,frontispiece3 ,,/4 ,,rita ,,receives   
,,h] ,,miracul\s ,,w\nd                 
,,life ,,( ,,/4 ,,rita    ,,( ,,cascia1 
,o4,s4,a4        f ! ,italian           
,,by    ,,v ,,rev4 ,,ri*>d ,,connolly   
,o4,s4,a41 ,d4,d4          ,r4  ,t4     
,,wa%b\rne    #d ,,pat]no/] ,,r[1       
,,london    ,,b5zig] ,,bros43 ,,new     
,,york1 ,,c9c9nati ,,& ,,*icago    #aijc
            ,nihil ,ob/at3        ,,fr4 
,,joannes ,l4 ,,condon1 ,o4,s4,a41      
,,c5s4 ,,deputatus4        ,,p]mission  
,,to ,,publi%      ,we approve ( !      
publication ( ! ',life (    ,/4 ,rita ( 
,cascia1' f ! ,italian1 by !    ,v ,rev4
 ,fr4 ,ri*>d ,connolly1 ,o4,s4,a41      
,d4,d4          ,,fr4 ,w4 ,o',,sullivan1
 ,o4,s4,a41            ,,vic>           
,,prov9cial4    ,,cork1 ,fea/ ( ,/4     
,patrick1 #aijc4      ,imprimatur3      
,,h]b]tus ,,c>d9alis ,,vaughan1         
,,ar*iepiscopus ,,we/mona/]i5sis4       
,,cont5ts    ,,"p ,i    ,,rita ,,9 ,,!  
,,_w    ,,*apt]      ,i4 ,,cascia3 ,a   
,,glance ,,at ,,its ,,hi/ory    ,,ii4   

,,rita',s ,,p>5ts    ,,iii4 ,,rita',s   
,,wond]ful ,,conception    ,,iv4        
,,rita',s ,,bir?    ,v4 ,,! ,,:ite      
,,bees ,,( ,,/4 ,,rita    ,,vi4         
,,rita',s ,,*ildhood    ,,vii4 ,,rita',s
 ,,love ,,( ,,retirem5t    ,,viii4      
,,rita',s ,,m>riage    ,,ix4 ,,rita ,,z 
,,wife    ,x4 ,,dea? ,,( ,,rita',s      
,,husb& ,,& ,,*ildr5--,,rita ,,z ,,wid[ 
,,"p ,,ii    ,,rita ,,9 ,,! ,,cloi/]    
,i4 ,,rita',s ,,miracul\s ,,entry ,,into
 ,,! ,,cloi/] ,,& ,,h] ,,reception      
,,ii4 ,,rita ,,z ,,novice--,,h]         
,,pr(ession    ,,iii4 ,,rita',s ,,*>ity 
,,iv4 ,,o!r ,,virtues ,,:i* ,,rita      
,,practis$ ,,9 ,,! ,,cloi/]    ,v4      
,,rita',s ,,obs]vance ,,( ,,! ,,religi\s
 ,,v[s    ,,vi4 ,,rita',s ,,p5ances     
,,vii4 ,,rita',s ,,_s ,,( ,,pray]       
,,viii4 ,a ,,?orn ,,f ,,! ,,savi\r',s   
,,cr[n ,,( ,,?orns ,,w\nds ,,rita',s    
,,=ehead    ,,ix4 ,,rita ,,goes ,,to    
,,rome ,,to ,,ga9 ,,! ,,indulg5ce ,,(   
,,! ,,jubilee    ,x4 ,,rita',s ,,la/    
,,illness ,,& ,,dea?      ,,"p ,,iii    

,,rita ,,9 ,,heav5      ,i4 ,,wond]ful  
,,ev5ts ,,t ,,happ5$ ,,at ,,rita',s     
,,dea?--,,burial ,,( ,,h] ,,sacr$ ,,body
    ,,ii4 ,,miracles ,,wr\ght ,,by ,,god
 ,,?r\gh ,,rita',s ,,int]cession ,,be=e 
,,h] ,,beatification    ,,iii4          
,,efficacy ,,( ,,! ,,relics ,,( ,,/4    
,,rita    ,,iv4 ,,m>vels ,,( ,,/4       
,,rita',s ,,sepul*re    ,v4 ,,immemorial
 ,,wor%ip ,,( ,,/4 ,,rita    ,,vi4      
,,solemn ,,beatification ,,( ,,rita     
,,vii4 ,,miracles ,,work$ ,,by ,,rita   
,,aft] ,,h] ,,beatification    ,,viii4  
,,m ,,rec5t ,,miracles ,,( ,,/4 ,,rita  
,,ix4 ,,h] ,,canonization    ,x4 ,,!    
,,?ree ,,miracles ,,approv$ ,,= ,,h]    
,,canonization    ,,conclusion          
,"p ,i    ,,rita ,,9 ,,! ,,_w           
,,life ,,( ,,/4 ,,rita ,,( ,,cascia     
,,*apt] ,i    ,,cascia3 ,a ,,glance ,,at
 ,,its ,,hi/ory    ,/4 ,b]n>d obs]ves t 
! place 9 :i* our ,savi\r di$ attracts  
our devotion 9 a great] degree ?an any (
 ^? places 9 :i* ,he  dwelt dur+ ,8     
life1 & c !re=e boa/ ( a c]ta9          

pre-em95ce4  ,speak+ ( ,/4 ,rita1 we c  
say ! same ( ,cascia  comp>$ ) ,rocca   
,por5a1 h] bir?place4  ,cascia gov]n$   
,rocca  ,por5a z did ,j]usalem ,naz>e?1 
b x is n on ?is acc\nt we  claim its    
sup]iority1 b because our sa9t liv$ !re 
= _m ye>s  & di$ !re1 & !re h] relics   
are v5]at$4  ,cascia is  !re=e look$ ^u 
z ,/4 ,rita's home1 & h5ce %e is call$  
,/4  ,rita ( ,cascia4  ,7 we b to give a
 cursory sket* ( ! hi/ory (  ,cascia f  
its annals1 :i* /ill exi/1 ! pres5t     
volume c\ld n  conta9 :at we %\ld be =c$
 to write1 s important did x become2  we
 w !re=e cont5t ourselves ) allud+ to a 
few ( ! m  sali5t po9ts 9 its /ory4     
,?is anci5t & illu/ri\s t[n is built "u 
! %ad[ ( !  ,ap5n9es1 at a po9t 9 t *a9 
( m\nta9s almo/ midway betwe5  ! ,alps &
 ! ,m$it]ranean4  ,x is on ! bord]s (   
,umbria1 sev5  miles f ,norcia1 t5 f    
,leonessa1 ?irty f ,rieti1 &  tw5ty-?ree
 f ,spoleto4  ,x /&s on ! site ( !      
anci5t  ,cursula1 :i* is believ$ to h   
be5 a ,roman free-t[n--t is1 its  p     

enjoy$ ! hon\rs1 rights1 & privileges ( 
,roman  citiz5%ip1 & _! t[n 0 gov]n$ by 
its own laws4  ,t ,cursula  0 a t[n ( "s
 importance is atte/$ by its rema9s1 :i*
 are  /ill extant1 notably by ! ,temple 
( ! ,augurs1 ! ,temple ( ,m>s1  & !     
,h\se ( ! ,duumviri4    ,we h no?+ else 
?an ^! rema9s to guide u 9 inquir+ into 
! hi/ory ( ,cursula1 nor c we surmise ! 
epo* f :5ce to  date its exi/5ce4  ,we  
"k f ,dionysius ( ,halic>nassus t x  0  
de/roy$1 & t a new t[n rose on ! ru9s ( 
! orig9al  "o1 b ! dates ( ^! ev5ts _c  
be fix$ ) c]ta9ty4  ,!  date ( !        
rebuild+ ( ,cursula may1 ) "s           
probability1 be plac$  at some?+ m ?an  
t5 ye>s be=e ! bir? ( our ,savi\r1 &    
h5ce its pagan inhabitants 7 /r5g!n+ !  
f\ndations ( its  future greatness :5   
,jesus ,*ri/1 born 9 ,be?lehem1 0 lay+ !
  f\ndation ( ! ,r$emption ( man4  ,we  
"k1 too1 t x 0 a  republic1 b are left 9
 ! d>k z to h[ x manag$ to a*ieve &     
pres]ve its indep5d5ce4  ,x is cr$ible  
t1 l o!r ,italian  cities1 x acquir$ its

 lib]ty at ! "t ( ! second fall ( !     
,roman ,empire1 aft] ! dea? ( !         
,emp]or-,sa9t ,h5ry1 dur+ !             
,pontificate ( ,john ,,xix41 or ab\t !  
ye> #ajbe4  ,?is indep5d5ce x  reta9$   
till #abfj1 9 :i* ye>1 ?r\gh ! ambition 
( rival  lead]s1 ! se$s ( civic         
diss5sion 7 s[n1 & ! republic 0  expos$ 
to dang]s f )\t4  ,x 0 at ?is "t t ! p  
( ,cascia det]m9$ to put !mselves "u !  
au?ority ( ,alex&]  ,,iv41 :o !n occupi$
 ! ,papal *air4  ,!y 7 induc$ to ?is    
action by :at !y saw ( ! peaceful nature
 ( ! ,papal gov]nm5t1  & because !y     
adh]$ to ! ,guelph p>ty1 :i* 0 fav\rable
 to  ! ,holy ,see4  ,alex&] ,,iv4 0 !   
great ,pontiff :o1 unit+ !  greate/     
virtues to ! highe/ m5tal atta9m5ts1    
contriv$ dur+  ! height ( ! sangu9>y    
qu>rels betwe5 ,guelphs & ,ghibell9es1  
:i* _h = tw5ty ye>s torn & divid$       
,italy1 to /amp out  inc5di>ism1 to cru%
 tyranny1 & cause peace & happ9ess to   
fl\ri% aga9 9 ! di/ract$ p59sula4       
,cascia _h no reason to  regret ! *ang$ 

/ate ( affairs1 = ! mon>*ical sy/em :i* 
its submission to ! ,pope introduc$ by  
no means de/roy$ its  republican =m (   
gov]nm5t4  ,h5ce x reta9$ ! "r (        
regulat+ its own affairs by its own     
laws2 h5ce its mayor1 elect$  e six     
mon?s1 reta9$ 8 au?ority2 h5ce x reta9$ 
^?  *iefs ( ! p1 at fir/ call$          
',atepo/i1' !n ',gonfaloni]i1'  & f9ally
 ',consuls4'  ,to ^! latt] a troop (    
soldi]s1 call$ !  p's jury1 0 subject1  
:o _h ! duty n only ( def5d+ !  p1 b (  
act+ on ! (f5sive :5 necess>y4  ,! c\rt 
(  ju/ice1 ! gu>ds & robes ( ! consuls1 
! /ately ret9ue (  ! mayor1 !           
=tifications ) _! g>risons1 ! numb] (   
subject t[ns & villages--( :i* m ?an =ty
 recognise ,cascia  z _! *ief at pres5t1
 )\t speak+ ( ! _m :i* !  ravages ( "t h
 de/roy$--! "r ( peace & w> left1 at    
lea/ 9 "p1 to ! brave p ( ,cascia--^! & 
o!r memories  ( ! pa/1 :i* ev5 n[ may be
 se5 9 ! consul> regi/]s1  con/itute a  
pro( ( ! lib]ty :i* ,cascia enjoy$ "u ! 
,popes  & ( ! fame :i* x acquir$4    ,b 

at ! beg9n+ ( ! disa/r\s & prolong$     
s*ism ( !  anti-,popes1 ,cascia unfurl$ 
! /&>d ( rebellion1 ei!r ?r\gh a  desire
 ( complete indep5d5ce1 or1 z "s say1 on
 acc\nt ( !  insol5t conduct ( ! ,papal 
soldi]s1 & = a p]iod ( ab\t #aca        
ye>s--till ! ye> #aeag--;x rema9$ "u a  
sort ( mix$  gov]nm5t4  ,?is int]val (  
complete indep5d5ce 0 fill$ up by an    
un9t]rupt$ s]ies ( w>s wag$ ) its       
neighb\rs ( ,norcia1 (  ,leonessa1 (    
,monreale1 ( ,aquila1 or ( ,c]reto4  ,b 
aft] ! fir/  outbur/ ( en?usiasm =      
complete indep5d5ce1 & 9 ! mid/ (       
qu>rels ) its neighb\rs1 ! republic (   
,cascia took occasion to  %[ its pri/9e 
rev]5ce & love = ! ,see ( ,rome4  ,a    
cle>  pro( ( ! correspond5ce betwe5     
,cascia & ! ,papal ,see is !  =mal      
ann\ncem5t1 made by ! ,c>d9als met      
toge!r 9 c\ncil at  ,con/ance1 to !     
commune ( ,cascia1 ( ! election ( ,pope 
,m>t9 ,v4  to ! ,pontifical ?rone4  ,!  
prompt assi/ance giv5 by ! p (  ,cascia 
to ,eug5e ,,iv41 successor to ,m>t9 ,v41

 aga9/ ,corrado ,tr9ci1  ,gov]nor (     
,foligno1 :o tri$ to make himself "l &  
ma/] ( t  city1 is ano!r pro( ( _!      
loyalty to ! ,holy ,see4  ,:5 ! wise  & 
great-m9d$ ,leo ,x4 asc5d$ ! ,papal     
?rone he br\ght back  ,cascia to its    
ob$i5ce to ! ,holy ,see by a brief dat$ 
#aeag4  ,all its  anci5t privileges &   
di/9ctions 7 confirm$ by him1 & a       
,c>d9al 0 appo9t$ to gov]n ! city2 =    
,cascia /ill cont9u$  to h ! title      
'city1' z x _h till #afjj at lea/4  ,"s 
speak (  money co9$ !re1 ( its coats (  
arms1 ( pr9t+ done !re1 (  its prosp]ity
 & comm]ce1 ( ! cultivation ( ! f9e     
arts2 b  ! cultivation ( s\ls is :at    
*iefly adorns x4    ,&1 9 ! fir/ place1 
if nobility presupposes ! tal5ts or     
m]its  ( ance/ors ei!r 9 field or c\rt1 
:at mu/ we say ( ,cascia1  :i* reckon$ 9
 its environs #bjj fam\s families1 :i*  
are ext9ct  only )9 ! la/ two c5turies1 
)\t speak+ ( o!rs t  betook !mselves    
else:]e1 or ( ! anci5t patrician        
families t  /ill dwell 9 ! homes ( _!   

ance/ors8    ,!re is no ne$ to g back to
 remote antiquity to cat* a glimpse (  !
 great m5 :o _h _! orig9 9 ,cascia 9 !  
spl5d\r ( its  greate/ glories4  ,!     
great ones born !re1 ev5 9 ! late/ ye>s 
( its decad5ce1 are a pro( ( :at x      
produc$ 9 ! pa/1 & are  suffici5t to    
r5ew ! hon\rs x m]it$ 9 its beg9n+s4    
,! ,c>d9als1 ! ,bi%ops1 ! ,prelates1 !  
names di/+ui%$ 9  sci5ce & 9 arms ( !   
,poli1 ,fr5fanelli1 ,b55ati1 ,cruciani1 
,squ>cipani1 ,colangeli1 ,negroni1      
,graziani1 ,frances*9i1 ,leonetti1      
,giudici1 ,elemos9a1 ,girolami1         
,gregorietti1 & ( o!r illu/ri\s         
families1 w\ld supply ample mat]ial to  
:osoev] w\ld wi% to  pron\nce ! praises 
( ,cascia4  ,we1 :o h = our /udy a nun &
  a sa9t1 %all cont5t ourselves ) go+   
into ! %ad[ ( !  cloi/] & ( ! sanctu>y4 
,we f9d ,&rew ( ,cascia1 a ,franciscan  
:o liv$ at ! same "t z ,/4 ,rita1 :o _h 
! happ9ess (  br++ ! ,gospel to ! ,turks
 at ,fez1 :]e he suff]$ m>tyrdom  aft]  
conv]t+ _m to ,*ri/ & work+ _m miracles4

  ,! glory  ( ?is humble fri> out%9es ! 
glory :i* ! hon\rs ( ! _w  c give4      
,bless$ ,pace1 a ,m9or ,conv5tual1 born 
9 ,cascia1 great 9  virtue & by !       
miracles he work$1 rais$ himself above e
  e>?ly greatness4    ,b :at mu/ h mo/  
drawn ! s\l ( our ,/4 ,rita to desire f 
h] *ildhood ! life ( ! cloi/]1 & to     
foll[ x 9 h] mature  ye>s1 7 ! s+ul>    
models ( sanctity :i* ! ,augu/9ian      
in/itute 9 ,cascia c\ld furni%4  ,!     
memory ( ! sa9tly h]oes1  foll[]s ( !   
great ,augu/9e1 :o dwelt 9 ! woods ab\t 
,cascia1  0 to h] ! memory ( a rec5t    
ev5t4  ,! fir/ ( ^! recluses  is ,bless$
 ,john1 :o f be+ "l ( ?ree t[ns %ut     
himself 9 !  ,valley ( ,att9o1 n f> f   
,cascia1 9 ord] to lead a life hidd5  9 
,god 9 ! deepe/ contemplation4  ,!n     
comes ,bless$ ,ugol9o1 :o  imitat$ !    
example ( ,bless$ ,john 9 r5\nc+ !      
pleasant ?+s  ( ?is _w to engage himself
 entirely ) heav5ly ?+s 9 !  h]mitage ( 
,/4 ,anatolia1 9 ! t]ritory ( ,cascia1  
:]e1 liv+ 9  mis]y1 he prep>$ = himself 

a way to a high degree ( glory 9  heav54
  ,! ?ird is ,bless$ ,simon ,fidati1 :om
 ! %ades ( !  h]mitage c\ld n hide f !  
_w4  ,= ! books on ! ascetic  life :i*  
?is v le>n$ h]mit ( ,/4 ,augu/9e wrote 9
 ^!  solitudes began to make him kn[n2  
!n 8 unwe>y+ & fruitful  prea*+ ?r\gh ! 
*ief cities ( ,italy1 especially        
,flor5ce &  ,si5a2 ! conv]sions ( :i* he
 0 ! in/rum5t2 ! numb] (  enemies he    
reconcil$2 8 _s ( prophecy2 8           
unconqu]able  *>ity on mo/ difficult    
occasions2 ! f\ndation ( two mona/]ies  
9 ! city ( ,flor5ce2 ! o!r works writt5 
by him1 :5ce he  des]v$ to be reckon$ ! 
brighte/ ornam5t ( ! ,augu/9ian ,ord]   
at t "t1 bo? by 8 eloqu5ce & pr(\nd     
le>n+1 m infus$  ?an acquir$1 z well z =
 ! piety & f]v\r :i* animat$ him  9     
writ+--^! & _m o!r ( 8 m]its made him   
glori\s 9  ?is _w1 & /ill m glori\s 9   
heav54    ,contempor>y ) ,bless$ ,simon 
7 _m o!r rem>kable m5 ( !  same ,ord]1 &
 born 9 ! same place1 z ,fr4 ,b>tolo1   
,vic> ( !  ,lat]an ,basilica1 :o enri*$ 

8 conv5t ( ,cascia ) m ?an #fjj  relics2
 ! ,v5]able ,&rew1 noble /&>d-be>] ( !  
,gospel 9  ,turkey2 ano!r ,v5]able      
,&rew1 ( ! ,capozi family1 r5d]$ fam\s  
8 c\ntry1 8 "n1 & ! ,augu/9ian ,ord] by 
8 fruitful  prea*+ & 8 le>n+4  ,fr4     
,ni*olas1 ( ! noble family ( !  ,s>ac9i 
( ,cascia1 0 also a contempor>y ( ,/4   
,rita4  ,aft] leav+  ! pomp ( ! _w to   
foll[ ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 pov]ty &           
humiliation1 he 0 rais$ ?r\gh all !     
ranks ( ! mona/ic  hi]>*y till he 0     
elect$ & re-elect$ ,g5]al ( 8 ,ord]1 &  
!n promot$ by ,pope ,john ,,xxiii4 to ! 
episcopal ,see ( ,mac]ata &  ,recanati1 
:]e he di$ 9 ! od\r ( sanctity 9 ! arms 
( !  p :om he _h re=m$ & :om he lov$4   
,9 ^? times1 too1  ,/eph5 ( ,ca/el ,san 
,giorgio1 9 ! di/rict ( ,cascia1 by 8   
virtues & tal5ts1 obta9$ ! highe/ hon\rs
 9 8 ,ord]1 &  became                   
,procurator-,g5]al4  ,we might m5tion ! 
names ( _m o!r  fam\s m5 ( ! conv5t &   
city ( ,cascia1 ei!r contempor>y )  ,/4 
,rita or ne>ly s1 z ,angelus & ,l\is (  

,cascia1 ,*]ub9us  ,lavosi 7,bi%op (    
,telesia71 ,paoletti1 ,squ>cipani1      
,amici1 ?ree ( !  ,simonetti family--all
 ei!r !ologians ( "s em95ce or fam\s    
prea*]s1 or rem>kable = _! writ+s2 b !  
notice ( ^!  & ( o!rs1 h[ev] praisewor?y
 = virtue or hon\rable to _!  native    
city ( ,cascia1 might seem beside our   
purpose & be t$i\s to  ^? :o wi% to read
 ! life ( ,/4 ,rita4  ,at all ev5ts1 x  
may be  d$uc$ f :at we h writt5 t       
,cascia 0 n )\t hon\r 9  its hi/ory & 9 
its inhabitants4    ,/ill1 :at is       
,cascia 9 ! sight ( ,god8  ,:at is ev5  
,j]usalem  be=e ,him & 9 ! light ( ,8   
inscrutable judgm5t8  ,human  greatness1
 :i* dazzles our eyes1 disappe>s 9 !    
glance ( ,god1 &  is lo/ 9 its own      
no?+ness4  ,!re is no di/9ction ( p]sons
  ) ,him1 nor is !re di/9ction ( places4
  ,! little t[n (  ,naz>e?1 out ( :i*1 9
 ! common v poor op9ion ( x1 x  seem$   
no?+ good c\ld come1 01 9 ! ,div9e      
c\ncils1  preorda9$ to be ! fa!rl& ( !  
,savi\r ( ! _w2 & !  /ill mean] t[n (   

,be?lehem--ev5 a /able 9 ,be?lehem--0   
*os5  z ,8 place ( bir?4  ,?us x (t5    
happ5s t ,god *ooses ! weak  ?+s1 !     
l[ly1 ! despicable1 ! ?+s ( naught to   
conf\nd !  goodly ?+s & ! /rong1 & to "w
 great designs1 9 ord] t  ! creature may
 n h :5ce to vaunt himself be=e 8       
,creator4  ,su* 0 ! case exactly ) t    
humble spot ,rocca ,por5a1 :i* 0  de/9$ 
to be ! bir?place ( ,/4 ,rita4    ,to   
give "s idea ( x1 let u say x is two    
miles & a half f  ,cascia t[>ds ! we/1  
:]e x is clos$ 91 n to say buri$4  ,an  
ov]hang+ m\nta9 cru%es x 9 on all sides 
& dom9ates x1 &  ) difficulty gives     
access to x f ! ea/ by two n>r[ roads1  
"o on ei!r side ( a precipit\s rock4  ,!
 riv] :i* fl[s to !  base ( ?is rock1   
fam\s 9 ! life ( ! sa9t1 does n approa* 
! small piece ( level gr\nd :i*1 toge!r 
) ! village1 =ms  ! bottom ( a deep     
bas94  ,! sun is t>dy !re 9 ris+1 & sets
  e>ly1 leav+ ! b>r5 pla9 to its languor
 & sadness4  ,"o w\ld  say t a place s  
isolat$ & conf9$1 :]e nei!r ! beauty (  

nature nor ( art appe>s1 & :]e ! sky is 
almo/ ! only ?+  9 view1 0 creat$ =     
contemplation & to be ! home ( innoc5ce4
  ,! two h\ses ( ,/4 ,rita are /ill to  
be se51 almo/ at opposite  ends ( !     
village1 ! "o 9 :i* %e 0 born & liv$    
until h]  m>riage 9 t "p call$ !        
,borghetto1 & ! o!r :]e %e  liv$ a wife1
 & :i* is n[ turn$ into a little *apel 9
 h]  hon\r1 9 ! place call$ ! ,piazza4  
,! sa9t's g>d51 n[ gr[n  wild1 is also  
%[n to ! pi\s travell]4  ,besides ^! !re
 does  n seem to be any?+ wor?y (       
m5tion4  ,we may !re=e inf] t  z        
,be?lehem 0 /yl$ ! lea/ among/ ! cities 
( ,judea1 s1  p]haps1 is ,rocca ,por5a !
 lea/ among/ ! t[ns ( ,cascia--!  lea/1 
inde$1 z a place1 b memorable by reason 
( ! fav\r %[n  x1 :i* exalts x f> above 
! o!rs1 s9ce x has giv5 to u t  great   
sa9t :o1 by h] s+ul> example ( innoc5ce 
& virtue1 is  become ! guide & model 9 !
 way ( p]fection to virg9s1 to  m>ri$   
wom51 to wid[s1 & to ^? liv+ 9 !        
cloi/]s1 9 su*  a mann] z ,be?lehem--if 

we may lawfully make a comp>ison betwe5 
!  orig9al & a fa9t copy--0 exalt$ by ! 
bir? ( ,jesus ,*ri/1  :]e1 z ,bless$    
,simon ( ,cascia says1 ,he made ,himself
 ! my/ical  & life-giv+ bread = our     
common n\ri%m5t & com=t on ! way  :i*   
leads to heav54          ,,*apt] ,,ii   
,,rita',s ,,p>5ts    ,! =tunate p>5ts ( 
,rita 7 ,antonio ,manc9i1 ( ,rocca      
,por5a &  ,amata ,f]ri1 :o is believ$ to
 be f a village call$ ,fogliano4        
,antonio 0 n noble1 nor _h he a title1 b
 we may apply to him !  praise :i* !    
,holy ,_s gives to ,noah--t he 0 a j man
 &  p]fect 9 8 times1 & he walk$ ) ,god4
  ,! ,grac*i1 !  ,scipios1 ! ,cs>s among
 ! numb] ( _! family hon\rs _c  f9d a   
title great] or ev5 equal to ?is4    ,e 
o!r sup]iority is vanity1 & if !re be   
glory f o!r  titles1 x is ! glory (     
ano!r1 :i* _c pass to ! po/]ity  ( ^? :o
 m]it$ x4  ,ju/ice alone makes t real   
nobility :i*  ,/4 ,augu/9e & o!r holy   
fa!rs call nobility accord+ to !  he>t (
 ,god4  ,& al?\gh ev5 ?is _c be pass$ on

 to  desc5dants1 z x did n pass f ,noah 
to 8 son ,*am1 :om he  curs$1 yet x is n
 unusual = ,god to recall ! ju/ice (    
p>5ts1  n only = a model1 b to give a   
c]ta9 extr9sic glory to _!  desc5dants4 
,h5ce1 :5 ! ,holy ,_s wi%$ to record !  
praises  ( ,/4 ,john ! ,bapti/1 ,he wi%$
 also = 8 hon\r t we %\ld  rememb] t 8  
p>5ts 7 bo? 'j be=e ,god1 walk+ 9 all  !
 comm&m5ts & ju/ifications ( ! ,"l )\t  
blame4'  ,s we  c also say ( ,antonio & 
,amata1 ( :om 0 born ,/4 ,rita1 :o _h a 
special devotion to ,/4 ,john4  ,!y 7 n 
( noble blood1 b !y  7 noble 9 _! works2
 !y 7 n ri* 9 temporal goods1 b  !y 7   
ri* 9 ! true treasures ( ,div9e grace1  
:i* d n pass  f ^? :o possess !m4  ,!y  
enjoy$ ! e/eem ( all :o knew  !m1 an    
e/eem m preci\s ?an t :i* flatt]y (f]s  
to !  ri* & great ( ?is _w4  ,_! =tune  
con/itut$ t  m$iocrity :i* ! wise man   
s\ght f ,god 9 ord] t abundance  might n
 tempt him to =get 8 ,creator1 nor      
pov]ty to give himself  a prey to any   
vice4  ,! indu/ri\s & hon\rable lab\r1 &

 !  innoc5t pa/oral life :i* 9 _! "t did
 n degrade !  ,patri>*s ,abraham1       
,isaac1 & ,jacob1 did n make ! ,manc9i  
family  less wor?y ( hon\r4  ,r f !     
fruits ( _! lab\r did !y  acquire !     
means ( ex]cis+ a b5efic5t lib]ality    
t[>ds !  poor ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 :om !y    
*]i%$ ) an ard5t *>ity4  ,:e!r ! fruits 
( _! fields 7 abundant or sc>ce1 ^! two 
happy ones1 husb& & wife1 liv$ cont5t$ 9
 _! frugality1  always giv+ ?anks to !  
,giv] ( e good gift1 & plac+  !mselves  
entirely 9 con=mity ) ! mo/ j &         
provid5tial  dispositions ( heav54      
,p]fect concord1 :i* 0 _! de>e/  virtue1
 s9ce 9 x is ! fulness ( ! law1 always  
reign$ 9 _!  home4  ,& h5ce :5 !y he>d (
 divisions among/ o!rs1 :i*  7 only too 
frequ5t 9 t age & c\ntry1 !y 7 spe$ily  
pres5t ) !m1 & ) _! ins9uat+ mann]s &   
holy zeal  !y insi/$ 9 _! *>itable      
(fices till peace 0 re/or$4  ,!y 71 on  
?is acc\nt1 commonly call$ ! 'peacemak]s
 ( ,jesus  ,*ri/4'    ,!y correct$ !    
err+ accord+ to ! rules ( ! ,gospel2 !y 

int]c$$ = !m ) s f]v5t pray]s1 ) s great
 conc]n1 &  ) s happy results1 t1 l     
,moses1 !y appe>$ to be  con/itut$      
m$iators betwe5 ! p & ,god4  ,!y /eadily
 hat$  vice1 & practis$ e virtue4  ,!   
book f :i* !y le>n$ &  *]i%$ s5tim5ts s 
virtu\s 0 none o!r ?an ! ,passion ( !   
,r$eem]4  ,x furni%$ !m ) inexhau/ible  
matt] = _!  m$itations1 = _! livelie/   
compassion1 & = t rem>kable  piety :i*1 
f h] cradle1 !y in/ill$ into ! he>t (   
,rita1  & :i* !y left h] z a h]itage4   
,9 a ^w1 x may ) reason  be said ( !m   
:at 0 said ( ! p>5ts ( ,/4 ,john !      
,bapti/--t !y 7 bo? j to ! eyes ( ,god1 
walk+ )\t  /a9 9 ! exact obs]vance ( !  
law4  ,?is 0 _! nobility1  ?is 0 _!     
weal?1 :i* x pleas$ ,god to pass to _!  
daught]  & to multiply 9 h] 9 a s+ul>   
way4  ,?us we may say1 z ,bless$  ,simon
 ( ,cascia writes1 t ! p>5ts' goodness  
in/ill$ ! be/  dispositions ev5 be=e h] 
bir? into h] :o 0 to be born f  !m1 z ! 
goodness ( ,za*>y & ,elizabe? w5t to    
exalt ! holy  precursor ,/4 ,john4      

,?us ^! two holy s\ls1 husb& & wife1    
liv$ a long s]ies (  ye>s 9 ^! ex]cises 
( virtue & piety1 )\t1 h[ev]1 see+  any 
fruit ( _! *a/e union4  ,god s dispos$ x
 t ! desires  ( _! y\?ful ye>s %\ld be  
va91 t !y %\ld lab\r to  deta* _! m9ds  
/ill m f mortal ?+s1 & 9 ord] t !  pro(s
 ( an extraord9>y "w ( ,8 provid5ce %\ld
 "o day %9e  ! bright]4  ,mean:ile1 _!  
desire ( (fspr+1 ) :i* nature  innoc5tly
 inspir$ !m1 _h n only gr[n cold )      
advanc+ ye>s1  b 0 q ext9ct2 no o!r c>e 
%\ld rema9 ) !m n[ ?an  t ( asc5d+ to ! 
et]nal h]itage ( ! heav5ly ,fa!r1       
in/ead ( desc5d+ to ! c>e ( *ildr5 &    
transmitt+ _!  temporal possessions to  
_! po/]ity on e>?4          ,,*apt]     
,,iii    ,,rita',s ,,wond]ful           
,,conception    ,t ,god1 :o is wond]ful 
9 ,8 sa9ts1 & :o1 to use a sacr$        
expression1 seems at times to play sport
 ) ! _w1 & especially  ) ^? creatures t 
=m ,8 delight1 wi%$ 9 ! end1 & at a  "t 
:5 9 ! natural ord] (fspr+ c\ld lea/ be 
expect$ f  ^! old & b>r5 consorts1 to   

grant !m 9 a prodigi\s mann] !          
fulfilm5t ( _! anci5t desires--a        
fulfilm5t ! m acceptable  z m un=ese51 &
 ! happi] & m c]ta9 inasmu* z x 0  m>k$ 
& seal$ ) ! seal ( ! ,omnipot5t4  ,s    
great & s  rem>kable graces c =e%ad[    
only great & rem>kable sanctity4        
,isaac 0 meant to be ! type ( ,jesus    
,*ri/ sacrific$ = ! human  race2 he 0   
int5d$ to be a figure ( ! propagation ( 
!  fai?ful2 he %\ld be great 9 ! ord] ( 
grace4  ,/ill1 he 0 born  out ( ! ord] (
 nature1 ( p>5ts also b>r5 by reason (  
_!  age4  ,he :o 0 to prep>e ! way = !  
imp5d+ appe>ance ( !  ,r$eem]1 & :o 0 to
 be m ?an a prophet & ! greate/  among/ 
! sa9ts1 he also 0 miracul\sly born (   
p>5ts ag$ &  b>r52 n to speak ( o!r     
di/+ui%$ p]sonages1 bo? ( ! ,old  & ,new
 ,te/am5ts1 :o 9 v>i\s ways 7 born 9 a  
sup]natural  mann] to exalt ! /up5d\s   
works ( omnipot5ce & ( grace4  ,n       
o!rwise did ! ,"l1 :o 9 ,8 l(ty designs 
int5d$ great ?+s  = our h]o9e1 dispose t
 h] conception %\ld be mo/ rem>kable  & 

above ! ord] ( nature4    ,amata became 
consci\s ( ! wond]ful ev5t1 &1 full (   
amazem5t1  %e d>$ n cr$it ! evid5ce ( x4
  ,9 su* a /ate %e felt h]  he>t        
agitat$1 n[ by fe>s t %e 0 deceiv$1 aga9
 by hope (  ! contr>y2 at "o "t by %ame 
at s unusual an occurr5ce at su*  an age
 z h]s1 at ano!r h] feel+s ( wond]      
ov]:elm$ h]2 &  aga9 %e exp]i5c$ r5ew$  
/ruggles ( fre% fe>s1 emotions1 &       
passions4  ,b1 z is ! way ) ! j1 !      
tr\bl$ woman _h  rec\rse to pray] to !  
,fa!r ( light1 to ! ,god ( consolation1 
& :il/ %e p]sev]$ 9 h] humble1 f]v5t1 & 
con/ant pray]s1  !re appe>$ to h] an    
angel1 a be>] ( c]ta9ty1 ( peace1 & (   
happy tid+s1 z an angel appe>$ to       
,abraham & ,s>a :ile !y 7  employ$ 9 !  
*>itable ex]cise ( hospitality1 & to    
,za*>y  amid/ 8 pray]s & (f]+s ( inc5se4
  ,h[ev] joyful &  consol+ 9 itself 0   
?is angelic app>ition1 x did n fail to  
cause 9 h] he>t feel+s ( p]turbation4   
,daniel & ! o!r  prophets _h a l        
s5sation 9 simil> circum/ances2 ,za*>y  

_h !  same feel+s1 & s _h ! mo/ holy ,"m
 ( ,god h]self4  ,!  reason is1 z       
,bless$ ,simon ( ,cascia wisely obs]ves1
 t humanity is  naturally di/urb$ &     
/rick5 ) fe> at ! sudd5 sight (  ?+s    
extraord9>y or great] ?an itself4  ,b1 z
 ! same bless$  writ] adds1 s9ce ^?     
heav5ly spirits1 :5 !y are s5t = our    
relief1 are accu/om$ to com=t ! timid1  
?us1 z ! ar*angel  told ! fa!r ( !      
future ,precursor n to fe>1 & by !      
ann\ncem5t ( 8 bir? 9 ! ne> future calm$
 8 he>t )  efficaci\s words1 s did ano!r
 ambassador f heav5 br+ ! same  security
 & joy to ! tr\bl$ m9d ( ,rita's "m1 &  
assure h]  t %e %\ld br+ =? a *ild2 & t 
no?+ %\ld be want+  to ! fulness ( h]   
consolation1 he made kn[n to h] 9 brief 
!  em95t virtues & glory ( ! daught] t 0
 to be born to h]1  z ! sanctity ( !    
,bapti/ 0 likewise =etold to ,za*>y4    
,! miracul\s pl$ge ( grace :i*          
,antonio's happy wife bore already  9 h]
 womb & h] lively fai? prev5t$ h] f     
smil+ at  ann\ncem5ts s wond]ful2 unlike

 ,abraham's wife1 :o smil$ at a n       
dissimil> ann\ncem5t4  ,nor did %e s9   
?r\gh incr$ulity1 z did  ,elizabe?'s    
husb&1 :o 0 puni%$ = 8 s91 b =ew>n$ by  
fact1 & full ( t fai? :i* tea*es t ,god 
c raise up  *ildr5 to ,abraham ev5 f ! v
 /ones1 %e in/antly believ$  9 ! words (
 ! angel4  ,! angelic vision disappe>$1 
& ,amata1  consid]+ h] own unwor?9ess1 0
 seiz$ ) fre% wond] &  pr(\nd humility4 
,?9k+ at ! same "t on ! signal fav\r1 %e
  retir$1 ) great cont5tm5t & s+ul>     
gratitude & love t[>ds  ! ,div9e        
goodness1 to p\r out ! fulness ( h] pure
 & f]v5t  affection at ! feet ( h] mo/  
b5efic5t ,god4  ,x is easy to ?9k  :at a
 new /imulus to piety 9 h]self & h]     
virtu\s husb& 0  ?is great grace4  ,?us 
!y rema9$ happy 9 _! virtue & secure  9 
! h&s ( ,div9e provid5ce1 joy\sly await+
 ! happy day (  ,rita's extoll$ bir?4   
,,*apt] ,,iv    ,,rita',s ,,bir?    ,n[ 
t we are ab\t to describe ,rita's bir?1 
x w n be out (  place to ca/ a pass+    
glance at ! unhappy /ate ( ^? times1 9  

ord] to see ?+s m cle>ly z we progress )
 our hi/ory1 &  9 ord] t ! provid5ce (  
,god & ,8 grace may m cle>ly be  disc]n$
 to ,8 hon\r & glory4  ,! memories are  
/ill fre% 9 our  m9ds1 or1 r1 ! w\nds   
:i* ! av5g+ sword ( ! ,god (  armies    
inflict$ on u4  ,!re is n a mom5t 9 :i* 
we d n  recall ) horror ! m\rnful losses
 inflict$ by arms on prop]ty1  comm]ce1 
arts1 /udy1 families1 ,/ates1 good ord]1
 morals1 on  religion & ! ,*ur*4  ,b    
h[ev] true & j our regrets may be1  x is
 a fact t ,italy 0 mu* m h>ass$ &       
afflict$ at !  p]iod ab\t ! bir? (      
,rita4  ,to read ( ! extortions ( !     
,visconti ?r\gh ! wide ext5t ( _!       
dom9ions 9 ,lomb>dy1 !  cruelty ex]cis$ 
by !m on ! pretext ( puni%+ treason1 _! 
unbridl$ lu/1 & _! mo/ unwor?y h>ass+ ( 
! cl]gy1  excites our horror4  ,at ! o!r
 extremity ( ,italy1 9 ! k+dom (        
,naples1 a t]ritory ( equal importance1 
wrongs & sc&als ( e  description1 & !   
mo/ deplorable calamities1 caus$ by !   
p>ties  ( ! ,dukes ( ,anj\ & ,surazzo1  

:o laid claim to ! k+dom1  spread       
!mselves & took root z ! civil w> t     
foll[$ on !  dea? ( ,k+ ,rob]t became m 
widespread4  ,! diff]5t o!r  ,/ates into
 :i* ,italy 0 !n divid$ 7 n any?+ bett]4
  ,=  ! luxury ( ^! little ,c\rts :i*   
tri$ to rival ! great ones  to ! grave  
oppression ( ! p1 _! despotism1 _!      
rivalry  & w>s1 _! unbridl$ ambition to 
comm& :i* multipli$ !  dome/ic treasons 
& assass9ations ( bro!rs by bro!rs1 (   
relatives by relatives 7if we except !  
h\ses ( ,savoy1 ,monf]rato1  ,saluzzo1 &
 ,e/e7--^! & ! o!r dom9ant vices &      
sc&als  s]v$ only to increase mis]y &   
sorr[4  ,! cities ( ! ,papal  ,/ates 7  
also1 = ! mo/ "p1 groan+ "u ! yoke (    
rebels--bloody1 inexorable1 lewd        
tyrants--& especially be=e ,gregory     
,,ix4 re-e/abli%$ 8 ?rone 9 ,rome aft] 8
 return f ,avignon4  ,&1 z if ^!        
,italian tyrants 7 n suffici5t to cause 
public  mis]y1 hordes ( deva/at+ soldi]s
 issu$ f ,g]many1 ,hung>y1  & ,engl& to 
complete ! confusion4  ,w>n]1 ,muriale1 

,s&o1  ,an*9o1 ,augu/us1 & o!rs--all    
capta9s ( ! dissolute soldi]s  (        
=tune--7 ! /ubborn arbit]s ( ,italian   
affairs f !  middle ( ! f\rte5? c5tury  
till ! "t ( ,*>les ,v41 al?\gh  !y 7 n  
own]s ( ev5 a p]* ( l&4  ,^! gave _!    
s]vices 9 ! p]petual w>s to :oev] paid  
!m be/1 & w5t  ab\t pillag+1 impos+     
tribute & subsidies--& woe to him :o 0  
sl[ 9 satisfy+ _! dem&s6--lay+ wa/e     
fields1 besieg+  t[ns1 & univ]sally     
ex]cis+ _! pitiless p[]4  ,h5ce1 z !  p 
model !mselves aft] ! mann]s ( k+s &    
nobles1 x is  easy to div9e ! g5]al /ate
 ( morals 9 ! mid/ ( su*  depravity4    
,let u draw a veil ov] t picture1 !     
sight ( :i*  w\ld move to horror        
humanity1 religion1 & especially mode/y4
    ,let x suffice to say t s deeply    
root$ 0 ?is univ]sal  depravity t n ev5 
! pe/il5ce1 t s evid5t sign ( !  ang] ( 
heav51 :i* 9 ! middle ( t c5tury c>ri$  
(f m  ?an half ! inhabitants ( ,italy1 0
 able to *eck x4  ,& t  :i* ! prophet   
,isaias seems to h =ese5 9 8 "t1 b 9    

ano!r s5se1 0 fulfill$ "h too3 su* z ! p
 is1 s %all  ! prie/ be--s /rong 0 !    
influ5ce ( ! bad example & want  (      
discipl9e introduc$ into ,italy by !    
ab&on+ ( _!  ,apo/olic ,see 9 ,rome by !
 ,popes4  ,! prevail+ depravity         
aft]w>ds op5$ ! way to /ill great]      
evils4    ,= ! zeal ) :i* ,urban ,,vi41 
successor ( ,gregory ,,xi41 s\ght to    
rem$y ! evils :i* afflict$ ! ,*ur* 0    
intol]able to "s1  & h5ce foll[$ !      
election ( an anti-,pope1 :i* gave rise 
to  t t]rible s*ism :i* bur/ =? a little
 be=e ! bir? (  ,rita1 & end$ only a    
%ort "t be=e h] dea?4    ,:o c recall   
)\t te>s ! sep>ations betwe5 fri5ds1    
pr9ces  tak+ oppos+ sides1 ! spiritual &
 temporal arms put 9  antagonism1 !     
neglect ( ! canons1 ! numb]less sc&als &
  losses ( ! ,*ur*1 :i* w\ld at t "t h  
be5 ?reat5$  ) absolute ru91 b t ! gates
 ( hell c nev] prevail  aga9/ !         
un%akable edifice f\nd$ on ! rock (     
,pet]1 :i* c  nev] fail8  ,! ,*ur* 0 at 
t "t1 moreov]1 fill$ ) sorr[  by !      

h]esies ( ! ,begu9s1 ! ,flagellants1 !  
,adamites1 !  ,wald5sians1 !            
,wickliffites1 & o!rs1 & by ! rapid     
successes  ( ,amura? ,i41 :o1 to ! loss 
( ! ,*ri/ian "n1 took possession  (     
,!ssaly & ,mac$onia ab\t ! "t ( ,rita's 
bir?4  ,nei!r 9  ! ,ea/]n nor 9 ! ,we/]n
 ,*ur* 0 !re an ,emp]or ei!r  fitt$ to  
oppose a bulw>k aga9/ ! inru% ( su*     
evils or dispos$  to oppose !m4  ,john  
,paleologus 9 ! ,ea/ _h lo/ he>t ?r\gh 8
  frequ5t defeats1 & 0 leagu$ aga9/ !   
p[]s ( ,*ri/5dom2  & 9 ! ,we/1          
,w5ceslaus1 giv5 to ! w9e-cup & to      
luxury1 0  become good = no?+4    ,!    
republics ( ! "t1 among/ :i* 0 ,cascia1 
7 n mu* m  =tunate ?an ! k+doms4  ,g5oa 
& ,v5ice1 :i* only a %ort "t  previ\s   
might h be5 comp>$ 9 _! rivalry to ,rome
 & ,c>?age  9 ! anci5t _w1 _h n[ bo?    
become exhau/$ ( all _!  /r5g? ?r\gh a  
long s]ies ( /ubborn w>s und]tak5 aga9/ 
"o  ano!r1 & al?\gh !y 7 n[ mutually at 
peace & also ) !  o!r ,p[]s1 ?r\gh !    
int]v5tion ( ! ,duke ( ,savoy1 !y 7     

unable to %[ any opposition to ! common 
enemy ( ,*ri/5dom4  ,nor  did ! av>ice &
 ambition ( ^! ,/ates fail to br+ 9 _!  
tra9 a fruitful crop ( all o!r vices4   
,flor5ce1 too1 al?\gh  happy 9 !        
cultivation ( ! f9e arts1 0 infect$ ) ! 
g5]al depravity4  ,! city 0 torn by     
faction1 & weak5$ by ^?  o!r vices aga9/
 :i* ,bless$ ,simon ( ,cascia _h s      
/r5u\sly  prea*$ a few ye>s e>li]4  ,&  
al?\gh ^! exhortations br\ght  ab\t a   
re=m1 x 0 b half-he>t$ & %ort-liv$4     
,vici\s  practices increas$ 9 ! city1 & 
op5 rebellion aga9/ ! ,holy  ,see 0 _!  
ev5tual outcome4  ,( ,cascia itself we  
read t 9 #achj  ! ,guelphs & !          
,ghibell9es committ$ horrible atrocities
  ?r\gh\t ! city & its dep5d5t t]ritory4
  ,& al?\gh !  oppos+ factions pat*$ up 
a peace betwe5 !m 9 t ye>1 x 0  ( no    
long duration1 s9ce1 z we h said 9 !    
fir/ *apt]1 !  p ( ,cascia rebell$ aga9/
 ! ,holy ,see dur+ ! fir/ ye>s  ( !     
s*ism ( ! anti-,popes1 j aft] ! bir? (  
,rita4  ,murd]  & robb]y1 pillage &     

inc5di>ism foll[$ 9 ! wake (  rebellion1
 & br\ght ru9 to _m families 9 ,cascia &
 de/ruction  ^u h] religi\s places4  ,a 
w> soon broke out betwe5 ,cascia &      
,leonessa1 :i* la/$ = twelve mon?s1 &   
w\ld h cont9u$ mu*  long] b = ! fri5dly 
int]v5tion ( ! ,tr9ci ( ,foligno1  ?r\gh
 ^: ef=ts peace 0 made4  ,su* 0 ! wret*$
 condition  ( affairs 9 ,italy at t "t4 
,x is truly wond]ful1 z ,/4 ,john       
,*ryso/om says ( a some:at  simil> case1
 h[ s fair a rose z ,/4 ,rita 0 c\ld h  
bloom$  amid s _m ?orns4  ,yet su* 0 !  
disposition ( ,div9e  provid5ce1 :i*    
decre$ t :]e s9 sup]ab\nd$ grace %\ld   
ab\nd 9 t *os5 s\l :o1 f ! miracul\s    
ev5ts t  prec$$ h] bir? & h] innoc5ce1  
:i* %e pres]v$ intact1  seem$ almo/ to h
 be5 sanctifi$ 9 h] "m's womb4  ,rita1  
!n1 0 born 9 ! village ( ,rocca ,por5a 9
 ! ye> #acha1 dur+  ! pontificate (     
,urban4  ,h] p>5ts 7 ,antonio ,manc9i & 
,amata  ,f]ri1 ! *ild ( ^: old age %e 01
 ! fir/ & only fruit (  _! *a/e love1   
or1 r1 ( _! rem>kable virtue4  ,! pure  

joy :i* fill$ ,amata's he>t at ! sight (
 ! infant1 :i* heav5  itself _h extoll$1
 mu/ h made h] =get ^? trials :i* e  "m 
has exp]i5c$ s9ce our fir/ "m ,eve      
committ$ orig9al  s94  ,antonio1 too1 z 
he gaz$ t5d]ly on ! pr$e/9$ *ild1 mu/  h
 exult$ 9 ! ,"l1 & mu/1 l ,simeon ( old1
 h felt  himself ready to die cont5t2   
he1 too1 c\ld n[ s+ a hymn (  ?anksgiv+ 
to ,god1 :o _h grant$ him ! happ9ess (  
see+ !  glory ( 8 family1 ( 8 c\ntry1 & 
( ! new h\se ( ,israel4  ,! g5]al joy & 
univ]sal congratulation ( relatives &   
neighb\rs add$ to ! happ9ess ( ! pi\s   
c\ple1 ^: virtue &  *>ity _h made !m    
e/eem$ by all4  ,?us did ! relatives &  
neighb\rs ( ! holy ,elizabe? rejoice at 
! equally wond]ful bir?  ( ,/4 ,john !  
,bapti/1 = ! ,"l desir$ to make kn[n !  
m]cy  he _h %[n 9 ! fir/ appe>ance ( !  
,precursor4  ',all :o love  goodness1'  
says ,simon ( ,cascia1 'p>ticipate 9 !  
joy t is  occasion$ by ! bir? ( "o de/9$
 to live = ! common good4'  ,^? :o      
rejoice 9 grace1 & 9 ! sight ( ! fruits 

( ju/ice1  mu/ let _! s5tim5ts be evid5t
 to all1 z 9 ! pres5t case1 9  :i* a    
pi\s "m br\ght =? a sa9tly *ild4  ,x is 
"p ( !  spiritual life to be pleas$ at !
 prosp]ity ( o!rs1 & to  rejoice ) ^?   
especially :o h be5 m>k$ by ! fav\r ( ! 
,omnipot5t ,god4    ,mean:ile1 ! p>5ts (
 ! newly-born infant1 9 ! mid/ ( ^!     
rejoic+s1 7 pond]+ on :at "n !y %\ld    
call h]1 & aga9  t ,god1 :o _h by an    
angel ann\nc$ h] bir?1 aga9 9 a vision (
  ! night made !m "k t ,rita 0 to be h] 
"n4  ,x is a r>e  privilege ( "s sa9ts1 
rem>ks ,/4 ,ambrose1 to des]ve to get _!
  names f ,god ,himself4  ,?us ,jacob 0 
nam$ ,israel by ! ,"l1 ?us  0 ! ,bapti/ 
nam$ ,john by ! angel1 ?us ! ,et]nal    
,fa!r call$  ! ,^w made fle% by ! "n    
,jesus be=e ,he 0 born1 & ?us did  %e :o
 0 to imitate ! virtues ( ! ,bapti/ & be
 a fai?ful  foll[] ( ,jesus ,*ri/ get h]
 "n f heav54  ,! "n ,rita1 z  be+ q an  
unusual "n1 mu/ h be5 meant to signify !
  sanctity t 0 to m>k ! life ( ! *ild s 
designat$1 & if  we 7 to give cr$5ce to 

! op9ion ( ! ,augu/9ian au?or  ,didacus1
 ,rita signifies virtue & grace4    ,b  
?is "n =e%ad[$ only :at ,rita 0 to be1 n
 :at %e 04  ,= al?\gh %e c\ld be        
consid]$ f !n z a *ild ( ,god 9 !  ord] 
( pr$e/9ation1 yet accord+ to ! ord] (  
nature1 &  accord+ to h] actual /ate1 %e
 01 ow+ to orig9al s91 a *ild  ( wra?2 &
 to become an adopt$ *ild ( ,god %e ne$$
 to be  cleans$ f ! h]$it>y /a9 (       
orig9al s9 9 ! sanctify+  wat]s ( !     
,r$eem]4  ,h] baptism took place on !   
f\r? day aft]  h] bir?1 al?\gh we may   
believe h] pi\s p>5ts wi%$ h] to be     
baptiz$ ) all possible spe$1 & f ! delay
 we may conclude  t ! "t ( h] bir? mu/ h
 be5 9 ! w9t] season4  ,!re  0 no       
baptismal font at t "t 9 ,rocco ,por5a1 
& ! *ild _h  !re=e to be tak5 to !      
collegiate *ur* ( ,/4 ,m>y 9 ,cascia1   
:]e t grace :i* 0 to be ! beg9n+ & !    
seal ( h]  sanctification await$ h]4    
,!re ,rita put (f ! g>b ( s91 &  came =?
 f ! salut>y ba? ( baptism clo!d 9 !    
g>m5t (  innoc5ce & enri*$ ) ! gifts ( !

