Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/218

 time of vile and contemptible manners; he was called then as now, Frangois Malevolti. He lost his parents at an early age, and the too great liberty he possessed led him into the most vicious practices. He espoused a youthful wife, and this union ought to have incited him to a reformation of life, but he could not resolve to break off his wretched customs. One of his companions who was a disciple of Catherine, took compassion on his soul, and invited him to go and hear the holy counsels of the " Blessed," and he succeeded in leading him there occasionally; after which Frangois would repent and moderate his disorders for a time, but without being able to forsake them totally. I have often seen him with us; he relished Catherine's salutary lessons and admirable examples, and took pleasure in adopting them; but he would return to his former habits, especially to gaming, of which he was passionately fond. Catherine, who often prayed for his salvation, said to him one day in the ardor of her zeal: " You frequently come to visit me, and then like an untamed bird you return to your vices; but fly away as much as you please, the moment will come when God will allow me to throw a noose around your neck, which will prohibit your future flight ! " Francois and all present observed these words. Catherine died without seeing their accomplishment — poor Frangois relapsed into his former faults; but his faithful friend did more for him in heaven than her counsels could effect for him in earth. Fran9ois first lost his wife, by an early death; then his mother-in-law, and other individuals who presented obstacles to his salvation. He was thus led to consider his ways, and renounced the world to enter into the Order of the Olivetains. He persevered therein, by God's grace and Catherine's merits;