Page 139 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

LIFE OF SAINT GERARD MAJELLA

been a confirmed invalid for years, suffering from a spinal complaint,
and had to walk on crutches. She prayed earnestly that Almighty God
would grant her, through the intercession of Saint Gerard, that she
might be able to dispense with her artificial supports — for a
complete cure she would not ask. She was then blessed with the relic
of Saint Gerard, and was able at once to walk without crutches, and
has never used them since. Recently she went on a pilgrimage to
Lourdes in thanksgiving to God.
In December, 1907, Mrs. Sullivan, of 75, Chatterton Street,
Liverpool, gave birth to a child. An hour or two afterwards she was
seized with internal haemorrhage. Two doctors were called in, and
declared the case to be hopeless. The haemorrhage, they said, would
certainly return. The parish priest, Father Jeanrenaud, of the Oratory
of Saint Philip Neri, Maryland Street, was then sent for. On his
arrival the poor woman was in a comatose state. He said some
prayers to Saint Gerard, and blessed her with the relic. Twice in the
evening he repeated his visit, each time invoking the Saint, and
blessing her with the relic as before. The next morning she was
perfectly well. The doctors were amazed, and declared that it was
beyond all doubt a miracle. She is now a healthy and strong woman.
One marvel more remains to be related. The ecclesiastical
authorities having ordered that all the Relics of the Servant of God
should be officially examined, Gerard's tomb was opened for the first
time on June 26, 1856. It was then noticed that a mysterious oil
oozed forth in such abundance from the brain and bones as to fill up
more than one basin. This wonderful Manna — as the Italians call it
— was carefully preserved in handkerchiefs and napkins, and was the
source of many graces conferred upon the sick who used it with faith,
imploring the powerful intercession of God's holy servant, Gerard.
On October 11 the body of the Saint was again examined by
ecclesiastical authority, in presence of two doctors. They found the
bones more or less damp, but as this could be attributed to the
humidity of the soil, it attracted but little attention. They were dried
with all due care, and then placed in a chest lined with white silk.
Four hours later the chest having been opened, it was discovered that
a kind of white oil, shedding a sweet fragrance, was coming forth
anew from the holy Relics, and resting like drops of dew upon the
silk lining. After a short examination the physicians drew up an
official report of this occurrence, which in their opinion was beyond

129