 ,holy ,gho/1 :o f !  mom5t *ose h] to  
be ,8 sp\se4  ,?us did ! reg5]at$ babe  
return to h] "m's bosom & ! joyful      
embraces ( h] p>5ts1  fair] to ! eyes ( 
fai? ?an h] beauty made h] to ! eyes (  
m54          ,,*apt] ,v    ,,! ,,:ite   
,,bees ,,( ,,/4 ,,rita    ,:5 ! godmo!r 
& h] att5dants return$ f ,cascia aft] ! 
baptism1 a fea/ 0 prep>$ = !m & !       
relatives ( ! happy  p>5ts1 to celebrate
 9 a mann] becom+ _! humble position !  
d\ble bir? ( ,rita 9 ! ord] ( nature & (
 grace4  ,mean:ile1  ! *ild _h clos$ h] 
eyes 9 a tranquil slumb]4  ,:5 ! next   
day  dawn$1 ! fif? day ( h] exi/5ce1 a  
sw>m ( bees1 all ( !  faire/ :ite col\r1
 & su* z 7 nev] be=e se51 made _!       
appe>ance4  ,!y flew a-buzz+ ab\t !     
cradle ( ! *ild1 &  aft] alight+ = a    
mom5t on h] angelic face 7 se5 to g 9 & 
come out ( h] slightly op5 m\? 9 a sort 
( regul> ord]1 z if  to take f h] lips !
 honey ( ,p>adise4  ,:at feel+s ( wond] 
& awe mu/ h be5 awak5$ 9 ! he>t ( ,amata
 & ^? :o  7 pres5t by s m>vell\s an     

occurr5ce6    ,! ,gospel tells u t fe>  
came ^u all ! neighb\rs ( ,elizabe?  &  
,za*>y z !y consid]$ ! miracul\s ev5ts t
 m>k$ !  bir? ( ! ,bapti/1 & t !y nois$ 
abroad all ^! ?+s t  =etold 8 future    
extraord9>y sanctity4  ,9 l mann] simil>
 !  wond]ful signs t 7 giv5 at ,rita's  
bir?1 = ,div9e provid5ce  s dispos$ x 9 
ord] t hon\r %\ld be r5d]$ to h] by ^?  
^: att5tion _h be5 attract$ by ^!       
extraord9>y happ5+s1  & t ^? :o came 9  
contact ) h] %\ld be induc$ to ord]  _! 
own lives m exactly by foll[+ ! salut>y 
example %e 0  to give4  ,?is incid5t ( !
 appe>ance ( ! :ite bees 9 !  cradle (  
our sa9t is ! "o :i* ! pa9t]s & poets :o
 h  illu/rat$ h] life h vi$ mo/ ) "o    
ano!r 9 depict+4  ,to  avoid hav+ to    
return aga9 to ! subject ( ! bees1 :i* h
  ev] be5 m5tion$ 9 connection ) ! life 
( ,/4 ,rita1 we w  "h describe :at seems
 to be a confirmation & p]petuation ( ! 
wond]ful occurr5ce we h j relat$4  ,go+ 
f ,rocca ,por5a to  ,cascia1 & ent]+ !  
conv5t :]e our sa9t resid$1 !re1 9 an   

old wall opposite ! conv5t gate1 at a   
po9t midway betwe5 ! cell  :i* ,rita    
inhabit$ & ! spot 9 :i* h] body 0 laid  
to re/1  we are met ) a sight t _c fail 
to move u to admiration4  ,=  !re1 ev5  
to ! pres5t day1 ! bees1 commonly call$ 
,/4 ,rita's  bees1 h _! ne/4  ,!y are   
call$ ,/4 ,rita's1 = !y h be5  !re s9ce 
h] "t1 & h come !re1 we may believe1 ow+
 to  h]1 &1 z x 71 to d h] hon\r4  ,!re 
is only a small numb]  ( !m--"s twelve  
or fifte5--& ev]y?+ connect$ ) !m is    
extraord9>y & wond]ful4  ,9 ! fir/      
place1 z we h h9t$  above1 ! species to 
:i* ^! bees belong has nev]1 z f> z we  
are aw>e1 be5 det]m9$4  ,!y live ea* "o 
to itself 9 a hole  :i* x has dug 9 !   
wall1 & z (t5 z ^! holes h be5  /opp$ up
 9 ! process ( pla/]+ ! wall !y h aga9  
excavat$ !m4  ,!y sp9 a sort ( :ite     
sub/ance1 ) :i* !y  /op ! entrance to _!
 retreat1 z if to hide !mselves f view  
dur+ _! long retirem5t & fa/ ( elev5    
mon?s4  ,!y appe>  only on ^? days      
d$icat$ to ! memory ( our ,"l's         

,passion1 &1  be x not$1 ^! are mo/ly   
movable fea/s2 & !y betake  !mselves to 
retirem5t ab\t ! "t ( ! dea? ( ,/4      
,rita1 :o  0 devot$1 z we %all see1 to  
m$itation on ! ,passion ( our ,"l4  ,=  
f\r c5turies !y h be5 f\nd 9 ! same     
place1 )\t ev]  hav+ *ang$ _! place (   
abode4  ,^! asc]ta9$ facts seem to      
decl>e cle>ly en\gh t x has be5 ! w ( ! 
,mo/ ,high to  extol ?r\gh !m ! m]it & !
 glory ( ,8 belov$ s]vant4  ,!re is no  
ne$ to add ! _m anecdotes ( ^! bees1 :i*
 are  relat$ 9 "s lives ( our sa9t1 &   
:i* ! nuns ( ,cascia /ill  tell2 let "o 
suffice4  ,jacobilli says t "o ( ^! bees
 0 s5t  to ,pope ,urban ,,viii4 9 a     
cry/al vessel1 & t x soon flew back     
aga9 to ! place x occupi$ 9 ! conv5t    
wall4    ,"h x may be ask$ :e!r ! bees  
we h describ$ are ! same  t appe>$ :5   
,rita 0 an infant 9 swaddl+-clo!s4  ,x  
w\ld  be h>d] to give an answ] to ?is "q
 ?an to ! riddle :i*  ,sampson propos$  
to 8 bridesm54  ,sampson's fai?less     
sp\se 0 able  to wre/ 8 secret f him &  

!n reveal x to h] ,phili/9e  fri5ds3 t !
 sweetness t came =? out ( ! /rong 0 !  
honeycomb t 0 made 9 ! m\? ( ! lion t he
 _h torn 9  pieces a %ort "t be=e4  ,b  
we c f9d no answ] to our "q4  ,h[ev]1 ^?
 biograph]s ( ,/4 ,rita :o1 )\t         
hesitation1  confus$ ! bees t appe>$ at 
h] bir? ) ^? 9 ! conv5t  may be excus$1 
z !y suppos$ bo? to be ( ! same :ite    
col\r4  ,b !y h be5 mi/ak51 = ^? at     
pres5t 9 ! conv5t wall  are n :ite--9   
fact1 !y d n diff] 9 col\r f ord9>y     
bees1 except t !y are ( a deep r$ on !  
back & !y want !  /+4  ,b p]haps ^!     
writ]s 7 n s f> f ! tru?1 s9ce  !re is b
 ! accid5tal v>iety ( col\r t di/+ui%es 
!  pres5t bees f ! :ite ones t appe>$   
fir/ at ,rita's bir?4  ,& :o c say b t  
^? once meant by ,god to symbolize by _!
  :it5ess ! spl5d\r ( ,rita's baptismal 
innoc5ce may n1 ?r\gh  ! p[] ( ,god1 h  
tak5 on _! pres5t appe>ance to signify !
  humiliation & sadness ( ! p5ances %e  
took ^u h]self8  ,to  *ange ! appe>ance 
( a species already exi/+ or to create a

 new  species is easy to ,god4  ,let !  
tru? ( ! matt] be :]e x may1  x is cle> 
t bo? are m>vell\s1 & wor?y to be       
record$ 9 !  hi/ory ( our sa9t4  ,b x is
 "t we return$ to gaze on h]1  surr\nd$ 
9 h] cradle by ^? lilies ( h] incipi5t  
sanctity1 &  cr[n$ ) ! bright circle (  
bees t /ill buzz$ ar\nd h]4  ,we might  
n[ inquire :e!r ! bees t ent]$ h]       
innoc5t m\?  made a honeycomb 9 x1 z is 
believ$ to h happ5$ to ,/4 ,ambrose  9 8
 infancy1 z if to =eca/ ! melliflu\s    
eloqu5ce :i* he  p\r$ =? 9 8 manhood 9  
def5ce ( ! ,*ur*4  ,al?\gh ?is  anecdote
 z relat$ ( ,/4 ,rita is n suffici5tly  
well prov51  nei!r is x impossible2 = :5
 !re is "q ( miracul\s  ev5ts !         
difficulties ( "t & place d n =m an     
insurm\ntable  ob/acle1 z !y did n 9 !  
case ( ,/4 ,ambrose4  ,at all ev5ts1  we
 h two au?ors t ass]t x1 & p]haps _!    
op9ion is  support$ by ! f>!r /atem5t t 
is made--t ,rita ab/a9$  f h] "m's milk 
on ! day on :i* ! bees appe>$1 ! fif?   
day aft] h] bir?4  ,god may h wi%$ to   

give h] = corporal food  my/ical or     
symbolical honey ( une>?ly orig91 z ,he 
_h f$ h]  s\l ) ! food ( baptismal      
grace4  ,9 ?is way w\ld be m  cle>ly    
signifi$ t :i* 0 =e%ad[$ by ! appe>ance 
( !  bees1 ! ins9uat+ sweetness 9 ^w &  
mann] :i* 0 aft]w>ds  ! cause ( !       
conv]sion ( _m s9n]s1 :i* ev] br\ght    
consolation to ! afflict$1 & spiritual  
pr(it to all :o _h !  good =tune to     
conv]se ) h]4          ,,*apt] ,,vi     
,,rita',s ,,*ildhood    ,/4 ,augu/9e 9 8
 ,confessions takes up two *apt]s 9     
describ+  8 infancy1 & he discov]s 9 t  
p]iod ( 8 life only mis]y  & ve/iges (  
s91 b he recalls ^! evils t spr+ f our  
s9ful orig9 only to extol ! triumphs :i*
 ,div9e grace obta9$ 9  8 mature ye>s4  
,! "t ( infancy is1 h[ev]1 "o 9 :i*1    
s9ce  !re c be no acts ( reflection1 nor
 ex]cise ( w1 !re c be  no dem]it or    
actual s91 nor m]it or virtue4  ,x w n1 
!re=e1  be /range if our hi/ory passes  
ov] ! infancy ( ,rita & proce$s  to     
describe h] *ildhood4  ,f ! extraord9>y 

piety t  di/+ui%$ h] p>5ts we c easily  
surmise :at c>e !y took 9  tra9+ &      
educat+ _! *ild to in/il into h] m9d !  
tru?s  ( religion4  ,!y _h abundant     
pro(s t ,rita 0 especially de> to  ,god1
 t %e 0 born = heav51 & t ,div9e grace  
_h m>k$ h]  = its own4  ,b !y knew also 
t ,god1 :o disposes all ?+s  wisely1    
wi%$ !m to co-op]ate 9 m\ld+ ! *os5 *ild
 to  virtue & 9 e/abli%+ h] 9 hol9ess4  
,!y 7 well aw>e t  ev5 ! *iefe/ vessels 
( election _h = a "t kick$ aga9/ !      
goads ( grace4  ,nor 7 !y ignorant :at a
 bulw>k ( def5ce is  rais$ by education 
& by ! example ( p>5ts--a fact :i* _m   
unhappy p>5ts ei!r "k n or are c>eless  
(1 & h5ce by _!  neglect !y become !    
cause ( ! et]nal ru9 ( _! *ildr54  ,x w 
n1 !re=e1 be useless to rem>k !         
wat*fulness1 ! c>e  & anxiety1 ) :i*    
,rita's p>5ts obs]v$ all ! movem5ts1    
words1 & actions ( a *ild s de> to !m1  
le/ %e %\ld take a  /ep to ! "r or to ! 
left ( ! way t leads to heav51 &  :i*1 )
 ! dawn+ ( reason1 %e began to disc]n = 

h]self4  ,b ^! happy p>5ts _h no cause =
 anxiety dur+ ! process (  in/ruct+ &   
m\ld+ ! "* ( _! *ild1 = %e _h1  ?r\gh   
,god's grace1 acquir$ a disposition m>k$
 by uncommon  submission & precoci\s    
wisdom4  ,let x suffice to say t ev5 !n 
%e c\ld n be> ^? pa/imes & sports :i*   
are prop] to t  t5d] age1 & :i* are     
univ]sally reg>d$ z innoc5t4  ,%e _h an 
example 9 ,tobias1 :o1 al?\gh he 0 !    
y\nge/ 9 8 tribe1  %[$ himself to be !  
wise/1 & nev] did any?+ t 0  *ildi%4    
,ano!r fail+1 :i* is de> n only to      
*ildr51 b to all1 &  especially to !    
female sex1 ! love ( f9e clo!s1 0 an    
abom9ation to ,rita4  ,we mu/ n believe 
t a virtu\s "m l  ,amata1 especially    
consid]+ h] l[ly condition1 c\ld all[ h]
  daught] to appe> 9 any?+ sav\r+ (     
pride or o/5tation4  ,on  ! o!r h&1     
,rita1 al?\gh scrupul\sly ob$i5t 9 o!r  
?+s to  ! slighte/ wi% ( h] p>5ts1      
became uneasy :5ev] !y wi%$  h] to put  
on "s pretty ornam5t2 %e us$ ev5 to run 
away & hide  h]self at su* times1 till  

%e saw t h] dis9cl9ation provok$ a      
smile4  ,?us1 satisfi$ ) h] humble      
dress1 %e took m pa9s to  adorn h] s\l  
?an to improve h] appe>ance by !        
addition ( !  lea/ ornam5t4  ,to        
simplicity 9 dress %e jo9$ a s$at5ess ( 
mann] s beyond h] ye>s t x attract$     
univ]sal respect1  admiration1 & love1 &
 set a salut>y example n only to ^? (   
h] own age1 b to old] p also4  ,%e      
re/ra9$ to a wond]ful  degree t common  
t5d5cy ( wom5 to curiosity & gossip1 &  
hav+ h] ?\ghts occupi$ ) high] subjects 
%e avoid$ all human  conv]sation z f> z 
good mann]s & ob$i5ce p]mitt$4  ,ob$i5ce
  0 ! virtue accord+ to :i* %e regulat$ 
all h] actions4  ,%e  reg>d$ a beck ( h]
 p>5ts z a comm& ( ,god :i* %e c\ld n   
violate2 & h] ob$i5ce 0 all ! m will+ z 
x accord$ )  ! impulse ( grace :i*      
impell$ h] to ! practice ( all o!r      
virtues4  ,= ob$i5ce1 z ,bless$ ,simon (
 ,cascia obs]ves1 is !  gate ( !        
virtues4  ,rita's love ( retirem5t & (  
pray] _h  already ris5 to ! h]oic po9t4 

,:oev] wi%$ to see h] 0  c]ta9 ( f9d+ h]
 ei!r at home or 9 ! neighb\r+ p>i%     
*ur*1 :i* 0 h] fav\rite place ( pray]1  
:]e %e sp5t entire  h\rs 9 m$itation &  
devotion1 to ! great edification ( all4 
,al?\gh p5ance is a virtue h>dly        
suitable to s t5d] an age or to  su*    
p]fect innoc5ce1 yet ,rita began f h]   
e>lie/ ye>s to  *a/ise h] body by       
diff]5t mortifications1 & especially by 
fa/+2 & to r5d] h] ab/95ce m m]itori\s &
 acceptable  to ,god %e di/ribut$ to !  
poor *ildr5 ( ! neighb\rhood t  food :i*
 %e d5i$ h]self1 ?us br++ =? fruits (   
m]cy &  *>ity f ! root ( p5ance4  ,?is 0
 ! only way 9 :i* h]  lov+ good-w & t5d]
 compassion c\ld %[ !mselves 9 action2  
pov]ty made any?+ fur!r impossible4  ,b 
! ,"l1 :o se>*es  ! he>t1 & delights 9  
m5 ( goodwill1 s\ght no?+ m f  ,rita !n4
  ,b %e 0 unconsci\sly increas+ 9 *>ity 
& 9  m]it z %e grew 9 ye>s1 s t %e c\ld 
apply to h]self !  say+ ( ,job--t m]cy  
came out ) him f 8 "m's womb1 &  f 8    
infancy grew up ) him4#a  ,n only did h]

 _s gr[1 z  x 71 & become /rong by !    
ex]cise ( ^! beautiful virtues1  b h]   
progress 9 all virtue 0 extraord9>y4    
#a ,job xxi4 #ah4          ,,*apt] ,,vii
    ,,rita',s ,,love ,,( ,,retirem5t    
,/4 ,john ! ,bapti/ exp]i5c$ a simil>   
/r5g!n+ ( ! _s1  z we read 9 t place 9  
:i* x is also writt5 t he w5t into  !   
des]t1 :]e he hid himself1 z ,bless$    
,simon says1 9 ord] to  give himself up 
entirely to pray]1 contemplation1 &     
p5ance4  ,!  comp>ison betwe5 ^! sa9ts  
is (t5 a fitt+ "o1 = ,rita always       
foll[s closely 9 ! foot/eps ( h] great  
model4  ,x is true t1  accord+ to !     
example ( ! ,psalmi/1 %e walk$ 9 !      
innoc5ce  ( h] he>t1 9 ! bosom ( h]     
virtu\s family1 = %e f\nd  no?+ abroad t
 c\ld di/ract h] _s f ! affairs ( h]    
home1 :il/ h] gravity1 mode/y1 &        
habitual seclusion op5$ to h]  a wide   
field = ! ex]cise ( h] love ( pray]4    
,yet %e 0 s  enam\r$ ( heav5ly ?+s t %e 
we>i$ ( ! ?+s ( e>?1  & desir$1 9 a     
c]ta9 s5se1 to be out ( ! _w2 & s9ce ?is

  c\ld n be1 %e reg>d$ ) a holy envy !  
lot ( s _m  an*orites & h]o9es (        
solitude1 :o1 9 des]ts & 9 ! dep?s  (   
woods1 liv$ lives m l ^? ( angels ?an ( 
m54  ,%e _h  be=e h] eyes ! examples (  
,bless$ ,simon1 ( ,bless$ ,ugol9o1 (    
,bless$ ,john1 & ( ! o!r sa9tly h]mits (
 ,/ ,augu/9e1 :o _h  only rec5tly pass$ 
to _! rew>d 9 heav51 or 7 /ill liv+ 9  !
 neighb\rhood ( ,rocca ,por5a4  ,!      
example ( ^! models (  hol9ess increas$ 
9 h] he>t h] de>e/ desire to s]ve h]    
belov$  ,jesus amid ! sil5ce ( ! woods &
 on ! m\nts ( myrrh4  ,b  ! love ( h]   
ag$ p>5ts1 & ob$i5ce1 m ?an any ?\ght ( 
h] y\? & sex1 prev5t$ h] f fulfill+ h]  
g5]\s design4  ,! sacr$ love ) :i* %e 0 
animat$ made h] indu/ri\s1 &  sugge/$ ! 
?\ght ( conv]t+ h] home into ! solitude 
%e  long$ =4  ,) ! cons5t ( h] p>5ts %e 
*ose a little room  sep>at$ f ! o!rs1 & 
turn$ x into an oratory4  ,its walls  %e
 decorat$ ) pictures ( our ,"l's        
,passion1 & !re %e %ut  h]self 91 z into
 ! mid/ ( all delights4  ,h] ,div9e     

,lov]  await$ h] !re to speak to h]     
he>t1 & !re1 f> f ! eyes  ( m51 9       
p]petual sil5ce & ab/95ce1 %e enjoy$ ^? 
ineffable consolations ( grace :i* !    
pr(ane "k n (4  ,!  con/ant object ( h] 
?\ghts1 ( h] ec/asies ( s\l1 ( ! mo/    
ard5t love ( h] he>t1 0 ! ,passion ( h] 
crucifi$ ,sp\se2 &  9 ! mid/ ( ! te>s   
:i* accompani$ h] m$itation1 :il/ h]    
he>t 0 fill$ ) ,div9e compassion1 %e    
exp]i5c$ t true  peace & happ9ess ( s\l 
:i* only grace c produce--h[ we "k  n--f
 sorr[4  ,%e felt h]self trans=m$ into !
 ,crucifi$ ,"o1  = :om alone %e n[      
liv$--r1 %e no long] liv$1 b ,jesus     
,*ri/ liv$ 9 h]4  ,9 t s*ool ( love1    
?r\gh t ,div9e  tea*+1 %e came to "k m  
c]ta9ly ! fallacy ( all worldly  ?+s2 %e
 saw h[ ! _w deceives u1 & %e saw also !
 *>ms  & pomps & pleasures ( ?is life1 b
 %e saw !m z !y really  are1 & c\ld     
!re=e say ) ! wise man t !y are b vanity
  & affliction ( _s4  ,%e !re=e resolv$ 
to h no "p 9  ?is deceitful _w1 & s9ce  
life 9 ! des]t 0 d5i$ h]1 %e  resolv$ to

 bury h]self 9 a cloi/]4  ,b %e _h n yet
 rea*$  ! age 9 :i* to put h] design    
into execution4  ,mean:ile ! holy  *ild 
liv$ 9 h] fir/ place ( retirem5t = a    
full twelvemon?1  until ! obligation (  
assi/+ h] p>5ts & ! duties ( *>ity  &   
ob$i5ce =c$ h] f ! place ( h] spiritual 
happ9ess4  ,?is happ5$ probably :5 %e 0 
ab\t elev5 ye>s old4  ,h]  p>5ts 7 n[   
beg9n+ to feel ! burd5 ( _! ye>s1 &     
,rita  _h p]=ce to ent] ^u an active    
life1 & ex]cise works ( m]cy  & ju/ice1 
)\t1 h[ev]1 entirely ab&on+ h] practices
 (  m$itation4  ,h] hi/ory does n tell u
 h[ %e p]=m$ !  dome/ic duties t fell to
 h] lot1 p]haps because1 f :at we  "k ( 
h] life hi!rto1 t may m easily be imag9$
 ?an  describ$4  ,:il/ fulfill+ ! p>ts (
 bo? si/]s ( ,laz>us1 %e  did n cease to
 envy ,john 9 ! des]t4  ,al?\gh ! ,holy 
,_s  _h1 ?r\gh h] pray]s1 made kn[n to  
h] _m ?+s1 & al?\gh  %e cont9u$ /ill to 
be enlight5$ f above1 yet %e knew n :at 
0 writt5 9 ! et]nal decrees conc]n+     
h]self1 t ,provid5ce  only put (f to a  

bett] "t ! fulfilm5t ( h] ?ir/ =        
solitude  & = a cloi/]$ life4  ,rita 0  
int5d$ to be an example to e  age &     
condition2 %e %\ld !re=e live o!r lives 
be=e  rea*+ ! cloi/] %e pant$ =4        
,,*apt] ,,viii    ,,rita',s ,,m>riage   
,9 ! ye> #acic ,italy1 n to say ! :ole  
_w1 0 suff]+ "u  ! evils t proce$ f     
political di/urbance1 & ! /ate (  morals
 ?r\gh\t ! p59sula 0 deplorable4  ,/ill1
 ! hon\r (  ! ,*ur* 0 upheld by ! _m    
sa9ts ^: lives !n adorn$ x1  n ! lea/ ( 
:om 0 ,rita4  ,urban ,,vi4 0 dead1 &    
,boniface ,,ix4  rul$ 9 8 place4  ,b !  
,holy ,see _h to )/& _m a rude  %ock1 = 
! anti-,pope ,rob]t1 !n ne> 8 end1      
cont9u$ to  dispute ! possession ( !    
,apo/olic keys1 & at 8 dea? left to  8 m
 impi\s successor1 ,pietro di ,luna1 8  
sad legacy ( ob/9ate  s*ism4  ,h]esy1   
fanaticism1--religi\s & political--& !  
utmo/  corruption ( morals 7 n want+ to 
fill ! cup ( ,italy's woes4    ,! weak  
h&s ( ! cruel & dissolute ,w5ceslaus    
/ill held !  sceptre ( ! ,we/1 & ,john  

,paleologus1 :o _h succe$$ 8 fa!r       
,emmanuel1 c\ld only weep ov] ! imp5d+  
ru9 ( 8 fall+  empire1 t 0 %ak5 9 e "p  
by ! infidel arms ( ! ,sultan  ,bajazet4
  ,9 ,italy ! rivalry ( ! diff]5t       
,/ates1 &1 above all1  ! vault+ ambition
 ( ,gian ,galeazzo ,visconti1 ,"l (     
,milan1 s]v$  to keep alive disunion1   
antagonism1 & wret*$ness4  ,at ?is v  "t
 ! republic ( ,cascia1 :i*1 s9ce its    
revolt aga9/ ! ,holy  ,see1 _h h>dly    
enjoy$ a mom5t ( peace or prosp]ity1 0 9
 arms  aga9/ ! ,guelphs ( ,c]reto1 & _h 
at ! same "t to prosecute a  /ubborn w> 
aga9/ ,aquila4  ,9 ^! conte/s ! milit>y 
portion (  ,cascia1 by _! de$s (        
viol5ce1 _! robb]ies1 & _!  atrocities1 
trampl$ on e law ( humanity & mode/y4   
,x is true  t ho/ilities came to an end 
9 #acie1 :5 t]ms ( peace 7  agre$ on2 b 
w>like ,cascia c\ld n rema9 long at re/1
 b took  up arms aga9/ ,monte ,reale 9 a
 new w>1 :i* la/$ till #acig4    ,:il/  
,cascia & ! o!r ,/ates we h m5tion$ 7   
seek+ by  iniquit\s means to wid5 !     

bord]s ( ! k+dom ( confusion &  s91     
,rita1 9 ,rocca ,por5a1 0 m$itat+ only  
h[ %e c\ld be/  please ,god1 t1 z !     
,apo/le says1 %e might be holy 9 body & 
9  _s4  ,! lurid picture ( univ]sal     
disord] rightly excit$ 9 h]  feel+s (   
horror1 & conv9c$ h] all ! m ( ! vanity 
&  cruelty ( ! _w4    ,%e saw !         
deceitful pleasures1 ! sn>es & ?orns1 ! 
inevitable  evils t %[ !mselves at e    
/ep1 & ! dang]s t at e  mom5t ?reat5 !  
s\l ) ru94  ,on ! o!r h&1 %e p]ceiv$  ! 
great advantages t result f sep>at+ "o's
 self f !  _w2 %e recall$ all !         
spiritual joy & int]ior consolation %e  
exp]i5c$ dur+ ! "t %e liv$ 9 retirem5t 9
 h] home1 &  %e !re=e felt h]self m     
firmly gr\nd$ 9 h] det]m9ation to  flee 
= ev] f ! tumult ( worldl+s4  ,!        
solitude :i* =m$  ! object ( h] desires1
 & 9 :i* %e resolv$ to (f] to ,god  !   
holocau/ ( h] virg9ity1 0 ! conv5t (    
,cascia1 :]e %e  aft]w>ds liv$ & di$1   
call$ at t "t ,/4 ,m>y ,magdal5's1 &    
occupi$ !n1 z well z n[1 by nuns ( !    

,ord] ( ,/4 ,augu/9e4  ,?is pi\s project
 _h be5 = "s "t matur+ 9 h] m9d1 &      
al?\gh %e 0 h>dly twelve ye>s ( age %e  
det]m9$ to c>ry x  into effect )\t any (
 ^? we>isome delays :i* ! grace (  !    
,holy ,_s kn[s n (1 :i* belong to c]ta9 
weak &  hesitat+ s\ls t _c break ! _w's 
ties1 or ^? ( va9  fe>1 :5 ,god calls !m
 to a /ate ( p]fection4  ,al?\gh ,rita  
!n  he>d ! call ( h] ,div9e ,lov]1 %e   
did n "k ! "t ,he _h  fix$ = ! fulfill+ 
( h] wi%es1 b1 ov]come by a holy        
impati5ce1 %e resolv$ to make kn[n to h]
 p>5ts h] desire = a  religi\s life4    
,:o c tell :at /ruggles ! voice ( nature
 mu/  h caus$ 9 h] s\l at ?is crisis1 z 
%e ?\ght t %e 0 =  ev] ab\t to sep>ate  
h]self f ! side ( h] de>ly lov$ &  ag$  
p>5ts8  ,ev5 ! sa9ts feel ! /r5g? (     
nature1 b1 l  giants1 !y pass on to     
triumphs 9 ! k+dom ( grace4  ,?us ,rita 
act$4  ,%e %ut h] e>s to ! ins9uat+     
voice ( fle% & blood1  in=m$ h] p>5ts ( 
h] religi\s vocation1 & humbly &        
f]v5tly begg$ _! leave to obey ! voice (

 ,god4  ,:5 !y he>d  _! daught] express 
su* a wi%1 ,antonio & ,amata1 pi\s ?\gh 
!y 71 did n hide _! sorr[ & ! tr\ble !y 
felt4  ,!y  bes\ght ) te>s t _! only    
*ild1 ! "o object ( _!  t5d]e/ love1 _! 
only prop & consolation1 %\ld n ab&on   
!m 9 _! old age4  ,_! te>ful plead+1    
act+ on ! filial  love & ob$i5ce :i*    
fill$ ,rita's he>t1 prevail$ on h] to   
put  (f = a bett] "t ! fulfilm5t ( h]   
noble purpose4  ,be+ s  f> successful1  
h] p>5ts turn$ _! att5tion to provid+ a 
husb& = h]1 9 ord] bo? to make sure (   
reta9+ h] society  & h] assi/ance t _h  
become necess>y to !m1 & to save _!     
family f ext9ction2 & !y fix$ _! eyes on
 a "y man  call$1 accord+ to "s1 ,f]d9&1
 & to o!rs ,paul4  ,b old eyes  d n     
always see cle>ly4  ,! "y man :om !y    
select$ 0  impulsive & irascible1 ) a "*
 =m$ amid ! savage  surr\nd+s ( t "t &  
place--9 a ^w1 he 0 well fitt$ to  try !
 pati5ce & virtue ( ,rita4  ,he 0       
propos$ z a husb& to  ! sa9tly girl1 &  
all ! weight ( p>5tal au?ority1 & e     

motive t human nature c\ld sugge/1 7    
adduc$ to w9 h]  cons5t4  ,we d n "k )  
:at pray]s & entreaties !  di/ress$ girl
 oppos$ ! sugge/ion1 b we d "k t %e %[$ 
! repugnance h] s\l felt4  ,x 0 n1      
h[ev]1 ! disposition (  h] int5d$ husb& 
t made h] hate ! idea ( m>riage1 = if  !
 k ( x 7 hidd5 f h] p>5ts1 x c\ld       
sc>cely be  kn[n to a "y girl s fond (  
retirem5t4  ,all ,rita's av]sion &      
compla9+ sprang f ! fe> ( see+ clos$ to 
h] ! road t  l$ to ! conv5tual life to  
:i* %e aspir$1 & ! dread (  hav+ to     
dwell 9 ! mid/ ( an evil & de/roy+ _w1 9
 :i*  %e w\ld be plung$ into ! dang]\s  
c>es ( m>ri$ life4  ,see+  at la/ t h]  
te>s c\ld n b5d h] p>5ts to h] wi%es1 & 
feel+ some:at %ak5 by consid]ations (   
filial piety &  ob$i5ce1 %e _h rec\rse 9
 h] h>d trial to ! ,fa!r ( light4  ,dur+
 h] pray] %e became consci\s ( an       
inspiration t told h]  to b5d h] neck to
 ! yoke ( matrimony1 & ?us und]/ood t   
:at %e took to be a sugge/ion ( pat]nal 
love1 purely human & !  voice ( fle% &  

blood1 0 9 reality a disposition (      
heav54  ,resignation to ! ,div9e w p>tly
 re/or$ h] peace ( m9d1 &  ! cons5t to  
h] m>riage :i* %e ann\nc$ to h] p>5ts   
fill$  !m ) satisfaction4  ,rita gave h]
 cons5t ?r\gh an impulse (  ob$i5ce1 &  
s9ce p]fect ob$i5ce to ! ,div9e w       
requires a  holy bl9dness1 %e took no   
c>e to inquire ab\t ! =tune1  appe>ance1
 or o!r qualities ( h] future husb&4    
,rita 0  !re=e 9 ! fir/ fl[] ( h] y\?1  
h] beauty1 & virtue  :51 "u ! nuptial   
veil ( h] mode/y1 %e /ood be=e ! alt>   
to become a p>ty to t indissoluble      
contract :i* ,jesus ,*ri/  rais$ to !   
dignity ( a ,sacram5t1 & :i* gives      
*ildr5 to !  p ( ,god4  ,! relatives &  
fri5ds on bo? sides 7 resolv$  to       
celebrate ! nuptials ) fea/+s1 b !      
common joy did n  rea* ! he>t ( ! pi\s  
bride1 = t 0 fix$ on nobl]  objects4    
,to ! h\r ( h] m>riage ,rita _h be5 an  
excell5t  example to all virg9s4  ,9 ^? 
few ye>s %e _h giv5 en\gh  lessons to %[
 h[ virg9al c&\r & pure innoc5ce %\ld be

  pres]v$2 %e _h n[ to foll[ ano!r pa?  
to become a bright  example ( virtue to 
all :o live 9 ! m>ri$ /ate4             
,,*apt] ,,ix    ,,rita ,,z ,,wife    ,! 
,apo/le's say+1 t 'all ?+s "w toge!r =  
good to ^?  :o love ,god1' rema9s always
 true4  ,rita _h pass$ f ! /ate (       
virg9ity to t ( matrimony1 yet ?is /ep  
t[>ds a l[] /ate 0  de/9$ to lead h] to 
a high] grade ( glory4  ,?us ,/4        
,monica1  ^: fai?ful foll[] our h]o9e 0 
ev] to be1 w\ld n h be5  ,/4 ,augu/9e's 
"m by nature1 & 9 ! ord] ( grace w\ld n 
h drawn ! err+ ,patrizio1 h] husb&1 to  
,god1 w\ld n h s  wide a field :]e9 to  
ex]cise h] pati5ce & =titude1 w\ld n  h 
left all ^? examples ( virtue :i* h] son
 ,augu/9e admires  & exalts 9 8 book (  
',confessions1' if ,div9e ,provid5ce _h 
n  l$ h] by t pa? :i*1 long aft]1 h]    
daught] ,rita foll[$4    ,! ways are    
div]se & div]se are ! gifts1 b ! ,_s is 
!  same :i* guides s\ls 9 a wond]ful    
mann] t[>ds great] good4  ,! way (      
tribulation 0 t :i* ! ,"l op5$ to our   

sa9t1 &  by ! means ( matrimony ,he wi%$
 h] to pass ?r\gh fire &  wat]--9 o!r   
words1 ?r\gh e sort ( dang]1 temptation1
 &  p]secution1 9 ord] to prove & purify
 h]1 z gold is purifi$ 9  ! furnace1 &  
!nce to receive h] into heav5 z a mo/   
pure  holocau/4  ,h5ce ! ,god ^: wi%    
plac$ h] 9 ! m>ri$ /ate s  dispos$ x t  
%e %\ld pass f h] orig9al life ( filial 
submission to t ( slav]y "u a tyrannical
 husb&4  ,?us x 0  t h>dly _h a few days
 pass$ aft] ! m>riage ?an h] unwor?y    
husb& began to illtreat ! innoc5t ,rita 
) reproa*es1 abuse1  ?reats1 & ev5 bl[s1
 ( :i* ! only cause 0 8 own brutal      
incl9ation4  ,b our g5tle h]o9e _h /udi$
 9 ! s*ool ( !  ,crucifi$ ,"o2 %e _h    
already le>n$ h[ to conqu] h] passions  
ev5  to ! ext5t ( rejoic+ 9 ! mid/ (    
tribulation1 = %e 0  conv9c$ t          
tribulation is ! food ( ,*ri/ian        
pati5ce1 t  p5it5ce is ! great pro( (   
real virtue1 & t on ! ex]cise  ( x is   
bas$ our priceless hope ( et]nal good t 
%all n fail  u4    ,yet because %e 0    

aw>e t n all :o suff] are bless$1 b only
  ^? :o surf] = ju/ice' sake1 %e took e 
c>e & tri$ e  means to please h] husb&1 
:om no?+ c\ld satisfy4  ,%e wait$ on    
him1 tri$ to discov] 8 wants1 s\ght to  
int]pret 8 unspok5  wi%es1 /udi$ 8      
temp]--9 a ^w1 %e did h] utmo/ nev] to  
give  him ! lea/ cause to compla91 at   
lea/ 9 ev]y?+ 9 :i* h]  duty z a        
,*ri/ian p]mitt$4  ,%e 0 well aw>e t a  
wife ought to  reg>d h] husb& z a ma/]  
to :om t ob$i5ce & rev]5tial  fe> are   
due :i* ! ,*ur* owes to h] head1 ,*ri/  
,jesus4  ,%e n  only knew1 b practis$ x 
#aaa a way t a/oni%$ all :o 7  acqua9t$ 
) ! natural brutality ( h] husb& & h]   
own h]oic  submission1 meekness1 &      
inv9cible con/ancy4  ,%e obey$ 8 e      
beck1 & und]took no duty )\t fir/ seek+ 
8 approval4  ,s f>  did %e c>ry ?is     
submission t %e did n g out ( h] h\se   
ev5  to att5d ! ,div9e (fices 9 *ur* )\t
 hav+ fir/ obta9$  8 p]mission4  ,) all 
?is ! conte/ 0 a long "o betwe5 !       
husb&'s cruelty & ! wife's sweetness (  

temp]1 betwe5 8  vici\s nature & h]     
virtue1 betwe5 8 pride & h] humility1 8 
f]ocity & h] meekness1 8 arrogance & h] 
tractabl5ess1 betwe5  8 p[] to give pa9 
& h] ability to surf]4    ,b ! victory 0
 ga9$ by ,rita's virtues1 = h]          
long-suff]+ at  l5g? won h] husb&'s     
he>t1 & br\ght unity & love into _!     
home4  ,:5ev] aft]w>ds ,f]d9& felt      
incl9$1 z he sometimes  did1 to h       
rec\rse to cutt+ words or unseemly acts1
 at ! sight  ( h] humility & pati5ce1 & 
! memory ( h] g5tle admonitions1  he    
adopt$ ! exp$i5t ( go+ out ( ! h\se till
 8 m9d  recov]$ its tranquillity4  ,we  
read1 too1 t1 completely ov]come by  h] 
sweet g5tl5ess1 he "o day ?rew himself  
at h] feet to ask  p>don f h] = 8 faults
 & to promise to correct !m4  ,to !     
unspeakable consolation ( ,rita he kept 
?is promise1 nor 0 %e sl[  to ref] all !
 praise ( ?is conv]sion to ! ,giv] ( all
 good  ?+s1 :o alone is ,"l ( ! human   
he>t4  ,:5 frat]nal  correction is n !  
outcome ( irritation or pride1 x is an  

in/rum5t ( ,div9e grace1 & we "k t x has
 no o!r object  ?an ! salvation ( him :o
 is correct$ :5 ! ^w & mann]  :i* convey
 x are m>k$ by mod]ation & k9dness4     
,rita !re=e  br\ght into action all !   
graces1 natural & sup]natural1 :i* %e   
possess$1 9 ord] to b9d closely to h] t 
unquiet he>t ( h]  husb&1 & to draw him 
to ! ,"l1 & induce him to fulfil 8      
,*ri/ian obligations4    ,two sons 7    
born to !m1 ! eld] ( :om 0 nam$ ,gian   
,giacomo1  & ! o!r ,paolo ,m>ia4  ,bo? (
 !m inh]it$ _! fa!r's  qu>relsome &     
irascible temp]am5t1 & 8 example did n  
help to  improve !m4  ,we may easily    
imag9e ! tr\ble1 ! wat*fulness1 !       
uneas9ess1 ! fe>1 & anxiety :i* a devot$
 ,*ri/ian "m l  ,rita mu/ h exp]i5c$ 9  
re>+1 educat+1 &1 above all1 9  =m+ !   
m9ds ( h] "y *ildr54  ,! words :i* %e   
kept  cont9ually repeat+ 9 _! e>s1 & :i*
 %e w\ld h wi%$ to  impress indelibly on
 _! he>ts1 7 words ( ! holy fe> ( ,god1 
( piety & devotion4  ,b n s mu* ) words 
did ! pi\s "m  endeav\r to in/il into !m

 ! pure maxims ( ! ,gospel z by !       
example ( h] own exalt$ virtues4  ,w\ld 
t fa!rs & mo!rs  w\ld le>n once = all f 
! sa9ts1 & become conv9c$ ( !  und5iable
 tru? t _! *ildr5 are m\ld$ m by _!     
example  ?an by _! words1 ev5 :5 ^! are 
n contradict$ by _!  de$s6  ,rita1      
h[ev]1 9 h] vigilance sp>$ no?+1 nei!r  
words  nor actions1 nor advice nor      
blame1 nor ?reats nor *a/isem5ts1 to    
tra9 ^! t5d] plants heav5w>ds2 b _!     
natural & m easy  t5d5cy 0 d[nw>ds1 &   
?is 0 h] greate/ cause ( sorr[  among/ s
 _m causes1 & ! wor/ ( all h] tr\bles4  
,we d n  mean to say t ,gian ,giacomo & 
,paolo 7 l ,david's sons ,amnon  &      
,absolom1 yet x is a fact t ! *ildr5 (  
holy p are  sometimes self-will$ &      
wick$1 h[ev] holy _! upbr++ may  h be54 
,rita1 h[ev]1 knew :at a "m's duty 01 & 
%e  !re=e1 9 br++ up h] *ildr51 nev]    
all[$ h] zeal to  slack51 nor h] pati5ce
 to we> out1 nor h] wat*fulness to gr[  
we>y4    ,! trials 7 sev]e en\gh :i* our
 h]o9e _h to und]go f !  society ( an   

irascible husb&1 ^: virtue 0 none ( !   
mo/  /eadfa/1 b !y 7 r$\bl$ by ! evil   
incl9ations %e saw  appe> 9 h] *ildr51 &
 _! hatr$ ( all good in/ruction4  ,!    
citiz5s ( ! heav5ly k+dom1 :il/ !y live 
9 ?is _w  among/ ! s9ful & ! wick$1 mu/1
 z ,/4 ,augu/9e tea*es1 be  toss$ ab\t  
by temptations1 9 ord] t !y may keep    
!mselves 9  ! practice ( virtue1 & be   
prov$ z gold is prov$ 9 !  crucible4    
,tri$ by su* afflictions1 ,rita seem$ to
 h come to su*  a pass t %e c\ld d no?+ 
else ?an1 ) ! prophet1 raise h]  pure   
h&s to heav5 night & day1 to seek 9 ,god
 alone "s relief 9  h] tr\bles & "s     
def5ce aga9/ ! evils ( h] h\se4#a ,if   
ev] %e deem$ x necess>y to h rec\rse to 
pray]1 n[ assur$ly  0 a "t t call$ =    
r$\bl$ pray] & ! greate/ f]v\r4  ,%e    
!re=e pray$ )\t ceas+4  ,h] cont9u$     
m$itations on !  suff]+s ( our ,"l 0 a  
relief 9 h] di/ress2 frequ5t communion  
br\ght com=t to h] tr\bl$ /ate1 & h]    
p>ticul> devotion to  our ,bless$ ,lady1
 consol] ( ! afflict$1 to ,/4 ,john !   

