So late as 1885, when there was a severe outbreak of smallpox in Montreal, the Catholic part of the population resisted vaccination, with the support of their clergy. One priest stated : "If we are afflicted with smallpox, it is because we had a carnival last winter, feasting the flesh, which has offended the Lord." ... ; under the sanction of the hierarchy a great procession was ordered with a solemn appeal to the Virgin, and the use of the rosary was carefully specified.”(note: White, op. cit., Vol. II, p. 60. )
More info.: https://russell-j.com/beginner/RS1935_04-180.HTM