Page 112 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

CHAPTER 17
HIS LAST JOURNEY

N
ew buildings were at this time in course of erection lit
Caposele, and immediately after his second return from
Naples, Saint Gerard was appointed clerk of the works.
At first sight it might have been thought that the extremely
delicate state of his health, and his marked attraction for the
contemplative life, would have rendered him unsuited for this
occupation. His Superiors, however, knew well that — as the Apostle
reminds us — genuine “piety is useful for all things;” while Gerard,
20
on his side, in the true spirit of his vocation, had long since learned to
unite the activity of Martha with the repose of Mary, and never
hesitated to leave his Master's feet to do his Master's work. He was,
as usual, indefatigable in his new office. Ever at the post of duty, he
did not know what it was to spare himself. He saw to everything,
provided for everything, was to be found everywhere. While Gerard
was superintending the progress of the building, nothing could fail,
for God was with him.
One day the Rector told him that he had come to the end of his
resources. He had no more money with which to pay the workmen.
“Write a letter, Reverend Father, to Our Lord in the Blessed
Sacrament,” was the holy Brother's suggestion.
The letter was written, and Gerard himself was commissioned to
lay it before the Throne of Grace and Mercy. Accordingly he

20 i Tim. iv. 8. 142

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