The cover prominently displays the title of the carol, "D'où viens tu Bergère?", and identifies it as a "VERSION CRITIQUE INEDITE de GUILLOT DE SAIX d'après la tradition populaire". It is further described as "RECUEILLI ET HARMONISE PAR VINCENT GAMBAU". Below the title, sheet music is presented for voice (Chant) and piano. The lyrics, sung from the perspective of a shepherdess, describe her journey and what she saw. The verses, numbered II through V, detail her encounter with a naked child, the presence of Saint Joseph and his mother, and the child's apparent coldness, referring to him as "cet Agneau" (this Lamb).

Verse II asks, "Qu'as-tu vu, bergère, Qu'as-tu vu?" (What have you seen, shepherdess, What have you seen?), to which she replies, "J'ai vu sur la terre Un Enfant tout nu; Dans quelle misère Le voilà venu!" (I saw on earth a naked child; In what misery he has come!).

Verse III addresses whether the child is alone: "Est-il seul, bergère, L'Enfant nu? Saint Joseph, son père, Veille à son côté. Et sa tendre Mère Lui donne à téter" (Is he alone, shepherdess, The naked child? Saint Joseph, his father, Watches by his side. And his tender Mother nurses him).

Verse IV inquires about the child's appearance: "Est-il beau, bergère, L'Enfant nu? Nul ne peut le taire. Beau comme un soleil Jamais sur la terre N'ai vu son pareil." (Is he beautiful, shepherdess, The naked child? No one can deny it. Beautiful as a sun, Never on earth have I seen his equal).

Verse V asks about the child's comfort: "A-t-il chaud, bergère, L'Enfant nu? Non, tout au contraire, A froid cet Agneau Que veillent en frères Deux bons animaux." (Is he warm, shepherdess, The naked child? No, quite the contrary, this Lamb is cold, watched over by two good animals as brothers).

The musical score includes indications like "Andantino", "mf" (mezzo forte), and a tempo marking of "54". The phrase "Tous droits réservés" indicates that all rights are reserved.

Aviation Accident Report

The second page features a headline: "Cet avaleur, de « sabre » !...". This page details a dramatic accident involving Albert Richards, a radio navigator, at Renfrew Airport in Scotland. As a "Sabre" fighter jet's engine was started, Richards was reportedly lifted and thrown headfirst into the jet's intake. The suction effect wrapped his arms around his head. The mechanic, feeling a shock, cut the engine. Two other mechanics rescued Richards by pulling him out by his feet. The report states that Richards, with his uniform in tatters, was unconscious. It highlights that for the first time, a victim of such an accident survived with only a few contusions, noting that accidents and death occur when least expected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue appears to focus on traditional cultural elements, specifically Christmas carols and folklore from a particular region of France (Massif Central), alongside reporting on contemporary events like aviation incidents. The presentation of the carol suggests an interest in preserving and critically examining traditional music. The aviation report, while dramatic, emphasizes the unexpected nature of accidents and the remarkable survival of the victim, framing it as an extraordinary event.