Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/182

 salvation of the neighbor. I therefore visited the sick, and I went very often to "Sainte Marie de la Misercorde." The director of that house was at that time Father Matthew who still lives. This man of holy life and reputation, was extremely attached to Catherine, and the virtue which heaven had accorded to him had inspired me with a warm affection for him. I was in the habit of seeing him once every day. One morning after the Mass, I went out to visit my sick and as I passed the House of Mercy, I inquired whether any one in the establishment had been attacked with plague. On entering, I found Father Matthew whom the brothers were carrying like a corpse from the church to his room; his countenance was pale, his strength had forsaken him to such a degree, that he was incapable of speaking: when I inquired what he suffered he could not answer me. I therefore addressed myself to those who were accompanying him, and questioned them concerning what had happened to my friend: " Last night," said they to me, "about eleven o'clock, while he was watching near a sick person, he perceived himself stricken with the epidemic; and in a few moments, he fell into extreme weakness." I followed them to the sick man's bed, I bent over him, and when he had reposed a short time, he called for me and confessed as he was accustomed to do. After giving him absolution, I asked him what he suffered: He explained to me in what region he felt the pain; adding that it seemed to him that one of his legs was breaking and that his head was separating into four parts." I then felt his pulse, and saw in effect that he was suffering a violent fever. I recommended those who were taking care of him to explain certain things to doctor Senso, his physician, who is still living and was deeply attached to him.