Page 68 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

O. R. VASSALL-PHILLIPS

suffering from the prevalent epidemic could not bear the journey to
Lacedogna. Gerard, on his side, had the heart of a mother for the
sick and miserable. He could not listen to the tale of so much
suffering and remain untouched. Accordingly, in deference to
repeated entreaties, he went to Bisaccia. Although he could not
remain there for any length of time, his stay, short as it was, proved
to be full of blessings for the people of the place. Many were the sick
persons whom he restored to health. A case which deserves especial
mention is that of Bartholomew Melchior. Shortly after his marriage
this poor man fell into some species of consumption. One effect of
this illness was that he seemed to have almost lost the right use of his
reason. He was given over to an evil spirit of gloom and dark despair
that settled on him like a cloud of darkness. The unfortunate being
had been taken by his friends to a shrine of St. Antony; but the great
St. Antony in Heaven had remained deaf to their appeals, wishing to
reserve this work of mercy for a Saint on earth. As soon as Gerard
looked on the poor sufferer, he addressed him cheerfully in a tone of
confidence:
“It is nothing, my friend, it is nothing.”
He then said a few prayers, his hand gently resting on the head of
Bartholomew, who was cured on the spot. Once more he was a man
sound both in mind and body.
The epidemic had now abated its violence, and Gerard returned
quietly to Iliceto, having accomplished his appointed work after the
manner and with the power of a Saint. Virtue had gone out from
him, for he walked with God and was perfect.

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