,bapti/1  ,/4 ,augu/9e1 & ,/4 ,ni*olas (
 ,tol5t9e1 (t5 br\ght  =getfulness ( h] 
woes4  ,wom5 ( ! _w endur+ ! l  suff]+ &
 tr\ble w\ld deem !mselves disp5s$ f !  
practice  ( any o!r mortification1 & 9  
_! love ( ease1 :i* readily  flatt]s !m1
 w\ld f9d a ?\s& pretexts to exempt     
!mselves ev5  f ! fa/s t are comm&$4  ,b
 ,rita1 :o 0 9 ! _w b  n ( x1 f> f      
susp5d+ ! acts ( p5it5ce %e 0 us$ to    
practise be=e h] m>riage1 took refuge 9 
works ( great]  au/]ity1 9 ab/95ce &    
fa/+s & 9 *a/is+ h] body4  ,9  spite (  
^! acts ( mortification1 %e /ill _h     
suffici5t /r5g?  & vig\r to att5d to all
 ! ne$s ( h] h\se & assi/ ! wants  ( h] 
neighb\rs2 %e reliev$ ! necessities ( ! 
pov]ty  /rick51 & ) h] own h&s prep>$   
food = !m2 by !  b$sides ( ! sick %e 0  
unwe>y+1 &1 9 a ^w1 made h]self  all ?+s
 to all m54  ,:5 %e _h to appe> abroad1 
ei!r 9 !  p]=mance ( h] works ( *>ity or
 to be pres5t at ! ,div9e  my/]ies 9 !  
*ur*1 h] angelic mode/y & ! goodness &  
int]ior peace :i* %one 9 h] c\nt5ance   

s]v$ to edify all :o  saw h]4  ,^! 7 h] 
adornm5ts1 n ! trapp+s ( worldly %[1    
:i* f *ildhood %e abhorr$1 & :i* 7 m    
dete/able 9  h] eyes n[ t %e _h advanc$ 
s f> on ! way ( p]fection4  ,%e c>efully
 avoid$ all unbecom+ neglect 9 dress1 & 
appe>$ 9  a g>b free f ev]y?+ sav\r+ (  
vanity1 n to say  indec5cy--su* a dress 
z w\ld escape ! eyes ( ! curi\s1 &  :i*1
 in/ead ( luxuri\sness1 %[$ a contempt (
 ! pres5t life1  & 0 exactly :at        
necessity & ,*ri/ian humility requir$4  
,9 h]  int]c\rse ) o!rs1 :il/ always    
well-mann]$ & agreeable1 %e  possess$   
s+ul> tact 9 avoid+ all conv]sations :i*
 7 n (  ,god or ( works ( corporal or   
spiritual m]cy to h] neighb\rs4  ,no  "o
 ev] he>d f h] lips any ( ^? compla9ts  
aga9/ h]  husb& :i* are s frequ5t :5    
wom5 meet toge!r4  ,if ev] any (  h]    
female acqua9tances :o knew h[ %e 0     
treat$ by h]  ill-temp]$ husb& tri$ to  
provoke h] to compla9 by affect$ pity1  
z grumbl+ wom5 n unfrequ5tly did1 %e    
ei!r turn$ !  conv]sation to ano!r      

subject or cov]$ h] husb&'s faults )  ! 
mantle ( *>ity1 & !reby gave a practical
 example ( virtue  :i* h] neighb\rs     
might to _! advantage imitate4  ,9      
brief1 ,/4  ,rita 0 ano!r ,/4 ,monica3  
%e 0 ! /rong woman ( ! p>ables  (       
,solomon1 & 0 9 all respects ! be/ model
 = m>ri$ wom54      #a ,ps4 lxxvi4 #b4  
,,*apt] ,x    ,,dea? ,,( ,,rita',s      
,,husb& ,,& ,,*ildr5--,,rita ,,z ,,wid[ 
,rita _h succe$$1 z we h said1 9 assuag+
 ! cruelty t  seem$ to h be5 natural to 
h] husb&4  ,! means %e employ$ to       
effect ?is *ange 7 ! g5tle mann] :i* %e 
naturally  possess$1 & :i* ,div9e grace 
made /ill m g5tle2 ! good  advice %e ev]
 gave1 h] k9dness & unwe>y+ pati5ce1 h] 
good  example1 &1 above all1 h] f]v5t   
pray]s4  ,b :e!r x 0 t  8 enemies1      
brood+ ov] old causes ( hate1 resolv$ to
 take rev5ge  = pa/ (f5ces1 or t ,f]d9&1
 9 a fre% outbur/ ( passion1  _h expos$ 
himself to new qu>rels & new dang]s1 !  
fact rema9s  t :5 he _h liv$ eighte5    
ye>s ) ,rita he 0 b>b>\sly  murd]$ a    

%ort di/ance outside ,rocca ,por5a 7!   
place :]e !  un=tunate victim fell is   
/ill %[n74  ,h>dly _h ! report ( 8      
tragic dea? rea*$ ! e>s ( 8 wid[$ sp\se 
?an1 despite h]  magnanim\s he>t1 %e    
paid ! tribute ( nature 9 an outbur/ (  
bitt]1 scald+ te>s4  ,9 ! dep?s ( h]    
he>t ! holy woman felt  ! w\nds t _h    
tak5 f h] side ! husb& %e lov$4  ,b !   
?\ghts t made h] weep 7 n ?\ghts (      
temporal losses1 or (  h] sorr[1 or (   
be+ left alone to provide = h] family1  
or (  hav+ to dwell ) undutiful *ildr5 )
 no "o to support h]4  ,f> o!r sadd] & m
 s]i\s consid]ations 7 break+ h]  he>t4 
,a little human feel+ & a weak grasp (  
fai? are en\gh to  fill u ) horror at   
he>+ ( a viol5t dea?4  ,we may1 !n1     
easily imag9e :at grief ,rita felt z %e 
consid]$ 9 ! light (  h] lively fai? all
 ! evil on ! "o "p & ! o!r t may  h     
prec$$ & accompani$ t homicidal attempt1
 or z %e dwelt  on ! unc]ta9ty ( p>don  
or ( h] husb&'s p5it5ce1 or 8  hav+ to  
appe> be=e 8 ,judge )\t hav+ receiv$ !  

la/  ,sacram5ts4  ,nev]!less1 t lively  
fai? :i* made h] feel d\bly  ! cru%+ =ce
 ( ! calamity t _h ov]tak5 h] soon rais$
  h] above h]self1 above dea? & e human 
consid]ation4  ,%e  rais$ ! eyes ( h]   
s\l to heav5 & rememb]$1 & 0 sure t     
,div9e ,provid5ce1 ^: designs are       
inscrutable1 n only disposes all  ! good
 t is done1 b p]mits all ! evil :i*     
comes f man's  free-w4  ,?is ?\ght      
suffic$ to b[ h] d[n be=e ! ?rone (  !  
,div9e ,maje/y1 to adore ,8 j judgm5ts1 
& h5ce came com=t  to h] bruis$ he>t4   
,! sa9ts h no ne$ ( ! b>r5  consolations
 ( ! _w2 !y f9d 9 religion t com=t :i*  
reason alone c nev] give4  ,our noble   
h]o9e did n = a mom5t  hesitate to p>don
 s9c]ely f h] he>t ! murd]]s ( h]       
un=tunate husb&1 b1 m9dful ( ! example (
 ,jesus ,*ri/1 :o  pray$ to ! ,et]nal   
,fa!r = ^? :o crucifi$ ,him1 & ( ,/4    
,/eph51 :o int]c$$ = ^? :o 7 /on+ him to
 dea?1 %e  too (f]$ f]v5t supplications 
to ! ,div9e ,m]cy = ^? cruel  murd]]s4  
,h>dly _h ,rita rais$ h] m9d above !    

/ormy sea ( h] sorr[s  ?an a new tr\ble 
appe>$ to afflict h]4  ,%e p]ceiv$ )    
con/]nation t h] sons1 al?\gh yet ( t5d]
 ye>s1 7  plott+ v5geance aga9/ ^? :o 7 
guilty ( _! fa!r's  blood4  ,! afflict$ 
wid[ ex]t$ all h] =ce by ^w & de$ to    
excite 9 !m s5tim5ts ( resignation & (  
=giv5ess & (  ,*ri/ian *>ity4  ,%e ceas$
 n to keep be=e _! m9ds !  et]nal       
maxims1 ! fe> ( judgm5t & ( hell1 !     
examples ( !  sa9ts1 & especially !     
example ( our crucifi$ ,r$eem]1 :o1 9  !
 extremity ( ,8 suff]+s1 int]c$$ = ,8   
inhuman  execution]s4  ,%e took c>e1    
too1 imm$iately to remove out ( !  sight
 ( h] sons ! bloody g>m5ts ( h] sla9    
husb&4  ,b 9  spite ( all h] advice &   
solicitude1 ! sorr[+ "m c\ld n  t\* h]  
*ildr5's v5geful he>ts1 or1 if %e did   
succe$ 9  s(t5+ !m1 x 0 b = a mom5t !y  
ab&on$ _! wick$  int5tions4  ,amid/     
circum/ances ( su* di/ress1 & oppress$  
by  h] fe>s1 ! unhappy wid[ knew n :i!r 
to turn1 & on e>? %e  f\nd only subjects
 ( sorr[ & ve/iges ( s94  ,%e turn$ h]  

weep+ eyes once m to heav51 & !re aga9  
%e f\nd !  greate/ com=t 9 h] suff]+s4  
,al?\gh %e 0 a "m1 & _h  a "m's         
affectionate he>t1 yet because %e lov$ &
 s\ght ,god's  hon\r m ?an h] own fle% &
 blood1 l a noble ,*ri/ian  h]o9e1 %e   
supplicat$ ! ,"l ei!r to *ange h]       
*ildr5's  he>ts or to take !m out ( ?is 
_w be=e !y c\ld accompli%  ! v5geance !y
 7 m$itat+4  ,rita's v[s 7 acceptable to
  heav51 & to h] 0 grant$ to complete   
,abraham's sacrifice 9 a new  way--= !  
patri>*'s knife 0 arre/$ 9 mid-air1 &   
,isaac 0  sav$2 b %e saw h] two sons    
fall "o aft] ano!r victims to h]  pray]s
 t pi]c$ ! heav5s4  ,?us we may well    
hope t ! mo/  m]ciful ,"l provid$ = _!  
et]nal salvation dur+ _! mortal         
illness1 & !n took !m1 le/ wick$ness    
%\ld alt] _!  und]/&+1#a & at ! same "t 
provid$ = ! "m by  op5+ to h] a way into
 a new life f> remov$ f ! _w & s  long !
 object ( h] wi%es1 a life altoge!r     
spiritual & by  anticipation bless$4  ,!
 brave woman did n weep1 & al?\gh at  ! 

"t ( h] husb&'s tragic end %e 0 dissolv$
 9 te>s ?r\gh  fe> ab\t ! salvation ( 8 
s\l & ! s\ls ( 8 murd]]s1  yet at !     
dea?s ( h] *ildr5 %e only ?ank$ h] ,god 
:o _h  tak5 !m away f ! dang]s ( s9 & ! 
risk ( ano!r m  dreadful dea?--t ( !    
s\l4    ,x is difficult to discov] h[   
long ,rita _h to /ruggle ) h]  v5geful  
*ildr51 or h[ long %e rema9$ 9 ! _w aft]
 !y _h  pass$ to et]nity4  ,x seems     
c]ta91 h[ev]1 t ! "t %e liv$  z a wid[ 0
 %ort4  ,b we "k t dur+ t p]iod %e plac$
  all h] confid5ce 9 ,god1 & t %e 0     
engag$ night & day 9  ! practice ( mo/  
p]fect pray]1#b accord+ to ,/4 ,paul's  
in/ruction to wid[s4  ,%e bore ! cross )
 ,jesus ,*ri/1 & liv$  a life ( p]petual
 self-d5ial4  ,m ?an ev] %e kept h] body
 9  subjection by sc\rg+s & cont9u$     
fa/+1 & %e di/ribut$ to  ! poor t "p (  
h] food :i* h] ab/95ce sp>$4  ,%e       
rejoic$ 9 p]=m+ works ( m]cy1 & 01 9 a  
^w1 all love  t[>ds ,god & h] neighb\r1 
& 9 no way solicit\s ab\t h]self4       
,among/ o!r in/ances ( h] h]oic *>ity we

 read t1 happ5+  "o day ^u a poor man   
half nak$ & trembl+ ) cold1 %e took  "o 
( h] own g>m5ts & gave x to him1 & w5t  
on h] way  rejoic+ t ,god _h giv5 h] !  
opportunity & ! grace to  deprive h]self
 ( :at %e h]self ne$$ 9 ord] to help "o 
( !  poor ( ! ,"l4  ,h] dress 0 ( co>se 
s]ge1 & 0 a d>k blue  9 col\r1 & dur+ ! 
sev]ity ( ! w9t] %e add$ a r\gh  cloak4 
,%e always wore sackclo? t %e might     
always be do+  p5ance4  ,9 retirem5t    
alone %e f\nd h] consolation & joy2 & no
  soon] 7 h] *ildr5 dead ?an h] old     
burn+ desire to enclose  h]self once =  
all )9 ! *]i%$ %ad[s ( ! cloi/]  sprang 
into life aga94  ,we may relate an      
incid5t :i* gave a new  impetus to h]   
vocation1 z x is told by an anci5t      
writ]3 ,hav+  gone "o day f ,rocca      
,por5a to ,cascia1 %e w5t into ! *ur* ( 
! ,augu/9ian nuns :il/ ,mass 0 be+ said1
 & !re %e felt z  if ^? words ( our     
,savi\r 7 be+ impr9t$ on h] m9d1 ',i am 
! ,way1 ! ,tru?1 & ! ,life'--words :i*  
!n pass$ into h]  he>t to pi]ce x ) !   

,div9e love :i* spoke to h] & invit$    
h]4    ,we may well believe1 too1 t !   
wor?y examples ( o!r female  sa9ts !n   
liv+ or b rec5tly gone to _! rew>d (f]$ 
new  argum5ts to urge h] n to delay     
ent]+ on a conv5tual life4  ,!  memory (
 ,/4 ,bridget ( ,sw$5 & ,bless$ ,angela 
( ,foligno 0 /ill  rec5t1 :il/ ,/4      
,m>g>et ( ,monf]rato & ,/4 ,frances (   
,rome 7  !n /ill liv+1 all ( !m         
illu/ri\s wom5 rais$ up by ,god1 z      
,rita 0 9 ,cascia1 to oppose & be>      
te/imony aga9/ ! corruption  ( ^? times1
 & all ( !m pr$e/9$ to become models to 
!  virg9s ( ! cloi/] aft] hav+ adorn$ 9 
! _w ! ?ree  /ates ( virg9ity1 m>ri$    
life & wid[hood4  ,b ev5 )\t  ^!        
examples ,rita 0 suffici5tly consci\s ( 
! int]ior voice (  h] heav5ly ,sp\se1 & 
%e readily prep>$ to obey x4  ,?us      
,abraham  _h h>dly he>d ! angel's voice 
:5 he arose 9 ! d>kness ( !  night & w5t
 to sacrifice 8 son2 ! %eph]ds :o 7     
wat*+  _! flocks :5 !y he>d ! ann\ncem5t
 ( ! ,div9e ,infant's  bir? ran to (f]  

,him _! homage2 ! ,magi1 z soon z !y saw
 !  new />1 did n hesitate to und]take  
_! long j\rney to adore !  ,k+ ( k+s 9  
,8 swaddl+-clo!s2 ! ,apo/les1 at ! fir/ 
call  ( ! ,r$eem]1 left _! nets & foll[$
 ,him2 ! head ( !  ,apo/les1 ,pet]1 at a
 sign f ! angel1 rose quickly f 8 brok5 
*a9s2 s ,rita det]m9$ to hide h]self )\t
 delay 9 t sacr$  retreat :]e h] ,div9e 
,lov] 0 await+ h]4  ,t retreat1 z we  h 
said1 0 ! conv5t 9 ,cascia ( ! nuns :o  
foll[ ! rule (  ! great ,augu/9e1 :o 7  
call$ at t "t nuns ( ,/4 ,m>y  ,magdal51
 f ! anci5t title ( _! *ur*1 & :o 7     
rem>kable = /rict obs]vance4  ,we h said
 be=e t !  ,augu/9ian ,ord] fl\ri%$ !re 
n only 9 ! conv5t ( ! nuns1  b 9 !      
wond]ful sanctity ( ! wor?y foll[]s ( ! 
,bless$  ,simon1 ,bless$ ,ugol9o1 &     
,bless$ ,john & ,simon1 all ( :om _h    
dwelt 9 ! woods ( ,cascia4  ,?is1 too1  
mu/ h be5 a /rong  attraction to our    
sa9t1 & a fur!r inducem5t to fix h] m9d 
un*angeably on ,cascia4  ,! memory ( !  
h]oic virtues practis$ by  ,/4 ,ni*olas 

( ,tol5t9e1 h] special advocate1 0 /ill 
fre% 9 !  m9ds ( m51 & ! fame ( 8       
/up5d\s miracles _h spread  ?r\gh\t !   
l&4  ,b ! pr9cipal motive :y %e s\ght to
 we>  ! habit ( ,/4 ,augu/9e 0 t ,god 9 
,8 inscrutable decrees _h  call$ h] to t
 /ate by ! lov+ invitations ( ,8 grace4 
,!  pi\s wid[ approa*$ ! nuns1 &1 ?r[+  
h]self at _! feet1  9 simple words & )  
all ! f]v\r ( h] he>t express$ h]       
desire to s]ve ,god )9 _! walls & 9 t   
p5it5tial g>b  !y wore4  ,b h] reque/ 0 
va92 x 0 n ?\ght conv5i5t to  receive a 
wid[ 9 a conv5t int5d$ = virg9s1 & x 0  
aga9/  _! cu/om4  ,rita took h] refusal 
pati5tly1 b %e did n lose  c\rage1 &1 l 
,abraham1 %e hop$ aga9/ hope4#c  ,"s "t 
aft]  %e w5t back aga91 repres5t$ t %e  
_h a vocation1 r5ew$ h]  pray]s & sighs2
 b %e 0 reject$ a second &1 aga91 a ?ird
  "t4  ,b ! m ! nuns p]si/$ 9 refus+ h] 
admission1 !  m did ,rita acquire ! m]it
 ( humility1 pati5ce1 & unalt]able      
confid5ce 9 ,god4  ,%e attribut$ h]     
refusal to h] own unwor?9ess1  & 9 h]   

self-contempt %e m & m con=m$ h]self to 
h]  model1 ,jesus4  ,?is 0 ! mann] (    
life :i* ,rita l$ 9 ! _w1  :]e %e 0 a   
mirror ( e virtue to virg9s1 to ! m>ri$1
 &  to wid[s4  ,we %all see h[ %e became
 an example ( sanctity to  religi\s 9 ! 
cloi/]4      #a ,wisd4 ( ,sol4 iv4 ii4  
#b #a ,tim4 v4 #e4    #c ,rom4 iv4 #ah4 
,,end ,,( ,,"p ,i          ,"p ,,ii     
,,rita ,,9 ,,! ,,cloi/]        ,,*apt]  
,i      ,,rita',s ,,miracul\s ,,entry   
,,into ,,! ,,cloi/]    ,,& ,,h]         
,,reception    ,all ,rita's ?\ghts & all
 h] affections 7 c5tr$ 9 heav51 &  !    
reason :y %e desir$ to lead a m p]fect  
life 9 ! cloi/]  0 !reby to make m c]ta9
 ( atta9+ ! object ( h]  desires4  ,b ! 
_w 9 t c5tury ( wick$ness 0 engag$ ab\t 
f> diff]5t ?+s2 ! vortex ( worldly hopes
 & ambitions _h  engulf$ almo/ all !    
aspirations ( m54  ,9 ! ,ea/1 rap9e1    
vice1  viol5ce1 murd]1 irreligion1 & a  
long tra9 ( irrep>able wrongs1  _h      
foll[$ quickly ^u ! victories ( ,sultan 
,bajazet & !  defeats ( ! ,emp]or       

,emmanuel4  ,! prolong$ w> 0 /ill be+   
wag$ 9 ! ,g]man ,empire betwe5          
,sigismund & ! rebelli\s  ,hussites1 :o 
despis$ human life 9 _! endeav\rs to    
spread _!  h]esy & pr(ane & ov]?r[ !    
alt>4  ,! gov]nm5t ( !  ,*ur*1 !n "u    
,pope ,john ,,xxiii41 0 mo/ viol5tly    
h>ass$ by !  anti-,pope ,pietro di      
,luna1 ^: contumacy ! ,c\ncil (         
,con/ance  fail$ to break d[n1 z !      
,c\ncil ( ,pisa _h fail$ be=e4  ,italy  
cont9u$ to be ! laugh+-/ock ( tyrants & 
( ! resuscitat$  factions ( ! ,guelphs &
 ! ,ghibell9es4  ,( ! two ,visconti :o  
gov]n$ ! ,cisalp9e prov9ce1 "o 0 ! slave
 ( 8 vices & !  o!r 0 ! prison] ( 8     
rebelli\s subject ,fac9o ,cane1 tyrant (
  ,alex&ria1 :o 0 ! =midable *ief ( a   
m>aud+ b& & !  despoil] ( ! prov9ce4  ,!
 tyrann\s usurpations ( ,ottobono 9     
,p>ma1 ,da ,vignate 9 ,lodi1 ,fondolo 9 
,cremona1 & ,malate/a 9 ,brescia  /ill  
cont9u$4  ,! ,romagna & ! ,m>%es enjoy$ 
no high] degree  ( lib]ty or prosp]ity  
"u ! yoke ( despotism4  ,! factions (   

,durozzo & ( ,anj\ /ill disput$         
possession ( ! k+dom (  ,naples1 & !    
ambiti\s ,ladislaus1 ) designs on ! :ole
 ,italian  p59sula1 began to ?reat5     
,rome ) ! fugitive ,pontiff4  ,!        
republics ( ,v5ice1 ,g5oa1 ,flor5ce1 &  
,si5a 7 ei!r plott+  aga9/ "o ano!r or  
actually at w>4  ,cascia 0 ! only "o ( !
  republics t _h begun to ta/e ! almo/  
=gott5 fruits ( peace4  ,b nei!r 9      
,cascia nor else:]e 7 good morals to be 
f\nd2 !y  seem$ to h b>ely secur$ a     
refuge 9 ! cloi/]s4  ,h5ce ,rita  0     
sigh+ night & day = ! sacr$ %elt]1 &    
al?\gh %e _h  till !n bloom$ z a /a9less
 lily among ?orns1 yet %e did n  consid]
 t %e c\ld live secure 9 ! dang]-lad5   
atmosph]e t  surr\nd$ h]4  ,b h[ c\ld %e
 aspire to a cloi/]$ life :5 all  hope  
seem$ futile aft] ! repulses %e _h      
receiv$8  ,yet to t  life %e aspir$1 & n
 9 va94  ,= ^? und]tak+s :i* seem       
ardu\s & sometimes impossible become n  
only practicable1 b easy  to h]oic fai?4
  ,! invitations :i* ,div9e grace held  

out to h]  & ! refusals ) :i* ,rita 0   
met by ! nuns 7 no?+ m  ?an ! lov+      
pleasantries ( h] heav5ly ,sp\se1 & b   
trials (  h] virtue & con/ancy4  ,!re=e 
! m h] wi%es 7  fru/rat$1 ! m frequ5t   
became h] pray]s & ! m f]v5t  ! sighs ( 
h] he>t4  ,%e _h rec\rse1 too1 to !     
m$iation ( !  sa9ts1 & did n fe> to make
 h]self importunate to h] protectors1   
,/4 ,john ! ,bapti/1 ,/4 ,augu/9e1 & ,/4
 ,ni*olas4  ,& ! measure  ( ! effect :i*
 h] pray]s produc$ 01 z ,/4 ,augu/9e    
tea*es1  ! f]v\r ( ! love t prec$$ !m4  
,%e m]it$ ! fav\r %e  s\ght1 & receiv$  
x4  ,"h is h[ ! incid5t is relat$ by !  
writ]s ( h] life3    ,! sa9t 0 "o night 
kneel+ on ! gr\nd1 rapt 9 pray]1 h]  h&s
 ext5d$ to heav5 aft] h] usual mann] & z
 ! royal  prophet tea*es1 :5 %e sudd5ly 
he>d a knock+ at ! door ( h]  h\se1 &   
someone call+ out h] "n4  ,! fir/ feel+ 
( !  lonely wid[ 0 "o ( tr\ble & fe>1 b 
%e invok$ ! ,div9e  assi/ance1 took     
c\rage1 & w5t to ! w9d[--b no?+ 0 to be 
se5 or he>d4  ,%e return$ to h] pray]1 b

 0 int]rupt$ by !  same unkn[n voice    
call+ h]4  ,h] fe> increas$1 b %e w5t to
  ! w9d[ aga9--& aga9 !re 0 only d>kness
 & sil5ce  )\t4  ,%e !n began to ?9k x  
might be "s trick ( ! devil1  &1 puzzl$ 
betwe5 d\bt & fe>1 %e ?rew h]self at !  
feet (  ,jesus ,*ri/1 & bes\ght ,him m  
f]v5tly to enlight5 & to help  h]1 & t  
,he w\ld be pleas$ to make kn[n ,8      
,div9e w1  :e!r :at %e _h exp]i5c$ 0 a  
delusion ( ! devil or a voice  f heav54 
,h] %ort pray] 0 s pleas+ to ,god t     
,rita soon  felt h]self rapt 9 ec/asy1 &
 !n %e saw & he>d cle>ly1 &  h] fe> 0   
*ang$ into joyful consolation4  ,%e saw 
h] ?ree holy  patrons1 & he>d ! joy\s   
words ) :i* ! sp\se ( !  ,canticles     
call$ 8 belov$1 ',arise1 make ha/e1 my  
love1 &  come--come1 = x is "t at la/ to
 ent] ! cloi/] f :i*  ?\ ha/ be5 repuls$
 s _m times4'  ,z soon z ^! words _h    
be5 utt]$1 ! rapture ( h] ec/asy ceas$1 
b %e /ill  reta9$1 deeply impress$ on h]
 m9d1 a vivid picture ( ! entire        
vision4  ,!n1 by a ,div9e impulse1 %e   

w5t to ! w9d[ a ?ird  "t1 &1 enlight5$  
by ,god1 %e saw1 to h] great surprise1 a
 p]son  ( v5]able aspect1 :o invit$ h]  
by signs to foll[ him4  ,:e!r  he appe>$
 9 8 usual r\gh ve/ure ( wov5           
camel-hair1 or clad 9  sk9s1 or 9 o!r   
guise1 we "k n1 b = c]ta9 x 0 no o!r    
?an ,/4 ,john ! ,precursor1 z ,rita 0 n 
sl[ to recognise1 & he  x 0 :o 0 s      
cle>ly manife/$ to h] 9 ! prec$+ vision4
  ,%e felt h] he>t ov]fl[+ ) rapture1 & 
ha/5$ to obey !  signs ( h] heav5ly     
guide4  ,h>dly _h %e rea*$ ! spot :]e he
  /ood ?an h] a/oni%m5t & joy 7 /ill    
fur!r increas$1 =  !re1 at ei!r side (  
h] great protector1 /ood h] o!r patrons1
  ,augu/9e & ,ni*olas1 bo? ready &      
prep>$ to escort h] t[>ds  ! fate %e    
desir$ s ard5tly = h]self4  ,x w n be   
out (  place to rem>k "h t ! h\se 9 :i* 
,rita dwelt & out (  :i* %e w5t on !    
night 9 :i* ^! extraord9>y ev5ts        
occurr$ 0 built at ! base ( a /eep %elf 
( rock anci5tly  call$ ! ',gun' ( ,rocca
 ,por5a1 & :i* x 0 almo/ impossible to  

climb4  ,yet1 leav+ ! usual road1 x 0 by
 way ( ?is rock t  h] sa9t$ guides l$   
,rita1 p]haps to indicate to h] by !    
precipit\s nature ( ! place ! /eepness (
 ! m\nta9 (  mona/ic p]fection :i* %e 0 
de/9$ to scale1 & by ! *asm  bel[ !     
t]rible nature ( a fall f grace4  ,rita 
0 seiz$ by  sudd5 fe> at ! sight "h     
pres5t$ to h]1 b ,div9e grace &  h] holy
 companions br\ght h] com=t1 & enabl$ h]
 to rise  sup]ior to h]self1 s t %e     
m\nt$ fe>lessly ?r\gh !  d>kness ( !    
night ov] ! r\gh /ones & trunks ( fall5 
trees  till %e rea*$ ! highe/ po9t ( t  
beetl+ rock1 :i* is n[  call$ ! ',sa9t's
 ,rock1' f s memorable an occurr5ce4    
,if !  asc5t ( ! rock is difficult1 !   
desc5t on ! side ( ,cascia is  q        
impossible1 f :5ce x is believ$ t :5 !  
f\r sa9ts  _h accompli%$ ! difficult    
asc5t !y 7 ei!r borne ?r\gh  ! air f    
m\nta9 to m\nta91 or else pass$ )\t     
pause to  _! int5d$ goal1 z if to       
signify ! lib]ty enjoy$ by all :o  rea* 
! highe/ po9t ( p]fection & h climb$ !  

m\nt (  ,god4  ,h[ev] ! au?ors may diff]
 9 m9or po9ts 9 describ+ ?is  ev5t1 we  
may well judge t ev]y?+ connect$ ) x is 
miracul\s1 z ,rita's entry into ! conv5t
 0 also miracul\s1 =  %e ent]$ :il/ !   
gates 7 clos$1 or ?r\gh a gate op5$ =   
h] & clos$ :5 %e _h pass$ ! portals by  
an invisible h&4    ,:5 ,rita f\nd      
h]self )9 ! sacr$ enclosure :]e %e _h s 
ard5tly desir$ to be1 h] glori\s escort 
disappe>$ 9 a mom5t  f sight1 & %e 0    
ab&on$ & left all alone 9 ! d>kness1  & 
_h to pass ! rema9d] ( ! night 9 an     
ec/asy ( wond]1 b  toss$ ab\t on a sea (
 unc]ta9ty by ! ru% ( ! ?\ghts t  fill$ 
h] m9d4  ,! nuns rose 9 ! e>ly morn+ to 
s+ !  praises ( ! ,"l1 & :at 0 _!       
surprise :5 !y saw )9  _! conv5t1 &     
trembl+ ) fright1 ! humble wid[ :om !y  
_h repeat$ly reject$6  ,!y pli$ h] )    
que/ions1 & ,rita  repli$ simply &      
mode/ly by describ+ ! :ole hi/ory ( !   
miracul\s occurr5ce ( ! night4  ,= ! la/
 "t %e begg$ !m  ) ! greate/ f]v\r n to 
reject h] any long]--& h[ c\ld  !y      

refuse h] 9 ! face ( s evid5t a miracle8
  ,! nuns1  !re=e1 ) common cons5t &    
unusual applause1 receiv$ ! holy  wid[  
into _! numb]1 & aft] jo9+ ) h] 9 ?ank+ 
&  prais+ ! ,mo/ ,high1 !y put on h] _! 
p5it5tial habit1 &  admitt$ h] to !     
novitiate ) all solemnity & e m>k (     
g5]al satisfaction4  ,! nuns 7 delight$ 
at ! turn ( ev5ts1  & ,rita's joy exce$$
 all b\nds1 till1 comp>+ h] unwor?9ess  
) ! great goodness ( ,god1 %e 0 aba%$   
be=e ,him4  ,! m  %e ?\ght on !         
greatness ( ! rem>kable fav\rs conf]r$  
on  h]1 ! m pr(\nd did h] humility      
become1 & %e p\r$ =? a  ?\s& times h]   
tribute ( gratitude to heav51 b c\ld    
nev] f9d  words or ?\ghts able to       
express ! ?anks %e ow$ to ,div9e        
,provid5ce4    ,?is miracul\s entry into
 ! conv5t occurr$ dur+ ! unhappy  ye>s  
we h be=e describ$1 or ab\t ! ye> #adac1
 :5 ,rita 0  ne>ly ?irty-two ye>s ( age2
 = %e 0 m>ri$ 9 h] ?irte5?  ye>1 & liv$ 
eighte5 ye>s ) h] husb&1 & 0 a wid[ =   
ab\t a ye>1 :5 h] second son di$2 :il/ !

 int]val betwe5  t ev5t & h] entry to ! 
conv5t1 ! p]iod ( h] repeat$            
rejections1 mu/ h be5 %ort4  ,9 ! same  
ye> ! ,augu/9ian  ,ord] c\ld boa/ (     
ano!r spl5did addition to its memb]s1 = 
!  reception ( ,alex&] ,oliva1 call$ !  
,bless$1 occurr$ !n4  ,he  aft]w>ds     
rea*$ ! highe/ hon\rs )9 ! ,ord]1 & 0   
rais$  to ! dignity ( ,c>d9al be=e he   
pass$ to ! glory he _h  prep>$ = himself
 9 heav54  ,b ! ,ord] has great] reason 
to be  pr\d ( ,rita's reception1        
because1 al?\gh h] life 0 pass$ 9       
obscurity & f> f ! eyes ( ! _w1 x       
c]ta9ly 0 n less  bright ) ! spl5d\r ( !
 ,sa9ts1 & aft] dea? %e has  acquir$ m (
 ! v5]ation ( ! fai?ful4                
,,*apt] ,,ii    ,,rita ,,z ,,novice3    
,,h] ,,pr(ession    ,f h] e>ly y\? ,rita
 _h a great long+ = a solit>y life1 b   
n[ t ! ,omnipot5t ,god _h plac$ h] 9 !  
conv5t %e _h no  fur!r reason to sigh = 
! des]ts ( ! ,jordan1 ! solitudes (     
,taga/e1 ! sil5ce ( ,valman5te1 ! groves
 ( h] native place1 or  any o!r home (  

h]mits4  ,! cloi/] con/itut$ ! fulfilm5t
 (  all h] desires1 & h] only rema9+    
anxiety 0 to emulate !  great virtues ( 
h] ?ree holy patrons1 ! bless$ h]mits ( 
,cascia1  & ! o!r holy ones ^: lives _h 
made ! glory ( !  solitudes4  ,to say   
tru?1 x mu/ h co/ h] v little lab\r to  
foll[ 9 _! foot/eps1 = !re 0 no ne$ = h]
 to *ange h]  habits & mann]s :5 %e put 
(f a secul> dress = ! g>b ( a  nun1 & %e
 _h b to live ! rema9d] ( h] life z %e  
_h  hi!rto liv$ 9 ord] to rea* ! highe/ 
po9t ( p]fection4  ,jesus ,*ri/ tea*es u
 t ! sure/ way ( atta9+ p]fection is  by
 r5\nc+ all e>?ly possessions1 & our    
sa9t1 al?\gh %e _h  always liv$         
completely deta*$ f worldly ?+s1 ha/5$  
to  practise ! ,savi\r's tea*+ 9 ! mo/  
effectual mann] by  di/ribut+ all h]    
sl5d] =tune among/ ! poor4  ,?us1 )\t   
prop]ty1 )\t husb& or *ildr51 & f> f h] 
relatives1 ,rita  rejoic$ to be an      
abject slave 9 ! h\se ( ! ,k+ ( ,peace1 
&  deem$ h]self to enjoy a nobl] fre$om1
 m ample weal?1 & a  happi] lot ?an !y  

:o dwell 9 ! sumptu\s tab]nacles ( s9n]s
  surr\nd$ by ! ri*es1 ! pomp1 & ! glory
 ( ?is _w4    ,no "o c tell u bett] ?an 
h] companions 9 religion h[ %e liv$     
dur+ ! ye> ( h] novice%ip1 & !y 7       
a/oni%$ &  confus$ at :at !y obs]v$ 9   
h]1 & f ! fir/ reg>d$ h]  z a model ( ! 
pure/ & mo/ tri$ virtue4  ,pov]ty1      
*a/ity1 &  ob$i5ce _h no?+ to al>m h]1 =
 %e 0 long accu/om$ to live  9 pov]ty 9 
,rocca ,por5a2 h] body %e _h crucifi$ ) 
,*ri/ 9  ,god2 & %e _h liv$ subject n   
only to h] prud5t p>5ts1 b to  a cruel  
husb&4  ,s also _h ! o!r virtues :i* %e 
practis$ 9  h] novice%ip become famili> 
to h] 9 ! _w1 if we except alone  "s    
prescrib$ corporal p5ances & ! m        
abundant pray]s :i*  %e 0 enabl$ to (f]4
  ,no?+ else reg>d+ h] c be  e/abli%$ f 
! scanty memorials ( ^? obscure times1 &
 we  only "k t z ! "t ( novice%ip w5t on
 %e p]sev]$ 9  ^? holy practices (      
extraord9>y piety & au/]e p5ance1 &     
prep>$ to b9d h]self to h] ,god ) /rong]
 ties on ! day (  h] new reg5]ation4  ,!

 le>n$ ,c>d9al ,s]ip&o & o!rs call  !   
day ( ! =mal pr(ession ( mona/ic v[s !  
day ( new  reg5]ation1 = ?r\gh !        
sacrifice !n made ( "o's w1 (  bodily   
pleasures1 & ( prop]ty1 ! total         
remission ( all  puni%m5t due to s9 may 
be m]it$4  ,t day at l5g? arriv$1 &  !  
holy novice1 hav+ fir/ made a rigor\s   
exam9ation ( h] :ole  life & m>k$ all ! 
/a9s on h] pure consci5ce1 :i* %e       
remov$ by ! fire ( h] sorr[ & ! blood ( 
,jesus ,*ri/1  pres5t$ h]self be=e !    
alt> to v[ p]petual obs]vance ( !       
evangelical c\nsels4  ,%e _h no         
hesitation 9 plac+ h] h& on !  holy     
,rule ( ! great ,augu/9e1 = h] h]oic    
tru/ 9 !  assi/ance ( grace gave h]     
c\rage1 & = ! re/1 al?\gh !  ,rule may  
seem sev]e to ! m9ds ( worldl+s1 ! sa9ts
 reg>d x  b z a law ( love1 & a cord to 
unite s\ls to ,god4  ,!re=e ,rita       
pref]r$ ?is sweet s]vitude to all !     
k+doms ( e>?1 &  consid]$ h]self !      
happie/ ( wom5 s9ce %e _h at la/ rea*$  
! goal t[>ds :i* f h] e>lie/ ye>s %e _h 

felt h]self  drawn by heav5's g5tle     
viol5ce4    ,! exact date ( ! pr(ession 
is unkn[n1 b x v probably took  place :5
 ,fr4 ,pietro di ,v5a ,tolosano 0 ,g5]al
 ( ! ,ord]1 & he  succe$$ 9 t (fice ,fr4
 ,s>ac9i1 :o 0 f ,rocca ,por5a1 &  :o _h
 be5 made ,bi%op ( ,mac]ata4  ,! date ( 
pr(ession w\ld  !re=e be ab\t #adad4    
,hi/ory leaves u to imag9e also !       
feel+s ( ! newly-pr(ess$ nun1 b we may  
well judge f h]  pa/ t t solemn day 0 "o
 ( an outp\r+ ( love &  gratitude to    
,god4  ,b ( "o incid5t connect$ ) ! day 
we are  in=m$1 & x is t :il/ ,rita1 nev]
 satisfi$ t %e _h  suffici5tly extoll$ !
 goodness ( ! ,"l1 0 /ill kneel+ late   
at night be=e ! crucifix1 %e sudd5ly    
felt h]self ravi%$ out (  h] s5ses into 
a /ate ( sublime ec/asy4  ,%e !reupon   
saw 9  _s :at 0 giv5 ,jacob to see 9 a  
dream--a ladd] t rea*$  f e>? to heav51 
& angels asc5d+ & desc5d+ by x1 & at  ! 
summit our ,"l1 :o 0 invit+ h] to asc5d4
  ,we may believe  t ?is 0 ! my/ic ladd]
 ( *>ity1 ^: /eps1 z ,/4  ,augu/9e says1

 ,god ,himself prep>es1 s t ^? *os5 s\ls
 :i*  ,he wi%es to exalt may asc5d by   
!m1 & at ^: top ,he /&s to  await !m at 
! t]m ( _! j\rney to receive & introduce
 !m  into ! possession ( heav54  ,b no  
"o c\ld p5etrate its mean+  bett] ?an ! 
ec/atic ,rita4  ,! holy woman awoke f h]
 ec/asy  enlight5$ by ^! heav5ly        
in/ructions1 & came out ( ! light  (    
,god to seek ,him aga9 & foll[ ,8 lead+ 
) great] anxiety  amid/ ! d>kness ( our 
mortal /ate4          ,,*apt] ,,iii     
,,rita',s ,,*>ity    ,:at con/itutes !  
greatness ( ! my/ic city1 ! new         
,j]usalem1  is n ! numb] & v>iety ( its 
inhabitants1 or ! fame ( great          
und]tak+s1 b *>ity alone4  ,9 fact1 !   
,virg9 ,m>y 0 exalt$  above all ! *oirs 
( heav51 & ,/4 ,john ! ,bapti/ 0 call$ !
  greate/ ( ! sa9ts ev5 be=e ! te/imony 
at ! ,jordan1  al?\gh _! lives 7 no?+ m 
?an a cont9u\s ex]cise (  *>ity4  ,h5ce1
 com+ to speak ( ,rita1 if %e _h *>ity  
%e  possess$ all ?+s1#a s9ce ! fulness (
 ! law is *>ity1 &  if %e _h x 9 an     

em95t degree %e 0 a great sa9t1 = p]fect
  *>ity is p]fect ju/ice4#b  ,?is is !  
sublime pr9ciple :i* ,/4  ,augu/9e1     
himself a great ma/] ( *>ity &          
evangelical  p]fection1 proposes 9 t    
gold5 ,rule ( 81 :i* s _m  religi\s     
,ord]s h adopt$1 & :i* ,rita obs]v$ to !
 la/  lett]--a pr9ciple :i*1 z ,bless$  
,alphonsus ( ,oroza says1 is a  summ>y (
 ! entire ,*ri/ian religion1 & :i* at ! 
same "t  proves ! excell5ce & !         
adaptability ( ! ,rule to all ages4     
,x 0 to ! atta9m5t ( *>ity t ,rita ev5  
be=e h]  pr(ession1 b m det]m9$ly       
aft]w>ds1 gave h] undivid$  att5tion1 & 
employ$ all ! affections ( h] he>t & !  
p[]s  ( h] m9d4  ,we leave x to o!rs to 
describe h] h]oic fai? &  hope2 = u x w 
be en\gh to treat ( t virtue :i*        
presupposes ! o!r two--embraces !m &    
gives !m _! life4  ,! fir/ pro( t "o    
possesses ?is virtue is fulfill+ ! w  ( 
,god by obs]v+ ,8 holy law1 z ,jesus    
,*ri/ taught u :5 ,he  said3 ',he t ha? 
,my comm&m5ts1 & keepe? !m3 he x is t   

love? ,me4  ,& ,he t love? ,me %all be  
lov$ ( ,my ,fa!r1 & ,i  w love him1 & w 
manife/ ,myself to him4'#c  ,n[1 all ^? 
:o  h writt5 ! life ( our sa9t & !      
evid5ce ( tradition  reg>d+ h] assure u 
t %e obs]v$ ) ! utmo/ exactness all  !  
comm&m5ts ( ,god1 ! precepts ( ! ,*ur*1 
& ! comm&s  ( h] sup]iors4  ,! v mann] )
 :i* %e obs]v$ ^!  precepts 0 p]fect1 = 
%e always obey$ *e]fully1 & ) joy       
readily & exactly s\ght to anticipate   
comm&s1 & to exce$ 9  fulfill+ !m4  ,&  
?is exact obs]vance 0 ext5d$ n only to  
:at is ( comm&1 b to ! evangelical      
c\nsels also1 & yet s  light to h] 0 !  
weight ( ?is burd5 t %e took ^u h]self  
v _m works ( sup]]ogation to give an    
outlet to h] burn+  piety4  ,%e 0 ! fir/
 to rise f h] b$ at midnight1 ! fir/  at
 pray]1 9 ! *oir1 at in/ruction1 at     
p5it5tial obs]vances &  ! works ( m]cy1 
9 ob$i5ce1 fir/ at all ! duties ( !     
community1 9 :i* latt] %e 0 always be/  
pleas$ ! mean] !  (fice entru/$ to h] to
 p]=m4  ,9 ! mid/ ( h] un9t]rupt$       

occupations & vigils %e _h no o!r ?\ght 
?an to f9d ! safe/  ways ( second+ !    
holy w ( ,god1 a ?\ght t produc$ 9 h]  t
 holy fe> :i* is ! (fspr+ ( love4  ,%e 0
 always afraid  ( (f5d+ h] mo/ lov+ ,god
 ev5 9 ! slighte/ matt]1 & s  fe>some ( 
x 0 %e t ! v "n ( s9 0 a horror to h]4  
,h5ce1 to remove z f> z possible all    
dang] ( s91 %e impos$ on  h]self a law (
 rigor\s sil5ce1 = %e knew ! tru? ( !   
say+  ( ,/4 ,james ! ,apo/le1 t 'if any 
man (f5d n 9 ^w1 ! same  is a p]fect    
man4'#d ,9 ord] m easily to c>ry out h] 
design %e  rema9$ %ut up 9 h] cell alone
 ) h] agoniz$ ,sp\se ,jesus1 l  a 'dove 
9 ! clefts ( ! rock1 9 ! holl[ places ( 
!  wall4'#e  ,%e nev] left h] cell      
except to f9d h] sov]eign good  ei!r 9 !
 ,bless$ ,sacram5t or among/ ! poor &   
sick1 or 9  su* o!r works ( *>ity z h]  
/ate p]mitt$ h] to p]=m4  ,ev5 9        
circum/ances su* z ^! %e 0 on h] gu>d to
 utt] no  ^w t %e _h n weigh$ well1 & x 
is said ( h] t %e ev5  us$ to keep a    
pebble 9 h] m\? to rem9d h] to pres]ve !

  sil5ce %e lov$4    ,sometimes1 (      
c\rse1 %e _h to speak1 ?r\gh necessity  
or  polit5ess1 or = conv5i5ce' sake1 & 9
 su* cases h] words 7  9 accord ) !     
feel+s ( h] he>t1 & h5ce1 s9ce %e 0 all 
_s1 h] disc\rses 7 on ?+s ( ! _s2 %e 0  
all  *>ity1 & h] spee* !re=e t5d$ to !  
great] glory ( ,god  & ! salvation ( h] 
neighb\rs4  ,%e 0 n want+ 9 t easy      
flu5cy :i* spr+s f ! he>t & c rea*      
he>ts1 :i* is  prop] to ! sa9ts &       
inspires sanctity1 :i* fe$s on love &   
draws s\ls to ,god4  ,:e!r ,rita        
possess$ ?is honi$ eloqu5ce f  ! "t !   
wond]ful bees appe>$ ov] h] cradle1 or  
acquir$ x by  ! practice ( ! greate/    
*>ity t[>ds h] neighb\r1 only ,god1  :o 
gave x to h]1 kn[s4  ,we only "k t %e   
made use ( !  opportunities :i* ?is gift
 af=d$ h] to give advice to d\bt+  s\ls1
 to com=t ! pusillanim\s1 to console !  
afflict$1 to br+  back ! err+ to ! way (
 salvation1 to practise ^! & o!r  works 
( m]cy ) t happy success :i* ! ,giv] ( e
 good  gift 0 wont to grant h]4         

,among/ h] wond]ful de$s ( *>ity we f9d 
x record$ t hav+  he>d ( two p]sons ( ! 
t[n :o _h be5 long liv+ 9 a /ate (  s91 
& 7 !reby ! cause ( great public sc&al1 
%e wept =  _! s9s1 & !n det]m9$ on !    
difficult task ( mak+ !m  sep>ate &     
lead+ !m to rep5t4  ,rita _h _h too _m  
pro(s (  ! ,div9e goodness n to be      
confid5t ( success 9 h] pres5t          
und]tak+4  ,%e fir/ _h rec\rse to pray] 
& to p5ance1 :i*  %e (f]$ 9 union ) !   
suff]+s ( ,jesus ,*ri/ = !  conv]sion ( 
! s9n]s1 & !n _h ea* ( ! sc&al-giv]s    
br\ght to h] 9 turn1 &1 alone ) !m1 by  
h] g5tle ins9uat+  mann] %e br\ght !m to
 see _! deplorable condition1 & %e _h  !
 happ9ess ( see+ !m %$ te>s (           
compunction & aft]w>ds  p]=m con/ant    
p5ance = _! pa/ transgressions4  ,9 v   
tru?1  su* evils z ^? "u :i* ^! two     
s9n]s lab\r$ 7 :at  excit$ ,rita's      
greate/ compassion1 b %e 0 by no means  
want+ 9  compassion = ^? suff]+ f bodily
 ills1 nor 0 h] f]v5t  *>ity sl[ 9 com+ 
to _! assi/ance4  ,nev] 0 anyone ill 9  

