Page 132 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

O. R. VASSALL-PHILLIPS

did not press him further. Next day the good doctor was much
distressed. He understood then, when it was too late, that the
wonderful Brother had wished him to be present at his last moments.
Towards seven o'clock a messenger arrived from Oliveto. The
Archpriest was in difficulty about a chapel that was being built in his
parish in honour of Our Lady of Consolation. There was something
the matter with the limekiln. He wrote to ask Gerard's prayer that all
might go well. The Father Minister read the letter in Gerard's
presence. Before he said a word as to its contents, the Saint said
quietly:
“Tell the Archpriest to shake some of the dust from the tomb of
St. Teresa, which I will send him, over the limekiln. The accident that
he anticipates will then be warded off.”
The Archpriest did as was advised by Saint Gerard, and Our
Lady's chapel was built without any further mishap.
No one seeing the keenness of perception, and perfect possession
of all his faculties which he still enjoyed, would have imagined the
agony to be so near. About eight o'clock he seemed momentarily
disturbed, and said several times very earnestly:
“O my God, where art Thou? O my Lord, show Thyself to me!”
The Brother who was with him asked him if there was anything
that disturbed his conscience.
“Why do you speak to me of disturbance of conscience?” he
replied quickly.
Shortly afterwards this same Brother said to him:
“My dear Brother, we have always loved one another. Will you
remember me in the presence of God?”
“How could I ever forget you?” answered Gerard.
Between ten and eleven o'clock he fainted away. On coming to
himself he appeared very much agitated, and cried out:
“Quick! Brother, quick! Drive away those wretched creatures —
what are they doing here?”
The Brother could only conjecture that they were evil spirits
allowed, for his greater merit, to make their last fruitless onslaught on
the dying Servant of God. The trouble, whatever it may have been,
lasted but a few moments. Very soon his countenance regained its
wonted calm, and, suddenly kneeling on his bed, he exclaimed:
“Behold the Madonna! Let us pay her homage.”
Our Lady had doubtless willed, in her loving kindness, to give her

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