Page 84 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

O. R. VASSALL-PHILLIPS

former.
Such a security was in the highest degree that of Saint Gerard —
one of the most obedient and humble of men.
In order the better to understand his spirit, we will let him speak
for himself. He was much devoted to the Carmelite Nuns at
Ripacandida, of whom we read so often in the life of St. Alphonsus.
Two of Gerard's most marvellous ecstasies had taken place in the
parlour of this Convents-one of them in the presence of the whole
community to which he was discoursing at the time on the Love of
God. He was venerated by all as a great Saint. We need not,
therefore, be surprised to find that, when a new Prioress was elected,
she begged Saint Gerard for some directions that would aid her in the
discharge of the duties which had just devolved upon her. The
Servant of God immediately complied with this request, and sent her
a long document, from which we will proceed to make some extracts.
Since the Prioress holds the place of God Himself, she ought to
fulfil her office with the greatest watchfulness, if she wishes to be
pleasing to our Divine Master, Who has chosen her to govern in His
stead. She needs great prudence, and in all things should direct her
course according to the Mind that is in Christ Jesus. Her heart should
be embalmed with the sweet perfume of all the virtues which she will
communicate to her subjects. They ought to advance to perfection
simply by treading in the footsteps of their Mother. The Superior will
never lose sight of her own lowliness and insufficiency, remembering
that God has raised her to the position which she occupies, of His
mere Goodness, since there are so many others who would acquit
themselves more perfectly than she. Thus, abasing herself in her own
eyes, she will have compassion on the faults of others. She will
discharge the duties of her office in the spirit of love, and will never
look upon it as too painful to be endured. Considering that God
from all Eternity has destined her to be in authority, let her day by
day strive to be a better Superior, keeping herself always united to the
Divine Will, and holding her position with a total indifference, and
without the slightest attachment.
In cases of difficulty she ought no doubt to get the best advice
within reach. But having once made up her mind, she must propose
to herself the Glory of God as the end to be attained, and carry out
her resolves without any human respect, even though she had to shed
the last drop of her blood. For the love of God she must trample

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