! conv5t :om ,rita did n nurse1 (t5 =   
:ole days & nights4  ,%e saw 9 ! sick   
,jesus ,*ri/ ,himself1 & !re=e delight$ 
to be  by _! b$sides4  ,%e piti$ !m1 &  
s\ght to soo! _! pa9s  by ! sweet       
consid]ations :i* religion1 & especially
 ! ,passion  ( ,*ri/1 inspir$ h]4  ,) h]
 own h&s %e gladly r5d]$ !m  e s]vice1  
ev5 ! meane/ & mo/ nauseat+1 & = ?is    
bless$ "w ( *>ity %e did n hesitate to  
=sake h] usual  devotional practices1 & 
fe>$ n to leave ,god = ,god's "w4  ,9 a 
^w1 %e 0 all ?+s to all1 =1 z ,/4 ,paul1
 too1 _h  exp]i5c$1 h] compassion made !
 infirmities ( ! suff]+ h]  own4  ,&    
!re=e all ^? :o di$ 9 ! conv5t dur+ h]  
=ty  ye>s ( life 9 x _h ! happ9ess (    
hav+ h] = _! att5dant  & consol]1 & drew
 _! la/ brea? 9 h] holy arms1 recl9+    
aga9/ h] t5d] he>t4  ,h] v *>ity 0 !    
reason :i*  condemn$ h] = _m ye>s to a  
total sep>ation f h] belov$  si/]s 9    
religion1 le/1 z we %all tell lat]1 !   
(f5sive od\r  ( a sore on h] =ehead1 by 
:i* %e 0 afflict$1 might r5d] h]        

pres5ce disagreeable to !m4  ,%e !n saw 
v well t %e _h  become almo/ an outca/ f
 ! community1 b %e felt no res5tm5t  on 
t acc\nt1 b liv$ z an exile1 cont5t$ 9  
h] cell1 s9ce  %e knew t %e 0 no        
inconv5i5ce to h] neighb\r1 & gave no   
(f5ce to ,god4  ,%e ev5 rejoic$ 9 h]    
humiliation & 9 h]  infirmities & h]    
sep>ation f creatures4  ,we omit _m o!r 
pro(s ( ! greatness ( ! *>ity to ,god & 
h] neighb\r :i*  fill$ ,rita's he>t4  ,9
 ord] to "k h] *>ity we h b to  recall  
h[ %e liv$ ) a cruel & f]oci\s husb&1 h[
 %e  int]c$$ = 8 murd]]s1 h[ %e (f]$ h] 
v *ildr5 z a  sacrifice to ,god1 h[ %e  
devot$ h] "t 9 ! _w to de$s &  pray]s = 
h] neighb\r's good4  ,su* 0 h] *>ity1   
he>tfelt1  unb\nd$1 k9d1 pati5t1 /rong1 
& unconqu]able4    ,hi!rto we h spok5   
only ( ,rita's effective or work+ *>ity1
  or1 at mo/1 ( h] love to h] neighb\r1 
b :at description d>e we  give ( h]     
int]nal love ( ,god8  ,x w\ld nev] be   
possible = u to  describe ! ard\r & fire
 ( love :i* 0 ev] consum+ h]  he>t4  ,h[

 h] affections so>$ t[>ds heav51 h[ h]  
s\l 0  trans=m$ ?r\gh ,div9e love1 h[ ! 
int]ior life ( t s]aph  ( *>ity 0 liv$1 
x w\ld be impossible to describe4       
,h[ev]1 we  %all try to convey an idea1 
?\gh imp]fect1 ( x1 especially :5  we   
come to speak ( h] _s ( pray]4          
,mean:ile1 ! read] may  =m "s notion ( x
 by gaug+ ! measure ( ,rita's *>ity to  
h]  neighb\r1 & f ! consid]ation ( :at  
we h hi!rto  describ$ ( a life n only   
blameless & holy1 b ev]y:]e aid$  &     
di/+ui%$ by heav5's mo/ s+ul> fav\rs4   
#a #a ,cor4 xiii4    #b ,/4 ,augu/9e4   
#c ,john xiv4 #ba4    #d ,jas4 iii4 #b4 
#e ,cant4 ii4 #ad4          ,,*apt] ,,iv
    ,,o!r ,,virtues ,,:i* ,,rita        
,,practis$ ,,9 ,,! ,,cloi/]    ,t tru?  
to :i* ,/4 ,augu/9e draws our att5tion 9
 _m passages  9 8 works--t *>ity is !   
s\rce ( all o!r virtues & _!  life-giv+ 
pr9ciple--is confirm$ by ,/4 ,gregory1  
:o illu/rates x  by comp>+ ! virtues to 
! bran*es ( a tree1 :i* all spr+  f !   
same root1 :i* root ( ! virtues is      

*>ity4  ,9 fact1 !  virtue ( ,*ri/ian   
prud5ce1 = example1 is no?+ else ?an a  
cont9u$ eag]ness1 9 ^? :o love ,god1 to 
di/+ui% good f  evil1 & to select !     
fitte/ means to please ! ,object ( _!   
love1 & atta9 to ,him z _! la/ end2     
ju/ice is b a con/ant  desire 9 ^? :o   
love ,god to r5d] ,him ! wor%ip due to  
,him &  _! neighb\r :atev] is !irs2     
temp]ance is a curb :i* !y :o  pref]    
,div9e to e>?ly love employ 9 ord] to   
keep _! rebelli\s  appetites "u ! sweet 
yoke ( t heav5ly love2 =titude is b  !  
/r5g? ( *>ity :i* makes man sup]ior to e
 tr\ble &  suff]+2 & ! tea*+ ( ,/4      
,augu/9e reg>d+ ! o!r  virtues is !     
same1 accord+ to _! v>i\s natures4  ,n[1
 if  ,rita's *>ity 0 z great z we h     
describ$ x1 & z we %all  aft]w>ds see m 
cle>ly1 to :at a pit* ( p]fection mu/ %e
 n  h rea*$ 9 h] practice ( ! o!r       
virtues6    ,prud5ce1 :i* is ! fir/ ( ! 
moral virtues1 0 q  *>act]i/ic ( ,rita1 
& inv>iably %[$ its pres5ce 9 h]        
ex]cise ( all h] o!r extraord9>y gifts4 

,?is x 0 t taught  h] ! sav+ art (      
exam9+ & judg+ rightly & adopt+ !  mo/  
suitable means = atta9+ t bett] "p :i*1 
l ano!r  ,m>y1 %e _h irrevocably *os5 = 
h]self2 ?is sugge/$ to h] !  sure/ me?od
 ( regulat+ h] conduct1 h] appetites1 & 
h] v  works ( p5ance & devotion2 ?is    
made h] sp>+ ( conv]sation1  dilig5t1   
circumspect1 cauti\s1 compliant &       
g5tle-mann]$2 &1  f9ally1 ?is virtue1   
?r\gh h] long practice ( x1 or1 r1      
because its orig9 is 9 ,god1 enabl$ h]  
to give ! solide/ &  holie/ c\nsel to ! 
advantage ( h] neighb\r4    ,! virtue ( 
ju/ice also %one brightly 9 h] life1 =  
h] life 0  a cont9u\s act ( rev]5tial   
homage to religion1 ! maje/y ( ,god1  ! 
greatness ( ! mo/ holy ,virg9 ,m>y1 !   
m]its ( ! ,sa9ts1  ! au?ority ( ! ,*ur*1
 ! laws ( "r1 ( fri5d%ip1 (  gratitude1 
& ( tru?4    ,nor 0 %e less rem>kable = 
! virtue ( temp]ance1 = %e _h  conqu]$  
h] passions1 & kept !m subject to ! _s 9
 a way  entirely h]oic1 by h] cont9u$   
rigor\s fa/+s & !  un9t]rupt$ practice (

 ! mo/ au/]e p5ances4  ,x is wond]ful   
to consid] h[ h] virtue ( temp]ance1 :i*
 increas$ & wax$  /rong amid/ h>% & /]n 
surr\nd+s ( p5it5tial practices1  br\ght
 9 its tra9 a pretty gr\p ( g5tl]       
virtues--mode/y1  purity1 clem5cy1      
meekness1 urbanity1 graci\sness4        
,rita's =titude also1 :i* :il/ %e liv$ 9
 ! _w 0  extraord9>y1 increas$ 9 !      
cloi/] 9 proportion ) h] o!r  virtues1  
if we may n say x surpass$ ! o!rs1 s9ce 
x 0 !  di/+ui%+ m>k ( h] "*4  ,! devil1 
( c\rse1 tri$1 by  insidi\s sugge/ions1 
to t>ni% ! purity ( h] he>t & inspire   
h] ) a love ( s5sual pleasures & a      
di/a/e = p]fection2 b  al?\gh 8 inf]nal 
assaults 7 /rong & long cont9u$1 our    
sa9t1 :o _h prep>$ h] m9d aga9/         
temptation f h] y\?1 &  0 n[ become an  
unconqu]able h]o9e 9 ! army ( ,*ri/1 0 s
  well able to def5d h]self & fight     
valiantly t temptation only  s]v$ to    
multiply h] triumphs & h] laurels4  ,x  
is said1 too1 t  ! tempt]1 see+ t he    
fail$ 9 8 int]ior assaults1 s\ght to    

fright5 h] by horrible phantoms2 b 9    
va91 = ,rita1 by ! sign  ( ! ,cross1 put
 him to flight1 & %[$ h] scorn = him z a
  p[]less enemy4  ,! fle%1 too1 tri$ to 
rebel aga9/ ! law ( !  _s2 b ! holy     
woman kept x z a slave 9 bonds (        
sackclo?1  & br\ght x into subjection by
 sangu9>y sc\rg+s4  ,ev5 !  little _w ( 
h] conv5t tri$ h] virtue 9 "s s5se1     
especially  dur+ ! ye>s %e suff]$ f !   
sore on h] =ehead4  ,b  ,rita's =titude 
made ^! little trials seem b playful    
c>esses4  ,! pa9 & ! /5* ( ! sore1 !    
inconv5i5ces ( h] pov]ty  &             
mortification1 ! great l5g? ( h] la/    
illness1 & o!r  simil> tr\bles ) :i* !  
,"l tries ! s\ls t are mo/  acceptable  
to ,him1 in/ead ( depress+ h] 7 r z food
 to  /r5g!n & increase h] =titude1      
magnanimity1 pati5ce1  confid5ce 9 ,god1
 & f9al p]sev]ance4    ,) all ?is       
preci\s equipm5t ( wond]ful gifts &     
sublime  virtues1 ,rita _h1 nev]!less1 !
 meane/ op9ion ( h]self1 &  spoke (     
h]self z if %e 7 ! vile/ ( creatures1   

?ankless =  ! gifts :i* ,div9e goodness 
_h be/[$ on h]1 a mis]able  s9n]1 &     
unwor?y to enjoy ! companion%ip ( s _m  
sacr$  virg9s ( ! ,"l4  ,%e n only spoke
 9 ?is mann]1 b wi%$  ev]yone to h !    
same op9ion :i*1 9 h] he>t1 %e _h (     
h]self4  ,h5ce %e _h a horror ( praise1 
& :5 at m$itation %e  felt ^?           
extraord9>y lights & t spiritual ard\r  
:i*  prec$$ h] ec/asies1 %e us$ to      
besee* ,god t ,he w\ld  condesc5d s to  
"w 9 h] s\l t h] companions might n be  
consci\s ( x1 & might nev] be l$ to h a 
fav\rable op9ion (  h]4  ,b x 0 h]      
humility t betray$ h] expectations1 = ! 
m %e humbl$ h]self1 ! m 0 %e exalt$1 n  
only 9 !  eyes ( ,god1 b ( m51 & ! deep]
 %e sunk h]self 9 ! abyss  ( l[l9ess1 ! 
high] 0 rais$ ! edifice ( h] sanctity4  
,,*apt] ,v    ,,rita',s ,,obs]vance ,,( 
,,! ,,religi\s ,,v[s    ,!re is a love  
:i* is ! s\l ( e virtue1 & ano!r love   
:i* is an inc5tive to e vice2 ! =m] we  
call *>ity1 !  latt] concupisc5ce4      
,*>ity1 s9ce x comes f heav51 has = its 

aim ?ree noble objects--,god1 ourselves1
 & our neighb\rs4  ,concupisc5ce1 s9ce x
 is altoge!r ( ! e>?1 has l[ aims1 :i*  
are likewise ?reefold--! pomp ( ! _w1   
self-int]e/1 &  pleasure4  ,accord+ z "o
 or o!r ( ^! is /rong] 9 u we  atta9    
sanctification & happ9ess1 or spiritual 
ru9 & mis]y4  ,to  de/roy ! reign (     
p]v]se love & ^! ?ree ho/ile passions   
!re are no arms m reliable ?an ^? :i*   
attack _! v  f\ndations1 & ^! arms are  
ob$i5ce1 pov]ty1 & *a/ity4  ,^! 7 ! arms
 :i* ,rita cont9u$ to wield until %e    
receiv$  f h] ,div9e ,sp\se ! et]nal    
cr[n prep>$ = h] ripe &  spl5did        
virtues6    ,! /ronge/ weapon ( ! p]fect
 is ob$i5ce1 & :5 x is  employ$ by *>ity
 x op5s up ! way to e good object1 z1 on
  ! o!r h&1 disob$i5ce lays op5 ! way to
 e evil1 visible  & invisible1 ( ! _w4  
,to beg9 ) ! consid]ation ( ?is  great  
virtue1 :i* ,rita made a solemn v[ to   
practise1 we c affirm  t %e possess$ x 9
 a mo/ em95t degree4  ,all h] actions 7 
s _m acts ( ob$i5ce1 or1 r1 h] :ole     

conv5tual life 0 an  un9t]rupt$ act ( ! 
humble/1 true/1 & readie/ ob$i5ce4      
,foll[+ ! pr9ciples ( h] enlight5$      
piety1 %e knew only too  well ! tru?    
decl>$ to ,samuel1 t ! sacrifice ( ! w  
is  m acceptable to ,god ?an ! sacrifice
 ( victims4#a  ,%e always  kept be=e h] 
eyes ! example ( a ,god :o1 = our       
in/ruction1  will$ to live subject to ,8
 own creatures4  ,%e felt mov$ to       
imitate  ! h]oic virtue ( s _m sa9t$    
monks & nuns1 & %e saw  cle>ly ! great  
advantage :i* ob$i5ce gave 9 direct+ our
 /eps  ?r\gh ?is _w ( d>kness & s94  ,%e
 !re=e subject$  h]self n only to all ! 
laws ( ! ,gospel1 ( ! ,*ur*1 ( !  ,rule 
& ,con/itutions ( h] ,ord]1 & n only    
obey$ ) respect  & alacrity all ! comm&s
 ( ! diff]5t sup]iors %e _h1 &  c>ri$   
out ! duties ( ! v>i\s (fices %e fill$1 
b %e  eag]ly desir$ to subject h]self to
 h] equals or juniors 9 !  conv5t1 &    
s\ght to anticipate ! comm&s ev5 ( ^!1  
to foll[  _! c\nsels & c>ry out _!      
desires1 e/eem+ h]self only z  ! unwor?y

 s]vant ( all4  ,virtue s r>e des]v$ to 
be put to !  sev]e/ pro(1 s9ce ,god (t5 
tries ! virtue ( ! pi\s ei!r  ,himself  
or ?r\gh ! means ( o!rs4    ,! trial (  
,rita's ob$i5ce 0 ?is3 ,! ,prioress1 :o 
_h obs]v$  h] great _s ( submission1    
comm&$ h] to wat] e day a  dri$-up tree 
t 0 9 ! conv5t g>d54  ,rita made no     
objection  aga9/ s /range a comm&2 %e   
did n say t su* an ord] 0  outside !    
matt]s to :i* ! ,rule oblig$ h]2 %e did 
n ev5  submit t x w\ld be "t lo/1 = %e 0
 conv9c$ t ! "t  9 :i* any "w ( ob$i5ce 
is done is "t well sp5t4  ,!re=e1  ) h] 
w 9 complete accord ) ! ord]s %e        
receiv$1 %e  cont9u$ to obey !m = sev]al
 seasons1 & 9 ?is %e 0  imitat+ !       
example ( ! holy abbot ,john1 ( :om we  
read 9 !  lives ( ! ,fa!rs t1 9 ord] to 
foll[ ! in/ructions ( 8  director1 he   
humbl$ himself s f> z to c>ry a pail (  
wat] a  consid]able di/ance to wat] a   
dry trunk ( a tree4  ,s did ,/4 ,rita   
likewise1 & n 9 va92 = s pleas+ to ,god 
7 h] acts (  h]oic ob$i5ce t1 z         

tradition tells1 ! tree bloom$ aga91 &  
began to be> fl[]s & fruit1 & f t fact x
 0 call$ !  ',sa9t's ,tree4'    ,:at    
*iefly conc]n$ h] 0 t h] ob$i5ce %\ld   
be> fruit  unto et]nal life1 & h5ce !   
love :i* h] he>t felt = ?is  beautiful  
virtue 0 ev] increas+4  ,%e !re=e s\ght 
!  approval1 direction1 & re/ra9+       
influ5ce ( ano!r's w n  only 9 h]       
temporal und]tak+s1 b also 9 h]         
devotional &  p5it5tial ex]cises4  ,:5  
!re 0 "q ( go+ to ,rome to  ga9 !       
indulg5ces ( ! jubilee ye>1 & aga9 :5 %e
 0 to be  sep>at$ dur+ ! la/ ye>s ( h]  
life f ! pleasant society  ( h] si/]s 9 
religion1 %e all[$ no consid]ation (    
f]v5t  piety1 no p]sonal reluctance1 to 
come betwe5 h] & h] duty t[>ds  holy    
ob$i5ce1 f :i* %e w\ld n sw]ve an iota4 
,?us our  sa9t pass$ ! re/ ( h] life )\t
 a w ( h] own1 or1 if %e  _h a w1 x 0 "o
 t desir$ to d no?+ except :at ob$i5ce  
ord]$1 9 ?is way mak+ c]ta9 ( do+ ! w ( 
,god 9 all  ?+s1 :i* 0 ! s+le object (  
all h] desires4  ,?is is h[  %e conqu]$ 

9 h]self & annihilat$ t great pr$om9ant 
passion  ( man1 ! love ( worldly glory4 
,%e conqu]$ also ! second /rong         
passion--love ( self-int]e/--by  a g5]\s
 love ( evangelical pov]ty4  ,we h      
already rem>k$ h[  f h] e>lie/ ye>s1 &  
among/ ! com=ts ( h] fa!r's  h\se1 %e 0 
enam\r$ ( ?is holy pov]ty1 & h[ %e 0    
accu/om$ to obs]ve x 9 h] humble mann] (
 dress1 9 oppos+ all  outw>d %[1 9 !    
frugality ( h] liv+1 9 h] ab/95ce1 9    
depriv+ h]self ( h] be/ g>m5ts = ! poor1
 & 9 r5\nc+  9 _! fav\r all h] e>?ly    
possessions at h] entrance into         
religion1 :5ce x seems1 !re 0 no?+ else 
t c\ld be add$  except ! v[ &           
p]sev]ance4  ,nev]!less1 ! _s ( pov]ty  
m>k$ly increas$ 9 ,rita :il/ %e liv$ 9 !
 conv5t1 :]e %e  0 *os5 to dwell till h]
 dea?4  ,!re1 9 tru?1 ev]y?+  brea!d    
humility & /raitness ( means1 & %e might
 well be  satisfi$ t by ord9>y obs]vance
 %e 0 fulfill+ h] v[4  ,b  sa9ts are    
nev] satisfi$ unless !y g beyond ! goal 
( ord9>y  mortals & if !y d n rea* !    

h]oic po9t ( virtue4  ,x  happ5$ ?us 9  
,rita's case1 = al?\gh %e lov$ uni=mity 
& 0  oppos$ to ^? s+ul>ities :i* (t5    
des]ve to be ! subject (  suspicion1 yet
 %e felt t %e ought n to oppose ,god's  
inspirations1 or conf9e h]self solely to
 ! usages ( ! community1  b1 subject to 
ob$i5ce1 %e c>ri$ ! rig\rs ( religi\s   
pov]ty  mu* f>!r4  ,we might tell "h (  
h] protract$ fa/+s & !  small quantity (
 food ( ! poore/ sort ) :i* %e kept     
h]self  alive1 b we %all speak ( ^! ?+s 
9 a subsequ5t *apt]1 &  %all n[ only t\*
 on ! pov]ty ( h] dress & ( h] abode4   
,%e did n %[ h] pov]ty by we>+ a co>s]  
habit or "o  diff]+ 9 any way f ^? ( h] 
si/]s 9 religion1 yet !re  is "o        
p>ticul> t %[s 9 a s+ul>1 n to say      
miracul\s1  mann] h] _s ( pov]ty2 =1 l !
 ,hebrews 9 ! des]t1 f  ! mom5t %e put  
h] foot 9 ! conv5t till %e ent]$ !      
promis$ l& ( ! bless$1 a p]iod ( m ?an  
=ty ye>s1 %e  _h only "o habit1 :i* %e  
wore night & day1 & ev5 dur+ h]         
illnesses4  ,z reg>ds ! pov]ty ( h]     

dwell+-place1 h] little  room1 :i* may  
/ill be se51 decl>es x suffici5tly1 = x 
is only  a n>r[ cell1 ! lea/ ( all1     
cru%$ into a corn] ( !  dormitory1 & )  
no light except a sort ( twilight t     
filt]s  into x f ! common w9d[4  ,a few 
pictures repres5t+ !  my/]ies ( our     
,"l's ,passion 7 its only ornam5ts2 ! b$
 0  h>d & r\gh1 & m adapt$ to give pa9  
?an re/2 all o!r  necess>ies 7 want+4   
,yet ! holy p5it5t liv$ !re cont5t$1  & 
consid]$ h]self ri* & weal?y1 especially
 :5 %e consid]$  ! nak$ness ( !         
,crucifi$ ,"o1 = %e reg>d$ ! ,cross (   
,*ri/1 h] lov+ ,sp\se1 z a mirror :]e9  
to behold h]self4  ,!  cold words 'm9e' 
& '?9e' :i* h be5 ! cause ( division 9  
families & k+doms1 & /ill divide he>ts1 
nev] issu$ f h]  lips1 & ev5 ! ?+s mo/  
necess>y to h] %e let dep5d on h]       
,sup]ior's w1 & 0 always ready to       
deprive h]self ( !m at !  slighte/ beck 
( au?ority1 = %e nev] _h ! lea/ desire  
to own  any?+4    ,!re is relat$ ( h] a 
s+ul> fact1 :i* proves h] deta*m5t  f ! 

?+s ( e>?4  ,go+ on a j\rney und]tak5 = 
reasons (  devotion1 ( :i* we %all speak
 lat]1 ) "s ( ! nuns ( !  conv5t1 %e    
?rew into a riv] ! money t _h be5 giv5  
h] to  defray h] exp5ses1 or1 z o!rs    
say1 :i* %e accid5tally f\nd4  ,h]      
companions ?\ght t1 consid]+ _! great   
necessity1 ?is  0 an act ( real         
imprud5ce1 & c\ld n refra9 f blam+ h]4  
,b ,rita1 :o 0 full ( confid5ce 9 !     
protection ( heav51  assur$ !m !y w\ld  
want = no?+2 & s x happ5$1 = !y  want$ =
 no?+ ?r\gh\t _! j\rney4  ,t ,god :o    
fe$s !  birds ( ! air & ! fi%es ( ! deep
 took c>e to provide ,8  s]vant & h]    
companions ) e necess>y on _! long way4 
,9  su* a way did ,rita1 poor 9         
possessions & 9 _s1 advance )  great    
/rides on ! way ( p]fection1 & add new  
ri*es to !  incorruptible treasures %e  
_h laid up 9 heav54    ,by pov]ty &     
ob$i5ce %e _h ov]come ! two passions (  
self-int]e/ & worldly glory2 !re rema9$ 
! ?ird passion1 t  = s5sual pleasures1  
aga9/ :i* our sa9t _h to wage a m  bitt]

 w>1 because1 l ! ,apo/le1 %e felt 9    
h]self t law  t 0 contr>y to ! law ( !  
_s1 & because1 z ,/4  ,augu/9e writes1  
?is is precisely ! h>de/ fight t has to 
be  f\ght by ,*ri/ians & ! p]fect4  ,x  
is true t ?is mo/  virtu\s woman 0      
accu/om$ f h] e>lie/ ye>s to wat* ov]   
all  h] ?\ghts & to keep a c>eful gu>d  
on h] s5ses1 & t f  h] y\? %e _h det]m9$
 to pres]ve ! c&\r ( h] virg9ity        
intact2 t %e con/antly pres]v$ ! mo/    
exempl>y mode/y2 t  %e avoid$ to ! utmo/
 ( h] p[]1 ev5 :5 9 ! _w1 all  evil     
disc\rse & companions & o!r inc5tives to
 impurity2 t  %e _h liv$ mo/ *a/ely &   
immaculately ev5 z a wife4  ,yet )  all 
?is %e 0 n free f temptations1 & to     
conqu] !m %e _h  rec\rse to an extreme  
rig\r ( life4    ,! demon us$ all 8 p[] 
9 attack+ ,rita's purity2 at "o "t he   
tempt$ h] by impure phantasms1 at ano!r 
by s$uctive app>itions4  ,b %e put him  
to flight by h] lively fai? & h] au/]e  
p5ances4  ,9 ! fi]ce/ assaults (        
temptation %e w5t s f> z to burn h]  h& 

or foot1 ?us putt+ out "o fire by ! pa9 
( ano!r1 9  ord] to keep h]self entirely
 pure 9 ! sight ( h] mo/ pure  heav5ly  
,sp\se4  ,?r\gh love ( ?is virtue %e    
avoid$ all  opportunities ( see+ or be+ 
se51 & %e adopt$ ?is safegu>d  ev5 ) h] 
own relatives4  ,:5 %e _h sometimes to  
appe> abroad  %e %[$ su* recollection1  
mode/y1 & gravity z to excite !  wond] (
 o!rs & attract univ]sal v5]ation4  ,s  
rem>kable 0  h] mode/y on su* occasions 
t :5 %e came back to ! conv5t  79 ^?    
days ! obligations ( enclosure 7 n s    
/rict z !y  n[ are7 %e 0 sometimes able 
to decl>e t %e _h n se5 a  s+le p]son4  
,?is circumspection :i* our sa9t employ$
 9 !  cu/ody ( h] eyes may seem         
excessive to worldly-m9d$ p1 b  'ev]yone
 ha? 8 prop] gift f ,god'2#b & besides1 
! means (  atta9+ to extraord9>y virtue 
l ,rita's are n always ord9>y2  nor 7 h]
 p5ances1 :i* 7 a means to ?is end1     
ord9>y  p5ances4  ,if su* 0 ! viol5ce ( 
h] spiritual /ruggles1 !re  is no d\bt b
 t ! victories %e ga9$ 7 rem>kable &    

productive ( _m good results1 & t !     
rew>d :i* ,god res]v$  = h] 9 a happy   
et]nity 0 pass+ great4      #a #a ,k+s  
xv4 #bb4    #b #a ,cor4 vii4 #g4        
,,*apt] ,,vi    ,,rita',s ,,p5ances     
,h[ev] h>d & %>p p5ance may appe> at !  
fir/ glance1 yet x1  too1 is a daught] (
 love1 love t gives /r5g? to put a curb 
on  c>nal appetites1 :i* are ev] /riv+  
to rebel aga9/ ! fir/  uncreat$ love1 & 
:i* incites to rep>ation ( pa/ (f5ces & 
atonem5t = !m4  ,x is no wond]1 !n1 t   
,rita1 :o 0 burn+  ) ! flame ( ,div9e   
love1 & :o _h ! holie/ horror ( s91     
%\ld c>ry h] au/]ities ev5 to ! po9t (  
h]oism4  ,true1 su*  innoc5ce did n     
des]ve s great pa9s2 b %e :o1 9 h]      
pr(\nd  humility1 ?\ght h]self full (   
defects & faults1 :o knew human  frailty
 & ! frequ5t dang]s ( fall+ into s91 &  
:o 0 n  exempt f ! wick$ sugge/ions ( ! 
_w1 ! fle%1 & !  devil1 did n consid]   
h]self exempt f ^? p5ances :i* %e       
practis$1 = ! good ( s9n]s1 z a def5ce  
aga9/ dang] & an  assurance ( victory 9 

temptation4  ,h] :ole life1 !re=e1 0 "o 
cont9u$ ex]cise ( p5ance ow+ to ! great 
self-d5ial :i* %e  exhibit$ f h] e>ly   
y\?1 b m m>k$ly 9 h] m>ri$ life  & h]   
wid[$ /ate1 & ow+ also to ! fa/+s %e    
practis$ 9  ! _w1 & ! o!r mortifications
 :i* we m5tion$ 9 =m]  *apt]s1 b1 above 
all1 ow+ to ! sev]e & almo/ incr$ible   
*a/is+ ( ! fle%1 :i* %e made a law t %e 
obs]v$ dur+  all ! ye>s %e liv$ 9 !     
cloi/]4    ,to beg9 ) h] fa/+s1 h>dly _h
 %e embrac$ ! ,rule ( ,/4  ,augu/9e1 :i*
 exhorts all to conqu] ! fle% by fa/+ z 
mu* z  heal? w p]mit1 ?an %e ab&on$     
h]self to a life ( ! mo/  rigor\s &     
prolong$ fa/+4  ,%e nev] admitt$ any (  
^?  exagg]at$ pretexts :i* ! delicate   
sex f9ds x s easy to allege  9 ord] to  
be disp5s$ f ! laws ( fa/+ & ab/95ce4   
,%e  only knew t ,god is n deceiv$1 & t 
to desire to deceive "o's  self is      
impi\s folly4  ,%e !re=e _h no          
hesitation 9 fulfill+  ! mo/ rigor\s    
laws ( ab/95ce )\t any ill-tim$ fe> (   
injur+ h] heal?4  ,e ye> %e fa/$ dur+   

?ree entire ,l5ts1  & also on ! vigils (
 all holidays ( obligation1 ( all !     
fea/s  ( ! ,bless$ ,virg91 ( all ! sa9ts
 ( ! ,ord]1 & ( h]  p>ticul> advocates1 
n to m5tion o!r extraord9>y fa/s :i*  %e
 obs]v$4  ,%e took food only once a day1
 & nev] drank w9e4  ,h] condim5ts 7 (t5 
wormwood1 a%es1 & te>s4  ,= ! great]  "p
 ( ! ye> %e liv$ on bread & wat]1 & z %e
 advanc$ 9  ye>s & progress$ 9 sanctity 
%e r$uc$ h] food to su* scanty          
proportions t x 0 look$ on z a miracle  
h[ %e c\ld 9 su* a  way support life4   
,/4 ,augu/9e's mo/ prud5t ,rule does n  
prescribe  su* ?+s1 & !re=e ,rita1 by h]
 h]oic fa/s1 gave all ! m  glory to !   
,mo/ ,high2 & by imitat+ ! ab/95ces ( ! 
,bapti/1 ( ,/4 ,ni*olas ( ,tol5t9e1 & h]
 o!r protectors1 all  well-kn[n models (
 p5it5ce1 %e r5d]$ !m ! true/ hon\r1  = 
! be/ way ( hon\r+ ! sa9ts is to imitate
 _! virtues4  ,b n only did %e try to   
foll[ _! example by p5ances ( ?is  sort1
 b 9 all ! o!r au/]ities ( h] life %e   
endeav\r$ to  imitate !m z exactly z h] 

condition all[$4    ,! v dwell+-place 9 
:i* %e hid h]self proclaim$ h]          
p5it5tial disposition1 = x 0 only a     
little cell1 b>e & d>k1  & _h r !       
appe>ance ( a prison to :i* %e _h be5   
condemn$ = "s s]i\s crime4  ,we d n "k =
 c]ta9ty :e!r  ev5 = appe>ance' sake !re
 0 a b$ 9 x1 b we d "k v  well t :5     
,rita 0 ov]come by natural we>9ess %e   
took h]  %ort repose /ret*$ on ! gr\nd1 
or1 at be/1 on a bo>d4  ,%e  rose )\t   
fail f t h>de/ ( c\*es at midnight to   
beg9 !  infliction ( great] torm5t on   
h]self2 = at t h\r %e sc\rg$  h]self ) a
 sc\rge ( iron 9 ord] to appease ,div9e 
ju/ice 9  fav\r ( ! s\ls 9 purgatory1   
:o1 ?\gh /ill ( ! communion (  sa9ts &  
p>ticipators 9 our suffrages1 are left  
to suff] !  greate/ sorr[1 depriv$ z !y 
are ( ! ,beatific ,vision &  tortur$ by 
! pa9 ( _! fires4  ,h] great *>ity made 
h] feel  ! holie/ compassion = ^!       
unhappy s\ls1 & x 0 *>ity t  n]v$ h] arm
 to cont9ue ^! sc\rg+s2 b if %e ev] felt
 =  h]self *>ity1 too1 might h induc$ h]

 to lay aside h]  ensangu9$ :ip ( iron4 
,on two o!r occasions e day %e took  !  
discipl9e1 once = ! b5efactors ( h]     
conv5t & ,ord]1 :5  %e us$ ?ongs (      
lea!r1 & aga9 = ! conv]sion ( s9n]s1 at 
:i* h] :ip 0 ( twi/$ & knott$ cords4  ,)
 all ?is %e 0  n satisfi$ if t rebelli\s
 enemy h] fle% 7 n suff]+  cont9ual pa91
 & h5ce %e always wore next h] sk9 a    
cilicium made  ( r\gh bri/les1 & on !   
inn] side ( h] habit %e fa/5$  ?orns t  
prick$ h] pa9fully at e movem5t %e made4
  ,among/  ^! ?orns & ! pa9ful practices
 ( h] life our sa9t lay  hidd51 l !     
my/ic lily ( ! sacr$ ,canticles1        
inaccessible to  passions1 gu>d$ on e   
side1 gr[+ m beautiful & bright]  e day1
 because m l h] heav5ly ,sp\se cr[n$ )  
?orns4          ,,*apt] ,,vii           
,,rita',s ,,_s ,,( ,,pray]    ,if       
,rita's body1 oppress$ by fa/+s1        
imprison$ 9 hair %irts &  gall+ bonds1  
made livid by sc\rg+s1 0 =c$ to groan & 
sigh1  x 0 f> o!rwise ) h] _s4  ,! m !  
body 0 cru%$  "u ! weight ( p5ances1 ! m

 7 ! spaces ( ! s\l  enl>g$1 ! great]   
its lib]ty1 ! m readily might x raise   
itself above all e>?ly ?+s1 to be plung$
 into ! sublime dep?s  ( heav5ly ?+s &  
ta/e ( _! ineffable sweetness4  ,& if h]
  _s sigh$1 x 0 a f> diff]5t sigh f t ( 
! body2 x  0 ! sigh ( ! dove--a sigh (  
peace & love su* z 0 =etold  by ! ,holy 
,_s ! ,consol] by ! m\? ( ! ,psalmi/ to 
all  s\ls t devote !mselves to p5ance & 
pray]--',rise ye aft] ye  h sitt51 y t  
eat ! bread ( sorr[4'#a    ,! same      
wond]ful effects ( grace 7 exp]i5c$ by  
,/4 ,augu/9e1  :o 9 8 exposition ( t    
v]se ( ! ,psalms c\ld n refra9  f       
exclaim+1 ',h[ sweet are ! sighs & !    
te>s ( pray]6  ,no  pleasure ( ! !atres 
or ( ! _w c equal ! joy ( su*  te>s4'#b 
,we mu/ n1 h[ev]1 come to ! conclusion t
 ?is  int]ior joy 0 ! *ief motive t made
 our sa9t love pray]1 =  %e lov$ ! ,god 
( consolations mu* m ?an %e lov$ !      
consolations ( ,god2 b x 0 an innoc5t   
attraction to h]  ,god-lov+ he>t1 & on t
 acc\nt %e nev] c\ld int]rupt  ex]cises 

s de> to h] )\t feel+ pa94    ,we h     
already relat$ t f h] *ildhood %e _h    
receiv$ !  gift ( pray]1 & :i* %e       
develop$ 9 a /rik+ way ev5 9 !  ye>s (  
h] e>ly y\?2 & we h told h[ %e gave     
h]self  entirely to pray] dur+ ! ye> (  
h] m>vell\s retirem5t 9 h]  fa!r's h\se1
 & h[ %e cont9u$ to make progress 9     
devotional  practices1 especially :5 %e 
0 fre$ f ! ties & c>es (  matrimony4    
,yet :5 we comp>e all ^! ?+s ) h]       
advancem5t  aft] %e has embrac$ a       
conv5tual life1 !y seem b ! v  beg9n+ ( 
piety4  ,z a nun1 ,rita's pray]s 7 (f]$ 
9 !  d>kness ( ! night1 9 ! e>ly morn+1 
?r\gh\t !  day--pray]1 9 a ^w1 0 h]     
life1 = n ev5 = a mom5t c\ld  %e )draw  
h]self f ! pres5ce ( h] uncreat$ ,love4 
,!  h\rs betwe5 midnight & ! break ( day
 7 ! fulle/ ( delight  = h]1 & ! mo/    
fav\rable 9 :i* to treat all alone )    
,god  ! mo/ important affairs ( et]nity 
& to p\r out ! fulness (  h] love at !  
feet ( ! ,crucifi$ ,"o4  ,9 ! w9t] "t1  
h[ev]  prolong$ h] vigils 71 t "t 0     

always %ort to h]1 &  daylight came     
unlook$ =4  ,x seem$ to h]1 z once to   
,/4 ,an?ony  ! abbot1 t ! sun 0 do+ h]  
wrong by appe>+ too soon1 =  %e fe>$ t  
he 0 com+ to scatt] ) 8 rays ! beautiful
  light ( h] heav5ly exaltations &      
s]aphic ?\ghts4  ,%e nev]  want$ matt]  
:]eon to m$itate1 = ! attributes ( ,god 
& ,8  inexhau/ible b5efic5ce 7 to h]    
subjects t %e c\ld nev] be  we>y (      
consid]+4  ,! sole ?\ght t %e 0 9 !     
pres5ce (  ! maje/y ( ,god1 t inf9ite   
maje/y t fills ) its be+  heav5 & e>? & 
! abysses1 0 suffici5t to raise h] above
  e creat$ ?+ & trans=m h] into ,god    
,himself4    ,"o subject1 nev]!less1    
beyond e o!r1 occupi$ ,rita's  m9d--t ( 
! ,passion ( ,jesus ,*ri/4  ,x almo/    
seems z if %e  _h inh]it$ f h] p>5ts ?is
 p>ticul> devotion1 & t ^u  x %e _h laid
 ! f\ndation-/one ( h] sanctity4  ,x 0  
to !  ,passion t %e 0 accu/om$ f        
*ildhood to direct h] ?\ghts  &         
affections1 h] sighs & te>s4  ,! read]  
may rememb] h[ at a  t5d] age %e %ut    

h]self into ! little room at home1 & !re
  cont9u$ to m$itate on ! sorr[ful      
my/]ies1 :i* also 7  depict$ 9 !        
pictures :i* hung on ! walls1 &1 bett]  
/ill1  7 c>v$ on h] he>t4  ,! s5ses %\ld
 d _! "p ! bett]  to assi/ ! s\l 9 its  
ef=ts aft] piety1 & ?is 0 ! reason  :y  
,rita procur$ & kept 9 h] cell 9 !      
conv5t c]ta9  repres5tations ( !        
,passion ( h] de> ,jesus4    ,to ?is end
 %e kept 9 two di/9ct p>ts ( h] cell    
objects t  recall$ to h] ! hi/ory ( !   
,passion4  ,9 "o place %e  con/ruct$ a  
repres5tation ( a m\nta91 :i*1 :5ev] %e 
look$  ^u x1 recall$ ,m\nt ,calv>y & all
 ! torm5ts :i* ! ,savi\r  ( ! _w suff]$ 
!re4  ,%e m$itat$ ) sighs & te>s on h]  
,div9e ,sp\se arriv+ !re1 fall+ "u !    
t]rible weight ( ,8  torm5ts1 ,8 cross1 
& all ! s9s ( m54  ,) an outbur/ (      
weep+ %e ?\ght ( ,him depriv$ ( ,8      
g>m5ts & fix$ to !  cross ) r\gh nails4 
,%e m$itat$ ) ! livelie/ compassion on  
! cruel /rokes ( ! hamm] t tore ,8 h&s &
 feet1 & on  all ! o!r t]rible torm5ts t

 ,jesus suff]$ = love ( m54  ,9 ano!r   
corn] ( h] cell %e _h a repres5tation ( 
! ,holy  ,sepul*re1 & at sight ( x %e   
consid]$ h[ ! adorable body (  ,*ri/ 0  
plac$ 9 x1 h[ = ?ree days x rema9$      
buri$1 h[ ,8  _s w5t d[n to console !   
holy fa!rs 9 ,abraham's bosom1 &1       
f9ally1 h[ ! ,r$eem] rose aga9 to a new 
life triumphant &  glori\s4  ,dur+ ^!   
m$itations our sa9t 0 always alone2 z   
,j]emias says1 '%e sat solit>y & held h]
 peace1 & 0 rais$  above h]self'2#c 9 t 
sweet sil5ce1 9 ^? lov+ soliloquies1  9 
t intimate int]c\rse ) ,god %e 0 sup]ior
 to passion1 to  nature1 & to h]self4   
,s great 0 h] m5tal exaltation dur+ h]  
m$itation on ! ,div9e my/]ies t %e 0 (t5
 rais$ above !  life ( ! s5ses & rapt 9 
delici\s ec/asies1 & on "o  occasion1 s 
/rong 0 ! ec/atic influ5ce1 ! nuns ?\ght
 %e  0 dead4    ,n[1 see+ t %e so>$ to  
su* sublime heights 9 pray]1 x w  be no 
wond] t %e possess$ also z %e did1 & 9 a
 s+ul>  mann]1 ! gifts ( wisdom &       
intellig5ce1 s t %e c\ld reason  on !   

p]fections ( ,god & on ! mo/ ab/ruse    
my/]ies ( fai?  ) a subtle k t c\ld be  
acquir$ by no /udy nor any  natural     
capacity4  ,?us ,god hides ! secrets (  
,8 wisdom f !  wise ( ?is _w & reveals  
!m to ,8 humble s]vants1 to ^?  :o appe>
 ignorant 9 ! eyes ( ! _w4  ,all ^! ?+s 
excit$  to rage ! inf]nal enemy ( all   
good & all sanctity1 & 9 ord]  to make !
 holy nun desi/ f h] pi\s practice he   
tri$ to  fright5 h] ) horrible yells &  
dreadful app>itions4  ,b %e  cont9u$ to 
be motionless 9 pray]1 & by pray] itself
 triumph$  ov] all ! p[]s ( hell4  ,by !
 m]it ( h] pray]s1 too1 %e  acquir$ a   
c]ta9 au?ority ov] devils4  ,a pro( (   
?is is t a  woman :o _h = ye>s be5      
h>ass$ by diabolical int]f]5ce 0  fre$ f
 x by ,rita4  ,?r\gh pray]1 too1 %e     
obta9$ ! grace (  a sup]natural heal+ = 
a "y girl :o 0 ill1 ^: "m _h  !         
consolation ( see+ h] cur$ aft] hav+    
br\ght h] to !  sa9t to ask ! help ( h] 
pray]s4  ,we "k t ,god 0 accu/om$  to   
grant :atev] %e ask$ =1 & s great 0 !   

fame ( h]  successful int]cession &     
sanctity t dev\t p1 confid5t 9  h]      
advocacy1 came to h] 9 cr[ds1 & ( all :o
 came none w5t away  dissatisfi$4  ,yet 
^! 7 b ! fir/-fruits t appe>$  ext]nally
 & to ! eyes ( m5 to te/ify to !        
extraord9>y  efficacy ( h] pray]s4  ,we 
%all see m cle>ly 9 ! rema9d] (  h]     
life1 & mu* m s aft] h] dea?1 9 ! _m    
prodigi\s  works t ,god p]=m$ ?r\gh h]  
int]cession1 h[ great 0 !  m]it ( our   
sa9t's fai? & ( h] pray]s4    ,we may   
also m5tion at ! conclusion ( ?is *apt] 
! mo/ f]v5t  pray]s :i* %e (t5 (f]$ be=e
 ,jesus 9 ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t  & be=e ! 
pictures ( ! mo/ holy ,virg92 b x 0 n ! 
circum/ance ( place t *iefly enk9dl$ h] 
devotion1 = at e  in/ant & 9 all places 
%e f\nd ,jesus & ,m>y1 & a ?\s&  objects
 adapt$ to excite h] mo/ f]v5t piety4   
#a ,ps4 cxxvi4 #c4    #b ,ps4 cxxvi4    
#c ,lam4 iii4 #bh4          ,,*apt]     
,,viii      ,a ,,?orn ,,f ,,!           
,,savi\r',s ,,cr[n ,,( ,,?orns          
,,w\nds ,,rita',s ,,=ehead    ,rita _h  

liv$ ?irty ye>s 9 ! conv5t1 lead+ t     
sa9tly life  we h describ$1 & _h atta9$ 
h] sixty-second ye>1 :51 9 !  ye> #addc1
 x pleas$ ,god to m>k 9 a wond]ful      
mann]1 &1 z x  71 put ,8 seal on h] m]it
 by conf]r+ on h] a privilege t  is well
 wor?y to be describ$4    ,!re liv$ at t
 "t ,/4 ,james ( ! ,m>%es1 "o ( ^?      
,apo/olic m5 :om ,god !n rais$ up1 l ,/4
 ,v9c5t ,f]r]1 ,/4  ,laur5ce ,giu/9iani1
 ,/4 ,b]n>d9e ( ,si5a1 & ,/4 ,john (    
,cape/rano1 to be /rong b>ri]s aga9/ !  
depravity ( ! _w1  ! rage ( civil       
discord1 ! %ock ( s*ism1 & ! advance (  
ris+ h]esies4  ,aft] _m ye>s pass$ )    
great advantage to s\ls  9 ! missions ( 
,bosnia1 ,hung>y1 & ! ,ea/1 he 0 recall$
 9  t ye> by ,pope ,eug5e ,,iv41 :o     
de/9$ him to prea* ! ,crusade 9  !      
prov9ce ( ,aquila1 aga9/ ! infidel      
,sultan ,amura? ,,ii41 :o _h  already   
p5etrat$ into ! he>t ( ,hung>y4  ,on 8  
return he _h  occasion to g ?r\gh !     
t]ritory & t[ns ( ,spoleto prea*+ !     
,gospel1 & he exp\nd$ ! ^w ( ,god 9     

,cascia among/ o!r  places4  ,8         
disc\rses 9 ,cascia 7 on ! subject ( our
 ,"l's  ,passion1 & ,rita 0 pres5t at   
!m4  ,t a nun 0 pres5t among/  ! p to   
he> ! holy prea*] w cause no a/oni%m5t  
:5 we  "k t al?\gh ! law ( religi\s     
enclosure _h be5 e/abli%$  by _m        
,c\ncils & by ,pope ,boniface ,,viii41  
yet its obs]vance 0 n  rigor\sly en=c$  
until ! "t ( ! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t1 & nuns  
might g out ( _! conv5ts1 especially :5 
!re 0 "q (  fulfill+ religi\s duties or 
to he> ! ^w ( ,god prea*$4    ,rita1 !n1
 ) ! o!r nuns ( h] conv5t1 0 pres5t at !
  s]mons1 :i* %e li/5$ to ) t purity (  
int5tion t ca/s  out all curiosity1 &   
has = its only objects ! glory ( ,god & 
! sanctification ( ! s\l4  ,! sanctity &
 zeal ( ! prea*]1  :o _h long kn[n !    
secret ( t\*+ ! mo/ h>d5$ he>ts1  w     
enable u to judge ( ! effects ( 8       
prea*+4  ,t 8  subject 0 our ,"l's      
,passion--! *ief object ( ,rita's       
m$itation1  & :i* excit$ h] to ! highe/ 
po9t ( ! love ( ,god--w be  en\gh to    

tell u h[ deeply 8 disc\rses mu/ h      
impress$ h]4  ,a  div9e compassion fill$
 h] he>t1 & %e only re/ra9$ h] te>s  z  
%e li/5$ 9 ord] aft]w>ds to p\r !m      
copi\sly =? :5  %e knelt be=e ! crucifix
 9 ! old oratory ( ! conv5t4  ,"o  day1 
z %e 0 !re pro/rat$1 w\nd$ 9 _s by !    
vehem5ce (  h] great sorr[1 ) mu* sobb+ 
%e pray$ & bes\ght h] ,love1  :o _h be5 
cr[n$ ) ?orns1 to p]mit h] :il/ /ill 9 !
  fle% to ta/e at lea/ ( ! bitt] *alice 
( ,8 suff]+s4  ,h]  he>tfelt pray]s 7   
he>d1 & %e saw "o ( ! ?orns ( !  cr[n ( 
! crucifix deta* itself1 z x 71 & /rike 
h] on !  left side ( ! =ehead ) su* =ce 
t x almo/ p5etrat$ !  bone1 caus+ h]    
exquisite pa94  ,%e fa9t$ f ! pa91 & x  
seem$ to h] t only by a miracle c\ld %e 
survive su* great  suff]+4  ,b love 0   
/rong] ?an pa9 9 h]1 & grace support$  !
 weakness ( nature itself4  ,! w\nd1 :i*
 by "t grew l>g]1  fe/]$1 & became      
wormy1 0 visible on h] =ehead = fifte5  
ye>s4  ,! worms & ! (f5sive smell1      
simil> to t :i* once  torm5t$ ,job1     

increas$ ! pa9 ( ! w\nd & disgu/$ o!rs4 
,b ^! ?+s =m$ ! delight ( ! pati5t nun1 
^: "o  desire 0 to become l h] ,savi\r1 
:o1 z ! prophet ,isaias  says1#a 0      
become = h] & = ! human race ! mo/      
abject (  m5 & ! ,man ( ,sorr[s1 ^: look
 0 hidd5 & despis$--a  prophecy s       
exactly fulfill$ t ,he 0 unrecognisable 
:5 !  /reams ( blood fl[$ d[n ,8 face f 
! w\nds ! ?orns _h  made 9 ,8 head4  ,:5
 ,rita 0 ask$1 z %e sometimes 01 :at !  
worms 7 t occasionally fell f h] =ehead1
 %e us$ to reply1  ) a joy\s smile1 ',!y
 are my little angels1' lett+ x !reby be
  se5 t ! m %e 0 humbl$ & afflict$ 9 !  
fle%1 ! m  %e rejoic$ 9 _s1 z 0 also !  
case ) ,/4 ,francis ( ,assisi  & ,/4    
,ca!r9e ( ,si5a1 ^: great privilege ( ! 
/igmata is  celebrat$ by fea/s ( !      
,*ur*1 & also ) ano!r ,augu/9ian  nun1  
,/4 ,cl>e ( ,montefalco1 on ! liv+ fle% 
( ^: he>t  miracul\s repres5tations ( ! 
,passion 7 impress$4  ,rita  rejoic$ ! m
 9 ?is gift1 inasmu* z x procur$ = h] m 
frequ5t occasion ( ex]cis+ h]self 9     

humility1 pati5ce1  retirem5t1 sil5ce1  
pray]1 & ! love ( t ,god :o _h conf]r$  
on h] s m>k$ a di/9ction4  ,f !nce=w>d z
 long z %e bore  t m>k ( ! ,r$emption on
 h] =ehead1 :i* 0 z long z %e  liv$1 %e 
nev] ceas$ to ?ank ,him = x & to praise 
& bless  ,him4  ,%e1 too1 0 become an   
outca/ f among/ m51 b in/ead (  be+     
afflict$ !reby %e 0 only ! m /rongly    
unit$ to ,god1  9 :om all h] desires &  
all h] hopes ( consolation 7 c5tr$4  ,%e
 consid]$ t s+ul> effect ( ,div9e grace 
:i* is n  (f5d$ by unsightl9ess ( body z
 abundant comp5sation = any  suff]+s %e 
_h to be> & z a pl$ge ( an ample et]nal 
rew>d  9 heav54      #a ,isa4 liii4 #c4 
,,*apt] ,,ix      ,,rita ,,goes ,,to    
,,rome ,,to ,,ga9 ,,! ,,indulg5ce ,,(   
,,! ,,jubilee    ,if ,rita's life till !
 "t :5 %e receiv$ ! w\nd 9 h]  =ehead   
may be call$ a hidd5 life1 f !nce=w>d x 
0 a  buri$ life1 & invisible to ! eyes (
 m54  ,on t acc\nt1  pass+ 9 sil5ce ov] 
an int]val ( eight ye>s1 our hi/ory     
proce$s to describe ! ev5ts ( h] life 9 

