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 heart burned with the desire of relieving him in all his wants. But having promised to observe the three vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, she would no longer dispose of what belonged to others without their consent. She therefore sought her father, and asked him if she might deduct, according to her conscience, the share of the poor from the riches that God had deigned to accord her family. The father cheerfully consented, because he saw clearly that his daughter was walking in the way of perfection, and he was even so considerate as to announce to every one in the house, the permission he had accorded. "Let no one," said he, "prevent my beloved child from bestowing alms. I grant her full liberty; indeed she may, if she will, dispense all that is in the house." Catherine used almost literally the permission she had received; however, she had the gift of discernment, and gave only to those whom she knew had a real need, and then she did not wait for such individuals to ask. She was acquainted with some poor families, in her neighborhood, who were in great distress, but who were ashamed to solicit alms. She therefore imitated Saint Nicholas, rising early in the morning, so as to carry corn, wine and oil, with whatever else was necessary for them. She went unattended to the houses of the unfortunate persons. God would open the door for her in a miraculous manner, while she would shut it quickly and glide stealthily away, having deposited her provisions in the house.

One day as she was sick and suffering from head to foot, and felt that it was impossible for her to rise from her bed, she learned that a poor widow in the neighborhood was in absolute destitution, having not even a loaf of bread for her little children. Her heart bled, and daring the whole night she was begging her divine Spouse