★ 23 ★
one could know to disregard all storms and to be confident of safe arrival and landing on the coast of a truly patriotic world.
The wildest, most voracious impulses had to give way to reverence and obedience to their words. Peace came from them.—They preached nothing but love for the holy, wondrously-beautiful lady of Christendom, who being endowed with divine powers, was ready to save every believer from the most terrible dangers. They told of heavenly people who had long since died, who through devotion and faithfulness to that blessed mother and her heavenly, kindhearted child, withstood the temptations of the mundane world, achieved divine honors, and have since become protective, benevolent powers for their living brothers, willing helpers in need, intercessors for human infirmities and effective friends of humanity before the heavenly throne. With what serenity one left the beautiful gatherings in the mystery-filled churches, adorned with inspiring pictures, filled with sweet fragrances, and animated by sacred inspiring music. In them the consecrated remains of former God-fearing people were gratefully kept in precious vessels. And in them divine goodness and omnipotence was revealed, the mighty charity of these blessed pious ones, through glorious miracles and signs. In this way, keeping the locks or writings of their deceased loved ones and nourishing the sweet glowing fire with them until reunited in death. With intimate care one collected everything that belonged to these souls, and everyone thought themselves fortunate who received or only touched such a relic. Now and then, the heavenly grace seemed