! ye> #adej4  ,!  int]v5+ ye>s 7 n1     
h[ev]1 ye>s ( idl5ess = our holy  nun1  
or if %e did enjoy repose x 0 n v       
dissimil> f t (  ! bless$ 9 heav51 &    
p]haps ( m advantage to ! ,*ur* ?an  any
 active ef=ts ( h]s4  ,! ,we/]n ,*ur*1 z
 a matt] ( fact1  _h j !n1 ?r\gh !      
pray]s ( ! sa9ts1 aris5 f its /ate  (   
dejection & abasem5t4    ,! s*ism ( !   
,greeks1 ,arm5ians1 & ,e?iopians _h come
 to an end  t5 ye>s be=e1 & ! glory ( t 
happy ev5t 0 attribut$  pr9cipally to ! 
m]its ( ,/4 ,ni*olas ( ,tol5t9e1 :o 0   
canoniz$ at t "t by ,pope ,eug5e ,,iv4  
,! o!r s*ism1 ( !  anti-,popes1 di$ out1
 too1 a few mon?s lat]1 :5 ,felix ,v4   
volunt>ily abdicat$2 & ,rita's p5ances &
 pray]s mu/ h  co-op]at$ 9 br++ ab\t s  
joyful a conclusion4    ,ni*olas ,v41 :o
 occupi$ ! *air ( ,pet]1 0 ?us enabl$ to
  proclaim peacefully a solemn jubilee =
 ! ye> #adej1 to ?r[ op5  !             
treasure-h\se ( ,div9e indulg5ces = !   
advantage ( !  fai?ful4  ,?is 0 ! six?  
jubilee celebrat$ 9 ! new ,*ur* (       

,jesus ,*ri/1 & see+ t ! ,*ur* 0 enjoy+ 
! lately  re/or$ peace1 & t piety _h    
begun aga9 to spr+ up1 great]  cr[ds ( p
 ?an ev] be=e1 f all p>ts ( ! _w1 7     
flock+ to ,rome to p>ticipate 9 !       
extraord9>y spiritual fav\rs4  ,:5 ev5 !
 lea/ dev\t 7 ha/5+ ?i!r1 we may judge  
h[  ard5t 0 ,rita's desire ( avail+ ( s 
preci\s an occasion4  ,%e  0 aw>e t ev5 
h] si/]s 9 religion 7 prep>+ to set out 
= ,rome1 & %e1 :o = _m ye>s & until t   
mom5t seem$ 9  h] retirem5t to hate ! v 
light ( day1 0 n afraid to leave  h]    
cell = a purpose s holy2 & mak+ light ( 
! inconv5i5ces  ( travel & ( h] advanc$ 
age1 %e ?rew h]self at ! feet ( !       
,sup]ior1 & begg$ leave to jo9 ! o!r    
nuns 9 _! dev\t  pilgrimage4  ,b !      
,prioress did n ?9k x prud5t t ,rita1   
ow+  to ! (f5sive nature ( ! sore on h] 
=ehead1 %\ld appe> 9  public or und]take
 a j\rney1 & !re=e s5t h] back to h]    
cell1  tell+ h] t %e %\ld fir/ ?9k (    
cur+ h] w\nd1 & !n  %e w\ld grant !     
p]mission ask$ =4  ,! condition impos$  

almo/  9 je/ 0 n long 9 be+ fulfill$1 = 
,rita _h rec\rse to  f]v5t pray] to !   
,"l1 :o _h inspir$ h] ) ! desire (  go+ 
on ! pilgrimage1 & :o 0 accu/om$ to     
grant all h]  petitions1 & %e receiv$   
in/antly ! fav\r %e s ard5tly  desir$4  
,x is to be rem>k$ "h t ,rita1 :o       
always1 9 h]  pr(\nd humility1 endeav\r$
 to hide ! fav\rs ( heav51 *ose 9  ?is  
in/ance to make use ( an o9tm5t 9 ord]  
to conceal !  miracle ( h] in/antane\s  
heal+4  ,b ! "w ( ,god 0 too  evid5t1 & 
! ,sup]ior _h !re=e no hesitation 9     
grant+ !  p]mission t ,rita s\ght1 & h] 
bless+4    ,%e set out on foot 9 !      
company ( h] si/]s 9 religion )\t  any  
consid]ation = h] age1 :i* 0 !n ab\t    
sixty-n9e ye>s1  ) no dread ( ! long    
j\rney or ! inconv5i5ces ( ! season1  & 
%e pu%$ =w>d joy\sly t[>ds ! metropolis 
( ! ,ca?olic  _w4    ,x 0 on ?is j\rney 
t ! incid5t occurr$ :i* 0 m5tion$  :5   
speak+ ( h] _s ( pov]ty1 t :5 %e 0      
cross+ ov]  a riv] %e ?rew into x !     
little sum ( money t 0 giv5 to h]       

probably to supply _! wants on !        
pilgrimage4  ,h] companions  blam$ h] = 
:at %e _h done2 b n ,god1 :o _h secretly
 urg$  h] to t act ( g5]osity1 & :o     
aft]w>ds provid$ h]self &  h] companions
 ) all !y ne$$ until _! return to !     
conv5t4  ,:5 %e arriv$ at h] j\rney's   
end %e lo/ no "t 9 gaz+ on  ^? monum5ts 
( pr(ane antiquity ( :i* ,rome is s     
pr\d1 b  direct$ all ! feel+s & s5tim5ts
 ( h] body & s\l t[>ds  ^? ?+s t 7 !    
objects ( h] piety--! memories ( !  holy
 m>tyrs1 ! confessions ( ! bless$       
,apo/les ,pet] & ,paul1  dev\t visits to
 ! *ur*es1 & ! ga9+ ( ! holy indulg5ces4
  ,x w\ld seem1 inde$1 t hav+ l$ su* a  
/a9less life1 & aft]  s great & s sev]e 
p5ances1 t %e _h no ne$ to h rec\rse  to
 ^? extraord9>y means ( atonem5t = s92 b
 hol9ess is  always deeply humble1 & !  
same humility :i* l$ ,/4 ,briget &  ,/4 
,ca!r9e to ! second jubilee br\ght ,/4  
,rita a c5tury lat] to  ! six?4  ,enri*$
 ) new treasures ( grace1 & impati5t to 
be  free f ! d9 ( ! /reets & ! p]petual 

cru% ( p1 %e  ) h] companions1 ev] 9 !  
arms ( ,div9e ,provid5ce1 began !       
j\rney back to ,cascia1 & aft] walk+ f\r
 or five days arriv$  aga9 at ! conv5t &
 h] belov$ cell4  ,%e _h h>dly rea*$    
home  :51 wond]ful to tell1 ! sore on h]
 =ehead1 :i* _h heal$ up  by ! p[] (    
,god a little be=e %e set out f ,cascia1
 sudd5ly  broke out aga91 & !reby made x
 m evid5t t ! prec$+  cure _h be5       
miracul\s4  ,nev] m1 until ! day ( h]   
dea?1 0  ,rita to be depriv$ ( a        
privilege s de> to h]4          ,,*apt] 
,x    ,,rita',s ,,la/ ,,illness ,,&     
,,dea?    ,rita surviv$ sev5 ye>s aft]  
h] return f ,rome4  ,! fir/ ?ree  ( ^!1 
l ! eight prec$+ ye>s1 are hidd5 "u !   
veil (  ,god's deep designs1 = x is n   
grant$ to u to discov] any?+ (  h]      
ext]ior life dur+ t p]iod4  ,( h]       
int]ior life1 too1 !re  is no?+ left1 if
 we except c]ta9 g5]al k ( h] _s  (     
p5ance1 h] cont9u$ love ( pray]1 & h]   
union ) ,god ev]  becom+ clos]4    ,?ree
 ye>s pass$1 & ,rita _h rea*$ !         

sev5ty-second ye> ( h]  age & ! =tie? ( 
h] life 9 religion1 :5 x pleas$ ! ,"l   
to visit h] ) an illness :i* afflict$ h]
 = f\r ye>s1 &  end$ only ) h] life4    
,?is is ! fir/ "t aft] s _m ye>s  t any 
illness ( ,rita's is m5tion$1 except !  
sore on h]  =ehead1 :i* goes f> to prove
 t ev5 long-cont9u$ & rigor\s  p5ances  
are n--contr>y to ! op9ion ( ! _w's     
delicacy--oppos$ to bodily heal? or     
calculat$ to %ort5 life4  ,x  might     
seem1 inde$1 t1 consid]+ ! great        
mis=tunes %e _h to  be>1 ! _m           
humiliations1 & ! _m volunt>y p5ances %e
  und]took1 %e ought to be exempt$ f ?is
 f9al suff]+4  ,)  all t1 ,god wi%$ t   
?is beautiful "w ( ,8 h&s %\ld be  m>k$ 
by ! greate/ p]fection1 & desir$ to     
exalt h] to !  high] places 9 ,8 glory1 
& ,he also will$ to add to h] pa/       
suff]+s & ! /ill pres5t tr\bles ( h]    
w\nd$ =ehead !  pa9 ( ?is long illness4 
,we d n "k ) c]ta9ty :at malady  %e     
suff]$ f1 b1 :atev] x 01 x resi/$ all ! 
rem$ies  ( sci5ce4  ,x is n improbable  

t1 z "o ( ! writ]s ( h]  life sugge/s1 x
 0 a wa/+ fev]1 "o ( ^? maladies t sap  
! vital /r5g? by degrees ?r\gh an       
ob/9ate & mortal languor1  & f9ally     
causes dea?4    ,dur+ all t "t %e rema9$
 conf9$ to h] h>d b$1 & !  mann] 9 :i*  
%e bore all ! pa9s & annoyances ( h]    
long  illness 0 a cause ( ! greate/     
edification to all :o assi/$1  = h] face
 n only %[$ ! resignation & s]5ity ( h] 
m9d1  b %e 0 always desir+ to suff] /ill
 great] pa91 & 0 =  ev] ?ank+ ,div9e    
,provid5ce t deign$ to purify h] 9 ?is  
_w & give h] "s occasion ( acquir+ m]it4
  ,b !re 0 "o  pa9 %e felt m ?an any    
o!r1 & x 0 because ?r\gh illness  %e 0  
become useless to ! community1 & ev5 a  
burd5 & tr\ble  to h] si/]s1 especially 
by reason ( ! de=mity & (f5siv5ess  ( ! 
sore on h] =ehead2 yet n ev5 ! grief (  
?is c\ld take  away f h] ! m]it ( h] mo/
 h]oic resignation to ! w (  ,god &     
equally h]oic humility & pati5ce4  ,yet 
ano!r matt] !re  0 :i* mu/ h weigh$     
heavily on h]1 :5 we comp>e ! v  l[ly   

op9ion %e _h ( h]self ) t sublime/ idea 
%e _h be5  enabl$ to =m ( ,god's inf9ite
 maje/y1 & t 0 t %e c\ld  n[ no long]   
pres5t h]self at ! ,eu*>i/ic table to   
receive h]  ,jesus ) t frequ5cy ) :i* %e
 _h be5 accu/om$ to p>take  ( t heav5ly 
bread1 b 0 n[1 on ! contr>y1 oblig$ to  
receive ,him ly+ on h] mis]able pallet4 
,b ! holy s\l suppli$  9 ard5t desire & 
9 ! int5se/ int]nal acts ( adoration &  
love = t ext]nal v5]ation :i* h] bodily 
weakness r5d]$  impossible4  ,z h]      
disease progress$1 or1 r1 z h] sanctity 
increas$1 s small 0 ! quantity ( food %e
 consum$ t x c\ld  n be told h[ %e 0    
able to live1 & !re=e ! nuns :o 7       
att5d+ on h] came to ! conclusion t %e 0
 kept alive by !  bread ( angels4  ,nor 
0 _! idea s f> f ! tru?1 = ,rita  h]self
 _h to confirm x :51 on _! press+ h] to 
take "s m  n\ri%m5t1 %e repli$3 ',my    
s\l1 fix$ to ! sacr$ w\nds ( ,jesus     
,*ri/1 is f$ ) o!r food4'    ,n[1 x     
happ5$ t :il/ ! sa9t 0 9 ?is /ate1 & n  
f>  f ! end ( h] mortal life1 a relative

 came to visit h]1 &  aft] pass+ "s "t 9
 condol+ ) h] & giv+ h] com=t1  0 ab\t  
to g away4  ,be=e h] dep>ture %e ask$   
,rita if %e  want$ any?+1 & said %e w\ld
 will+ly d h] a s]vice4  ',yes1'  said  
,rita4  ',i beg y to g to ! g>d5 ( my   
h\se z soon z y  rea* ,rocca ,por5a1 &  
pluck a rose !re & br+ x to me4'  ,x 0  
!n ! mon? ( ,janu>y1 ! "t 9 :i* !       
greate/ rig\r (  w9t] is felt1          
especially 9 t valley1 :i* is clos$ 9 on
 all  sides by ov]hang+ m\nta9s1 :]e !  
sun rises late & sets  e>ly1 & :]e at t 
season all nature is buri$ "u sn[ &     
ice4  ,at ! /range reque/ ! woman did n 
"k :at to ?9k  except t ,rita 0 w&]+ 9  
h] m9d ?r\gh ! sev]ity ( h]  illness4   
,%e piti$ h]1 & w5t back to ,rocca      
,por5a4  ,:5 %e  rea*$ home x happ5$ t  
%e w5t to ! g>d51 ei!r ?r\gh  curiosity 
or because ,god s dispos$ x1 & %e saw1  
conspicu\s  amid/ ! froz5 bu%es1 a      
full-bl[n r$ rose4  ,at ! sight %e 0    
seiz$ by v>i\s feel+s ( wond]1 joy1 &   
devotion1 & ran to  pluck ! fl[]1 ) :i* 

%e return$ )\t delay to ! conv5t  (     
,cascia to deliv] ! wond]ful gift to !  
sa9t4  ,rita took x z  com+ f ! h&s ( h]
 ,div9e ,sp\se1 & ) holy joy (f]$  x to 
h] si/]s :o 7 /&+ ar\nd4  ,!y1 too1 7   
seiz$  ) wond] & amazem5t1 & jo9$ ) h] 9
 prais+ ! goodness  & omnipot5ce ( ,god4
    ,ano!r prodigi\s occurr5ce1 n unlike
 t we h j relat$ &  n less wond]ful1    
happ5$ v soon aft]4  ,! same woman :o _h
  br\ght ! fl[] to ! sa9t 0 bidd+ h]    
f>ewell on ano!r  occasion1 & ask$ h]   
aga9 if %e ne$$ any?+4  ,rita ?us       
answ]$ ! *>itable "q3 ',s9ce y are s    
k9d1 ,i beg t  y w g to ! same g>d51 :]e
 y w f9d two figs1 :i* y  w h ! *>ity to
 br+ me4'  ,?is "t ! woman did n        
hesitate a mom5t1 b z soon z %e he>d !  
words hurri$ home1 &  9 a %ort "t 0 9 ! 
g>d5 m5tion$4  ,!re1 on a leafless      
tree1 %e f\nd ! two ripe figs1 :i* %e   
pluck$ ) r5ew$  wond] & pleasure1 &     
c>ri$ imm$iately to ! sick nun4  ,at !  
sight ( ?is second wond] ,rita broke =? 
into new acts ( gratitude  & love to !  

,"l1 9 :i* h] si/]s jo9$4  ,! fame ( ^! 
miracul\s ev5ts 0 spread ?r\gh\t !      
neighb\rhood1 & wond]  seiz$ on all ! p1
 & !y conceiv$ a great v5]ation = !  dy+
 sa9t1 :om !y cle>ly p]ceiv$ to be      
belov$ by ,god4    ,?us compass$ ab\t ) 
fl[]s & fruit1 l ! bride ( !  sacr$     
,canticles1#a ,rita felt t %e 0 langui%+
 ) love1 &  by ?is gr[+ weak]1 %e eag]ly
 desir$ to be free f ! ties (  ! body1 &
 at la/ take flight to enjoy = all      
et]nity h]  ,uncreat$ ,good4  ,h] *a/e  
sighs 7 n 9 va91 = h] ,div9e  ,sp\se    
,jesus1 accompani$ by ! mo/ holy ,virg91
 appe>$ to h] to  ann\nce ! joy\s tid+s 
t 9 ?ree days %e %\ld be tak5 f  ! _w & 
f pa91 & receiv$ into ,p>adise to       
receive !  rew>d due to h] virtues &    
suff]+s4  ,! vision disappe>$1 &  joy   
inundat$ ,rita's he>t1 & well 0 ?is kn[n
 f t  extraord9>y & angelic s]5ity ( h] 
c\nt5ance :i* %e  pres]v$ till h] la/   
brea?1 9 spite ( ! pa9s & sorr[s (      
dea?4  ,! nuns alone wept z !y /ood     
ar\nd h] b$4  ,9 ^!  la/ mom5ts ( h]s1  

pr(\ndly mov$ by h] tranquillity & !    
wond]s !y _h se51 !y _h come to "k h]   
bett]1 & to  appreciate m p]fectly h]   
extraord9>y virtues4  ,9 ! mid/ (  ^!   
te>s ! sa9t turn$ to h] de> si/]s1      
humbly ask$ p>don  ( all ( !m = any     
(f5ce %e might h giv5 !m & = !  tr\ble  
%e _h caus$1 left !m 9 remembrance ( h] 
beautiful words  ( peace1 ob$i5ce1 &    
piety1 & !n ask$ ! bless+ ( !  ,sup]ior4
  ,h] desolate si/]s want$1 too1 to get 
a bless+ f h]  z a pl$ge ( t *>ity ) :i*
 %e _h always lov$ !m1 &  ) :i* !y      
bes\ght t %e w\ld love & protect !m :5  
%e  0 9 heav54  ,rita bless$ !m1 tri$ to
 console !m1 & !n _h  no ?\ght = any?+ b
 et]nity4    ,our h]o9e1 x is true1 0   
assur$ f above ( ! possession (  future 
glory1 yet %e 9 no wise neglect$ to     
=tify h]self ) all  ! aids & com=ts )   
:i* our holy ,"m ,*ur* prep>es u =  !   
great passage4  ,ga!r+1 !re=e1 all !    
/r5g? ( h]  _s1 %e express$ h] desire t 
! ,holy ,viaticum %\ld be  br\ght to h]1
 & ,extreme ,unction adm9i/]$4  ,%e     

receiv$ ^!  holy ,sacram5ts ) a f]v\r   
:i* _c easily be imag9$1 mu*  less      
describ$1 & ) ^! fre% pl$ges ( grace1 & 
) h]  eyes turn$ t[>ds ! home ( !       
,bless$1 h] s\l took its flight  ?i!r1  
:]e %e lives an immortal life fill$ )   
ineffable joy1  ! rew>d ( h] h]oic      
,virtues4  ,h] preci\s dea? took place  
dur+  ! ,pontificate ( ,calixtus ,,iii41
 9 ! ye> #adeg1 :5 %e _h  atta9$ !      
sev5ty-six? ye> ( h] age & ! =ty-f\r? ( 
h]  religi\s life1 on ! night ( ! #bbnd 
( ,may1 :5 ,saturday 0  end+1 a day     
specially consecrat$ to ! hon\r ( !     
,virg9 ,m>y1  to :om %e 0 always mo/    
dev\t1 & t[>ds ! beg9n+ (  ,sunday1 !   
day d$icat$ to ! ,"l & figurative (     
et]nal repose4      #a ,cant4 ii4 #e4   
,,end ,,( ,,"p ,,ii          ,"p ,,iii  
,,rita ,,9 ,,heav5        ,,*apt] ,i    
,,wond]ful ,,ev5ts ,,t ,,happ5$ ,,at    
,,rita',s    ,,dea?--,,burial ,,( ,,h]  
,,sacr$ ,,body    ,9 describ+ ,rita's   
mortal life1 we judg$ x exp$i5t to give 
f  "t to "t "s idea ( ! tr5d ( ev5ts & (

 ! calamities (  ! times 9 :i* %e liv$1 
& we h hopes t x w n be  displeas+ to ! 
read] nor outside ! scope we propos$ to 
ourselves if we cont9ue to foll[ ! same 
plan n[ t we are come  to speak ( h]    
immortal life 9 s f> z x may be said to 
be visible  9 ^? works 9 :i* ,god will$ 
to give glory to ,8 s]vant ev5 on  e>?4 
,= h]1 inde$1 "t 0 *ang$ into *angeless 
et]nity1 b  ! _w 01 z ev]1 9 its        
in/ability1 & 0 p]petually  *ang+       
appe>ance4  ,! %ort-liv$ peace :i* _h   
be5 e/abli%$  at ! ,c\ncil ( ,flor5ce _h
 once m fl$ f ! di/ract$ ,ea/1  &       
,mahomet ,,ii41 de/9$ by ,god to puni%  
^? relaps+ s*ismatics1  _h at ?is "t    
ov]turn$ ! ,empire ( ,con/ant9ople1 & 0 
?reat5+ ) ru9 ! newly-e/abli%$ ,empire (
 ,trebizond1 z  well z o!r k+doms4  ,x  
is true t 9 ! ye> #adeg--! ye> (        
,rita's dea?--! infidel usurp] 0 driv5  
back out ( ,hung>y &  ,belgrade1 & _h   
be5 defeat$ by ! brave ,sc&]beg 9       
,albania1 by  ,c>d9al de ,aquileia on ! 
gean ,sea1 & by ,uson ,cassano ne> !    

conf9es ( ,p]sia4  ,b ^! losses caus$   
only a tempor>y *eck1  & 7 b ! la/      
flatt]+ hope ( ! h>d5$ & p]fidi\s       
,greeks4  ,calixtus ,,iii4 0 !n ,pope1 &
 f 8 ,apo/olic ?rone x  0 8 sad lot to  
see ! h]itage ( ,jesus ,*ri/ despoil$1 &
  c\ld only weep ov] :at he c\ld n      
prev5t4  ,! wise ,pontiff  /ra9$ e ef=t 
to prev5t /ill great] ru91 b !          
effem9acy1 egoism1 & rivalry ( ! ,c\rts 
( ,europe oppos$ 8  brave purpose1 &    
left op5 a free passage to ! progress ( 
!  conqu]or4  ,9 ! ,we/ ! outlook 0     
bright] = ! ,*ur* & !  _w1 = affairs 7  
direct$ by ! ,emp]or ,fr$]ick ,,iii41   
surnam$ ! ,peacemak]1 & ,pope ,calixtus1
 ^: great desire 0 to  see peace firmly 
e/abli%$ 9 ,italy1 f :5ce x _h s long   
be5  bani%$4  ,inde$1 x 0 only 9 ! ye>  
be=e he asc5d$ ! ,papal  ?rone t ! fir/ 
signs ( reviv+ peace 7 se5 9 t  tr\bl$  
p59sula4  ,x 0 ?r\gh ! means ( a humble 
,augu/9ian  fri> t 9 ! end 0 obta9$ t   
peace :i* pr9ces &  mon>*s _h 9 va9     
attempt$ to re/ore2 = ,fr4 ,simonetto ( 

,cam]9o1 a prie/ ( extraord9>y piety1 is
 fam\s 9 hi/ory =  be+ ! pacificator (  
,italy4  ,good morals & piety began to  
ga9  vig\r1 & br\ght consolation to !   
,*ur* = ! irrep>able  losses x _h su/a9$
 9 ! ,ea/4  ,! reign+ h\ses also t  7   
lea/ fri5dly to national concord1 & :i* 
_h n rema9$  un/a9$ by depravity1 began 
aga9 to give indications ( sanctity4  ,9
 ?is v ye> ( #adeg1 ,fr4 ,gabriel ,s=za1
 ,ar*bi%op ( ,milan1  /yl$ ! ,bless$1   
pass$ to 8 heav5ly rew>d1 & a few mon?s 
aft] 8 dea? ,bless$ ,*ri/9a ,visconti   
foll[$ him to ! k+dom  ( heav54  ,l     
,rita1 bo? ( ^! 7 ,augu/9ians4  ,!      
,gov]nm5ts ( ! republics ( ,si5a & (    
,g5oa 7 ! la/ to  suff] f ! disa/]s (   
w>1 ! =m] hav+ be5 attack$ by  !        
ambiti\s ,picun9o1 & ,g5oa hav+ be5     
engag$ ) ! m>itime  =ces ( ,alphonsus1  
,k+ ( ,naples2 b ev5 ^! w>s _h at la/   
come to an end4  ,cascia1 :i* /ill      
cont9u$ to be gov]n$ z a  republic1 9   
common ) ! o!r ,/ates 0 enjoy+ 9        
prosp]ity  ! fruits ( peace1 & 0 n[ ab\t

 to acquire great] r5[n  ?r\gh ! dea? ( 
,rita1 ^: imp]i%able glory 0 soon to be 
proclaim$4    ,sc>cely1 inde$1 _h %e    
brea!d h] la/ :5 began a long s]ies (   
prodigi\s ev5ts1 :i* imm$iately spread  
h] fame abroad4  ,! fir/  ( ^! to excite
 wond] 0 t at ! mom5t ( h] dea? ! nun   
:o _h be5 h] close/ companion 9 life saw
 ! s\l ( ! sa9t  take its flight to     
heav51 accompani$ by angels1 9 ! g>b (  
brightness 9 :i* x _h pleas$ ,god to    
clo! h]4  ,! second  wond] 0 t at t same
 mom5t ! bell ( ! conv5t rang out1      
toll$ by no visible ag5cy1 & ! sa9t's   
cell 0 radiat+ ) an  unaccu/om$ spl5d\r4
  ,! sore on h] =ehead1 too1 :i* 9 life 
_h be5 mo/ (f5sive1 0 n[ giv+ =? an od\r
 ( heav5ly  fragrance1 & t w\nd1 :i* _h 
be5 an unsightly de=mity1 n[  took on ! 
appe>ance ( a %9+ jewel4  ,h] body1 :i* 
be=e _h  exhibit$ all ! wa/+ effects (  
cont9ual mortification1 b 0  ! seat ( a 
mo/ pure s\l & ! temple ( ! ,holy ,gho/1
 0 n[  trans=m$ & clo!d ) almo/         
sup]human beauty4  ,9 a ^w1 n  only h]  

s\l1 b h] v body seem$ z if x _h be5    
assum$ into  ! spl5d\r ( ! sa9ts4  ,at !
 manife/ation ( ev5ts s  wond]ful ! nuns
 & ! fai?ful :o 7 pres5t *ang$ _!  sorr[
 into a holy joy1 & ceas$ n to bless !  
,"l & recomm5d  !mselves to ,rita's     
patronage4  ,z ! report ( ^! prodigies  
spread ab\t1 ! p flock$ 9 cr[ds to see &
 to v5]ate t  sacr$ body1 & ?us ,god 0  
prais$ 9 ! wond]s ,he _h work$1 !       
virtues ( ,8 sa9t 7 publi%$1 & 9 ! he>ts
 ( _m !re  sprang up ! desire ( imitat+ 
h] example4  ,! obsequies 7 to  be      
solemnly celebrat$ on ! foll[+ morn+1 & 
mean:ile !  cr[ds arriv+ f all !        
surr\nd+ c\ntry 7 cont9ually  increas+4 
,among/ ! o!rs came a woman :o 0 a ne>  
relative (  ,rita1 ^: arm _h be5 _m ye>s
 p>alys$4  ,?is woman approa*$  ! sacr$ 
body1 &1 to relieve h] feel+s ( love1   
sorr[1 &  devotion1 clasp$ x ar\nd !    
neck4  ,on ! in/ant h] )]$ arm  sudd5ly 
rega9$ feel+ & /r5g?4  ,%e began to cry 
out t a  miracle 0 wr\ght = h]1 & all ! 
by/&]s took up ! cry (  ',a miracle6 a  

miracle6' :il/ %e :o 0 heal$ kiss$ aga9 
&  aga9 ! body ( h] deliv]]1 & return$  
?anks to ,god = ,8  great m]cy4  ,! body
 0 br\ght f ! cell into ! anci5t  *apel1
 :]e x 0 quickly surr\nd$ by a cru% (   
impati5t p1  :o seem$ z if !y nev] c\ld 
be satisfi$ ) gaz+ on !  sacr$ rema9s ( 
! holy nun4  ,! la/ solemn (fices 7     
celebrat$1 b ! body _h to be left       
visible = a long "t to  satisfy ! pi\s  
curiosity & devotion ( ! fai?ful4  ,at  
la/ x  0 plac$ 9 a c(f9 ( popl>1 :i* 0  
enclos$ 9 ano!r (  walnut wood1 9 ord] t
 "o :o 0 s hon\r$ by ,god %\ld  receive 
hon\rable sepulture4  ,?is 0 b ! beg9n+ 
( ,rita's  r5[n4  ,we %all see z we     
advance h[ ,god gave great] glory to ,8 
s]vant4          ,,*apt] ,,ii           
,,miracles ,,wr\ght ,,by ,,god ,,?r\gh  
,,rita',s    ,,int]cession ,,be=e ,,h]  
,,beatification    ,! prim>y object (   
miracles is to e/abli% ! ,ca?olic       
religion1  & ?is is ! reason :y ! ,son (
 ,god & ,8 disciples p]=m$  s _m        
miracul\s works t fill$ ! _w ) amazem5t 

&  invit$ m5 to embrace ! fai?4  ,ev5 :5
 ! k+dom ( ,*ri/ _h  be5 e/abli%$       
miracles did n altoge!r cease1 b r x    
pleas$ ,god = ,8 great] glory to raise  
up miracle work]s 9 e  age = !          
edification ( ! fai?ful1 to place a m   
di/9ctive  m>k on ,8 ,*ur*1 & to confirm
 ,8 foll[]s 9 ! fai?4  ,a  little be=e  
,rita's "t !re 7 *os51 among/ o!rs1 ,/4 
,ni*olas ( ,tol5t9e1 ,/4 ,v9c5t ,f]r]1  
,/4 ,b]n>d9e ( ,si5a1 ,/4  ,francis (   
,paul to be fam\s m9i/]s ( ,8 omnipot5ce
 & m]cy4  ,!n foll[$ ,/4 ,rita1 :o1     
al?\gh dur+ h] life %e did n  p]=m      
m>vels z did ^! ,apo/olic m51 yet aft]  
h] dea? became  celebrat$1 & is /ill    
celebrat$ ?r\gh\t ! :ole _w = !  _m     
great miracles ) :i* x pleas$ ! ,"l to  
publi% !  m]its ( ,8 belov$ sp\se4    ,b
 z ,/4 ,john ! ,evangeli/ has said1     
speak+ ( our ,"l1 s v  num]\s 7 !       
miracles ,he wr\ght t only a small      
proportion (  !m is record$ 9 ! ,sacr$  
,writ+s1 we may say1 pres]v+ due        
proportion1 mu* ! same ( ,rita4  ,= n   

only h lapse ( "t &  c>elessness depriv$
 u ( ! memory ( _m ( ! miracles work$   
?r\gh h] int]cession1 b ev5 9 ! pres5t1 
:5 ne>ly e  "p ( ! _w is r++ ) ! fame ( 
h] great prodigies1  au!ntic te/imony is
 (t5 want+1 & sometimes we are at a loss
  = a simple relation ( ! facts4  ,we   
mu/ !re=e p]=ce be  cont5t$ ) record+ a 
c]ta9 numb] ( !m tak5 f !  process ( h] 
beatification1 & we %all foll[ ! ord] 9 
:i*  !y are relat$ by ^? writ]s ( h]    
life :o h prec$$ u4  ,! s]ies ( miracles
 ( :i* we h au!ntic k beg9s f  ! ?ird   
day aft] ! sa9t's dea?4  ,we give x "h 9
 comp5dium4    ,on ! #be? ( ! mon? (    
,may 9 :i* ,/4 ,rita di$ a c]ta9        
,bapti/ d',angelo ( ,col ,giacone1 9 !  
t]ritory ( ,cascia1 :o _h  completely   
lo/ 8 sight1 hav+ he>d ( ! miracles :i* 
,god 0  work+ ?r\gh h] int]cession 9 ^? 
fir/ days aft] h] dea?1  _h 8 fai?      
quickly ar\s$1 & ) confid5ce recomm5d$  
himself  to h] patronage1 & 9 an in/ant 
8 sight 0 re/or$4    ,two days lat] a   
woman nam$ ,lucrezia di ,paolo1 f ,col  

,=cella1 a  village also 9 ! t]ritory ( 
,cascia1 ^: body 0 swoll5 &  d\bl$ up   
?r\gh advanc$ ye>s & ow+ to a sort (    
dropsy f  :i* %e suff]$1 w5t to :]e !   
sa9t's body 0 ly+1 &1  hav+ pray$ !re ) 
/rong fai?1 0 enabl$ to return to h]    
home free f disease & 9 p]fect heal?4   
,on ! same day ano!r woman nam$         
,frances1 ! wife ( ,antonio  ,fucelli ( 
,cascia1 :o _h be5 deaf = five ye>s1 0  
pray+ be=e  ! body ( ! sa9t 9 ! pres5ce 
( a multitude ( p4  ,on a  sudd5 %e felt
 t h] he>+ 0 re/or$4  ,! tru? ( ?is     
miracle is atte/$ by ! p :o 7 pres5t4   
,two days lat] /ill a man nam$ ,salimb5e
 d',antonio1 f  ,poggio-,primocaso1 "o (
 ^: f+]s _h lo/ all p[] ( motion &  0   
dri$ up = _m ye>s1 w5t to pray t he     
might be cur$1 &  t\*$ ! sa9t's sacr$   
body ) 8 p[]less f+]2 he1 too1 0        
in/antane\sly cur$1 & w5t back to 8 home
 rejoic+4    ,on ! la/ day ( ,may a     
woman call$ ,giacomuccia di ,leon>do1 f 
,ocosce1 a village q close to ,cascia1 0
 miracul\sly cur$ (  griev\s pa9s1 f :i*

 %e _h be5 torm5t$ = two ye>s1 &  :i* _h
 r$uc$ h] to a /ate ( extreme weakness4 
,?is grace 0  grant$ to h] aft] hav+    
pray$ mo/ f]v5tly = eight days1 at  !   
end ( :i* h] p]sev]+ fai? 0 rew>d$ by h]
 re/oration  to heal?4    ,frances di   
,giovanni1 f ,bisella1 9 ,nursia1 :o 0  
deaf & dumb  f bir?1 0 br\ght on ! same 
day to visit ! miracul\s body (  ! sa9t4
  ,%e ard5tly recomm5d$ h]self to h]    
patronage1 &  p]=m$ ! acts ( devotion   
possible to a deaf mute4  ,spee* &  he>+
 7 !reupon sudd5ly grant$ to h]4  ,!    
fir/ words %e  utt]$ 7 ',ave ,m>ia1' a  
fact :i* amaz$ h] p>5ts & !  p :o       
witness$ ! miracle4    ,/ill ano!r      
miracle 0 wr\ght by ! omnipot5ce ( ,god1
 ?r\gh  ,rita's int]cession1 be=e ! end 
( t mon? ( ,may4  ,a c]ta9  ,lucrezia1  
wife ( ,s] ,paolo ( ,gol=alla1 :o 0 all 
swoll5 )  dropsy1 & ^: case ! physicians
 judg$ incurable1 _h h]self  br\ght be=e
 ! sa9t's body1 & !re ) ! /ronge/       
confid5ce begg$ t h] he>t's desire might
 be grant$4  ,%e1 too1  0 re/or$ to     

heal? & /r5g?4    ,on ! #bnd ( ,june 9 !
 same ye> a y\? nam$ ,b]n>d1 ! son (    
,matteo ,del-re1 f ,ocosce1 :o 0 suff]+ 
f ! gravel & 0  9 v great pa91 0 br\ght 
to :]e ! sa9t's c(f9 0 by 8  fa!r1 :o   
bes\ght = him ! pity ( ! sa9t1 & 0      
grant$ !  grace he pray$ =4    ,! next  
day a man call$ ,spirito d',angelo1 f   
,cascia1 ?r\gh !  int]cession ( ,/4     
,rita1 0 cur$ ( *ronic sciatica1 f :i*  
he  _h suff]$ griev\s pa9 = f\r ye>s4   
,f\r days lat] a "y girl f ,rocca1 9 !  
t]ritory ( ,nursia1  ^: "n 0 ,m>ia      
d',angelo1 :o _h be5 deaf & dumb f bir?1
  w5t ) h] p>5ts to d homage to ! sa9t (
 ,cascia1 &1 l  ,frances di ,giovanni1  
%e1 too1 obta9$ he>+ & spee*4  ,:5 ?is  
miracle 0 made kn[n ! girl _h to get    
into ! pulpit to satisfy  ! pi\s        
curiosity ( ! p1 & !re = ! fir/ "t %e   
pron\nc$ ! sweet "n ( ,m>y & ! names (  
o!r sa9ts1 & s  great 0 ! wond] ( ! p t 
a ?anksgiv+ procession 0  =m$1 9 :i* !  
cl]gy took "p1 & a s]mon 0 prea*$ by    
,fr4  ,giovanni ,paoletti ( ,cascia4    

,on ! #ac? ( ! same mon? ,francesco1 son
 ( ,antonio ,pasquali1 (  ! village (   
,san ,cipriano1 9 ! di/rict ( ,amatrice1
 :o 0 also  a deaf mute1 0 br\ght by 8  
fa!r & o!rs to ,rita's glori\s  tomb1 & 
dep>t$ !nce ) ! full use ( 8 s5ses1     
a/oni%$  at ! novelty ( 8 s5sations & ! 
greatness ( ! miracle4    ,ano!r miracle
 took place five days aft] 9 fav\r (    
,lucia di ,sante  ,lalli1 f ! t[n ( ,s4 
,m>ia1 9 ! t]ritory ( ,nursia4  ,"o (   
h] eyes 0 entirely bl9d = fifte5 ye>s1 &
 ! o!r 0 ne>ly  s4  ,%e w5t1 accompani$ 
by h] "m1 to visit ! holy body ( !  sa9t
 9 ,cascia1 & rema9$ !re pray+ = fifte5 
days1 at !  end ( :i*1 ?r\gh h] fai? & !
 int]cession ( ! sa9t1 %e  rega9$ h]    
sight1 z %e _h ard5tly desir$4    ,aft] 
describ+ ! la/-m5tion$ miracle !re is a 
break 9 !  anci5t records1 & we read (  
no o!r miracles till ?irty ye>s  lat]4  
,"u ! date ( ! #crd ( ,june1 #adhg1 we  
f9d t ,pietro di  ,giovanni (           
,paganelli1 & 8 wife1 a native (        
,nursia1 made a v[ to  ,/4 ,rita = !    

re/oration to heal? ( _! son ,pietro1 :o
 0 s  tongue-ti$ t he c\ld n utt] a ^w4 
,! sa9t consol$ !m1  = 9 a %ort "t _!   
son 0 9 p]fect heal?1 ) full use (      
spee*4    ,a daught] ( ,gregorio        
d',antonio ( ,col ,giacone1 :o _h lo/ ! 
p[]  ( spee* aft] a sev]e illness1      
recov]$ x aft] be+ br\ght to  ! sa9t's  
tomb4  ,?is fact is m5tion$ "u ! date ( 
! #bbnd (  ,june 9 ! same ye>4    ,ab\t 
! same "t ,sante di ,m>iano ( ,rocca    
,por5a1 :il/ play+  bull1 0 ?r[n        
viol5tly aga9/ "o ( 8 companions1 :o _h 
a  knife 9 8 belt1 & 0 accid5tally s    
sev]ely w\nd$ 9 !  v5tral region t !    
physicians despair$ ( cur+ him4  ,he _h 
rec\rse to ! sa9t1 & al?\gh he 0 n cur$ 
in/antly1 yet he  imm$iately began to   
improve1 & ultimately he 0 re/or$ to    
p]fect  heal?4    ,on ! #ah? ( ,may1    
ab\t two ye>s aft]w>ds1 ,angela1 wife ( 
,dom5ico ,b]>di ( ,logna1 a t[n 9 !     
t]ritory ( ,cascia1 ^: arm  0 crippl$ & 
s diseas$ t x br\ght on fev]i% feel+s e 
day1 _h rec\rse to ! invisible virtue ( 

t holy body1 & 0  completely heal$4     
,fa!r ,nicola ,galli1 :o _h be5         
confessor ( ! nuns 9 ! conv5t  9 :i* !  
sa9t liv$1 & :o wrote h] life1 :i* to a 
great  ext5t we are mak+ use ( 9 ?is    
*apt]1 & :o decl>es t he  took 8 acc\nt 
( ,rita's miracles f ! process ( h]     
beatification giv5 him by ! nuns1       
relates z ! sixte5? ( h]  miracles t a  
c]ta9 ,giovanni di ,rocca ,por5a 0      
re/or$ f  dea? to life ?r\gh ! m]its ( !
 sa9t1 b he m5tions no  circum/ances4   
,a woman nam$ ,fior di ,pi] ,antonio _h 
a son nam$ ,spirito1 :o  suff]$ f a sort
 ( insanity1 :i* doctors w\ld call      
lycan?ropy 7a species ( insanity 9 :i* !
 pati5t imag9es  himself to be a wolf71 
ow+ to :i* he 0 giv5 to w&]+ ?r\gh  !   
woods & m\nta9s1 & felt a t5d5cy to hurl
 himself f high  places4  ,8 afflict$   
"m1 see+ t all ! rem$ies ( sci5ce  7    
useless1 _h rec\rse to ,/4 ,rita1 & 0   
consol$ by h] son's  be+ re/or$ to heal?
 & 8 "r m9d4    ,ab\t ! ye> #adia a     
c]ta9 ,vannetta1 daught]-9-law ( ,s]    

,antonio  di ,n>do1 f ! t[n ( ,fogliano1
 ne> ,cascia1 0 suff]+ f s  dang]\s an  
affection ( ! ?roat t %e c\ld swall[    
nei!r  food nor dr9k1 & !re=e believ$ t 
%e _h rea*$ ! end (  h] days4  ,once1 on
 be+ awak5$ f a heavy sleep1 :i* h]     
fri5ds ?\ght 0 ! le?>gy ( dea?1 %e      
compla9$ ( be+  depriv$ by !m ( !       
beautiful vision %e _h be5 enjoy+4  ,to 
_! que/ions ab\t h] vision %e repli$ t  
%e _h se5 ,/4  ,rita1 :o _h call$ to h] 
& t\*$ h] ?roat ) h] f+] &  disappe>$4  
,x 0 f\nd t ! cure 0 n simply imag9>y1 b
  t ! girl 0 fre$ f h] disease4    ,ab\t
 ! same "t a boy nam$ ,amico1 ! son (   
,antonio ( ,col  ,=cella1 :o 0 suff]+   
great pa9 f gravel1 0 recomm5d$ by  8 "m
 to ! p[]ful int]cession ( ! sa9t1 & h] 
fai? 0  rew>d$ by 8 in/antane\s cure4   
,9 ! foll[+ ye> ,giovan ,m>9o1 ( ,logna1
 0 cur$ ( a disease  call$ s]p5t9a1     
?r\gh :i* 8 :ole body 0 p>alys$1 = x    
pleas$ ,god to he>1 ?r\gh ! int]cession 
( ,rita1 ! f]v5t  pray]s (f]$ 9 8 behalf
 by 8 aunt ,donna ,santa4    ,t[>ds !   

end ( ! same ye> ,pi] ,m>9o1 son ( ,m>9o
 ,bru*i (  ,nursia1 :o _h receiv$ two   
mortal w\nds 9 a scuffle1 _h rec\rse  to
 ! patronage ( ,rita1 & n 9 va91 = he 0 
se5 to get  bett]1 & ?r\gh p]sev]+ pray]
 0 soon re/or$ to heal?4    ,?ree o!r   
miracles are describ$ z hav+ tak5 place 
ab\t ?is  "t ?r\gh ,rita's int]cession4 
,! fir/ 0 ! heal+ ( ,donna  ,santa      
7p]haps ! same z 0 m5tion$ be=e71       
daught] ( ,dom5ico  ( ,logna1 :o 0      
suff]+ f heada*es1 & tum\rs1 & swell+  (
 ! ?roat4  ,%e bes\ght ! sa9t to obta9  
h] re/oration to  heal?1 & v[$ to s5d a 
flor9 z (f]+ to h] conv5t4  ,rita  he>d 
h] pray]s1 & became h] advocate be=e !  
,giv] ( e  good gift1 :o in/antly gave  
h] back ! heal? %e pray$ =4    ,! next 0
 t wr\ght 9 fav\r ( a c]ta9 woman nam$  
,giacoma1  ! wife ( ,m>t9o ( ,s4        
,anatolia1 9 ! t]ritory ( ,cascia1 :o   
broke h] %\ld]-blade & h] ?igh by fall+ 
f a height on a  rock4  ,%e 0 tortur$ by
 mo/ viol5t pa9s1 aga9/ :i* %e c\ld  f9d
 no bett] rem$y ?an to h rec\rse to     

,rita1 to ^: conv5t  %e v[$ to pres5t a 
half-flor94  ,h] pray]s 7 he>d1 & %e  0 
in/antly cur$4    ,! ?ird ( ! cases1    
regi/]$ "u date ( ! #ah? ( ,novemb]1    
happ5$ ?us3 ,antonio1 ! son ( ,giuliano 
& ,gemma ( ,nursia1 0  ly+ mortally     
w\nd$ & left = dead1 hav+ receiv$ f\rte5
  w\nds1 "o ( :i* _h almo/ sev]$ 8 %\ld]
 f 8 body4  ,8 "m & 8 si/] ,m>ia det]m9$
 to tru/ !mselves to !  help ( heav51 & 
_h rec\rse to ! int]cession ( ,/4 ,rita4
  ,!y  !re=e made a v[ to visit h]      
v5]at$ body & to br+ a wax5  image4     
,h>dly _h !y made ! v[ ?an ! "y man 0   
cur$ (  8 w\nds4    ,luc*essa1 ! wife ( 
,giovan ,m>9o ( ,collecurioso1 n[       
de/roy$1 9  ! t]ritory ( ,cascia1 _h be5
 possess$ by ! devil = _m days4  ,%e 0  
br\ght to ,rita's grave1 & !re 0 deliv]$
 f t  mole/ation ?r\gh ! sa9t's         
int]cession4  ,:5 ?is fav\r 0  conf]r$  
!re 7 _m pres5t1 religi\s & secul>s1 :o 
also  bore witness to ! horrible yells  
utt]$ by ! inf]nal _s z x  left ! body4 
,9 #adid ,monica di ,colantonio (       

