Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/227

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thought that a day might be selected, for a solemn reception of this precious relic in the convent, as though it had just arrived, and that the Religious might chant the Office of the day, as a particular one could not be allowed as long as the Sovereign Pontiff had not yet inscribed her in the catalogue of the Saints. The festival took place to the great satisfaction of the Religious and the citizens, but especially of those persons of whom she had been the spiritual directress. I invited her most faithful disciples to dine in the refectory and recommended the lay Brother to give an extra attention to the serving of the repast.

When the Office was concluded, and the moment for breakfast arrived, the Brother in charge of the Pantry came to the Prior and told him with a melancholy air, that there was not sufficient bread for the Brethren at the first table, and none at all for the twenty invited guests. On this information, the Prior determined to ascertain the real situation of affairs, and having verified it, he immediately sent the Friar steward with Friar Thomas (Catherine's first Confessor) to several friends of the Order, to bring the bread required; but they delayed coming so long, that the Prior ordered the bread that was in the house to be taken to the strangers who were with me, and consequently very little bread remained in the Pantry; and as the mendicants did not appear, he bade the Religious seat themselves at the table, and in the mean time begin their meal. Then, either in the pantry, or at table, or elsewhere, the bread was so multiplied by Catherine's intercession, that the whole Convent was abundantly supplied both at the first and the second tables, and they gathered up many remains: fifty Religious were nourished with what could scarcely have