Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/110

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She thus appeased her mother, who blessed her, and she returned to the diseased woman, and served as cheerfully, as though she had said nothing against her. Andrea was surprised at seeing no appearance of trouble: she could not deny that she was overcome, and she began to repent interiorly, and much more as she perceived the zeal of her benefactress augmenting daily.

God at length took compassion on that miserable woman and sent her, so as to glorify his Spouse, the following vision: One day as Andrea was in bed, it seemed to her that the moment in which the servant of Jesus Christ entered the room and approached the bed (on which the sick woman was laid,) a great light came down from heaven, surrounded her and filled her with such sweetness and joy, that she, so to speak, forgot her sufferings: she did not comprehend this new state and looked about on all sides, when she saw the countenance of Catherine, so changed and transfigured, that she no longer beheld the daughter of Lapa, but the majestic figure of an Angel, and the brilliancy that surrounded her, enveloped her as a garment. At this spectacle, regret for her fault increased in her heart, with bitter self-reproach for having so basely calumniated so holy a person. This vision which she contemplated with her corporal eyes, lasted a long time, and when it disappeared, it left the sick woman at once sad and consoled. Her sadness was that which according to the Apostle, accomplishes justice. (II Cor. vii. 10) She instantly asked pardon of Catharine, amid tears and sobs, accusing herself of having sinned against her, and calumniated her. The exterior light which she had seen, illuminated her soul, and caused her to recognize the imposture of the Demon. Catharine embraced the poor patient, and consoled her