Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/161

 of justice and Catherine invoking mercy. At last Catherine said: "If I cannot obtain this grace without satisfying thy justice, let this justice be exercised towards me; I am ready to undergo for my father whatever thy goodness will deign to send me. Our Lord consented to this, " I cheerfully accept thy proposition, on account of thy love for me, and I exempt the soul of thy father from all expiatory pains, but during thy whole life thou shalt be the victim of a pain which I send thee." Catherine joyfully gave thanks to God, and asked that his divine will might be accomplished. Catherine hastened to the couch of her dying father, who was just sinking into agony; she filled his heart with joy and strength, by giving him the assurance of his eternal salvation from the mouth of God himself, and never left him until he expired. At the instant his spirit quitted his body, Catherine was attacked with an acute pain in her side which she endured without relaxation until the day of her death. I had the declaration of it from herself, and all those who had relations with her saw many evident proofs of it — but her patience was greater than her pain. All that I have related here I learned from Catherine, when compassionating her sufferings I inquired their cause. I should add that at the moment her father breathed his last, she exclaimed with a gladsome countenance and a serene smile on her lips: "Bless God ! Father; how happy were I now like thee !" While they celebrated the funeral ceremonies and all around wept Catherine appeared gay and cheerful. She consoled her mother and every one else, and acted as calmly as if the deceased had been a stranger to her. It was because she had seen that dearly-loved soul joyfully escape the prison of the body, and soar unfettered to eternal light;