,colle1 9 ! di/rict ( ,nursia1 0  cur$ (
 a fi/ula solely because h] fa!r1       
,dom5ico1 _h gone to  ,cascia to hon\r !
 sa9t1 to ^: efficaci\s patronage he _h 
recomm5d$ himself4    ,t[>ds ! end ( !  
same ye>1 on ! #af? ( ,decemb]1 a man   
nam$  ,giovanni ,&rea1 son (            
,giovannuccio1 f ,atri1 a t[n 9 !       
t]ritory ( ,cascia1 came to ,cascia to  
?ank 8 protectress ,rita1 :o1  he       
affirm$1 _h =m]ly deliv]$ him f a s]i\s 
illness1 & _h  sav$ him aga9 f imm95t   
dang] ( dea? :5 a *e/nut-tree _h  fall5 
on him & ?reat5$ to cru% him4    ,two   
ye>s lat] a c]ta9 ,paolo1 son (         
,giovanni1 a native (  ,collecurioso1 ^:
 son ,angelo 0 suff]+ torture f !       
gravel1  made a v[ to br+ 8 son to      
return ?anks at ! sa9t's tomb if he  7  
cur$1 & to h ! miracle pa9t$ on a       
tablet4  ,8 fai? 0  rew>d$ by 8 son be+ 
cur$4    ,9 ! same ye> ,&rea d',angelo1 
f ,onelli1 9 ! ,cascia di/rict1  0 cur$1
 ?r\gh ! int]cession ( ! sa9t1 f an     
illness by  :i* he 0 conf9$ to b$ = t5  

mon?s4    ,9 #aeja a woman nam$ ,p]na1  
wife ( ,m>9o di ,ali5a1 :o 0  torm5t$ by
 evil spirits1 0 deliv]$ f !m by fav\r (
 !  sa9t1 to :om %e _h _h rec\rse4      
,at ! same "t ,giovanni di ,b>tolomeo1 f
 ,roccat]vi1 9 !  neighb\rhood (        
,cascia1 :o _h cut a ve9 ne> 8 left     
in/ep eight  ye>s be=e1 & ^: case 0     
consid]$ incurable1 bes\ght ,/4  ,rita )
 f]v5t pray]s to come to 8 aid4  ,:5 he 
p]ceiv$ t  8 pray]s 7 he>d1 & t a cure  
impossible to human sci5ce _h  be5      
effect$1 he made an (f]+ on ! #aj? (    
,june ( a silv]  cr[n to ! *ur* t gu>ds 
! sa9t's body4    ,pi] ,angelo1 son (   
,pi] ,dom5ico1 f ! neighb\rhood (       
,spoleto1  _h fl$ 9 ! ye> #aejc f t     
di/rict to escape an epidemic t  0 rag+ 
!re4  ,:5 he ?\ght ! dang] 0 pa/ he     
return$1 b  "o ( 8 daught]s 0 seiz$ by !
 malady4  ,! afflict$ fa!r  be?\ght him 
( seek+ ! protection ( ! miracle-work]  
,/4 ,rita4  ,he promis$ to visit h]     
v5]at$ tomb & to make an (f]+ ( f\r     
c>l9s4  ,8 fai? 0 rew>d$ by 8 daught]'s 

deliv]ance4    ,vannuccio di ,sante (   
,foligno1 "o ( ^: arms 0 )]$1 _h        
rec\rse to ! sa9t to obta9 ! fav\r ( be+
 cur$1 & made a  v[ to (f] ! figure ( an
 arm 9 wax4  ,! p[] ( 8 arm 0           
imm$iately re/or$4  ,he det]m9$ !reupon 
to fulfil 8 v[ on a  c]ta9 ,sunday1 b :5
 ! day came he *ang$ 8 m9d1 & meant to  
g to ,nursia4  ,b he paid ! p5alty ( 8  
ungrateful fickl5ess1  = he 0 seiz$ )   
su* a pa9 9 "o ( 8 feet t he c\ld n     
walk4  ,!reupon he resolv$ to fulfil    
imm$iately 8 v[1 & he  add$ a second "o 
( br++ also ! wax5 figure ( a foot4  ,he
 0  reliev$ ( ! pa91 & hesitat$ no long]
 to fulfil 8 d\ble v[4  ,?is happ5$ 9   
#aejf4    ,x happ5$ ab\t ! ye> #aeaj t a
 c]ta9 ,mess] ,francesco (  ,monf]rato1 
:o 0 five ye>s b$ridd5 ow+ to gangr5e ( 
!  ?roat1 saw ,/4 ,rita appe> to him 9 a
 dream4  ,he paid no att5tion to  !     
vision1 b ! sa9t appe>$ to him a second 
& a ?ird "t4  ,on ! ?ird occasion %e    
in=m$ him :o %e 0 & :5ce1 &  exhort$ him
 to g to h] tomb2 %e !n t\*$ 8 ?roat1 & 

he 0  re/or$ to heal?4  ,he arose f 8 b$
 cur$1 & set out =  ,tuscany1 & f !nce  
he w5t to ,rome1 = he did n "k :]e      
,cascia 01 :]e ,rita 0 buri$4  ,b 9     
,rome he f\nd a f>m] f  ,nursia1 :o gave
 him ! in=mation he ne$$1 & :5 he arriv$
 at  ,cascia he made an (f]+ ( a box    
full ( silv] co9s1 _h a  procession (   
?anksgiv+ celebrat$1 & on ! occasion ( x
 a  s]mon 0 prea*$ by ,fr4 ,ludovico (  
,cascia1 a ,franciscan4    ,giovan      
,angelo1 ! son ( ,leon>do1 f ,ocosce1 9 
! di/rict (  ,cascia1 0 fre$ on ! #bf? (
 ,april1 #aebe1 f an evil _s by  :i* he 
0 obsess$1 & to express 8 gratitude = ! 
fav\r1  obta9$ ?r\gh ,rita's            
int]cession1 made an (f]+ ( f\r c>l9s   
to ! conv5t1 a ?\s& wood5 /akes = !     
v9ey>d1 & 8 own  s]vices z long z he    
liv$4    ,9 ! same ye> & mon? ano!r man 
obsess$ by ! devil1 ^:  "n 0 ,b]n>d9o1 !
 son ( ,dom5ico ,saccomadi1 f ! t[n (   
,san ,giovanni1 9 ! ,cascia di/rict1 0  
deliv]$ f ! inf]nal  enemy aft] be+     
br\ght to visit ! body ( ,/4 ,rita1 be=e

 :i*  public pray]s 7 recit$ = 8        
lib]ation4    ,on ! #bf? ( ,decemb] ( ! 
same ye> a son ( ,giovan ,francesco (   
,n>di1 9 ! suburbs ( ,cascia1 a *ild    
?ree ye>s old1 aft] a v  s]i\s illness1 
:i* la/$ = ?irte5 days1 0 become q      
bl9d1 & c\ld take no n\ri%m5t1 & 01 9   
fact1 at ! po9t (  dea?4  ,! fa!r w5t to
 ,cascia to beg ! int]cession ( ,/4     
,rita1  & to 8 pray]s 7 add$ ^? ( !     
nuns1 :o also gave him a  little piece (
 ,rita's habit4  ,he return$ home1 & )  
firm fai?  t\*$ 8 son's eyes ) ! relic  
he _h receiv$1 & invok$ !  "n ( ,rita1 &
 imm$iately x 0 se5 t ! grace he _h     
s\ght  _h be5 grant$4  ,z a sign (      
gratitude he br\ght an (f]+ (  eight    
flor9s' wor? ( articles to be us$ 9 !   
s]vices ( !  sa9t's *ur*4    ,a simil>  
miracle happ5$ t[>ds ! ye> #aece1 9 !   
case (  ,con/ant9o1 ! son ( ,scola/ica &
 ,giacomo di ,pietro ,zoc*i1 f          
,agriano1 9 ! di/rict ( ,nursia4  ,he1  
too1 0 suff]+ f a  mortal illness :5 8  
"m made a v[ 9 8 fav\r to ,/4 ,rita1  & 

he 0 cur$ on ! in/ant4  ,to fulfil h] v[
 & te/ify h]  gratitude1 ,scola/ica     
pres5t$ a ve/m5t to ! *ur* on ! #a/ (   
,june4    ,ab\t ! same "t x also happ5$ 
t a little girl ( t5 ye>s1  call$       
,antonia1 :o 0 ! daught] ( ,giovanni di 
,silve/ro ( ,rocca  ,por5a1 fell into ! 
riv] ,corno1 !n v mu* swoll5 by floods1 
& 0 swept along 9 ! /rong curr5t = ne>ly
 half a mile4  ,be=e los+ consci\sness  
%e (f]$ h]self to ,/4 ,rita1 & !  wat]s 
bore h] to ! riv] bank z "o return$ to  
life f ! dead4    ,donna ,brigida1 wife 
( ! noble ,m>siglio di ,m>9o ( ,nursia1 
0  also ! recipi5t ( a s+ul> fav\r f ,/4
 ,rita 9 ! ye> #aedh4  ,%e 0 ly+ ill 9  
b$1 despair$ ( by ! physicians & ne>    
dea?4  ,a c]ta9 ,girolamo di ,giovanni1 
:o occupi$ a room n f>  f :]e ! sick    
woman 0 ly+1 twice he>d a voice comm&+  
h]  to make a v[ to ! sa9t4  ,at !      
second "t ( he>+ he woke !  s]vants1 !  
v[ 0 regi/]$ by ! invalid1 :o in/antly  
spoke4  ,%e 0 cur$ )\t ! application (  
o!r rem$ies1 & ! same  day ! little     

silv] cr[n %e v[$ to s5d to ,cascia 0   
despat*$4    ,! ye> aft] a c]ta9        
,f]rant9o di ,b5$etto ( ,collecurioso1 9
  ! ,cascia di/rict1 0 s t]rifi$ by a   
phantom ( ! night t he  fell into       
convulsions & became deliri\s4  ,/4     
,rita1 to :om he _h  rememb]$ to pray1  
appe>$ to him 9 "o ( 8 lucid int]vals & 
advis$ him to g to h] tomb & pray !re1 &
 t he w\ld !re  rega9 8 heal?4  ,he w5t 
on ,/4 ,james's ,day1 & al?\gh he 0 z   
ill z usual :il/ go+1 no soon] _h he    
rea*$ ! bless$ tomb  ?an he 0 cur$ 9    
body & m9d4    ,nicola1 ! son (         
,francesco ,cascianelli ( ,antrodoco1 9 
,octob]1  #aefb1 _h rec\rse to ! sa9t to
 heal him ( a *ronic illness1  promis+  
to make an (f]+ ( ?ree cr[ns at h]      
sepul*re4  ,he1  too1 0 in/antane\sly   
cur$4    ,on ! la/ day ( ,may1 9 ! ye>  
#aefc1 !re happ5$ ano!r  notewor?y      
miracle wr\ght 9 fav\r ( ,donna ,*eava  
di ,paolo1 ( !  ,ca/le ( ,unccia=a4     
,two mon?s be=e %e _h an apoplectic fit1
 &  dur+ all ! int]v5+ "t h] t5d] "m    

c\ld obta9 no  relief = h]1 & 0 h]self  
condemn$ to useless weep+1 till %e      
det]m9$ to make a v[ to ! sa9t4  ,aft]  
two days %e _h !  happ9ess ( see+ h]    
daught] re/or$ to h] =m] heal?4  ,on !  
v day ( ! recov]y ! "m w5t to ,cascia to
 p]=m h] v[  at ,rita's tomb1 & !       
assembl$ p celebrat$ ! miracle ) a      
procession4    ,f\r ye>s aft]w>ds1 on ! 
#bcrd ( ,april1 ,angel9a di ,m>co (     
,poggio-,primocaso 0 pro/rate at !      
sa9t's tomb1 return+ ?anks to  h] = hav+
 sav$ h] nephew1 :o _h be5 at ! po9t (  
dea?  aft] fall+ d[n a precipice4    ,_m
 o!r wond]ful cures are record$ 9 !     
process ( beatification  )\t a date be+ 
m5tion$4  ,we read1 = example1 t a woman
  f ,monte ,leone nam$ ,pazi5za1 :o 0   
obsess$ by ! devil1 0  fre$ f h] great  
mis=tune on be+ br\ght to ! tomb ( !    
sa9t2 t ,ri/orio ,s>sio f ,amatrice1 :o 
0 br\ght almo/ to  dea?'s door by pa9s 9
 8 sides1 0 cur$ :il/ 9 ! act (  mak+ a 
v[ 9 ! sa9t's hon\r2 t a *ild ( f\r     
ye>s--,giovanni ,&rea1 son ( ,fabiano   

,=tunati--:o _h fall5 into a  vessel (  
boil+ wat]1 & !reby lo/ sight & spee*1 z
 soon z  8 "m _h ask$ ! sa9t's          
int]cession = him1 aga9 spoke &  recov]$
 sight1 & 9 a %ort "t 0 z well z ev]2 t 
a  c]ta9 ,b]n>d9o di ,tib]io1 :o _h     
become bl9d ( an eye f a  w\nd1 0 br\ght
 to ! sa9t's tomb1 & in/antly rega9$ !  
sight ( 8 eye :il/ ! c(f9 0 be+ uncov]$2
 & t a  woman f ,logna1 :o 0 return+ f  
,cascia aft] be+ cur$ !re  miracul\sly1 
sugge/$ to ano!r woman to make a v[ to  
,/4 ,rita 9  ord] t a daught] ( h]s :o 0
 bl9d might recov] sight4  ,!  daught]  
promis$ ,/4 ,rita to become a nun 9 !   
,augu/9ian conv5t  9 ,cascia1 & h]      
vision 0 imm$iately re/or$4  ,%e 0      
aft]w>ds  ,prioress ( ! conv5t =        
?irty-five ye>s4  ,fr4 ,galli1 :o wrote 
! sa9t's life1 ?r\gh fe> ( we>y+ 8      
read]s cont5t$  himself ) simply allud+ 
to _m o!r l miracles & wond]ful  fav\rs 
work$ by ,/4 ,rita4  ,mo/ o!r writ]s (  
h] life h  foll[$ 8 example1 except t a 
few h giv5 "s little  additions4  ,we1  

too1 %all imitate ^! old] examples1 &   
close our  li/ ( miracles work$ by ,/4  
,rita be=e h] beatification4            
,,*apt] ,,iii    ,,efficacy ,,( ,,relics
 ,,( ,,/4 ,,rita    ,x is q c]ta9 t !   
p[] ( work+ miracles belongs only to    
,omnipot5ce2 nev]!less1 ! _m wond]ful   
works done at ! tombs  ( ! sa9ts seem to
 indicate t 9 ^? holy places !re brea!s 
an air p>ticipat$ ?r\gh t incommunicable
 virtue by means (  :i* n only ^? sacr$ 
bodies1 b ev]y?+ t belongs to  !m1      
co-op]ates 9 p]=m+ ! wond]ful works (   
,god & 9  celebrat+ & mak+ kn[n ^!      
wond]s4  ,?is is ! same p[]  t fir/     
accompani$ ! %ad[ ( ,/4 ,pet]1 z ! ,holy
 ,_s  assures u x did1#a & t aft]w>ds1  
on ! te/imony ( ,/4  ,augu/9e1 0        
communicat$ to ^? r5[n$ *a9s t 7 !      
in/rum5ts ( 8 g5]\s confession & 8 guide
 to m>tyrdom4  ,!  ,*ur*'s hi/ory       
supplies u ) innum]able examples ( cases
 9  :i* simil> virtue 0 annex$ to relics
 ( ! sa9ts & to objects  connect$ ) !   
v5]ation ( !m1 & 9 ,/4 ,rita's case we h

 a  special confirmation ( ?is fact4    
,&1 to keep to our subject1 !  tru? (   
?is ass]tion z reg>ds ,/4 ,rita is      
witness$ by immemorial  report1 by su*  
examples be+ record$ 9 ! process = h]   
beatification1 & by prov5 cases1 "s (   
:i* we "h record4    ,be=e ! sa9t's body
 0 remov$ to its new re/+-place--t is1  
be=e ! ye> #agde--;x 0 ! long-e/abli%$  
cu/om ( ! nuns to  cov] x ) a new veil e
 ye>1 ! old "o be+ divid$ into  m9ute   
portions & di/ribut$ to ! fai?ful to    
satisfy _!  devotion4  ',_m miracles 7  
work$ ?r\gh !m1' says ,fa!r ,rabbi1  :o 
cites ! foll[+ case z an example3    ,on
 ! #bg? ( ,april1 #afeb1 tw5ty-f\r ye>s 
aft] an (fice 9 hon\r  ( ,/4 ,rita _h   
be5 grant$1 a fire broke out 9 ! h\se ( 
,giovanni  ,polidori 9 ,n>ni1 & soon    
spread to an al>m+ degree4  ,8 wife     
,*i>a1 see+ t human aid 0 ( no avail 9  
ov]com+ !  increas+ flames1 & recollect+
 t %e _h a little piece ( !  sa9t's     
veil1 hurri$ly s5t h] daught] to ! ro( (
 a h\se t  _h n yet tak5 fire to ca/ f  

!re ! piece ( veil into !  flames4  ,!  
daught] did z %e 0 told1 & = fe> !      
relic1  :i* 0 wrapp$ 9 a piece ( pap]1  
%\ld n c>ry s f> ow+ to  its lightness1 
%e ti$ x ) a ?read to a piece ( mort>4  
,z soon  z %e _h done s1 %e ?rew x1 & ! 
fire imm$iately ceas$4  ,!n ,*i>a1 h]   
family1 & ! o!rs :o 7 liv+ 9 ! h\se1    
w5t directly to ,/4 ,augu/9e's ,*ur* to 
(f] _! ?anks to ,god  & ,8 sa9t4  ,!y   
f\nd 9 ! *ur* ! woman :o _h giv5 !      
piece ( veil to ,*i>a1 & :o 0 ( ev5     
great] fai? ?an h]4  ,*i>a consid]$ t ! 
relic 0 burn$1 b ! woman ma9ta9$  t x   
mu/ h escap$ ! fire1 = ! in/rum5t ( !   
miracle  ought n to h become ! food ( ! 
conqu]$ flames1 & told  !m to g & look =
 x amid/ ! a%es4  ,!y w5t1 & ,*i>a  soon
 _h reason to wond] at a second m>vel1 =
 %e f\nd ! relic  j z x _h be5 :5 x 0   
?r[n into ! flames1 & nei!r !  pap]     
ar\nd x nor ! /r+ 0 9 ! lea/ burn$4  ,!y
 !n  return$ to ! *ur* to r5ew _!       
?anksgiv+ = ! wond]ful  works done 9 _! 
fav\r4  ,! report ( ! occurr5ce 0 soon  

spread abroad1 & a public acc\nt ( x 0  
pr9t$ on ! #be? (  ! foll[+ ,may4    ,x 
0 also a pi\s cu/om ( ! nuns to         
di/ribute to ! p !  du/1 ! scrap+s f !  
walls1 & su* ?+s1 ( ! sa9t's  cell1 & ( 
! fir/ c(f9 9 :i* h] sacr$ body _h be5  
plac$  & 9 :i* x _h la9 until #agde1 &  
_m m>vell\s results 7  obta9$ also f !  
employm5t ( ^! ?+s4  ,among/ o!r  wond]s
 ,fa!r ,riv>ola relates ?is "o3 ,a      
s]vant ( ,c>d9al  ,fa*9etti1 ,bi%op (   
,spoleto1 _h a daught] :o 0 bl9d ( "o   
eye1  & ^: o!r eye 0 s diseas$ t no hope
 c\ld be ent]ta9$  ( cur+ x4  ,%e       
recov]$ ! sight ( bo? eyes by ! sole use
 (  t du/1 :i* h] "m ca/ into h] eyes1  
an act :i* w\ld  naturally h fur!r      
injur$ h] eyes if ! du/ _h n be5 made   
salut>y by ! ,omnipot5t1 :o1 z we read 9
 ! ,gospel1#b gave  sight to ! bl9d by  
us+ clay4  ,a c]ta9 ,francesco ,armilli 
obta9$  a simil> grace by ! same means4 
,bo? ( ^! aft]w>ds w5t to  ,cascia to   
give public te/imony ( ! facts1 & to    
return he>tfelt  f]v5t ?anks to ,/4     

,rita4    ,!re are au!ntic docum5ts 9   
exi/5ce to prove t m>vell\s  cures 7    
also wr\ght ?r\gh ! means ( ! oil ( !   
lamp t  burns be=e ! receptacle :]e9 !  
sa9t's body is plac$4  ,by  means ( t   
oil ,aless&ro ,aless&r9i ( ,amatrice1 :o
 _h be5  /abb$ 9 ! side1 & 0 almo/ at   
dea?'s door1 got bett] 9 a  mom5t ( !   
viol5t pa9 he 0 suff]+1 & 0 aft]w>ds    
entirely cur$ )\t ! use ( any o!r rem$y1
 nor did any sign (  ! w\nd rema9 on 8  
body4    ,granita1 ! wife ( ,antonio    
,vanatelli ( ,atri1 0 cur$ 9 ! same     
mann] ( a l>ge abscess on h] side4      
,signor ,pompeo ,b55ati (  ,cascia1 :o 0
 a capta9 9 ,f]r>a1 0 cur$ ( a dang]\s  
hemorrhage by ! same m>vell\s rem$y1 & z
 a m>k ( 8  gratitude s5t a silv] lamp  
to ! sepul*re ( ! sa9t ( 8  native t[n1 
8 deliv]]4  ,a son ( ,signora di        
,giovanni ,&rea (  ,nursia1 ^: feet1    
legs1 & arms 7 s crippl$ t he c\ld n    
/ir f 8 b$1 0 heal$ by ! virtue ( t same
 oil1 & 0  aft]w>ds z able to g ab\t z  
if he _h nev] be5 ill4  ,don ,sante     

,mazzuti1 p>i% prie/ ( ,ca/el ,san      
,giorgio1 ne> ,cascia1 :o 0  attack$ by 
! plague1 :i* 0 deva/at+ _m p>ts (      
,italy 9  ! "t ( ,pope ,alex&] ,,vii41 0
 also cur$ by apply+ ! same  wondr\s    
oil4    ,x 0 also cu/om>y ) ! nuns1 f ! 
ye> #aejj at lea/1 to  bake little      
loaves on :i* !y impress ! image ( ,/4  
,rita1 &  ^!1 aft] hav+ plac$ !m 9      
pres5ce ( ! sacr$ body1 !y  di/ribute 9 
l>ge quantities1 & ev5 s5d !m to di/ant 
c\ntries4  ,dev\t p :o are seek+ fav\rs 
f ! sa9t 9  _! necessities1 aft] recit+ 
a ,pat] ,no/] & ,hail ,m>y1 or  "s o!r  
pray]1 eat a little ( t bread1 & !y dr9k
 a little  wat]1 p]haps 9 memory or 9   
hon\r ( ! v little food ! sa9t  0       
accu/om$ to use1 = bread & wat] 7 h]    
usual su/5ance4  ,n[1 z _m au?ors       
te/ify1 on ! au?ority ( ! process (     
beatification1 & ! witnesses cit$ = !   
canonization confirm  !m1 ! sick h (t5  
f\nd ?is bread a v efficaci\s rem$y 9   
_! illnesses1 & especially ^? suff]+    
fev]4  ,moreov]1 9  cases ( /orm by sea 

or l&1 x is a pi\s practice 9 "s places 
to  ?r[ a bit ( ! bread t[>ds ! sky or  
into ! sea :il/  recit+ a pray] to !    
sa9t1 & x has (t5 be5 obs]v$ t  !reupon 
calm & tranquillity succe$$4  ,x is1 9  
fact1 relat$  t _m sailors h be5 !reby  
deliv]$ f %ipwreck1 &1  among/ o!rs1    
,pompeo ,m>t9i ( ,cascia & 8 companions 
:il/ !y  7 on a voyage to ,sicily4  ,!y 
tell1 too1 t 9 "t ( pe/il5ce  _m 7 ei!r 
pres]v$ f infection by us+ ?is bread1 or
 else  rega9$ _! lo/ heal?4    ,) reg>d 
to ?is matt]1 !re is "o fact at lea/ :i*
 we ought  n to pass ov] 9 sil5ce4  ,we 
h already made m5tion ( t  contagi\s    
disease :i* 0 rife 9 ! ye> #afef1 to !  
great loss  ( _m ,italian cities1 & :i* 
br\ght desolation to ,rome itself4  ,!re
 liv$ 9 ,rome at t "t a girl ( ab\t     
twelve ye>s ( age1  daught] ( an        
innkeep]1 ^: h\se 0 ne> ! ,*ur* ( ,/4   
,blase1  :i* _h be5 d$icat$ ab\t t "t to
 ,/4 ,rita4  ,! little girl1  by reason 
( ! great devotion :i* %e _h t[>ds !    
sa9t1 0  accu/om$ to make use ( ^!      

little loaves4  ,x happ5$ t :il/  %e 0  
sleep+ "o night ) h] two aunts !y 7 bo? 
unexpect$ly attack$ by ! pe/il5ce1 & bo?
 ( !m di$ t  night :il/ %e 0 asleep4    
,:5 %e awoke %e 0 s fright5$ by  :at _h 
happ5$ t %e fell (f into a fa9t s deep t
 %e1 too1  0 ?\ght to be dead1 & %e 0   
put ) ! two corpses on a c>  & c>ri$ to 
! cemet]y ( ,/4 ,paul t _h be5 arrang$ =
  ^? :o di$ ( t disease4  ,:5 !y 7      
remov+ ! bodies  f ! c> %e 0 f\nd to be 
alive & consci\s1 & 0 c>ri$  back to h] 
home amid/ ! a/oni%m5t & joy ( all :o 7 
pres5t4  ,:5 %e 0 ask$ at home h[ x 0 t 
%e 0 alive1 %e  answ]$1 ',i d n "k1     
except t :5 ,i awoke & saw t ,i 0  ly+  
betwe5 two dead bodies ,i said1 ,bless$ 
,rita1 help me4'  ,n[1  let u ask h[    
c\ld a p]son ( t5d] ye>s1 aft] be+ s    
long  betwe5 two p]sons j !n dead ( !   
plague1 escape ! contagion  )\t !       
special fav\r ( heav51 or ( t sa9t :o _h
 be5 !  special protector ( h] dev\t    
cli5t8  ,h[ admirable1 inde$1 is ,god  9
 ,8 sa9ts6      #a ,acts v4 #ae4    #b  

,john ix4 #f4          ,,*apt] ,,iv     
,,m>vels ,,( ,,/4 ,,rita',s ,,sepul*re  
,x 0 ! ,almighty's w t ! body ( ! sa9t1 
born ( a "m  s long b>r51 visit$ by !   
wond]ful bees1 miracul\sly br\ght  into 
! conv5t1 m>k$ by a w\nd f a ?orn ( !   
,crucifi$ ,"o1  & 9 dea? cr[n$ ) spl5d\r
 & clo!d ) a beauty almo/  heav5ly1 %\ld
 also be glorifi$ 9 a s+ul> mann] aft]  
dea?4  ,& s x has rema9$ = sev]al       
c5turies )\t %[+ ! lea/  sign ( decay1 &
 may be se5 ev5 to ! pres5t day         
miracul\sly  pres]v$4  ,be=e ! ye>      
#afbh--t is1 = a space ( #aga  ye>s--its
 eyes 7 always se5 to be clos$1 & s !y  
appe> 9  pictures tak5 be=e t date2 b 9 
t ye> !re 0 a tumult  excit$ 9 ! *ur* by
 an insignificant cause on a day on :i* 
c]emonies m solemn ?an usual 7 be+      
obs]v$ to celebrate !  grant+ ( an      
,(fice 9 ! sa9t's hon\r1 & on t occasion
 !  eyes ( ! sa9t 7 se5 to op51 to !    
great amazem5t ( all  pres5t4  ,!       
sc&al\s conduct ( ^? :o caus$ ! tumult1 
&  ?r\gh passion violat$ ! laws ( *>ity 

& ! sanctity ( !  holy place1 seems to h
 awak5$ t v5]able body f its long       
repose2 = x rais$ itself al(t out ( its 
re/+-place1 :il/ a  p]fume z f ,p>adise 
fill$ ! *ur*1 its eyes op5$1 & ?us      
/ruck t]ror into ! he>ts ( ! brawl]s1 & 
fill$ !m )  p5it5ce = _! de$s1 s t !    
sacr$ (fices 7 f9i%$ 9  peace4    ,!    
sc5e we h describ$ calls u to consid] a 
second prodigy1 t  ( ! od\r :i* is (t5  
obs]v$ 9 ! vic9ity ( ! sa9t's  body--an 
od\r ( unsurpass$ sweetness1 :i* invites
 to devotion &  br+s spiritual com=t &  
consolation4  ,x la/s sometimes = a     
consid]able p]iod1 sometimes is v       
transi5t2 x diffuses itself to  a great 
di/ance at times1 or is only app>5t 9 ! 
vic9ity ( !  body1 & at diff]5t times   
has diff]5t degrees ( pleasantness4     
,?is1 :i* we might call an od\r (       
,p>adise1 is sometimes s widely  diffus$
 z to be noticeable n only 9 ! *ur* :]e 
! body is  pres]v$ & 9 ! adjac5t conv5t1
 b also 9 ! neighb\r+  h\ses & 9 !      
/reets1 & x is wond]ful t x has nev]    

seem$  unpleasant to anyone1 b1 on !    
contr>y1 has br\ght spiritual           
consolation1 & excit$ ! devotion ( ^? :o
 h _h !  happ9ess ( exp]i5c+ x4    ,!re 
are _m docum5ts 9 exi/5ce :i* give !    
fulle/ te/imony  reg>d+ ?is wond]ful    
od\r1 & notably ! processes ( ,/4       
,rita's  canonization1 :i* put beyond   
all d\bt ! fact t x is really           
sup]natural1 = nei!r 0 ,rita's body ev] 
embalm$1 z we h  said1 nor 7 any spices 
or o!r odorif]\s sub/ances ev] plac$    
ei!r )9 or ne> ! receptacle :]e9 x lies4
    ,moreov]1 x is an anci5t tradition 9
 ,cascia1 :i* is confirm$ also  by !    
writ]s ( h] life & by ! processes (     
beatification &  canonization1 t on !   
occasions ( ! triduums t are accu/om$   
to be (f]$ at ! alt> ( ! sa9t = ! sick  
:o h rec\rse  to h]1 x is n h>d to      
discov] :e!r !y are go+ to get back     
heal? or are go+ to die2 = a sweet]     
p]fume is giv5 =? :5  ! object ( pray]  
is to be grant$1 :]eas an od\r some:at l
  t ( inc5se1 or ! abs5ce ( od\r        

altoge!r1 is an indication  ( dea?4     
,/rang] /ill1 ! same wond]ful fragrance 
has be5  exp]i5c$ ev5 9 di/ant c\ntries1
 :5 extraord9>y graces h  be5 obta9$ by 
! int]cession & ?r\gh ! invocation ( ,/4
  ,rita4  ,s ! con/ant tradition        
affirms1 & ! processes (  canonization  
confirm tradition 9 ?is po9t4  ,fr4     
,rabbi quotes a  specific case 9 pro( ( 
?is belief4  ,a m$ical doctor1 ,signor  
,&rea1 came f ,s9igaglia to ,cascia ) 8 
wife ,violante to ?ank  ! sa9t = h]     
int]cession & to pres5t a silv] votive  
(f]+  = ! heal+ ( _! son1 :o _h be5 cur$
 ( a mortal illness4  ,! heal+ ( _! son 
_h be5 signifi$ to !m a little be=e  !y 
came to ,cascia by ! same wond]ful      
fragrance4  ,^! sweet  od\rs are also   
manife/1 n to m5tion _m o!r occasions1  
:5ev]  ! ,bi%op ( ,spoleto or !         
,augu/9ian ,prov9cial come to hold _!   
usual visitations4    ,ano!r fact       
calculat$ to cause /ill great] surprise 
is t ,rita's  body has be5 se5 to raise 
itself 9 its c(f9 f ! bottom (  t       

receptacle up to ! grat+ on its top1    
especially dur+ !  "t ( ! ,prov9cial's  
visitation4  ,! same wond]ful occurr5ce 
has  also be5 rem>k$ dur+ ! visitations 
( ! ,bi%ops ( ,spoleto 9  ! conv5t1 z if
 ! sa9t !reby wi%$ to r5ew h] homage to 
h]  episcopal ,sup]ior4  ,on ^!         
occasions ! motion ( ! body is n  always
 ! same4  ,sometimes x has be5 rem>k$ to
 be mu* sl[] ?an  at o!r times1 & x has 
on occasions be5 se5 to raise itself = a
  mom5t & !n s9k back aga9 into its     
usual place4  ,on _m o!r  occasions     
besides at times ( visitation ?is       
spontane\s rais+ (  ! body has be5      
notic$4  ,9 ord] n to make s seem+ly    
incr$ible a /atem5t )\t suffici5t       
evid5ce1 we transcribe a  deposition    
sworn by "s ( ! mo/ prom95t p 9 ! t[n ( 
,cascia4        ,,note ,,to ,,*apt] ,,iv
    ,9 ! ,"n ( ,god4  ,am54    ,on      
,saturday ! #af? ,may1 #afhb1 9 ! *ur*  
call$ anci5tly ,/4 ,m>y  ,magdal5's1 b  
n[ call$ ,b4 ,rita's1 we ! und]sign$1 ( 
!  t]ritory ( ,cascia1 diocese (        

,spoleto1 by means ( our oa?1 etc41 9  !
 pres5ce ( me a not>y & ,*ancellor =ane 
( ! bi%op ( !  t]ritory ( ,cascia1 give 
full & und\bt$ te/imony1 etc41 = !      
tru?1 & n o!rwise1 etc41 t at ! pres5t !
 bless$ body (  our ,b4 ,rita is entire1
 uncorrupt$1 ) its fle% :ite1 )\t any   
/a9 ( corruption1 ) its eyes op51 &     
especially ! left1 :i*  is se5 to be m  
op5 ?an ! "r1 & ) ! eyelids sep>at$1  & 
) ! m\? some:at op5$1 9 :i* are se5 & v 
cle>ly  di/+ui%$ ! :ite tee?1 ! h&s     
likewise :ite1 etc4    ,simil>ly h be5  
obs]v$ by u1 & recognis$1 ! g>m5ts &  ! 
veils1 t %e has on h] head1 :i* are !   
same t %e wore  :5 %e 0 alive1 & ) !m 0 
! bless$ body plac$ &  arrang$ 9 ! same 
c(f91 :]e at pres5t %e is f\nd1 z by    
relation & cont9u$ anci5t tradition ( ! 
nuns ( ?is conv5t1  :i* g>m5ts & veils h
 be5 f\nd to be s\nd1 entire1 & n       
corrupt$ by mo?s1 nor by "t1 ^! g>m5ts  
appe>+1 z ! veils  also1 z if !y 7 worn 
at ! pres5t "t by a liv+ p]son4         
,simil>ly we atte/ z above1 t we h felt 

_m times an od\r &  a fragrance wond]ful
 & ( ,p>adise1 )\t be+ able to say :at  
k9d ( od\r x is1 & ?is sometimes has be5
 obs]v$ 9 a mann]  t x 0 felt outside ! 
*ur*4  ,& by mu* m is ?is od\r  m>vell\s
 inasmu* z h] body 0 n embalm$1 or op5$1
 b plac$  9 ! c(f9 :]e x is f\nd1 ) all 
! int]nal portions n  sep>at$1 nor      
divid$ f ! body4    ,simil>ly we fully  
te/ify z above1 t we h _m times obs]v$  
t h] bless$ body _h rais$ itself f !    
place :]e ord9>ily  x lies up to ! top (
 ! little grat+ :i* is above ! said     
c(f91 :]e reposes ! same bless$ body1 & 
especially ?is  happ5s on ! occurr5ce ( 
h] fea/1 & :5 %e has work$ "s  miracle1 
z happ5$ 9 ! ye> #afbh = ! fir/ "t1 :5 0
  celebrat$ ! fea/ ( h] beatification1 (
 :i* appe>s au!ntic  te/imony made "u   
date #ac ,june1 #affj1 by de$ ( ,signor 
,giuseppe  ,b55ati1 native (            
,montefalco1 ) ! legal =m ( ?is public  
(fice1 & s mu* we say & atte/ = ! tru?1 
etc41 n only1  etc41 b 9 e o!r bett]    
way1 etc4    ,i ,c>lo ,giudici1         

,vice-,gov]nor ( ,cascia1 0 pres5t1 &   
affirm z  above ) my own h&4    ,i      
,raffaele ,cittadoni1 ,ar*prie/ ( !     
collegiate *ur* ( said  place1 0 pres5t 
& affirm1 etc4    ,i ,dionigi ,panfili1 
,vic4 =ane ( ,cascia1 0 pres5t & affirm1
 etc4    ,i ,ort5sio ,m>t9i1 ,canon ( ! 
collegiate *ur* ( said t]ritory1  0     
pres5t & affirm1 etc4    ,i ,antonio    
,fr5f5elli1 ,canon ( ! collegiate *ur* (
 said  t]ritory1 0 pres5t & affirm1 etc4
    ,i ,c]ul9o ,b]>di1 ,capta9 ( !      
company ( ! cuirassi]s ( said  place1 0 
pres5t & affirm1 etc4    ,i ,angelo     
,graziani1 ,capta9 ( ! infantry (       
,cascia1 0 pres5t &  affirm1 etc4    ,i 
,alessio ,m>t9i1 not>y public ( ,cascia1
 0 pres5t & affirm1 etc4    ,i ,giovanni
 ,graziani ( ,cascia 0 pres5t & affirm1 
etc4    ,i ,giovanni ,batti/a ,leonetti 
( ,cascia 0 pres5t1 etc4      ,9 ! ,"n (
 ,god4  ,am54    ,9 ! ye> ( our ,"l     
#afhb1 ! fif? decl>ation1 on ! #bh? day 
(  ! mon? ( ,may1 #f? ye> ( !           
,pontificate ( ,innoc5t ,,xi41 ,pope by 

,div9e ,provid5ce1 ,i ,petrus ,g5tilis (
 ,tutia 9 ,cascia1 ( ! diocese  (       
,spoleto1 by public ,apo/olic au?ority  
not>y1 etc4    ,l,s4      ,! ,consuls ( 
! ,r5[n$ ,t]ritory ( ,cascia4    ,to    
all1 etc4  ,! a=esaid ,d4 ,petrus       
,g5tilis & our o!r  fell[-citiz5s are   
su* z !y describe !mselves 9 _! public  
& private decl>ations1 & 9 ?is ! usual &
 due =ms 7  obs]v$1 & 9 ! pres5t matt]  
und\bt$ fai? is to be giv5  !m1 etc41 & 
!re=e we h giv5 ^! at ,cascia f !       
,consul> ,palace ?is la/ day ( ,may1    
#afhb4    ,l,s4    ,,dom9icus ,,de      
,,lancellottis1      ,canc4 ,secr4      
,,*apt] ,v    ,,immemorial ,,wor%ip ,,( 
,,/4 ,,rita    ,x _h be5 provid$ by !   
sapi5t ,pontiff ,alex&] ,,iii4 ?ree     
c5turies be=e ,rita's dea? t no "o1     
h[ev] rem>kable =  hol9ess ( life1 & dy+
 9 ! fame ( sanctity1 %\ld receive      
public & ecclesia/ical wor%ip1 unless   
aft] ! approbation ( !  ,holy ,apo/olic 
,see4  ,b x mu/ be admitt$ t ,rita's    
sanctity &  miracles _h m effect ?an any

 decree t int]f]$ ) !  devotion ( s _m1 
&1 inde$1 ! decree 0 unkn[n to mo/ (    
!m4  ,h>dly 0 ,rita dead ?an !re 0 a    
great conc\rse ( !  p ( ,cascia ga!r$ at
 ! feet ( ! sacr$ body1 ) h&s  rais$ 9  
v5]ation & entreaty1 besee*+ ! fav\r (  
_! new  protectress4  ,! con/ant &      
wond]ful works :i* x !n pleas$  ,god to 
p]=m to ! advantage ( ^? fai?ful p      
ju/ifi$  _! confid5ce1 & s]v$ to augm5t 
_! f]v\r & at ! same  "t ! v5]ation &   
glory ( ! sa9t4  ,foll[+ ! example (  ! 
p ( ,cascia1 & incit$ by ! fame (       
,rita's miracles1 !  peoples ( o!r      
places1 ne> & f>1 ha/5$ to (f] h] _!    
religi\s homage also1 9 ord] to become  
p>ticipants 9 h] fav\rs1  or to make    
votive (f]+s1 or to leave memorials (   
graces receiv$4  ,z a consequ5ce1 lamps 
& c&les 7 soon burn+ ar\nd h]  v5]at$   
tomb2 h] picture became hon\r$1 & _m    
votive tablets  & gifts 9 ev]-increas+  
numb]s 7 (f]$4  ,h5ce1 also1 dev\t      
processions began to be celebrat$ on !  
occasions ( ! m  extraord9>y miracles1 &

 h5ce h] fea/ began to be kept on !     
anniv]s>y day ( h] dea?1 or1 r1 ( h]    
bir? to immortal life4    ,?is s+ul>    
devotion to ! sa9t nev] decl9$2 x r     
acquir$  great] vig\r & wid] b\nds z    
ye>s w5t on4  ,! processions took  place
 only 9 ,cascia 9 ! beg9n+1 b 9 ! c\rse 
( "t !y  began to be held by ! fai?ful (
 ! neighb\r+ t[ns &  villages1 :o _h    
begun to invoke1 z !y /ill invoke1 !    
fav\r (  _! common advocate4  ,^! pi\s  
demon/rations ( public & solemn         
v5]ation are usually celebrat$ ab\t ! "t
 ( h] fea/1 & are  always accompani$ by 
pi\s (f]+s4  ,! fea/ itself1 :i* at     
fir/ us$ to be obs]v$ 9 an ord9>y way1  
came to be celebrat$  ev5 magnific5tly  
:5 ! devotion increas$1 & to be reg>d$ z
 a  holiday ( obligation4  ,! ,(fices ( 
! ,*ur*1 :i* 7 att5d$  by great cr[ds ( 
p1 _m ( !m f di/ant places1 7 made  m   
impressive by ! aid ( ! *oice/ music & !
 ri*  decoration ( ! *ur*4  ,b :at has  
ev] caus$ ! greate/  edification 9      
connection ) ?is fe/ival 0 to see !     

numb] (  /rang]s1 & especially wom51 :o 
came on pilgrimage 9 b>e feet  & humble 
attire4    ,f t p]iod ! conv5t & *ur*1  
:i* 7 =m]ly kn[n z  ,/4 ,m>y ,magdal5's1
 came1 9 a beautiful way1 to be call$1 z
 !y  are s call$ at pres5t1 by ! title (
 ,/4 ,rita4  ,= ! pilgrims1  z !y       
approa*$ ! goal ( _! j\rney1 _h no o!r  
c>e ?an to  f9d out :]e ! conv5t ( ,/4  
,rita 01 & on _! return 7  us$ to say t 
!y _h be5 9 ! c\ntry & 9 ! ,*ur* ( ,/4  
,rita4  ,h5ce t mann] ( speak+1 :i* has 
prevail$ f an e>ly  date1 has f9ally    
succe$$ 9 giv+ its fix$ "n to t v5]at$  
%r9e4    ,x is also des]v+ ( notice "h t
 ! cu/om ( call+ h] !  ,bless$1 :i* _h  
be5 introduc$ ev5 dur+ ! c5tury aft] h] 
dea?1 9 a %ort "t became public & g5]al4
  ,ab\t eight ye>s  aft] h] mo/ glori\s 
dea? ! le>n$ ,c>d9al ,girolamo ,s]ip&o  
_h already plac$ ,rita on 8 li/ ( !     
,sa9ts & ,bless$s ( !  ,augu/9ian ,ord]2
 ,panfilo1 ,crus5io1 ,gelsom9i1 &       
,f]r>io _h 9  _! works already confirm$ 
^! titles & hon\rs2 !  ,fa!rs-,g5]al ( !

