Page 42 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

O. R. VASSALL-PHILLIPS

By a Divine light he often read the secrets of hearts. Even when at
a distance from his Superiors he was oftentimes acquainted with their
unspoken thoughts, whenever these had any reference to his own
conduct. This marvellous gift was repeatedly manifested during the
course of his life. It was first discovered by his Rector, Father
Fiocchi, in the following manner: He had sent the wonderful Brother
with a document to Lacedogna. Gerard had already proceeded some
distance on his way, when Father Fiocchi remembered that he had
forgotten something of importance in his letter.
“What a pity,” he said to himself, “that I cannot bring Brother
Gerard back.”
This expression of his Superior's will, purely mental though it was,
sufficed for our Saint. Almighty God was pleased mysteriously to
reveal it to His servant, who at once retraced his steps. On his return
to the house Father Fiocchi asked him in surprise what had made
him come back so soon. Saint Gerard said nothing, but only smiled,
thus causing the Rector to understand that he was there in obedience
to his secret wish.
Henceforth, whenever Father Fiocchi desired to give Gerard an
order, if he was not with him at the time, he gave the command
silently in his own mind. This was enough. He was always obeyed as
though he had spoken aloud.
On one occasion the Father Rector was conversing at Melfi with
the Bishop of the diocese on the life of extraordinary sanctity that
was led by Saint Gerard. The Bishop had heard of the holy Brother,
and for some time had been desirous of forming his acquaintance.
He now said that he would gladly send a special messenger to bring
him to the Palace.
“That will not be necessary,” said Father Fiocchi; “I have but to
tell him mentally to come, and he will soon be here. Your Lordship
will thus see how far his obedience reaches, and how specially he is
favoured by Almighty God.”
At the same moment in the Convent, far away at home, Gerard
understood of a sudden that his Father Rector desired his presence.
Accordingly, having obtained the necessary permission, and given his
reasons for going to the Father in charge of the House, he set off for
Melfi. On arriving at the Episcopal Palace, he found the Father
Rector with the Bishop. Father Fiocchi pretended to be displeased at
his coming, and asked him stiffly what brought him there.

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