Page 89 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

CHAPTER 13
HIS WONDERFUL LIFE AT NAPLES

T
he Redemptorist Fathers were, from an early period in the
history of their Congregation, in possession of a small
residence in Naples; it had been bestowed upon them by the
brother of St. Alphonsus, so that they might have a home of their
own, where they could break the journey when passing through the
city from one Mission to another. Father Margotta, the Procurator
General of the Congregation, shortly after the triumphant vindication
of Saint Gerard's character, was sent to take charge of this little
house. He was a man of exceptional holiness. Well acquainted with
the Saint, he had written to him most kindly in his late trouble, and
now be begged, as a special favour, that he might be given him as his
companion during his stay in Naples.
“Yes,” said St. Alphonsus, “take him with you. It will be some
compensation to him after the trials which he has borne so
generously.”
Father Margotta and Saint Gerard for some months lived together
at Naples a life of wonderful sanctity. They were alone, and thus
enjoyed the greater liberty to give full vent to their fervour in the
heroic service of God. Understanding one another thoroughly, they
used to exercise their ingenuity in discovering fresh means whereby
they might spur each other on in the practice of virtue. Father
Margotta once asked Gerard what he had got ready for their dinner.
“The dinner which your Reverence ordered this morning,” was
the smiling answer; “that and nothing more!”
There was, it appeared, no dinner whatsoever prepared that day,

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