 ,ord] 7 already accu/om$ 9 _! (ficial  
docum5ts & lett]s pat5t to /yle h] ei!r 
by ! title (  ,bless$ or t ( ,sa9t1 &   
di/+ui%$ h] conv5t by ! same  title4  ,9
 a ^w1 ! g5]al body ( ! fai?ful _h      
already  beatifi$ h] long be=e ! ,vic> (
 ,jesus ,*ri/ _h h] "n  ins]t$ 9 !      
,roman ,m>tyrology or _h grant$ an      
,(fice 9 h]  hon\r4  ,n[1 if ! wor%ip   
giv5 to ,rita 0 s great be=e x 0  all[$ 
by ! ,*ur* to hon\r h] publicly1 we may 
imag9e h[ mu*  x 0 increas$ :5 ! decree 
( ! ,supreme ,head ( ! ,*ur*1 :o  c\ld d
 no less ?an add 8 voice to ! g5]al     
*orus ( praise1  set 8 seal & approval  
on x4  ,religi\s v5]ation to ! fam\s    
,rita !n spe$ily spread ?r\gh\t ! :ole  
e>?1 & toge!r )  ! p1 ,k+s1 ,c>d9als1   
,prelates1 & p]sonages ( ! greate/      
di/9ction1 b5t _! knees 9 devotion be=e 
! humble s]vant (  ,god1 & deem$        
!mselves happy 9 h] patronage4  ,among/ 
!  c\ntries rem>kable = devotion to h]1 
! k+doms ( ,spa9 &  ,portugal 7         
pre-em95t1 bo? 9 _! ,european           

possessions & _!  va/ colonies 9 !      
,we/]n _w2 = ?r\gh\t !m all ! "n (      
,rita 0 glori\s1 & _! mon>*s gave ! mo/ 
edify+ examples  ( piety & munific5ce4  
,& x 0 9 ^! ,ca?olic dom9ions t1  ow+ to
 ! v _m great miracles %e wr\ght1 %e    
began to be  kn[n by ! title ( '! ,sa9t 
( ! ,impossible1' & 9 !m h>d  to f9d a  
*ur* :i* has n an alt> d$icat$ to h]    
hon\r4  ,s  mu* 0 h] v5]ation ext5d$ t !
 inhabitants ( ! city (  ,/4 ,seba/ian1 
9 ,brazil1 made a supplication to ,pope 
,b5$ict ,,xiii4 to  obta9 ! extraord9>y 
faculty ( consecrat+ a *ur* "u !        
invocation ( ,b4 ,rita1 & :5 ! faculty  
_h be5 grant$ _!  pi\s int5tion 0 soon  
c>ri$ into effect4  ,sev5ty ye>s be=e  t
 ,monsignor ,giuseppe ,cruciani (       
,cascia1 *amb]la9 ( ,pope  ,alex&]      
,,vii41 _h obta9$ possession ( ! ,*ur* (
 ,/4 ,blase 9  ,rome1 ) ! int5tion (    
r$$icat+ x to ,b4 ,rita1 & to-day we    
f9d x s d$icat$1 & x has become ! *ur*  
prop] to ! p  ( ,cascia 9 ,rome4  ,/ill 
e>li]1 & imm$iately aft] h]             

beatification1 ,monsignor ,fau/o ,poli1 
himself a native ( ,cascia1 :o  0 !n    
,maggiordomo to ,pope ,urban ,,viii41 & 
aft]w>ds became  ,c>d9al & ,bi%op (     
,orvieto1 acquir$ possession ( ! h\se 9 
:i* ! sa9t liv$ dur+ h] m>ri$ life1 & at
 8 own exp5se  _h x conv]t$ into a      
little *apel2 & s x rema9s to !  pres5t1
 & 9 x is pres]v$ z a relic ! mantle %e 
wore 9 !  _w4    ,we mu/ n pass ov] 9   
sil5ce a notewor?y fact record$ by "s   
biograph]s ( ! sa9t1 :i* is confirm$ by 
a tradition 9 ,rocca  ,por5a1 & sworn to
 9 a deposition includ$ 9 ! fir/        
process4  ,x  is ?is3 ,! sa9t's room    
receiv$ its light :il/ %e dwelt 9 x1  & 
until x 0 *ang$ into a *apel1 f a little
 w9d[1 or1  r1 ap]ture1 9 ! ro(1 & !re1 
z is pi\sly believ$1 !  angels us$ to   
appe> :o came to com=t h] 9 h] sorr[s4  
,:5 %e  ent]$ ! conv5t o!rs dwelt !re   
until ! "t ( h]  beatification4  ,h]    
successors 9 ! h\se--& among/ !m 0 a    
prie/1 ,don ,diamante di ,pi] ,felice1  
:o 0 exam9$ z a witness 9  ! fir/       

process--tri$ to close ! ap]ture2 b all 
_! ef=ts  7 fruitless1 = z (t5 z !y     
clos$ x !y f\nd x op5$  aga91 & x 01    
moreov]1 obs]v$ t ?r\gh t op5+ nei!r    
ra9 nor sn[ ev] ent]$4    ,! conv5t     
cell1 too1 :i* ,rita sanctifi$ by s _m  
ye>s ( h]  pres5ce1 by h] pr(\nd        
m$itations1 & by ! pitiless sc\rg+ (  h]
 body1 & :]e ! two c(f9s 9 :i* %e 0 fir/
 buri$ are  at pres5t pres]v$1 began to 
be held 9 v5]ation f an e>ly  p]iod & to
 be look$ ^u z a private oratory4  ,9   
brief1 x is an  und\bt$ fact t !        
religi\s hon\rs %[n to our sa9t began f 
! v "t ( h] dea?1 & z "t w5t on !y      
increas$ )\t  any int]ruption & became m
 di/+ui%$1 till v5]ation to ,rita  0    
spread 9 a s+ul> mann] ?r\gh\t ! :ole   
,ca?olic _w4  ,?us are ! humble exalt$  
by ,god1 & ?us are ! j 9 !  ev]la/+     
memory ( ! ages4          ,,*apt] ,,vi  
,,solemn ,,beatification ,,( ,,rita     
,a p]iod ( "o hundr$ & sev5ty ye>s _h   
pass$ s9ce ,rita w5t to  live cr[n$ )   
glory 9 ! k+dom ( ! bless$1 :]e !re is  

no *ange ( ye>s or ( ?+s1 & f :5ce %e 0 
reg>d+ )  compassionate eyes ! ev]-*ang+
 vicissitudes ( ?is valley (  te>s4  ,9 
t int]val betwe5 ,rita's dea? & h]      
solemn  beatification ! _w _h *ang$ a   
hundr$ times its =m &  appe>ance4       
,convulsions ( nature1 rul+ passions1   
k+doms ceas+  to be1 new ,gov]nm5ts1    
dom9ions ext5d$1 fires ( w> enk9dl$1    
ext+ui%$1 & enk9dl$ aga91 h]esies ev]   
v>iable1 n[  spread+ !mselves1 n[ kept  
)9 b\nds1 c\ncils assembl$1  ,apo/olic  
ent]prises1 & ! b>que ( ,pet] always    
safe amid !  %ocks ( tempe/s--^! are !  
?+s t make up ! long hi/ory  ( t "t1 &1 
inde$1 ( e epo*4    ,h[ev]1 at ! "t 9   
:i* ! hon\rs ( beatification 7 be+      
prep>$ = ,rita1 ! _w & ! ,*ur* 7 endur+ 
only m9or  afflictions1 & ! aspect (    
affairs w\ld h be5 /ill m  s]5e b t ! "q
 ( ! succession to ! ext9ct ,h\se (     
,mantua 0 giv+ rise to "s ho/ile        
movem5ts 9 ,italy1 & t !  rebelli\s     
,calv9i/s 7 caus+ civil discord 9       
,france4  ,/ill1  comp>$ ) ! pa/1 ^? 7  

times ( peace1 ( g5tl5ess1 &  (         
religion4  ,9 ! ,ea/1 9 fact1 ! infidel 
,amura? ,,iv41 sunk 9  debau*]y1 _h lo/ 
! ta/e = w> & conque/4  ,! ,emp]or      
,fr$]ick ,v41 9 ! ,we/1 0 keep+ !       
h]etics 9 subjection &  prep>+ ! way to 
re/ore to ! ,*ur* ! rights & prop]ty !y 
_h usurp$4  ,italy _h no long] to       
tol]ate ^? w&]+ troops (  arm$ m5 ( :i* 
we h else:]e spok51 :o1 h[ev] !y may h  
b>ga9$ to br+ help1 7 mu* m accu/om$ to 
br+ ru9 &  m\rn+ 9 _! tra92 nor 0 !re t 
multiplicity (  ,gov]nm5ts1 ea* z       
ambiti\s & tyrannical z x 0             
insignificant4  ,cascia1 too1 al?\gh    
fall5 f its primitive spl5d\r1 0 yet at 
peace1 z 0 ! re/ ( ! ,pontifical        
dom9ions4    ,! arts 7 fl\ri%+ & ga9+   
new lu/re 9 ?is "t (  tranquillity4  ,b 
:at is ( mo/ importance is good ord]1   
religi\s  & moral1 & ! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t  
_h br\ght back ord] into !  bosom (     
,*ri/ianity1 & !re x cont9u$ to rule4   
,at t "t ! *air ( ,pet] 0 occupi$ by    
,urban ,,viii41 ^:  virtue1 le>n+1 &    

illu/ri\s ent]prises h made 8 "n        
immortal4  ,be=e asc5d+ ! ,papal ?rone  
he _h gov]n$ ! ,*ur*  ( ,spoleto ) great
 edification & spl5did success1 & !re he
  _h e facility = inquir+ into ,rita's  
virtues & miracles1 &  ! antiquity &    
fame ( ! v5]ation paid to h]4  ,god     
aft]w>ds  s dispos$ x t he %\ld take ^u 
himself ! gov]nm5t ( !  ,univ]sal ,*ur*1
 & %\ld co-op]ate 9 ! fulness ( p[] 9   
exalt+ our sa9t4  ,x is true t %e _h    
already be5 beatifi$ by  ! p f ! "t ( h]
 dea?1 b 9 /rict tru? & 9  accordance ) 
! sacr$ ,canons1 x did n belong1 nor    
does x  belong1 to ! p to decl>e anyone 
sa9t or bless$1 = !  oracle ( !         
,apo/olic ,see is ne$$4  ,= ,jesus ,*ri/
 alone  sanctifies 9 ! ,*ur* triumphant1
 z ,he tea*es 9 ! ,book (  ,leviticus1  
:]e ,he says1 ',i am ! ,"l :o sanctifies
 !m1' & s  9 ! ,*ur* militant x is !    
pr]ogative ( ,8 ,vic> on e>?1 !  ,roman 
,pontiff1 to set ! seal ( 8 approval on 
sanctification &  publi% x to ! _w4     
,nev] 0 !re a m fav\rable opportunity   

?an t :i* !n  pres5t$ itself1 :5 !      
,papal ?rone 0 occupi$ by a ,pope :o _h 
be5 himself a witness ( ! devotion ) :i*
 ! fai?ful flock$  to ,rita's tomb & ( !
 ev]-increas+ v5]ation 9 :i* %e 0  held2
 & !re=e ! ,augu/9ian fa!rs1 ! nuns1 & !
 ,c\ncil  ( ,cascia1 det]m9$ to unite _!
 influ5ce ) t ( ,monsignor  ,fau/o ,poli
 & o!r di/+ui%$ p]sons1 among/ :om 0    
pre-em95t ! ,lady ,co/anza ,b>b]9i1 !   
,pope's si/]-9-law1 9  supplicat+ him   
graci\sly to proce$ to ! anxi\sly desir$
  beatification ( ,rita4  ,_! petitions 
7 suffici5t = ! ,pope1  :o ord]$ !      
,sacr$ ,congregation ( ,rites to set    
ab\t ! affair4  ,! ,congregation        
committ$ to ! ,bi%op ( ,spoleto ! task (
  inve/igat+ into ! fame ( ! sanctity1 !
 virtues1 & miracles  ( ! sa9t1 &       
in/ruct$ him to prep>e :at is call$ !   
in=mative process4    ,on ! #af? (      
,octob]1 #afbf1 ! legal inquiry 0 !re=e 
begun1  & 9 due "t br\ght to a happy    
conclusion4  ,9 ! mon? ( ,m>*  ( !      
foll[+ ye> ! results ( ! ,bi%op (       

,spoleto's  inve/igation 7 submitt$ to a
 rigor\s exam9ation by ! ,sacr$         
,congregation & approv$ (4  ,! ,c>d9als 
( t ,congregation  deliv]$ ! canonical  
relation ( ! inve/igation & its issue to
  ! ,pope1 :o 0 rejoic$ ) ! success ( _!
 lab\rs4  ,!reupon1 by a ,special ,brief
 ( ! #bnd ( ,octob]1 #afbg1 he grant$   
leave to ! :ole ,augu/9ian ,ord] & !    
,diocese ( ,spoleto to  recite ! ,(fice 
& celebrate ,mass 9 hon\r ( ,b4 ,rita1 &
 ?is  privilege 0 ext5d$ f\r mon?s lat] 
by a ,brief ( ! #d? (  ,febru>y1 #afbh1 
at ! in/ance ( ! ,fa!r-,g5]al ( ! ,ord]1
 to  all prie/s celebrat+ ,mass 9 any   
*ur* ( ! ,ord]1 or ( !  ,diocese (      
,spoleto1 on ! day ( ,rita's fea/4  ,!  
joy ( !  ,augu/9ian ,ord] & ( ,spoleto =
 s sov]eign & graci\s a  concession may 
n be describ$4  ,b ! solemn             
beatification 0 n  promulgat$ until !   
#af? ( ,july1 #afbh1 :5 ! religi\s      
c]emony  0 celebrat$ 9 ! ,*ur* ( ,/4    
,augu/9e 9 ,rome 9 ! pres5ce  (         
tw5ty-two ,c>d9als & a great numb] ( o!r

 prelates4  ,we make  no m5tion ( !     
spl5did fe/ivals organiz$ 9 hon\r ( !   
illu/ri\s ,bless$ ,rita1 ( ! panegyrics 
prea*$1 ( ! poetical  compositions ) :i*
 h] virtues & miracles 7 celebrat$4  ,! 
dev\t cli5ts ( ,rita vi$ ) "o ano!r 9   
defray+ ! exp5ses  ( ^! pi\s fe/ivities1
 b ! mo/ di/+ui%$ = 8  lib]ality 0      
,c>d9al ,antonio ,b>b]9i1 ! nephew ( !  
reign+  ,pope4    ,! pomp ( !           
ecclesia/ical functions 0 r5ew$ 9 all ! 
*ur*es ( ! ,ord]1 b ! p ( ,cascia & !   
nuns ( ,rita's  conv5t rightly det]m9$ t
 _! celebrations m ?an any o!r  %\ld be 
rem>kable = magnific5ce4  ,! joyful     
peal+ ( !  bells1 :i* cont9u$ = sev]al  
days & nights2 ! bonfires on !          
hill-tops t illum9at$ ! :ole c\ntry     
ar\nd2 ! silk5  hang+s & ri* ornam5ts t 
decorat$ ! *ur* )9 &  )\t2 ! new pa9t+s 
repres5t+ ,rita's glori\s de$s & h]     
miracles2 ! solemn procession 9 :i* all 
! cl]gy1 secul> &  regul>1 & all !      
confrat]nities ( ! t[n & di/rict took   
"p1 be>+ 9 triumph ! bann] ( ! bless$   

"o2 ! b& (  *ildr5 dress$ to repres5t   
angels t accompani$ x2 ! _m wax  tor*es 
& gifts2 ! enorm\s conc\rse ( ! fai?ful1
 _m ( !m  f di/ant places2 ! solemn     
religi\s functions2 ! sacr$ plays  &    
repres5tations2 & o!r l pomps1 all      
publicly te/ifi$ !  common applause &   
univ]sal joy4    ,ev5 ! body ( ! sa9t   
seem$ z if1 on s glori\s a day1 x  wi%$ 
to add to ! spl5d\r & gladness ( !      
extraord9>y  fe/ivity2 =1 aft] ! _m ye>s
 t _h pass$ s9ce ,rita's  dea?1 x op5$  
its eyes1 z if to take pleasure f !     
solemn fea/  & g5]al rejoic+1 & at !    
same "t to appease t mom5t>y  tumult (  
:i* we h already spok54  ,!n1 too1 !    
*ur* 0  fill$ ) t sweet od\r we h       
describ$1 & ! sacr$ body  rais$ itself  
to ! height ( ! grat+ at ! top ( its    
re/+-place4  ,&1 le/ any?+ %\ld be left 
to m> !  tranquillity ( t happy day1 %e 
impos$ sil5ce on ! demons by  !n lib]at+
 f _! influ5ce two wom5--"o f ,spoleto &
  ! o!r f ,s9igaglia--:o _h be5 obsess$4
  ,b all t we h  hi!rto n>rat$ 0 only   

accid5tal hon\r1 & b a %ad[ ( !         
immortal glory :i* ,rita enjoys 9 heav54
          ,,*apt] ,,vii    ,,miracles   
,,work$ ,,by ,,rita ,,aft] ,,h]         
,,beatification    ,x is relat$ 9 ! holy
 ,gospels t once :5 ! ,savi\r 0 go+  to 
,j]usalem1 z ,he ent]$ into a c]ta9 t[n 
,he saw t5 lep]s  com+ to meet ,him1 :o 
began to %\t f af> (f1 ',jesus1 h  m]cy 
on u1' & t all ( !m 7 miracul\sly heal$ 
by ,him1 b  only "o fulfill$ ! duty (   
gratitude by publicly giv+ glory to     
,god & go+ back to give ?anks to 8      
,div9e ,b5efactor4    ,we are =c$ to ?9k
 t some?+ simil> mu/ h be5 ! case  ) ^? 
:o h receiv$ extraord9>y fav\rs & graces
 ?r\gh  ! invocation & protection (     
,rita4  ,=1 on ! "o h&1 !  con/ant      
appeals ( ! fai?ful = h] int]cession1 ! 
num]\s  triduums & nov5as :i* ! sick    
cause to be celebrat$ 9 _m  places 9    
ord] to be cur$ ( _! diseases1 & ! fame 
:i* is  spread ?r\gh\t ! e>? ( ! b5efits
 %e has conf]r$ & !  miracles %e has    
work$1 %[ ) suffici5t cle>ness ! tru? ( 

!m & _! frequ5cy4  ,b1 on ! o!r h&1 !re 
are few :o  give full praise to ,god by 
publi%+ ! wond]ful works ,he has done  9
 hon\r ( ,8 belov$1 or1 at mo/1 !y      
cont5t !mselves )  hang+ a tablet or    
votive (f]+ on h] alt>s4  ,! pres5t     
au?or1  too1 may p]haps be n altoge!r   
free f fault1 = he confesses 9  8       
no?+ness t he has nei!r suffici5t zeal1 
nor correspond5ce  suffici5tly wide1 to 
enable him to "k all ! facts4           
,nev]!less1  we %all = ! la/ "t1 = !    
glory ( ,god & ( ,rita1 relate a  few ( 
! m /rik+ miracles we h be5 able to     
ga!r1 &  :i* seem be/ au!nticat$4    ,:5
 we 7 speak+ ( ! m>vels done ?r\gh su*  
relics ( !  sa9t z ! portions ( ! veil  
or by ! use ( ! little loaves1  we took 
occasion to m5tion "s miracles t took   
place aft] !  "t ( h] beatification1 &  
n[1 9 ord] to avoid repetition & to     
pass ov] :at is hidd5 9 ! obscurity ( a 
p]iod long pa/1 we  %all conf9e our     
att5tion to ! c5tury 9 :i* ! cause ( h] 
canonization 0 resum$4    ,a y\? (      

fifte5 ye>s1 by "n ,francesco ,cavali]i 
( ,cascia1 0 9  ! ye> #agdf conf9$ to 8 
b$ by gangr5e ( ! leg1 :i* _h  brok5 out
 9 five diff]5t places1 & 0 s bad t !   
surgeons  _h resolv$ to amputate ! limb4
  ,8 fa!r !reupon made a v[ to  ! sa9t1 
:o he>d 8 pray]1 & deign$ to appe> to ! 
sick  y\?1 fir/ 9 ! sil5ce ( ! night1 & 
aga9 at dawn1 tell+  him to get up & g  
to h] *ur*4  ,he w5t z told by ! sa9t1 &
  0 re/or$ to p]fect heal?4    ,si/]    
,*i>a ,isabella ,g>(ili1 pr(ess$ nun ( !
 conv5t (  ,cascia1 0 twice cur$ ?r\gh !
 sa9t's int]cession 9 ways t  7 c]ta9ly 
m ?an natural4  ,! fir/ case happ5$ 9   
#agge1  :5 %e _h be5 suff]+ = eight ye>s
 f a complication (  diseases1 ( :i* !  
description w\ld be long1 & :i* _h !n   
become incurable4  ,/4 ,rita appe>$ to  
h] 9 a dream1 tell+ h] to  get up--t %e 
0 cur$4  ,:5 %e awoke %e f\nd t %e _h   
be5  re/or$ aga9 to heal?4  ,! second   
case occurr$ 9 #aghf1 9 :i*  ye> ,si/]  
,*i>a's "r arm unexpect$ly lo/ all p[] (
 motion1  & %e 0 also depriv$ ( spee*4  

,%e tri$ sev]al m$ical  rem$ies )\t     
avail1 & ultimately ab&on$ _! use1 & put
 all  h] confid5ce 9 ! help ( ,rita     
alone4  ,h] tru/ 0 rew>d$1 =  !n1 to !  
surprise ( ! doctor & ( ! community1 %e 
f\nd  h]self well once m4  ,yet !       
imp$im5t 9 spee* /ill rema9$ to  "s     
ext5t2 b %e w5t to ! sa9t's tomb        
accompani$ by h]  si/]s 9 religion1 & ! 
,sup]ior ano9t$ h] tongue ) oil f  !    
lamp t 0 burn+ !re1 & 9 an in/ant h]    
cure 0  p]fect$4  ,?is fact is confirm$ 
by ! legal te/imony ( !  doctor1        
,laur5ti4    ,dur+ ! ye> #aggg ,giovanni
 ,graziano ( ,poggiodomo1 9 ! di/rict  (
 ,cascia1 fell f 8 horse1 & 0 dragg$ = a
 consid]able  di/ance along ! road1     
receiv+ a numb] ( bruises & lac]ations2 
b z soon z he invok$ ,/4 ,rita %e appe>$
 to him1 & re/or$  him to 8 =m] heal? & 
/r5g?4    ,ano!r miracul\s recov]y1 :i* 
has be5 au!nticat$ 9 legal  =m1 0 t (   
,si/] ,vittoria ,t]esa ,b>gagnati1 :i*  
took place  9 #agha1 :5 %e 0 a novice 9 
! conv5t ( ,/4 ,t]esa 9 ,t]ni4  ,h]     

malady 0 t %e c\ld reta9 no food 9 h]   
/oma*4  ,%e _h  9 consequ5ce be5 conf9$ 
to b$ = sev]al mon?s1 & seem$ at  ! la/ 
extremity4  ,9 ?is /ate1 see+ t all !   
res\rces (  m$ical sci5ce 7 ( no avail1 
%e resolv$ to h rec\rse to m  effective 
aid1 ! int]cession ( ,/4 ,rita4         
,animat$1 !n1 by t  lively fai? :i* is  
able ev5 to move m\nta9s1 %e appli$ to  
h]  /oma* a picture ( h] sa9tly         
advocate1 & imm$iately aft] rose  f h]  
b$1 w5t to ! refectory1 & ate ! same    
food z !  o!rs1 nor did %e ev] aft]     
exp]i5ce any trace ( h] malady4    ,!re 
is a /ill m m>vell\s recov]y1 :i* is    
also prov$ &  confirm$ by legal         
te/imony--t ( ,rosa ,mazzi1 a "y lady ( 
,cittei di ,ca/ello1 :o 0 aft]w>ds ,si/]
 ,anna ,rita ( !  ,augu/9ian conv5t (   
,/4 ,m>ia ,maddal5a 9 ,spello4  ,9 ! ye>
 #aghj  %e began to suff] f pa9s1       
difficulty ( brea?+1 & vomit+s  ( copi\s
 quantities ( blood1 & aft]w>ds f       
inflammatory fev]s  & is*ury1 s t 9 two 
ye>s %e 0 r$uc$ almo/ to ! po9t  ( dea?4

  ,9 ?is desp]ate crisis h] confessor1  
:o 0 att5d+  h] z a dy+ p]son1 told h] (
 ! miracle we h j relat$1  :i* _h       
rec5tly happ5$ 9 ,t]ni1 & enc\rag$ h] to
 h equal  confid5ce4  ,%e det]m9$ to    
make a dev\t triduum to ! sa9t4  ,!     
triduum 0 h>dly f9i%$ :5 ,rosa felt     
h]self well aga91 rose  f h] b$1 &      
cont9u$ to be ev5 hal] & /rong] ?an %e  
_h  be5 be=e h] long & mortal illness4  
,?is wond]ful miracle  occurr$ on       
,febru>y #f1 #aghc4    ,signora         
,rosalia1 ! daught] ( ,francesco        
,pelagalli ( ,/4 ,anatolia1  b !n liv+ 9
 ,cam]9o1 0 seiz$ 9 ! ye> #ahjb by      
con/ant  rheumatic pa9s1 :i* torm5t$ h] 
= two ye>s1 & br\ght h] to  a deplorable
 /ate4  ,"o ev5+1 :5 %e 0 suff]+ m ?an  
usual1 & s mu* t %e 0 =c$ by ! pa9s to  
cry out al\d1  %e ?\ght ( recomm5d+     
h]self 9 h] extreme angui% to !  m]ciful
 int]cession ( ,rita4  ,%e put into h]  
m\? "o ( !  little loaves bless$ 9 h]   
hon\r1 & t in/ant 0 completely  cur$1 & 
%e cont9u$ to enjoy good heal? f t "t4  

,!  docum5ts1 drawn up 9 legal =m1 :i*  
atte/ ?is rem>kable  recov]y1 are /ill  
extant 9 ! ar*ives ( ! conv5t4    ,= !  
sake ( brevity we omit _m o!r wond]ful  
cures obta9$ by  ^? :o s\ght ! assi/ance
 ( ,/4 ,rita4  ,b we mu/ n  altoge!r    
neglect to speak ( ! solemn             
transposition ( h] body4  ,aft] dea?1 z 
we h already said1 ,rita's body 0 plac$ 
9 a  c(f9 :i* 0 enclos$ 9 ano!r c(f91 & 
!re x rema9$ =  public v5]ation = !     
space ( #bhh ye>s1 f ! ye> #adeg till   
#agde4  ,b 9 t ye> a dev\t cli5t ( !    
sa9t resolv$ to  provide a m wor?y      
re/+-place = ^? v5]at$ rema9s1 & a  new 
urn1 ample & beautiful1 0 s5t to !      
conv5t4  ,?is !  ,augu/9ian nuns adorn$ 
) hang+s & ornam5tations1 s t its       
appe>ance %\ld 9 "s way correspond ) _! 
devotion4  ,monsignor ,paolo ,bonavisa1 
,bi%op ( ,spoleto1 add$ by 8 pres5ce to 
! solemnity ( ! occasion1 & on ,sunday1 
,octob] #bd1 9 !  pres5ce ( _m notable  
witnesses1 c>ri$ out ) due =mality !    
transposition ( ! sacr$ body into its   

new place ( repose1 :]e  n[ x lies4  ,s 
may ,god grant u1 ?r\gh ! abundant m]its
 &  p[]ful int]cession ( ,rita1 to keep 
our m9ds & he>ts rais$  above e>?ly ?+s1
 s t we may "o day be transport$ ) h] to
  p>ticipate 9 ! imm5se & et]nal joy (  
,p>adise4          ,,*apt] ,,viii#a     
,,m ,,rec5t ,,miracles ,,( ,,/4 ,,rita  
#a ,add$ to ?is edition4      ,we mu/ n 
pass ov] 9 sil5ce ! m>vell\s fact t1 z !
 "t  ( ! canonization ( our h]o9e 0     
draw+ ne>]1 x pleas$ !  ,"l to let m5   
see m cle>ly h[ p[]ful be=e ! ?rone ( ,8
  inf9ite m]cy is h] patronage 9 fav\r (
 ^? :o pi\sly invoke  h]4    ,! devotion
 t[>ds ,/4 ,rita1 :i* 0 already ( anci5t
 date &  widely spread1 has1 9 fact1 9  
^! latt] ye>s become m  univ]sal & m    
f]v5t4  ,among/ e class ( p]sons are    
f\nd  "s :o confid5tly h rec\rse to h]  
int]cession2 triduums &  nov5as are (f]$
 9 h] hon\r1 h] pictures are look$ =    
ev]y:]e1 relics ( h] are eag]ly s\ght1 &
 9 ! sev]e/  crises h] "n is invok$4    
,?is great increase ( wor%ip is due     

pr9cipally1 we believe1 to !  v _m      
signal graces :i* h be5 obta9$ 9 e      
c\ntry  ?r\gh ,rita's int]cession4    ,x
 w\ld be too long to n>rate all ^? cases
 we h k (1  b we mu/ n entirely         
disappo9t ! pi\s curiosity ( dev\t      
read]s by omitt+ !m all4  ,we select1   
!re=e1 a few cases f a  collection ( ^! 
extraord9>y fav\rs made by ,monsignor   
,casimiro  ,g5n>i1 titul> ,ar*bi%op (   
,lepanto1 :o is himself a mo/ devot$    
cli5t ( ,/4 ,rita & mo/ zeal\s 9 spread+
 v5]ation t[>ds s  p[]ful an advocate4  
,we h *os5 ^? :i* 9 our op9ion are  mo/ 
extraord9>y & miracul\s4    ,at ! same  
"t we wi% to prote/1 out ( v5]ation to !
 decrees  ( ,urban ,,viii4 ( ! #ac? (   
,m>*1 #afbe1 & ( ! #e? ( ,june1  #ahca1 
& ( ^? ( ! ,congregation ( ,rites1 t if 
any?+ we  h hi!rto writt5 or are ab\t to
 write ( ! miracles ( ,/4 ,rita  be n   
approv$ by ! ,holy ,see1 x ought to     
receive only t am\nt  ( cr$5ce to :i* ! 
evid5ce adduc$ entitles x4    ,si/] ,m>y
 ,consiglia ,giona1 a native ( ,naples1 

:o ent]$ !  conv5t ( ,/4 ,cosmo 9       
,conv]sano 9 ! ye> #ahei1 contract$ 9   
#ahfc  a v pa9ful malady ( ! eyes1 :i*  
gave h] no re/ night or day4  ,dur+ six 
ye>s %e consult$ _m doctors1 :o         
prescrib$ v>i\s  int]nal & ext]nal      
rem$ies1 b always )\t result4           
,ultimately  %e _h to leave ! conv5t & g
 to live at ,b>i = six mon?s  "u ! c>e (
 an exp]t oculi/1 b ev5 !n %e exp]i5c$  
no  relief4  ,! malady w5t on increas+1 
till1 to h] great grief1 %e  lo/ ! sight
 ( h] eyes1 :il/ ! pa9 9 !m cont9u$ z   
great  z ev]4  ,%e ?us return$ bl9d to !
 conv5t1 & hav+ lo/ all  confid5ce 9    
human aid1 %e turn$ to ,god & ask$ ,him 
to cure h]  ?r\gh ! patronage ( !       
,bless$ ,virg9 & ! sa9ts4  ,%e  ?\ght _m
 times t 9 a dream %e _h se5 ! mo/      
,bless$  ,virg91 :o 0 blam+ h] = hav+   
too mu* compla9$ ( h]  suff]+s1 & :o    
exhort$ h] to (f] h] pa9s to ,god4  ,"o 
night  :5 ,si/] ,m>y ,consiglia _h be5  
suff]+ m ?an usual1 worn out  %e fell   
asleep1 & %e seem$ to see 9 a dream !   

?ree ,babylonian  y\?s1 :o want$ h] to  
give !m "s bun*es ( grapes t 7  n yet   
ripe :i* 7 hang+ f a bran* ne> h] room4 
,%e  refus$1 & ! y\?s !n said3 ',:y d y 
want a grace t is n  yet ripe8'  ,!y    
disappe>$ z soon z !y _h utt]$ ^! words1
  & ! nun 0 cov]$ ) great confusion4    
,%e cont9u$1 h[ev]1 to h ,masses        
celebrat$1 & to address h]  pray]s to ! 
mo/ holy ,virg9 & to v>i\s sa9ts1 b !   
grace  %e s\ght 0 /ill d5i$ h]4  ,ab\t  
?is "t %e he>d p  speak ( ,rita (       
,cascia z ! sa9t :o obta9s f ,god :at is
  o!rwise impossible1 b hav+ lo/ h]     
confid5ce %e _h no desire  to h rec\rse 
to t sa9t4  ,nev]!less1 %e 0 induc$1 &  
almo/ con/ra9$ by viol5ce ( pa91 to beg9
 a nov5a ( pray] 9  h] hon\r4  ,%ortly  
aft] ! sa9t appe>$ to h] 9 a dream1 &   
assur$ h] t %e %\ld soon be cur$4  ,& s 
x 04  ,h]  recov]y _h n long to be wait$
 =2 x 0 spe$y & complete1  )\t any human
 aid1 = once m %e joyfully op5$ h] eyes 
to  ! light ( heav51 & h] pa9 ceas$ z if
 by magic4  ,%e has  pres]v$ h] sight   

/rong & p]fect ev5 to ! pres5t day1 nor 
has  %e any ne$ ( spectacles ev5 =      
read+1 z s _m ( h] si/]s  9 religion h4 
,?is nun1 grateful = ! great fav\r      
conf]r$ on h]1 began to  spread devotion
 to ,/4 ,rita ) ! utmo/ zeal4  ,%e _h h]
 /atue  plac$ 9 ! conv5t *ur* & expos$ =
 v5]ation by p]mission  ( ! ,holy ,see1 
& h] prop] ,mass is said on ! fea/ day1 
:i* is  celebrat$ ) great solemnity &   
att5d$ by a l>ge conc\rse (  ! fai?ful4 
,9 ?is way special devotion to ,/4 ,rita
 began 9  ,conv]sano & ! neighb\r+ t[ns1
 & _m wond]ful graces h  be5 grant$ 9 ^?
 places by ?is mo/ p[]ful patron4       
,si/] ,anna ,rosa ,biscozzi1 a nun ( !  
same conv5t1 01 9 #ahhe1  attack$ by a  
viol5t pa9 9 ! e>1 :i* cont9u$ = f\r    
mon?s1  & n only r5d]$ h] completely    
deaf1 b ne>ly drove h] mad  ) agony4  ,!
 disease made su* progress t "o ev5+    
blood  began to p\r f h] e>1 & no means 
( /an*+ x c\ld be  f\nd4  ,! doctor's   
ef=ts 7 q useless1 & n be+ able to      
sugge/ any?+ bett] he ord]$ ! e> to be  

dress$ ) oil (  almonds4  ,b ! invalid1 
in/ead ( us+ ! oil t 0  prescrib$1 made 
use ( oil f ,/4 ,rita's lamp1 & %e      
ano9t$ !  affect$ "p ) x = sev5 days1   
recit+ ?ree ,glorias & an  ,ave1 :il/ %e
 made ! sign ( ! ,cross ) ! oil1 &      
f9ally  say+ ! ejaculation1 ',bless$    
,rita1 pray = me4'  ,on ! sev5?  night  
%e _h a feel+ z if some?+ inside h] head
 _h op5$1 &  f t mom5t %e notic$ %e c\ld
 he> ! tick+ ( ! clock1  & 9 a %ort "t e
 trace ( h] malady _h disappe>$4        
,signora ,nicoletta de ,bellis (        
,rutigliano 0 (t5 compla9+ ( an         
intol]able pa9 9 h] head1 :i* came on e 
fif? or six? day1  & _h r$uc$ h] to a   
condition ( ! utmo/ emaciation4  ,%e _h 
consult$ _m physicians1 among/ !m "s ( !
 mo/ di/+ui%$  9 ,naples1 & _h submitt$ 
to _m c\rses ( treatm5t1 b all to  no   
effect4  ,! malady 0 ob/9ate1 & h] heal?
 0 fail+ day by  day4  ,h] aunt1 :o 0 a 
nun 9 ! conv5t ( ,/4 ,cosmo 9           
,conv]sano1 ( :i* we h _h reason to     
speak already1 told h] (  ,/4 ,rita's   

miracles1 & p]suad$ h] to h rec\rse to t
 sa9t  by a f]v5t nov5a4  ,! invalid    
foll[$ h] advice1 & we may  imag9e h]   
joy & wond] on f9d+ h]self fre$ f h]    
malady at  ! v beg9n+ ( ! nov5a4  ,!    
recov]y 0 a p]fect &  la/+ "o1 & no     
ve/ige ( disease 0 left4    ,a poor man 
f ,conv]sano _h ! mis=tune to get a     
fi/ula on "o  ( 8 eyes1 :i* c\ld be got 
rid ( only by a difficult & co/ly       
surgical op]ation4  ,he w\ld h to g to  
,b>i & pay #bjj lire to  ! surgeon1 :i* 
x 0 q impossible = him to d4  ,he _h    
rec\rse to ,/4 ,rita 9 8 tr\ble1 &      
bes\ght h] int]v5tion )  a lively1 ard5t
 fai?4  ,8 pray]s 7 he>d2 ! fi/ula      
disappe>$ f 8 eye )\t ! int]v5tion ( !  
surgeon's  knife4  ,he _h a solemn ,mass
 ( ?anksgiv+ sung e ye> 9 hon\r  ( 8    
deliv]]4    ,9 #ahhf a little boy ( f\r 
ye>s fell on ! fire ( a brazi]1 &       
besides be+ badly burnt1 8 eyes 7 s     
s]i\sly injur$ t he  c\ld no long] op5  
!m4  ,8 afflict$ "m call$ 9 ! doctors1  
& appli$ ! rem$ies !y prescrib$1 b )\t  

effect4  ,day  pass$ aft] day1 & ! *ild 
rema9$ bl9d1 nor 0 !re any hope  left t 
he w\ld recov] 8 sight4  ,8 pi\s "m !n  
betook  h]self to pray] to ,god & ,8    
sa9ts2 %e address$ _m appeals on  h]    
*ild's behalf to v>i\s heav5ly patrons1 
b ! fav\r %e  s\ght 0 n grant$4  ,"o    
night1 :il/ %e 0 sleep+1 !re  appe>$ to 
h] a nun1 :o said1 ',y h _h rec\rse to  
_m sa9ts3  :y h y n appli$ to me8'  ',& 
:o are y8' ask$ ! woman4  ',i am ,bless$
 ,rita1' 0 ! reply1 '^: /atue is 9 !    
,*ur* (  ,/4 ,cosmo4  ,i promise y t if 
y come to visit me y\r son's eyes  w be 
op5$ :5 y return4'  ,! woman 0 9 ! *ur* 
e>ly  next morn+ to pay ! visit sugge/$ 
to h] & to beg ! sa9t's  int]cession4   
,on h] return %e he>d h] son call+1 & on
 go+ to  him f\nd him ) eyes op5 &      
entirely cur$4    ,9 ,m>*1 #ahhg1       
,signora ,m>ia ,soria ,c>cat]ra (       
,conv]sano receiv$ a  rem>kable fav\r f 
,/4 ,rita1 :i* %e h]self ?us describes3 
',i1 ! und]sign$1 te/ify t ,i h receiv$ 
! foll[+ fav\r  f ,b4 ,rita ( ,cascia4  

,a cy/ hav+ appe>$ on my "r eyelid1 ,i  
consult$ v>i\s di/+ui%$ doctors1 :o told
 me ,i %\ld h to  und]go an op]ation4   
,b ,i ?\ght x bett] to recomm5d myself  
to  ,b4 ,rita1 & aft] _m pray]s %e did  
me ! fav\r ( caus+ !  cy/ to disappe>   
)\t any ne$ ( doctors or ( m$ic9e4      
',,m>ia ,,soria ,,c>cat]ra4'            
,signor ,giovanni ,biscozzi _h 9 #ahhg  
be5 ill = a long "t ) a  pa9ful malady4 
,! physicians ?\ght he 0 suff]+ f       
disease  ( ! he>t1 & !re=e incurable4   
,x is c]ta9 t he _h to  rema9 %ut up 9 8
 room1 = e *ang+ ( place caus$ him      
griev\s torm5t4  ,:5 8 aunt1 :o 0 a nun 
9 ! conv5t ( ,/4  ,cosmo 9 ,conv]sano1  
came to le>n ?is1 %e s5t him "o ( ,/4   
,rita's  bless$ loaves1 advis+ him to   
take a little piece ( x e day &  !n dr9k
 a little wat] 9 memory ( ! sa9t's      
fa/+s1 & to  recite ?ree ,glorias & an  
,ave & ! invocation1 ',bless$ ,rita1    
pray  = me4'  ,! sick man foll[$ !      
advice1 & imm$iately _h  exp]i5ce ( its 
salut>y effects1 = he felt consid]ably  

bett]1  & v soon 0 re/or$ to 8 =m]      
heal?4  ,z a m>k (  gratitude he s5t !  
conv5t a pres5t ( oil to be us$ 9 ! lamp
  at ! sa9t's /atue4    ,paol9a         
,giannetti1 a lay si/] ( ! same conv5t (
 ,/4 ,cosmo1 _h a  l>ge pu/ule on h] arm
 :i* 0 v pa9ful1 & s9ce %e c\ld  n be   
disp5s$ f work+1 x fe/]$1 & h] :ole arm 
became  swoll51 & 9 consequ5ce ( ?is %e 
fell into a viol5t fev]4  ,x  0 ?\ght   
indisp5sable t a doctor %\ld be call$ 91
 & t  ev5+ a message 0 s5t to ! doctor  
ask+ him to come next day1  t a lay si/]
 _h ne$ ( 8 s]vices4  ,t night a picture
 (  ,/4 ,rita 0 giv5 to ! sick nun1 & %e
 plac$ x on h] diseas$  arm all night4  
,h>dly _h %e awak5$ f sleep :5 %e f\nd t
  ! swell+ _h entirely subsid$1 t ! fev]
 _h left h]1 &  t e trace ( ! pu/ule _h 
also disappe>$4  ,! doctor came  lat]1 &
 0 told !re 0 no ne$ = 8 s]vices4       
,signora ,natalizia ,scattone (         
,conv]sano relates t h] husb& _h a  l>ge
 tum\r on "o ( 8 legs1 :i* =c$ him to   
keep 8 b$ =  _m days1 & :i* _h          

ultimately to be remov$ by an op]ation4 
,8  wife 0 v mu* afraid t ! w\nd made by
 ! surgeon w\ld  become a fi/ula1 = ev5 
! slighte/ scrat* on h] husb& took      
sev]al days to heal4  ,%e _h be=e       
receiv$ _m fav\rs f ,/4  ,rita1 & 0     
!re=e v dev\t t[>ds h]2 & on ?is        
occasion1  h>dly _h ! surgeon dep>t$    
aft] ! op]ation1 ?an %e plac$ a  relic (
 ! sa9t ov] ! b&ages1 & pray$ ) all h]  
he>t =  h] husb&4  ,on ! foll[+ day !   
surgeon return$ to dress !  w\nd1 b :5 !
 b&ages 7 remov$1 x 0 f\nd to be        
completely heal$1 to 8 great amazem5t & 
t ( ! family4    ,signor ,dom5ico       
,lopriore ( ,conv]sano _h a too?        
extract$ 9 #ahhg1  & p]haps ow+ to !    
damp to :i* he expos$ himself by go+    
into  ! c\ntry at an e>ly h\r1 an       
abscess 0 =m$ 9 8 m\?1 :i*  r$uc$ him to
 ! la/ extremity4  ,a v high fev]1 )    
swell+s  9 8 ?roat1 face1 & tongue1     
depriv$ him ( all repose4  ,8  tongue   
especially _h gr[n s l>ge t he _h p]=ce 
to keep x  full two f+]s' bread? hang+  

out ( 8 m\?4  ,! doctors1  see+ t he 0  
gr[+ worse1 ord]$ him ! la/ ,sacram5ts4 
,he  _h a c\s9 :o 0 a bo>d] 9 ! conv5t (
 ,/4 ,cosmo1 & :o 0  v devot$ to ,/4    
,rita4  ,%e1 ) ! nuns1 pray$ v f]v5tly  
to  ! sa9t = ! sick man's recov]y1 & 8  
uncle1 a prie/1 (f]$  ,mass = ! same    
int5tion on ! sa9t's alt> 9 ! *ur*4  ,! 
holy sacrifice & ! pray]s soon br\ght   
ab\t ! desir$ effect1  = ! sick man     
sudd5ly became mu* bett]1 & 9 a %ort "t 
0  completely cur$4    ,devotion to ,/4 
,rita has n only br\ght heal? to bodies1
 b  salvation to s\ls1 z ! foll[+ %[s3  
,si/] ,g5efosa ,p]r9i1  nun ( ! conv5t (
 ,/4 ,cosmo1 hav+ to live out ( clausura
 =  "s "t ow+ to ill-heal?1 _h occasion 
to g to ,b>i "o day )  h] bro!r1 ,canon 
,francesco ,p]r9i4  ,9 t t[n !y he>d ( a
  "y lady :o 0 dy+1 & :o1 masqu]ad+ z a 
free?9k]1  refus$ to h any?+ to d )     
prie/s or ,sacram5ts4  ,h]  relatives1  
:o 7 9 ! utmo/ affliction at su* a      
mis=tune1  begg$ ! ,canon & 8 si/] to g 
& see h]1 9 ! hope t  _! visit might    

excite "s good ?\ght 9 h]4  ,!y w5t to  
see  ! invalid1 b z soon z %e caught    
sight ( !m %e began to abuse  !m        
bitt]ly4  ,said ! ,canon to h]3         
',signora1 ,i am only come to pay  y a  
simple visit1 & also1 if y please1 to   
br+ y a cure =  y\r disease4'  ',:at    
cure8' ask$ %e1 gr[+ calm]4  ',if1      
inde$1  y h an efficaci\s "o1 y are     
welcome4'  ,by good =tune !  ,canon _h a
 little picture ( ! sa9t1 &1 (f]+ x to !
 sick  lady1 he said3 ',"h is ! cure4   
,if y w h rec\rse to ?is  advocate1 :o  
is call$ ! ,sa9t ( ! ,impossible1 y w be
  sav$4'  ,! sight ( ! picture1 inde$1  
work$ a wond]4  ,in/ead (  fly+ into a  
passion & ?r[+ x back to !m1 z %e _h    
done on  o!r occasions1 ! invalid freely
 accept$ x1 took x ) devotion1  & plac$ 
x "u h] pill[4  ,aft] ?is ! ,canon ) 8  
si/]  took 8 leave & w5t away1 b h>dly  
_h he gone a few y>ds ?an  he 0 call$   
back 9 a great hurry1 & :5 he w5t to !  
invalid  %e ask$ him to he> h]          
confession4  ,! ,canon %[$ h] t he  c\ld

 n he> confessions outside 8 own        
diocese1 & he exhort$ h]  to avail      
h]self ( a confessor ( ! place4  ,%e    
all[$ h]self to  be p]suad$1 a confessor
 0 call$ 91 & %e made h] confession  )  
great sorr[4  ,%e said t ,rita _h appe>$
 to h] z a nun1  & incit$ h] to die     
well4  ,%e receiv$ ! ,holy ,viaticum &  
,extreme ,unction ) signs ( s9c]e piety1
 & !n deliv]$ up h]  s\l to ,god4    ,9 
,m>*1 #ahhh1 ,signora ,cat]9a ,bian*9i  
_h a little son ( five  ye>s ( age :o 0 
attack$ by canc]\s diph!ria 9 ! ?roat1  
:i* soon plac$ him 9 extreme dang] (    
dea?4  ,! physicians _h  despair$ ( him1
 & gave him only f\r h\rs to live4  ,8  
"m1  :o at o!r times _h receiv$ signal  
fav\rs f ,/4 ,rita1 _h  rec\rse to h]1  
confid5t 9 h] assi/ance1 & besee*+ h] ) 
te>s to help h]4  ,%e ano9t$ ! *ild's   
?roat ) ! oil ( !  sa9t1 &1 mo/ wond]ful
 to tell1 h>dly _h ! oil t\*$ 8  ?roat  
?an he mov$ himself1 recov]$            
consci\sness1 spoke1 & 9 a  few days 0  
well4  ,on ! foll[+ day ! doctor & _!   

relations  call$ r to visit ! p>5ts ?an 
! *ild1 :o !y ?\ght 0  dead1 b imag9e _!
 a/oni%m5t on see+ him re/or$ to heal?6 
',my "m1' said he1 'rubb$ me ) ,/4      
,rita's oil1 & said4  ,sa9t  ,rita1 give
 me my son1 & ,i 0 well aga94'    ,9    
#ahij ,signor9a ,susanna ,palli]i (     
,conv]sano _h suff]$ f a  sev]e pulmon>y
 compla9t1 & :5 %e recov]$ f x %e 0     
tr\bl$ by a ga!r+ 9 "o ( h] eyes :i*    
rema9$ f t  disease1 & :i* resi/$ all ! 
ef=ts ( h] doctors4  ,:5 %e  f\nd t none
 ( ! doctors ( h] native place c\ld     
effect a cure1  %e put h]self "u ! c>e (
 ,dr4 ,vitali1 a di/+ui%$ oculi/  (     
,b>i1 = ?ree mon?s4  ,b ! ga!r+ 9 h] eye
 grew worse  in/ead ( bett]1 & f9ally ! 
oculi/1 see+ t all 8  attempts produc$  
no result1 _h to ?r[ up ! case4  ,x w\ld
 be  impossible to tell ! sorr[ ( ! poor
 "y lady at s un=tunate  a result ( h]  
ef=ts4  ,hav+ lo/ all hope 9 human aid1 
%e1 )  h] "m1 began to besee* ,/4 ,rita 
ei!r to cure h] ( h] malady  or else    
take h] out ( ?is _w to escape !        

intol]able angui% (  ! pa9 %e _h to be>4
  ,_! pray]s 7 n 9 va91 = on !  v next  
day aft] beg9n+ ! pray]s h] eye 0 v mu* 
improv$1 & t ev5+ %e 0 entirely cur$4   
,dr4 ,vitali 0  imm$iately in=m$ ( :at  
_h happ5$1 & at fir/ did n believe  x2 b
 :5 he saw t %e _h really be5 cur$1 he  
decl>$ op5ly  t su* a cure ought to be  
reg>d$ z a real miracle4  ,f t day      
,signor9a ,palli]i 0 entirely cur$ ( !  
disease ( h] eye1 &  enjoy$ excell5t    
heal?1 nor does %e cease to return ?anks
 to !  ,sa9t ( ! ,impossible4    ,9 !   
t[n ( ,turi1 9 ,febru>y1 #ahic1 a boy ( 
five ye>s ( age  nam$ ,filippo          
d',addabbo1 :o _h j _h an attack (      
sc>lat9a1  develop$ symptoms ( viol5t   
fev] accompani$ by swell+s ( 8  :ole    
body4  ,= two days he _h rema9$ 9 b$    
unable to speak1 &  ! doctors gave him  
up = dead4  ,9 ?is /ate he sudd5ly op5$ 
8  eyes1 made a sign t[>ds a picture (  
,/4 ,rita t 0 hang+ 9 !  room1 & said to
 8 "m3 ',take d[n t picture1 & light "s 
c&les be=e x1' & !y did s4  ,e>ly on !  

foll[+ morn+ he  said3 ',mamma1 write to
 ,aunt ,*i>a ,m>ia 7%e 0 a nun 9 !      
conv5t  ( ,/4 ,cosmo7 9 ,conv]sano to h 
a ,mass said to ,/4 ,rita4'  ,& !y      
imm$iately did z he wi%$4  ,on ! ev5+ ( 
t day ! *ild  grew worse1 & !y 7 afraid 
he 0 dy+1 z ! doctors _h  assur$ !m4    
,at a c]ta9 "t ( ! night1 h[ev]1 he     
became  noticeably bett]4  ,:5 ! doctors
 came next day to visit him !y  f\nd    
him1 to _! a/oni%m5t1 entirely recov]$1 
& repeat+ !  words1 ',bless$ ,rita has  
cur$ me4'    ,natale ,esp]ti1 a %oemak] 
( ,conv]sano1 _h be5 9 a deplorable     
/ate ( heal? = a long "t1 = 8 feet &    
legs 7 swoll51  & a pa9 9 ! he>t depriv$
 him ( all *ance ( repose4  ,!  he>t    
disease became worse1 & ! doctors att5d+
 him lo/ all hope  ( sav+ 8 life4  ,on  
,tuesday 9 ,holy ,week1 #ahie1 he       
receiv$ !  la/ ,sacram5ts1 z he 0 almo/ 
on ! po9t ( dea?1 & 8 end  0 expect$ e  
h\r4  ,8 si/]-9-law1 :o 0 mo/ devot$ to 
,/4 ,rita1 pity+ 8 sad case1 w5t to pray
 = him 9 ! ,*ur* (  ,/4 ,cosmo1 & br\ght

