Page 59 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

CHAPTER 8
HIS VISITS TO THE WORLD

T
he supernatural gifts of Saint Gerard and his great reputation
for sanctity caused frequent applications to be addressed to
his Superiors that he might be permitted from time to time to
visit friends of the Congregation in various towns of the locality.
Such visits are, as we have already observed, contrary to all custom.
But every law has its necessary exceptions. Thus in this case, after
great difficulties had at first been raised, the desired permission at
length was freely given. On the one hand, the position of the
applicants in many instances was such that it would have been hard
always to refuse them; on the other hand, even the strictest Superior
might well shrink from the responsibility of keeping Brother Gerard
within convent walls, when the good of souls outside seemed to cry
aloud for his presence in their midst.
Indeed, it is not too much to say that Gerard sanctified every spot
which he visited. His coming was like a Mission for the people. The
house that was privileged to receive him as its guest was daily
besieged by persons drawn from all classes of society. Crowds might
be observed at all hours gathered round about him, and hanging
eagerly on the words that fell from his lips. Such, as we may again
and again observe in the annals of the Church's story, is the
mysterious, magnetic attraction of the Saints of God upon the souls
of men.
Strange as it may sound, not only lay-people, but Priests and even
Bishops vied one with another in their anxiety to obtain the advice of
this lowly Lay brother. Saint Gerard was frequently consulted both

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