Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/116

 no more avoid as formerly the conversation of men, but thou shalt expose thyself to every species of fatigue in order to save their souls; thy conduct will scandalize many who will contradict thee and accuse thee publicly. But be not alarmed, and be not anxious; I will be even with thee, and I will deliver thy soul from the deceitful tongue and from the lips that speak falsely. Follow therefore courageously, the inspiration which will enlighten thee; for I shall draw, by thy aid, numerous souls from the gulf of hell, and I will conduct them, with the help of my grace, to the Kingdom of Heaven." Catherine heard these words several times, and when our Lord repeated to her: "Fear nothing, be not troubled," she answered: "you are my God, and I am but thy little handmaid: may thy will ever be accomplished, but remember me and incline unto my aid, according to the greatness of thy mercy. " The vision disappeared, and Catherine reflected interiorly what that change could be, that was announced to her.

From day to day however, the grace of God increased in her soul, and the spirit of God so abounded within her, that she sung with the Prophet: "For thee my flesh and my heart hath fainted, O God of my heart, and my eternal inheritance." (Ps. lxxii. 26) and again, "I remember God, and was delighted, and being exercised my spirit swooned away." (Ps. lxxvi. 4) God therefore inspired her with the thought of receiving her divine Spouse as often as possible in the Holy Eucharist, since she could not enjoy him yet in Heaven — hence she adopted the habit of daily communion, except when hindered by her own indisposition and by the cares which she bestowed on others.

Her desire for frequent communion was so vehement