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 Jacomo's term of life was drawing to a close, and he took to his bed being very seriously ill. Catherine began to intercede with her divine Spouse to obtain the restoration of one so tenderly loved, but He answered her that Jacomo was very near death, and that it would not be useful to him to live longer. Catherine therefore repaired to the bedside of her cherished parent, and found him wholly disposed to quit the world without regret, and she thanked God with all the fervor of her heart.

But her filial affection was not yet satisfied: she endeavored to obtain from the Source of all grace not only that her father's faults might be pardoned, but also that at the hour of death his soul might be borne to heaven without passing through the flames of purgatory. It was answered her that justice could not lose its rights, and that the soul must be perfectly pure to enjoy the splendors of glory. "Thy father has lived well in the conjugal state, has done many things acceptable to me, and I am in particular pleased with his conduct towards thee; but justice demands that his soul pass by the fire, to purify it from the stains that it has contracted in the world." " O most amiable Saviour," responded Catherine, "bow can I endure the thought of seeing him whom thou gave me for father, who nourished me and brought me up with care, and who has been so kind to me, burning in such cruel flames ! I entreat thy divine bounty, not to permit his soul to leave his body, before by some means or other it is perfectly purified and has no need of the fire of Purgatory." God in his amazing mercy yielded to this prayer, and to the desire of his creature. Jacomo's strength was extinct, but his soul could not depart so long as the conflict lasted between Catherine and our Lord, the Redeemer alleging his plea