Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/66

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this the gift I asked for yesterday?" "The same," answered she, and added, "Remember the graces of God." My companion and myself were filled with gladness and edification — and I exclaimed with the incredulous Thomas — "my Lord and my God" — Dominus mens et Deus meus, (John xx. 28)

I received another proof of Catherine's sanctity which I relate to her honor and my own confusion. She was detained by sufferings in her bed, and she sent me notice that she desired to speak with me concerning some revelations. I went and approached her couch; she began then, notwithstanding the fever which burned in her veins, to discourse to me of God, and to explain to me all that had been revealed to her during the day; the things were so extraordinary, that I forgot what had just happened to me, and I asked myself, "must I believe what she says ?" While I hesitated and looked at her, her countenance suddenly changed into that of a stern man who was regarding me fixedly, and who filled me with terror: her oval face indicated the plenitude of life; her scanty beard was the color of wheat, and her whole countenance bore the impress of that majesty which revealed the holy presence of God. It was impossible for me to perceive any other countenance than hers. I was thoroughly terrified, and exclaimed, with lifted hands: "Oh who looks at me thus?" Catherine answered, "He that is!" The vision disappeared, and I again saw the face of Catherine, which I could not distinguish before. My understanding was enlightened with such an abundant light, chiefly upon the subject of our discourse, that I then comprehended that word of our Lord, when promising the coming of the Holy Ghost: "Et quae ventura sunt annuntiabit vobis. (John. xvi. 13 )