Page 125 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

LIFE OF SAINT GERARD MAJELLA

“Here is done that which God wills, as God wills, and for as long as He wills
it.”
His devotion to the Holy Will of God seemed to grow in intensity
every day. The Father Rector once seeing his great suffering, asked
him if he was perfectly conformed in all things to the Divine Will.
“Yes, Father,” replied Saint Gerard in all simplicity, “I think that I
am conformed to It. I say to myself that my bed represents God's
Will for me, and that on my bed I am nailed to the Most Adorable
Will of my God. It even seems to me that the Will of God and myself
have become One, so closely are we united together.”
He made an equally touching remark to his doctor, who had asked
him if he wished to live or to die.
“I do not wish to live,” answered Gerard, “nor do I wish to die. I
only wish that which God wishes. To say the truth, I should wish to
die that I might be united with Him; but at the thoughts of death, I
am afflicted at the remembrance that as yet I have suffered nothing
for the love of Jesus Christ.”
The Saint had many visitors from outside the convent walls to his
sick-room. They were nearly all witnesses of marvellous scenes. Thus
one of them, Canon Camillus Boggio, wrote a letter, in which he
stated that he visited Saint Gerard almost every day, and often found
him rapt in ecstasy. The Canon noticed that as soon as ever the Holy
Brother came to himself, he turned his heart to God in fervent
prayer.
Meanwhile, as Gerard grew visibly worse, it was thought wise to
give him the Holy Viaticum. The whole Community was gathered
round his bed, and Father Buonamano, in the enforced absence of
the Father Rector, brought the Most Blessed Sacrament. At the
approach of Him Who was the only love of his heart, Saint Gerard
had himself raised in the bed in the most respectful attitude that was
possible; then, before his Communion, he burst out into affections of
love and confidence towards Our Divine Lord. After Communion he
begged to be left alone. The next day he was much worse. To his
other ailments was now added a persistent dysentery, which reduced
him to a great state of weakness. It was thought that he would hardly
pass the night. But a great change was soon to take place.
Father Fiocchi, who was still Saint Gerard's Director, on hearing
of his dangerous illness, sent him an Obedience not to lose any more
blood, and to recover his health. This note was given to the Saint. He

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