Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/117

 when it was not satisfied she suffered so violently as to become in danger of death. Her body which participated in the joys of her spirit, necessarily shared in the pain attendant on its privations. We shall hereafter dilate on this subject; at present we intend explaining her miraculous way of living, according to her confessions to me, and the writings of her first confessor.

Heavenly favors and comforts so overwhelmed the soul of Catherine after that last vision, that they inundated, to speak, her body. Its vital functions became so modified, that food was no longer necessary to her, and aliments caused her serious suffering. When she was obliged to take food, she was so incommoded that it would not remain in the stomach — and it would be quite impossible to describe her grievous pains on such occasions. In the beginning, this state appeared incredible to all, even to her relatives and those who were truly attached to her, they called this extraordinary favor from God, a temptation or a snare of Satan. Even her Confessor commanded her to take food daily and not to give heed to any visions that would give her contrary advice.

In vain, Catherine assured him that she was well and strong, so long as she received no nourishment, and became sick and weak as soon as she used it, — he continually prescribed to her to eat; she obeyed through virtue, as far as she was able, but these endeavors reduced her to such a state that fears were entertained for her life. She therefore caused her Confessor to be called and said to him: "Father, if through excessive fasting, I was in danger of death, would you not prohibit me from fasting, so as to prevent me from committing suicide ? " Without doubt," answered her Confessor. "But," resumed she, "is it not so bad to expose one's self to sin by eating as