Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/246

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in which she had indulged: and this I did for God's glory and the example of others; and I report it here, in order to give a greater proof of the truth.

Some time after, Catherine returned to the convent of the Blessed Agnes, to consecrate two of her nieces, to the service of the Altar. As soon as she arrived, she repaired, as at the first time, to the body of the saintly foundress with her companions and some nuns from the Convent; but she did not place herself at the feet but joyfully approached the head; she designed, by humility we presume, to avoid what had happened, when she attempted to kiss the feet; or perhaps she remembered that Mary Magdalen at first poured her perfumes over the Saviour's feet and afterwards shed them over his head. She placed her face on the ornaments of gold and silk which cover the countenance of Agnes, and there remained a long time: then she turned sweetly to Lysa, the mother of her two nieces, and inquired smiling; "What, do you not observe the present that heaven sends us: do not be ungrateful I" At these words, Lysa and the others lifted their eyes and saw a very fine and very white manna falling like heavenly dews, and covering not only Agnes and Catherine, but also all the persons present, and with such abundance that Lysa filled her hand with it. To comprehend this miracle, it is necessary to know that it was often repeated during the life-time of Agnes, especially when she was in prayer: so that virgins whom she directed, not suspecting a prodigy, and seeing her mantle always white, wishing to shake it off: but she prevented them in order to conceal the heavenly favor.

Blessed Agnes knew that Blessed Catherine would be one day her companion in heaven; she therefore amiably