 "s c&les to light be=e ! sa9t's /atue4 
,:il/ all ! o!rs 7 weep+ ab\t ! b$ ( !  
dy+ man %e  obta9$ a little picture ( ! 
sa9t1 :i* 0 plac$ on 8 brea/  :il/ !y   
recit$ ! invocation1 ',/4 ,rita1 pray = 
him4'  ,!y  also gave him a little piece
 ( ! sa9t's bless$ bread1 :i* he  tri$  
to swall[4  ,a wond] 0 in/antly se51 = !
 swell+  decreas$ consid]ably1 & ! pa9  
at ! he>t disappe>$4  ,9  ?ree days !   
man :o _h be5 dy+ 0 able to rise f 8 b$ 
cur$1 to ! incr$ible wond] ( all :o _h  
assi/$ him dy+4    ,signora ,antonia    
,b]n>di ( ,ci/]n9o also obta9$ a /up5d\s
  fav\r f our sa9t4  ,9 ,may1 #ahie1 %e 
_h an attack ( sc>lat9a1  :i* 0 epidemic
 9 t t[n1 & _h prov$ fatal 9 _m cases4  
,9 h] case x 0 s viol5t & s mu* resi/$  
all ! skill ( !  doctors t %e 0 decl>$  
incurable1 & %e 0 prep>+ h]self  to     
receive ! la/ ,sacram5ts4  ,h] p>5ts 7  
di/ract$ )  grief1 b kn[+ ! miracles t  
,/4 ,rita works 9 e place1  !y _h       
rec\rse to h] patronage 9 _! sorr[4  ,! 
dy+ woman  also recomm5d$ h]self        

confid5tly to ,/4 ,rita1 & jo9$ h]      
pray]s to ^? ( ! o!rs4  ,:il/ %e 0 9 a  
p>oxysm ( fev]1  & h5ce c\ld n say :e!r 
%e 0 sleep+ or wak+1 ,/4 ,rita  appe>$  
to h]1 & ) h] ano!r sa9t :om ! sick     
woman c\ld  n di/+ui%4  ,! sa9t came    
close to h] b$1 & said to h]1 ',i  h    
cur$ y2 n[ y w be well1 b m9d1 return me
 ! visit at  ,conv]sano4'  ,! sa9t      
disappe>$1 & ! sick woman f\nd h]self   
in/antly well4  ,h] p>5ts & relatives 7 
seiz$ ) ! utmo/  a/oni%m5t1 & !y took   
c>e to betake !m to ,conv]sano to return
  ! visit ( _! b5efic5t visitor4  ,!re  
is no ne$ to say t  aft] ?is ev5t !     
wor%ip ( ,/4 ,rita 0 ext5d$ to p (  e   
rank 9 ,ci/]n9o4    ,among/ ! v _m      
places into :i* ! wor%ip ( ,/4 ,rita has
  be5 publicly introduc$ 9 v rec5t ye>s1
 ,noci1 a l>ge t[n 9  ! diocese (       
,conv]sano1 is des]v+ ( special m5tion4 
,!re is  an alt>1 ri*ly ornam5t$1 erect$
 9 ! pr9cipal *ur* !re 9  hon\r ( !     
sa9t1 & nev] a day passes t cr[ds ( !   
fai?ful  d n g !re to (f] _! pray]s or  

pay _! v[s4  ,& ,rita1  look+ ) pleasure
 on ! piety ( ! p ( ,noci1 repays !m  e 
day ) help & fav\r4  ,= brevity's sake  
we %all m5tion  only ?ree examples (    
?is1 & 9 ! fir/ place t obta9$ by  !    
prie/1 ,don ,francesco ,morea1 :o is    
rem>kable = promot+  devotion to ,/4    
,rita4  ,"h are 8 words3    ',ab\t      
midnight on ! #aj? ( ,april1 #ahie1 ,i 0
 awak5$ by viol5t  beat+s ( my he>t1 s  
frequ5t & cont9u\s t ,i c\ld n  brea!4  
,i rema9$ a long "t sitt+ up 9 b$ ) my  
h& tightly  press$ ov] ! region ( !     
he>t1 9 great tr\ble1 )\t be+  able to  
utt] a ^w4  ,h[ev]1 ,i turn$ to ,bless$ 
,rita 9 ?\ght1  plac$ h] picture ov] my 
he>t1 & v[$ a silv] he>t if %e  lib]at$ 
me f ?is sudd5 illness4  ,i recit$ ?ree 
,glorias 9 h]  hon\r1 add+1 ,o1 ,bless$ 
,rita1 pray = me4  ,z soon z ,i _h done 
?is ,i 0 q well4  ,! beat+ ( my he>t    
became regul>2 ,i 0  able to lie d[n &  
sleep4  ,f "t to "t s9ce ?is n]v\s      
palpitation has return$1 b nev] 9 ! same
 =m z t night1 nor  = s long4  ,i r$eem$

 my v[ on ! #ad? ( ,may by hang+ on h]  
picture ! silv] he>t ,i promis$4'    ,! 
influ5za1 :i* 0 rife 9 _m p>ts ( ,puglia
 9 #ahie1 did n  sp>e ! t[n ( ,noci4    
,among/ o!rs1 ,m>ia ,luizzi1 wife (     
,simone  ,sansonetti1 a blea*]1 0       
attack$ by x4  ,aft] /ruggl+ ) !        
disease = sev]al days at la/ x left h]1 
& ! doctor all[$  h] to leave h] b$4    
,h>dly1 h[ev]1 _h %e put foot on ! floor
  ?an %e felt entirely pro/rat$1 &      
exp]i5c$ su* a feel+ (  dizz9ess t %e   
fell at full l5g? on ! floor1 & 0 )     
great  difficulty got into b$ aga94  ,on
 ! next & ?ree foll[+ days  ! same      
feel+s ( weakness & dejection cont9u$4  
,on ! ev5+  ( ! fif? day1 animat$ )     
/rong confid5ce 9 ,/4 ,rita1 to :om1  z 
we h said1 an alt> 9 ! p>i% *ur* 0      
d$icat$1 %e  pray$ 9 ?is way3 ',o       
,bless$ ,rita1 ,i promise to pres5t y ) 
my  breloque if y all[ me to rema9 out (
 b$ all day to-morr[4'  ,:5  ! "t came  
to get up1 %e left h] b$ & dress$       
h]self1 )\t  ! lea/ d\bt t h] pray] _h  

be5 he>d4  ,%e tri$ to walk  ab\t h]    
room1 & f\nd %e c\ld d s )\t difficulty1
 = %e  felt h]self =tifi$ ) new /r5g?1 &
 all ! ill-effects (  ! influ5za vani%$4
  ,%e r$eem$ h] v[ to ! sa9t on ! #e?  (
 ,june1 #ahie4    ,! foll[+ fact t      
happ5$ 9 ,noci on ! #bh? ( ,june1 #ahie1
  cr[ns all ! wond]ful works :i* ! ,sa9t
 ( ! ,impossible  p]=ms e day4  ,x is ! 
case ( a doctor--z pi\s & religi\s  z he
 is skilful 9 ! heal+ art--:o 0         
unexpect$ly attack$ by  c]ebral         
conge/ion & r$uc$ to ! la/ extremity1 & 
ev5 ?\ght  to be dead1 :o1 aft] simply  
be+ ano9t$ by ! sa9t's oil mov$         
himself1 reviv$1 & completely recov]$4  
,b let u leave x to  himself to tell !  
/ory1 = out ( gratitude = ! fav\r       
receiv$  he has writt5 ! foll[+ ) 8 own 
h&3      ',on ! #bh? ( la/ ,june1 9 !   
=5oon1 :il/ ,i 0 mak+ my  usual r\nd (  
m$ical visits1 ,i began to feel unwell2 
& ab\t elev5  o'clock1 :il/ ,i 0 /&+ by 
a sick man1 ,i c\ld n complete my       
visit1 = ,i almo/ fell into a swoon4  ,!

 wom5 :o 7 /&+  opposite me notic$ t ,i 
0 ill & gave ! al>m4  ,! prie/1 ,don    
,pietro ,g5tile1 ne> ^: h\se ,i 01 0 s5t
 = & soon arriv$4  ,he ask$ me h[ ,i    
felt1 & ,i repli$1 ,i mi/ru/ myself4  ,d
 y  wi% to g home8 said he4  ,yes1 ,i   
answ]$1 let u g4  ,& )  ! utmo/         
difficulty ,i got !re4  ,i ?rew myself  
on ! b$1 lo/ all  s5se1 0 seiz$ )       
epileptic convulsions ( ! ,jacksonian   
type1  proce$+ f conge/ion ( ! bra94  ,i
 _h ?ree attacks at %ort  int]vals1 ea* 
m s]i\s ?an ! prec$+ "o4  ,blood 0 let1 
lee*es 7 appli$1 _m mu/>d cataplasms 7  
us$1 ice 0 kept  con/antly to my head4  
,my colleagues :o affectionately att5d$ 
me  already despair$ ( my recov]y1 & _h 
! la/ ,sacram5ts  adm9i/]$ to me2 !     
prie/s 7 recit+ ! pray]s = !  dy+1 & x 0
 rum\r$ t ,i 0 dead4  ,! good p p\r$    
into ! *ur*1 & n[ _h no hope except 9 a 
miracle4  ,ceaseless  pray]s 7 (f]$1    
especially be=e ! alt> ( ,bless$ ,rita4 
,!  oil ( ! sa9t 0 requisition$4  ,i 0  
consci\s ( wak+ z f  a calm sleep1 :il/ 

,i felt a h& ano9t+ my *eeks2 ,i        
aft]w>ds  le>n$ t ! same ?+ _h be5 done 
ov] my /oma* & on my  temples4  ,f t    
mom5t ,i ,,0 ,,completely ,,re/or$ ,,to 
,,heal?1 & b  = ! conc]n ( my fri5ds ,i 
w\ld h dress$ myself & gone  ab\t my    
usual occupations4  ,?is ev5t1 really   
extraord9>y1 believ$  by all ! p to h   
happ5$ by ! int]cession ( ,bless$ ,rita1
  ,i consecrate 9 ?is acc\nt ( x1 z a   
pro( ( my gratitude1 to !  glory ( !    
same ,bless$ ,rita4    ',,pasquale      
,,tateo1 ,m4,d4        ',noci1  '#bnd ( 
,july1 #ahie4'      ,s9ce ?is case is s 
s+ul>1 & ! miracle s great1 we subjo9  !
 acc\nt ( x giv5 by ! zeal\s prie/ ( !  
place1 ,don  ,francesco ,morea3    ',!  
dea?s ( ! ?ree ladies1 ,vavalle1        
,mansueto1 & ,anguilli1 _h  impress$ !  
t[n ) sadness1 :5 a new & unexpect$     
sorr[ came  to di/urb all ! p4  ,9 less 
"t ?an x takes to relate !  sad tid+s _h
 pass$ f m\? to m\?2 p ( e condition  7 
se5 to /op 9 a/oni%m5t1 to ask news ( "o
 ano!r1 & turn  _! /eps to ! h\se :]e ! 

sick man lay4  ,x 0 s+ul> to  see !     
/airs cr[d$ ) little *ildr5 ( bo? sexes1
 to see !  p come out te>fully on !     
balconies & ask news ( !  pass]s-by1 & !
 univ]sal sorr[ w\ld h told y ! great   
e/eem 9 :i* he t 0 s ne> ! tomb 0 held4 
,! news t  he _h already receiv$ ! la/  
,sacram5ts1 & t ! prie/s1 :o  ) !       
doctors 7 ab\t 8 b$1 _h begun ! pray]s =
 a s\l  dep>t+1 made x cle> to all t v  
few h\rs ( life rema9$ to  ,doctor      
,pasquale ,tateo4  ,9 ! mid/ ( su*      
he>tfelt sorr[ !re  7 "s1 h[ev]1 :o 7   
(f]+ f]v5t pray]s = him to !  ,mo/ ,high
 ?r\gh ! int]cession ( ! ,sa9t ( !      
,impossible4  ,!re 7 "s :o1 :il/ !y     
slept1 felt inspir$ by ! same  bless$   
s]vant ( ,god to light a lamp be=e !    
picture ( !  miracle-work]1 & ?us obta9 
= c]ta9 ! fav\r !y desir$2  !re 7 "s :o 
began 9 secret a triduum = ! sick2 & by 
!  dy+ man's b$ 7 "s :o1 provid$ ) !    
miracul\s oil1  ano9t$ ) x1 :il/ recit+ 
! usual pray]s1 8 head1 8  /oma* &      
abdom51 t 7 swoll5 to an extraord9>y    

ext5t4  ,&  su* great fai? 9 !          
int]cession ( our new protectress 0     
cr[n$  by a mo/ s+ul> grace4  ,z soon z 
! ano9t+ 0 complet$ !re  came on a m    
viol5t fit ( convulsions ?an any t _h   
prec$$  x1 & x 0 ?\ght ! doctor's la/   
h\r _h come4  ,b t fit  0 ! la/1 & x    
seems t ! p[]ful advocate wi%$ to h x   
und]/ood t %e int]v5$ on behalf ( h]    
fai?ful cli5ts  exactly :5 !y 7 9 dire/ 
p]il1 & :5 all hope ( recov]y  by human 
means _h be5 ab&on$4  ,:il/ ! convulsive
 fit 0 9  progress !y began aga9 to     
ano9t him ) ! m>vell\s oil1 &  !n he    
came to himself1 & look$ z if he 7 wak+ 
f a calm  sleep ( ?ree h\rs4    ',!     
transition f dea? to life 0 s sudd5 t ^?
 :o 7  pres5t c\ld n b ackn[l$ge t !    
recov]y 0 a true miracle  grant$ to !   
pray]s ( ! entire t[n by its new        
protectress1  ,bless$ ,rita4  ,pleasant 
to relate1 !re 0 no "t ( convalesc5ce1  
no gett+ bett] by degrees1 no fur!r     
rem$y appli$ to him2 b on  ! #cj? !     
doctor1 )\t any trace ( weakness f !    

blood-lett+1 b full ( en]gy1 *e]ful1 &  
witty1 z he usually  _h be51 woke e>ly 9
 ! morn+1 &1 he>+ ! bell ( !  ,capu*9   
*ur* r++1 want$ to get up & g to ,mass1 
z x 0 a  fea/ day1 b he 0 n all[$ to d  
?is4  ,he rose lat] 9 !  day1 0 able to 
take 8 meals1 & return$ to 8 h\se )\t   
assi/ance1 amid/ ! wond] & applause ( ! 
p4  ,! next  day1 e>ly1 he resum$ 8     
ord9>y pr(essional duties4  ,^!         
circum/ances 7 su* z w\ld make ^? :o did
 n "k ( !  miracle believe t ! occurr5ce
 mu/ h be5 ! result ( an  excit$        
imag9ation r ?an und5iable fact4  ,yet  
su* !y 71  & ! miracle is all ! m       
wond]ful on ?is acc\nt1 & wor?y  ( be+  
publi%$ = ! glory ( ,god & ,bless$      
,rita4  ,to ?is end  ! doctor1 out (    
gratitude1 promises to make ! alt>      
d$icat$ to  h] 9 ?is pr9cipal *ur* ev5  
ri*] ?an x already is1 by  pres5t+ a    
beautiful silv] lamp to be hung f ! ar* 
9 front (  x4'    ,on ! #bj? ( ,janu>y1 
#ahif1 ,signora ,anna ,gregori ( ,rome 0
 seiz$  by a viol5t fev]1 :i* at fir/ 0 

?\ght to be simply rheumatic  fev]1 b   
:i* v soon develop$ into t t]rible      
malady  pleuro-bron*ial pneumonia1 :i*  
is 9 mo/ cases fatal 9 ,rome4  ,9  spite
 ( ! prompt & skilful treatm5t ( !      
well-kn[n ,pr(essor  ,masci>elli1 !     
disease cont9u$ to ga9 =ce s rapidly t !
  pati5t1 :o 0 also enci5te1 receiv$ !  
la/ com=ts (  religion on ! #be? ( !    
mon?1 & also ! bless+ ( ! ,holy  ,fa!r1 
& aft] hav+ te>fully giv5 h] la/        
messages to h]  fri5ds1 %e 0 await+ !   
call ( ! ,"l ) resignation4    ,mean:ile
 h] husb&1 ,signor ,augu/o ,gregori1 :o 
0 inconsolable at  ! loss t ?reat5$ him 
aft] only eight ye>s ( m>ri$ life1      
turn$ ) confid5ce to ,our ,lady (       
,pompei & to ,/4 ,rita ( ,cascia1  t    
well-kn[n sket* ( ^: life he _h read a  
few days be=e1  call$ ',! ,sa9t ( !     
,impossible4'  ,he f]v5tly bes\ght h]   
aid1  promis+ to pres5t a silv] votive  
(f]+ & to spread devotion to  h]4  ,ev5 
be=e midnight ( t day ! invalid felt    
relief1 !  fev] w5t d[n1 h] /r5g? came  

back1 & aft] two days ! doctors  decl>$ 
h] out ( all dang]4  ,%e 0 %ortly aft]  
able to rise  f h] b$ completely        
recov]$4  ,! fav\r 0 a complete &       
p]fect "o1 = aft] h] s]i\s illness !re 0
 no trace (  tub]culosis1 :i* 0 fe>$1 & 
aft] less ?an a mon? %e gave  bir? to a 
/rong & heal?y little daught]4  ,h]     
husb&1 :o  quickly r$eem$ 8 v[1 does n  
cease to give glory to ! ,sa9t (  !     
,impossible4    ,simone ,rotunno & 8    
wife1 ,rosa ,n>acci1 ( ,conv]sano1 7    
ov]:elm$ ) grief at a s]i\s illness t   
?reat5$ ! life (  _! little daught]     
,m>ia1 a *ild ( f\r ye>s4  ,on ! #bg? ( 
,janu>y1 #ahif1 ab\t five 9 ! morn+1 !y 
f\nd h] wri?+ 9  convulsions & almo/ at 
! po9t ( dea?4  ,imm$iately !y  bes\ght 
! help ( _! great patron ,/4 ,rita1 &   
ano9t$ !  *ild's memb]s ) oil f ! sa9t's
 lamp :il/ !y 7  (f]+ f]v5t pray]s4  ,!y
 _h n long to wait1 = at elev5  o'clock 
on ! same morn+ ! *ild1 :o _h hi!rto %[n
 no signs  ( life1 /irr$ 9 b$1 op5$ h]  
eyes1 & began to speak1 & aft]  t5 days 

0 re/or$ to p]fect heal?4    ,a boy &   
girl1 *ildr5 ( ,doctor ,vito ,antonio   
,arg5ti ( ,polignano1  on ! sea-coa/1   
caught ! influ5za1 :i* 0 rife !re 9     
#ahif4  ,! disease took a v s]i\s turn 9
 ! boy's case1 & develop$  into         
pneumonia1 accompani$ by high fev] & pa9
 9 ! %\ld]4  ,! dang]\s developm5t ( !  
disease caus$ con/]nation 9 !  family4  
,!y imm$iately began a nov5a to ,/4     
,rita1 to :om devotion is v  g5]ally    
practis$ 9 t place1 & 9 ^: hon\r an alt>
 is  d$icat$ 9 ! ,*ur* ( ! ,sacr$ ,he>t4
  ,!y _h two lamps  light$ be=e h]      
picture1 & promis$ _m gifts if _! son   
%\ld  be re/or$ to heal?4  ,_! pray]s 7 
answ]$1 = ! *ild grew  m>k$ly bett] dur+
 ! nov5a1 & 0 completely cur$ by ! "t  x
 0 f9i%$4  ,! same rem$y 0 adopt$ 9 !   
case ( ! little  girl1 on :om ! disease 
_h told sev]ely4  ,!y put a picture ( ! 
sa9t on h] brea/1 :i* %e (t5 kiss$      
dev\tly1 ano!r nov5a  0 begun = h]      
recov]y1 & an improvem5t 0 soon evid5t1 
&  cont9u$ till %e 0 re/or$ to p]fect   

heal?4    ,a woman f ,casamassima1 :o 0 
m>ri$ at ,b>i1 _h an only son (  ab\t   
sev5te5 ye>s ( age1 :o 0 v wild &       
dissolute4  ,he 0  = ev] runn+ away f   
home1 gett+ into tr\ble1 & giv+ v5t  to 
8 vici\s incl9ations1 & /ay+ out at     
night m (t5 ?an  n4  ,see+ t all good   
advice & ev5 ?reats 7 ?r[n away  ^u him1
 8 afflict$ p>5ts appli$ to ,/4 ,rita 9 
pray]1 = !y  _h he>d ( ! wond]ful de$s  
%e _h done4  ,!y began a nov5a (  c]ta9 
,pat]s & ,aves z well z !y c\ld4  ,on ! 
?ird day _!  son appe>$ at home1 b      
%ortly aft] w5t (f aga9 & return$ no  m4
  ,nev]!less1 !y /ill _h confid5ce 9 !  
sa9t1 & began  a second nov5a aft] !    
mann] direct$ 9 a little book !y got  f 
an aunt ( !irs4  ,:5 ! nov5a 0 ne>ly    
f9i%$ ! son  came back q *ang$ f :at he 
_h be54  ,he ?rew himself at 8  p>5ts'  
feet1 & ) te>s ask$ _! p>don = ! grief  
he _h  caus$ !m1 promis+ to lead a new  
life = ! future4  ,to remove  all       
occasion ( giv+ way to 8 vagrant        
prop5sities1 he ask$ !m  to h him taught

 "s bus9ess 9 :i* he c\ld by 8 conduct  
give  pro( ( 8 s9c]ity4  ,8 p>5ts1      
beside !mselves ) joy1  ha/5$ to        
,conv]sano to return ?anks to ,/4 ,rita1
 & z a pro( (  _! gratitude !y _h a lamp
 light$ be=e h] alt>1 :i* !y  made      
arrangem5ts to keep burn+ on ,friday 9 e
 week4    ,! bro!r-9-law ( a c]ta9 ,si/]
 ( ,*>ity 0 dang]\sly ill  ( pneumonia 9
 ,febru>y1 #ahif4  ,! doctor :o 0 call$ 
to att5d  him did n let 8 fri5ds "k h[  
critical ! case 01 9 ord]  n to fright5 
!m1 b he only said to ! pati5t's wife1  
',pray to  ,god = y\r husb&4'  ,luckily 
= h]1 %e _h a copy ( ! book  ',! ,sa9t (
 ! ,impossible1' :i* h] si/] ! nun _h   
giv5 h]1  & %e entru/$ ev]y?+ to ! sa9t1
 & e>ne/ly begg$ h]  help = ! sick man4 
,"o night he almo/ swoon$ f ! viol5ce  (
 8 c\gh1 & _h to sit up 9 b$4  ,ab\t    
midnight he saw a nun  come close to him
 & gaze at him fix$ly )\t speak+4  ,%e  
/ood  by 8 side = half an h\r & !n      
disappe>$4  ,f t "t !  long$-= recov]y  
comm5c$1 & to ! doctor's a/oni%m5t w5t  

on  rapidly till he 0 entirely re/or$ to
 heal?4  ,x w\ld be  impossible to      
describe ! joy ( ! family at ?is        
m>vell\s result4  ,! fame ( x 0 spread  
ab\t1 & devotion to ! ,sa9t ( !         
,impossible spread to su* an ext5t t a  
picture ( ,/4 ,rita _h to  be plac$ 9 ! 
p>i% *ur* to satisfy ! p's v5]ation4    
,twelve *ildr5 ( ! h\se ( ,v5timiglia 7 
all suff]+ f !  measles 9 ,m>*1 #ahif1 9
 ,vatolla1 :i* is a t[n ( ! prov9ce (   
,sal]no1 & ! y\nge/1 a little girl ( two
 ye>s ( age1 01 9  addition1 attack$ s  
badly by l>yngitis t x 0 fe>$ %e w\ld   
*oke e mom5t4  ,h] elde/ si/]1 beside   
h]self ) grief1 took  h] little picture 
( ,/4 ,rita1 &1 fa/5+ x ab\t ! little   
pati5t's neck1 e>ne/ly pray$ = ! grace (
 h] recov]y4  ,only a  few m9utes pass$ 
:5 little ,t]esa--= s ! sick *ild 0     
call$--rais$ h]self )\t assi/ance 9 h]  
cot & ask$ =  milk4  ,t ev5+ ! fev]1 :i*
 _h be5 v high1 _h almo/  disappe>$1 &  
h] c\gh1 too1 _h ceas$ to a v great     
ext5t4  ,a  few days lat] ! *ild 0 able 

to get up1 fully recov]$4  ,!  family1  
out ( gratitude to _! great protectress1
 _h a ,mass  celebrat$ at h] alt> 9     
,conv]sano4    ,9 #ahif ! m>riage (     
,giuseppe ,c5trone to ,m>ia ,rotunno1   
two v  good & pi\s "y p]sons & fairly   
well (f1 0 to h tak5  place4  ,?r\gh a  
slight qu>rel1 h[ev]1 ! m>riage 0 brok5 
(f  by ! bridegroom4  ,! bride1 tr\bl$  
at ?is s9i/] turn (  ev5ts1 toge!r ) h] 
p>5ts _h rec\rse to ,/4 ,rita1 &        
promis$ to pres5t a gold5 votive (f]+ if
 ! groom %\ld (  himself reop5          
negotiations = ! m>riage t _h be5       
ab&on$4  ,on ! vigil ( h] fea/ ! sa9t   
appe>$ to ! bridegroom 9 8  sleep1 &    
said3 ',bepp9o1 y\r wife mu/ be ,m>ia & 
no "o else4'  ,?is 0 en\gh to br+ him   
back to 8 bride & to h ! m>riage  take  
place1 z x did1 9 fact4  ,! v[ to ! sa9t
 0 n only  fulfill$1 b !y _h a ,high    
,mass (f]$ on h] alt>4    ,"o night 9   
#ahif a "y woman f ,ca/ellana 0 sleep+  
on ! top  ( a v high rick ( /raw1 :5    
sudd5ly x gave way & fell to !  gr\nd4  

,! "y woman1 :o w\ld h be5 cru%$ to dea?
 "u  its weight1 imm$iately invok$ ,/4  
,rita1 & 0 rescu$ f dang]  )\t receiv+ !
 slighte/ injury4  ,! sa9t appe>$ to h] 
!  foll[+ night :il/ %e 0 asleep1 &     
said3 ',i h sav$ y f  dea?1 & ,i want 9 
return t new dress y h made4'  ,! poor  
girl _h1 by d9t ( c>eful sav+1 made a   
new dress = h]self1 )  :i* %e wi%$ to   
make an appe>ance on ! fea/ days1 b %e  
made  ! requir$ sacrifice to ! ,sa9t ( !
 ,impossible4  ,%e sold x &  br\ght its 
price to be us$ 9 spread+ ! devotion to 
,/4 ,rita f  ! *ur* 9 ,conv]sano4    ,9 
#ahif !re 0 a family 9 ,/4 ,vito dei    
,normanni :i* 0 plung$  9 ! greate/     
mis]y ow+ to its head hav+ entirely     
ab&on$  himself to a disgraceful vice1  
:i* he /ill cont9u$ to practise 9  spite
 ( ! t]rible consequ5ces x br\ght ^u    
him4  ,= al?\gh  symptoms ( p>alysis &  
rheumatism %[$ !mselves1 & he 0  r$uc$  
to a /ate ( ! utmo/ weakness & almo/    
bl9dness1 he  /ill w5t on to foll[ ! pa?
 t ends 9 ru9 ( body & s\l4  ,8         

un=tunate family1 hav+ he>d ( !         
innum]able miracles ( !  ,sa9t ( !      
,impossible1 _h rec\rse to h]4  ,!y made
 a mo/ f]v5t  nov5a 9 h] hon\r1 & end$ x
 ) receiv+ ,holy ,communion1 &  v soon !
 good effect ( _! pray]s 0 evid5t4      
,aft] a c\ple  ( days ! man :o _h be5   
brutaliz$ by 8 base pursuits began to   
take he$ = himself2 ! _s ( prud5ce awoke
 9 him aga92 he  ab&on$ 8 wick$         
practices1 rega9$ sight & /r5g?1 &      
recov]$ ! heal? he _h squ&]$4  ,x is no 
wond] t ! "n  ( ,/4 ,rita is glorifi$ 9 
t family1 or t ! elde/ daught]  has made
 a v[ to recite ! pray]s ( ,/4 ,rita's  
nov5a e day z  long z %e lives4    ,a "y
 lady nam$ ,frances*9a ,gabrielli1 f    
,noci1 fell dang]\sly  ill 9 #ahif1 :il/
 %e 0 on a visit to "s relatives 9      
,rutigliano4  ,all ! doctors ( ! t[n 7  
call$ 9 successively to prescribe  = h]1
 & o!rs 7 br\ght f di/ant places1 b !y  
c\ld  n /op ! progress ( ! disease t 0  
kill+ h]4  ,! grief  ( h] family &      
relatives 0 indescribable on be+ in=m$  

by !  doctors aft] ?ree consultations t 
no?+ b a miracle c\ld save  h]4  ,! "y  
lady1 worn out by ! disease & 9 h] la/  
agony1  _h receiv$ ! la/ consolations ( 
religion1 & ! special  b5$iction ( !    
,holy ,fa!r1 & 0 prep>+ h]self = !      
passage to et]nity4  ,all prep>ations 7 
made = h] fun]al1 !  dress = ! corpse & 
! c(f9 7 got ready1 & ! cl]gy &         
confrat]nities appo9t$ to assi/ 9 !     
procession to ! tomb4    ,b ,frances*9a 
_h v special devotion to ,/4 ,rita1 & 0 
recomm5d+ h]self to h] protection ) mo/ 
f]v5t pray]s4  ,%e  held a picture ( h] 
9 h] h&1 :i* %e 0 kiss+ e m9ute1  &     
al?\gh resign$ to make ! sacrifice ( h] 
life to ,god1 %e  promis$ ! sa9t to     
hon\r h] by procur+ a little /atue ( h] 
if  %e %\ld obta9 ! grace ( recov]y4    
,"o ev5+ %e 0 suff]+  a great deal1 & ! 
doctors =esaw t %e w\ld die t night4  ,!
 prie/s 7 wat*+ by h] b$side & com=t+ h]
 by recit+  ! pray]s = ! dy+4  ,at      
midnight %e ?\ght t ,/4 ,rita )  ,/4    
,john appe>$ to h]1 & t ,/4 ,rita said3 

',d n be afraid2  y w be well4'  ,:at is
 c]ta9 is t j at t "t %e broke  sil5ce &
 began to s+ a hymn ( ,/4 ,rita4  ,b !  
really  a/oni%+ fact is t all dang] 0 at
 an end f t mom5t1 &  h] disease        
disappe>$ z if by magic4  ,! next morn+ 
%e 0  convalesc5t1 & ! doctors 9 _!     
a/oni%m5t _h to confess t  9 ?is        
wond]ful recov]y ,god _h int]v5$4    ,! 
,salesian ,mission>y ,si/]s ( ! ,sacr$  
,he>t among/ o!r  occupations are       
employ$ 9 ! religi\s & lit]>y education 
(  "y girls1 :om !y wat* ov] ) a c>e t  
is truly mat]nal4  ,_! "m-h\se is 9     
,rome1 & !re is atta*$ to x :at is  /yl$
 a provid5tial bo>d+-s*ool = "y wom5 :o 
att5d !  normal s*ools1 & at ! end ( _! 
c\rse get a ,gov]nm5t  c]tificate t     
entitles !m to tea*4  ,provid5tial ?is  
college  really is1 = its pupils att5d !
 ,gov]nm5t s*ools & yet are  c>efully   
pres]v$ f e dang]4  ,9 #ahif ! annual   
exam9ations  at ! end ( ! s*ola/ic ye> 7
 approa*+4  ,! /ud5ts 7  9 a /ate (     
trepidation1 = ) all _! dilig5ce & lab\r

 9  /udy v little 0 ne$$ to h girls make
 mi/akes 9 !  pres5ce ( exam9]s :o 7    
p]haps n too fav\rable to !m4  ,hav+    
he>d ( ! miracles ( ,/4 ,rita ( ,cascia1
 !y confid5tly  turn$ to h]1 & confid$  
to h] c>e ! result ( ! exam9ations4  ,!y
 _h rec\rse to h] patronage1 !y (f]$    
pray]s 9 h] hon\r1  & o!r works ( piety4
  ,nor 7 _! hopes fru/rat$4  ,!         
exam9ations result$ mo/ brilliantly1 &  
to ! entire satisfaction  ( all :o took 
"p 9 !m4  ,to ?ank h] = s rem>kable a   
fav\r  ! grateful girl /ud5ts elect$ ,/4
 ,rita _! special protectress4    ,on ! 
#bi? ( ,may1 #ahig1 a ,calabrian        
g5tleman arriv$ 9 ,conv]sano  on a      
pilgrimage1 &1 go+ into ! ,*ur* ( ,/4   
,cosmo1 he w5t to  ! alt> ( ,/4 ,rita1  
&1 pro/rate be=e x1 (f]$ 8 ?anks to  !  
,sa9t ( ! ,impossible4  ,he aft]w>ds    
told ! nun :o 0  promot] ( ! devotion t 
8 "n 0 ,luigi ,nacc>ato1 ( !  prov9ce ( 
,cos5za1 & t he _h come to r$eem a v[   
made to !  sa9t = a rem>kable fav\r     
grant$ to him4  ,he _h be5 suff]+  = _m 

ye>s f a disord] ( ! bra9 t r5d]$ him   
incapable  ( do+ any?+4  ,8 bro!r1 a    
doctor1 _h us$ e means to  eradicate 8  
disease2 he _h consult$ ! mo/ em95t     
m$ical m5 9  ,naples & else:]e1 b )\t   
any good effect4  ,hav+ lo/ all  hope 9 
human means1 he _h rec\rse to ! aid (   
,heav5 by pray]s to  sev]al holy        
patrons1 b x seem$ t ,heav51 too1 0 deaf
 to 8  appeals4  ,at la/ a lady 9       
,cos5za _h advis$ him to tru/ himself to
  ! ,sa9t ( ! ,impossible1 :o _h grant$ 
_m extraord9>y graces  to ^? devot$ to  
h]4  ,! "y man1 :o 0 truly religi\s1    
will+ly foll[$ h] advice4  ,he began to 
invoke ! sa9t1 & made  a v[ to visit    
,conv]sano if 8 pray]s 7 he>d4  ,8      
petition 0  grant$2 ! disease t _h      
hi!rto baffl$ e rem$y  disappe>$1 & he  
felt himself free 9 m9d & vigor\s 9     
heal?1  z if he _h nev] suff]$ f any    
malady4    ,n dissimil> f ! prec$+ case 
0 ! disease f :i* !  ,pr9cess ,telesio  
,antonacci ( ,naples suff]$1 & by :i* %e
 0  br\ght to a deplorable /ate4  ,h]   

bra9 0 s weak5$ t %e  c\ld n fix h] m9d 
on any?+ or d any?+4  ,:5 all !  ef=ts (
 m$ical sci5ce _h prov$ va91 h] sorr[ful
 si/]1 :o  _h ! book we h s (t5 m5tion$1
 wrote to ,conv]sano to h a  nov5a (f]$ 
to ! sa9t4  ,! nov5a 0 made1 & "s ( !   
bless$ oil 0 also s5t to h ! invalid's  
=ehead ano9t$ )  x4  ,in/antly a        
wond]ful *ange 0 wr\ght4  ,z !y ano9t$  
h]  =ehead ! disease grew less1 h] m9d  
became cle>1 & h] /r5g?  came back4  ,! 
application ( ! oil 0 p]sev]$ 9 & s did 
!  improvem5t cont9ue1 & ! oil ( ,/4    
,rita 0 recognis$ z !  only rem$y aga9/ 
t t]rible disease4  ,! ,pr9cess1 9      
gratitude  = s signal a fav\r1 s5t a    
pres5t ( a b>rel ( oil to  ,conv]sano1 &
 money also to be employ$ 9 wor%ip 9    
hon\r ( !  sa9t4    ,a little girl1 !   
daught] ( ,seba/iano ,giannuli1 a m]*ant
 ( ,b>i1  _h suff]$ f h] e>lie/ ye>s f a
 tum\r 9 ! knee4  ,!  doctors ( ! t[n   
held diff]5t op9ions z to ! nature ( h] 
disease1 & ! well-kn[n ,doctor ,giuseppe
 ,luciana 0 consult$1 :o  diagnos$ !    

case z c>ies ( ! bone1 & decl>$ a       
surgical  op]ation indisp5sable = a     
cure4  ,?is op]ation w\ld be pa9ful1    
difficult1 & full ( dang]4  ,! family by
 ?is op9ion 0 r$uc$  to a /ate (        
con/]nation1 & _h rec\rse to pray]1 & by
 !  sugge/ion ( a nun made a nov5a to   
,/4 ,rita1 b ! fav\r !y  pray$ = 0 !n   
d5i$ !m4  ,! op]ation _h to take place  
on  ! #bbnd ( ,july1 #ahig1 & ! tibia 0 
almo/ entirely sep>at$  f ! ?igh-bone2 !
 knee-pan 0 almo/ entirely remov$1 ne>ly
  f\r f+]s' l5g? ( ! tibia 0 remov$1 & z
 mu* ( !  ?igh-bone1 & bo? 7 unit$ s z  
to =m "o bone only1 :5ce  all p[] ( b5d+
 ! jo9ts 0 lo/4  ,ow+ to ! difficulty ( 
! op]ation ! doctors c\ld n promise t %e
 w\ld surely  recov]2 !y only said !    
*ild w\ld h to suff] a great deal4  ,&1 
inde$1 ! poor *ild did suff] a great    
deal f high fev]1  excruciat+ pa9s1 & a 
weakness s extreme t %e c\ld n ev5  cry 
out4    ,on ! next day ! *ild1 :o up to 
t "t1 ow+ to ! pa9 %e  0 suff]+1 _h n   
ev5 op5$ h] m\?1 ask$ = a picture (  !  

sa9t t 0 hang+ 9 ! room1 & began to say1
 ',o1 ,bless$  ,rita6 oh1 grant me !    
fav\r1 because ,i am suff]+ v mu*6  ,x  
is  true t ,i h be5 ungrateful t[>ds y1 
because :5 ! o!rs  7 say+ ! nov5a ,i 0  
di/ract$1 & ,i took v little c>e to     
pray to y2 b n[ ,i "k h[ wrong ,i 01 &  
,i ask y\r p>don4  ,oh1 grant me !      
fav\r1 = ,i ?9k ,i _c suff] any m4'  ,& 
:il/ ! att5dants 7 draw+ close to h] b$1
 %e add$3 ',make  way2 %e is com+ n[4'  
',:o8' !y ask$4  ',a nun1' answ]$ !     
*ild4  ',:]e is %e com+ f8'  ',f !re--f 
t door4'  ',:at is %e do+8'  ',%e is    
mov+ ab\t my b$--com+ to sit ne>  me4'  
,! *ild !n rema9$ motionless1 z if %e 7 
li/5+ to  some?+ be+ said to h]1 & soon 
aft] said3 ',) ! help ( !  sa9t1        
doctors1 h[ well %e has settl$ my leg6  
,%e has put h]  beautiful h&s on me &   
cur$ me6' &1 turn+ to ^? ne> h] :o  7   
weep+1 ',d n cry any m1' %e said2 'be   
all v glad4  ,d  y n see h[ glad ,i am  
at gett+ s beautiful a fav\r8  ,i h no  
m pa94  ,bless$ ,rita has told me t all 

my pa9s w end 9  ?ree days2 ) my injur$ 
leg ,i %all be able to dance1 to jump1  
to  run ab\t )\t tr\ble4'    ,& s x     
turn$ out4  ,! *ild 0 able to get up    
aft] ?ree days  free entirely f all     
trace ( disease4  ,b ! mo/ /up5d\s "p  0
 t h] "r leg1 f :i* half a palm's l5g? (
 bone _h  be5 cut (f1 & :i* w\ld be     
%ort5$1 ev5 suppos+ h] cur$1  & q       
incapable ( b5d+1 0 f\nd aft] !         
int]v5tion (  ,bless$ ,rita to be ( !   
same l5g? z ! left1 & equally flexible  
& s\nd4    ,mo/ grateful = s great a    
miracle1 ! family did n put (f go+  to  
,conv]sano to return ?anks & r$eem _! v[
 to ! ,sa9t ( !  ,impossible1 & _m p    
took notice ( ! *ild t _h be5  cur$1 h[ 
%e walk$ )\t difficulty & )\t a halt1   
bo? h]  legs be+ precisely ( ! same     
l5g?4    ,! foll[+ /up5d\s fact t happ5$
 9 ! case ( a p]son :o  _h nev] ev5 he>d
 ! "n ( ,/4 ,rita ( ,cascia %[s h[ mu*  
,god  wi%es glory to be giv5 to ,8 fam\s
 s]vant4    ,to ,vito ,palazzi & 8 wife 
,ros9a ,surico ( ,gioia del ,colle1 ne> 

,b>i1 a *ild 0 born 9 #ahig1 :o 0 *ri/5$
 ,filippo4  ,f bir?  ! infant _h "o (   
its feet turn$1 s t ! sole ( ! foot 0   
twi/$ to a "r angle f ! place x ought to
 occupy4  ,doctors  7 consult$1 b to no 
effect4  ,!y decl>$ no c>e c\ld rem$y  !
 defect1 & t an op]ation w\ld be dang]\s
 & useless4  ,!  poor "m c\ld only weep 
di/ract$ly4  ,"o night1 aft] cry+       
excessively1 %e 0 sleep+1 :5 a nun      
appe>$ to h] 9 h] sleep4  ',ros9a1' said
 %e1 ':y d y weep8  ,c y n h rec\rse to 
me  9 y\r affliction8'  ',& :o are y1   
,o1 bless$ si/]8' said %e4  ',i am      
,bless$ ,rita ( ,cascia1' said ! nun4   
',o1 ,bless$ ,rita1' said  ! afflict$   
woman1 'cure my little ,filippo = me2' &
 %e %[$  ! sa9t h] infant's twi/$ foot4 
',h fai?1 ,ros9a1' said !  sa9t to h]2  
'! defect 9 ! *ild is a s]i\s "o1 b ,god
 c d  all ?+s2' & s say+ %e made ! sign 
( ! ,cross ?ree times  on ! foot &      
disappe>$4  ,:5 ! woman awoke on !      
foll[+  morn+ %e rememb]$ ! vision1 &1  
hurry+ f h] b$1 %e ran  to ! infant's   

cradle2 %e undid ! b&ages & look$ at its
 feet1  & f\nd !m bo? z !y ought to be1 
= ! de=mity ( ! left  foot _h disappe>$4
  ,%e knelt on ! floor & ?ank$ ! sa9t   
mo/ e>ne/ly4  ,%e !n call$ h] husb&1 %[$
 him ! infant's  foot1 & told him ( !   
vision & miracle4  ,%e rememb]$ ,/4     
,rita1  & wrote to ,conv]sano = a l>ge  
picture ( h]1 :i* %e _h  fram$1 & be=e  
:i* %e keeps a lamp burn+ night & day2 &
  %e likewise _h a ,high ,mass sung be=e
 ! sa9t's alt>1 nor is %e  ev] we>i$ 9  
tell+ ! miracle & giv+ glory to ! sa9t  
to  :om %e owes x4          ,,*apt] ,,ix
    ,,h] ,,canonization    ,9 read+ !   
wond]ful & miracul\s facts ( ! life (   
,/4 ,rita  & ! v _m prodigi\s works done
 by ,god ?r\gh h]  int]cession1 ! read] 
mu/ h ask$ himself m ?an once h[ x  is t
 s gr& a s\l1 ^: h]oic virtues %9e s    
brightly1 &  :o 01 l ! greate/ sa9ts ( !
 ,*ur*1 fav\r$ by ,god )  mo/ s+ul>     
graces & sublime privileges1 %\ld be    
adorn$ ) !  aureole ( a sa9t & rais$ to 
highe/ hon\rs ( ! alt>s only  aft] m ?an

 f\r c5turies _h pass$ s9ce %e _h gone  
to  immortal glory 9 heav54    ,! only  
reasonable answ] to ?is "q1 ! only      
explanation ( a  delay n by any means   
unique 9 ! hi/ory ( ! canonization ( !  
great h]oes ( ! ,*ur*1 is t ! judgm5ts (
 ,god are  incompreh5sible & ,8 ways    
unse>*able1 & ! ,div9e wisdom :i*  9 ,8 
own "t makes ea* cause produce its      
effect1 & all ?+s  regulates 9 numb]1   
weight1 & measure1 s disposes x t !     
exaltation ( ,8 s]vants on e>? !n takes 
place :5 x is = !  great] glorification 
( ,8 ,*ur* & ! great] spiritual         
advantage  ( ,*ri/ians4  ,?is j         
reflection ought to console u 9 ! sorr[ 
we naturally feel at ! long delay t has 
occurr$ 9 br++ to a  happy t]m9ation !  
process ( ! canonization ( our h]o9e4   
,aft] ! privilege ( recit+ ! (fice &    
celebrat+ ,mass 9  hon\r ( ! sa9t _h be5
 grant$ to ! ,augu/9ian ,ord] & !       
,diocese ( ,spoleto 9 #afbg1 z soon z ! 
solemn fe/ivals we h  describ$ 7 br\ght 
to an end1 devotion to ,/4 ,rita        

increas$ to  su* an ext5t1 & ! desire ( 
! fai?ful became s f]v5t to  h _! great 
advocate enroll$ by ! ,*ur*'s supreme   
au?ority 9  ! catalogue ( ! ,bless$ &   
aft]w>ds ( ! ,sa9ts1 t 9  ,augu/1 #agcg1
 h] cause 0 resum$ 9 ! /ate & t]ms 9 :i*
 x  0 f\nd4  ,on ! #crd ( ,augu/ 9 t ye>
 an ord9>y session (  ! ,congregation 0 
held to debate ! po9t :e!r ! case       
except$  9 ! decrees ( ,pope ,urban     
,,viii4 0 fully e/abli%$1 & 9 !  result 
! ,congregation f\nd ! answ] to be 9 !  
affirmative1 &  ,pope ,clem5t ,,xii41 on
 ! #ac? ( ! same mon?1 confirm$ ! f9d+  
( ! ,congregation4  ,on ! #be? ( ,july 9
 ! foll[+ ye>  remissorial lett]s 7     
!re=e s5t to ! ,ecclesia/ical ,c\rts (  
,spoleto1 9 ^: jurisdiction ,cascia !n  
01 au?oriz+ !m to  in/itute an ,apo/olic
 process ( inquiry reg>d+ ! virtues &   
miracles ( ,bless$ ,rita1 x be+ !       
unbrok5 practice ( ! ,holy  ,see n to   
grant ! supreme hon\rs ( ! alt>s unless 
x be %[n  t ! !ological & moral virtues 
7 practis$ 9 a h]oic  degree4  ,b !     

process !n begun 0 int]rupt$ by v>i\s   
ev5ts1  & 0 n resum$ until #ahea4  ,)\t 
fur!r int]ruption x 0  f9ally p]fect$ 9 
#ahee1 & its validity 0 approv$ 9 #ahef 
9  ,rome by ,pius ,,ix41 ( happy memory4
  ,mean:ile ! fame ( !  extraord9>y     
graces & miracles grant$ by ,god ?r\gh !
 sa9t's  int]cession 0 ev]y:]e increas+1
 b x is h>d to collect !  pro(s &       
in/itute a process t w satisfy ! rigor\s
  requirem5ts :i* ! ,*ur* exacts 9 ^?   
matt]s4    ,nev]!less1 juridical pro(s (
 "s ( ^! miracul\s occurr5ces  7 n      
want+4  ,9 fact1 9 ! ye>s #ahea & #aheb 
!re 0 held  by ,apo/olic p]mission 9 !  
,ecclesia/ical ,c\rts ( ,nursia1 "u  !  
jurisdiction ( :i* ,cascia _h pass$1 a  
process ( inquiry into  ! report$ case (
 in/antane\s cur+ ( a girl--,elisabetta 
,b]gam9i1 :o _h be5 suff]+ f            
conjunctivitis complicat$ )  ulc]\s     
k]atitis4  ,ow+ to ! ef=ts ( ! ,mo/     
,rev4 ,mons4  ,casimiro ,g5n>i1 !n      
,bi%op ( ,conv]sano1 & at pres5t titul> 
,ar*bi%op ( ,lepanto & ,assessor ( !    

,inquisition1 :o is mo/  zeal\s1 z we h 
said1 9 spread+ devotion to ,/4 ,rita1 !
  au?orization ( ! ,holy ,see 0 ask$ = &
 obta9$ 9 #ahhg to  in/itute a =mal     
,apo/olic process ( inquiry into ! case 
( ,cosimo  ,pelligr9i1 ( ! t[n (        
,conv]sano1 :o 0 report$ to h be5       
miracul\sly cur$4  ,z soon z ! inquiry 0
 p]fect$1 x 0  scrut9iz$ 9 an ord9>y    
,congregation ( ! ,rota on ! #bh? (     
,june1 #ahib1 & its validity recognis$4 
,on ! #ag? ( ! foll[+  mon? ! ,holy     
,fa!r deign$ to confirm ! s5t5ce ( !    
,sacr$  ,congregation4    ,almo/ at !   
same "t !re 0 held1 by virtue (         
remissorial  lett]s ( ! #ah? ( ,febru>y1
 #ahib1 9 ! ,ecclesia/ical ,c\rts (     
,nursia1 a special inquiry1 9 :i* !     
,promot] ( ! ,fai?1 ,mons4  ,ago/9o     
,capr>a1 int]v5$1 into ! mo/ sweet &    
miracul\s od\r  :i* f "t immemorial is  
at int]vals exp]i5c$ ab\t !  bless$ body
 ( ,/4 ,rita4  ,by o!r remissorial      
lett]s ( ! #bbnd (  ,augu/ foll[+1 !    
,promot] ( ! ,fai? 0 emp[]$ to exam9e  !

 v5]able body itself1 9 ord] to make    
c]ta9 t x _h nev]  be5 embalm$1 nor any 
odorif]\s sub/ances plac$ 9 x4    ,:5   
?is process ( inquiry into ! m>vell\s   
od\r 0 br\ght to  an end1 x 0 decid$ to 
jo9 x to ! process t _h be5 execut$  9 !
 c\rts ( ,spoleto by ord9>y au?ority 9  
#afbf4  ,on ! #be? (  ,febru>y1 #ahif1 !
 ,sacr$ ,congregation ( ,rites deliv]$  
its judgm5t  t ! validity ( ! two       
processes ( #afbf & #ahib _h be5        
e/abli%$1 ! report] ( ! cause be+ 8     
,em95ce ,c>d9al  ,gaetano               
,aloisi-,masella1 ,prefect ( t          
,congregation4  ,z reg>ds  ano!r process
 ( inquiry execut$ 9 #agge1 ) only      
ord9>y  au?ority1 into ! in/antane\s &  
miracul\s cur+ ( an  ,augu/9ian nun ( ! 
conv5t ( ,cascia1 x 0 decid$ to         
supplicate  ! reign+ ,pontiff1 ,leo     
,,xiii41 t he w\ld deign to make good ! 
defect ( jurisdiction1 & make ! acts ( t
 process valid4  ,b  ! ,holy ,fa!r1 r   
?an grant ! convalidation1 0 pleas$ to  
disp5se1 by mo/ special fav\r1 ) ! f\r? 

miracle1 = f  "t immemorial ! pro( ( f\r
 miracles has be5 requir$ = !           
canonization ( ! s]vants ( ,god4    ,ow+
 to ! sov]eign concession ( ! ,holy     
,fa!r1 ! promot]s (  ! cause (          
canonization _h high hopes ( br++ x to a
 happy  conclusion be=e mu* m "t %\ld   
pass4  ,!y obta9$ leave to  introduce ! 
,ord9>y ,process ( #afbf z hav+ equal   
value z pro(  ) ! ,apo/olic ,process t  
clos$ 9 #ahee2 & ! pres5ce ( !          
consult]s & _! vot+ be+ disp5s$ )1 on ! 
#f? ( ,april1  #ahig1 9 an ord9>y meet+ 
( ! ,congregation1 ! writ+s ( ,/4  ,rita
 7 inquir$ into1 & x 0 fur!r debat$ &   
discuss$  ',:e!r ! virtues ( ,bless$    
,rita _h be5 s cle>ly e/abli%$  t !     
discussion ( h] miracles might be       
proce$$ )8'  ,!  session gave an        
affirmative decision1 :i* 0 confirm$ by 
!  ,sov]eign ,pontiff on ! #i? ( ! mon?4
    ,! way 0 ?us prep>$ = ! discussion (
 ! miracles4  ,in=mation reg>d+ !m &    
summ>ies 7 prep>$1 & !  op9ions ( two   
di/+ui%$ exp]ts 7 add$4  ,on ! #bg? (   

,june1  #ahii1 ! ,congregation met "u ! 
presid5cy ( ! ,mo/ ,em95t  ,c>d9al      
,aloisi-,masella1 report] ( ! cause1 to 
discuss !  miracles1 & on ! #i? (       
,janu>y1 #aijj1 ! prep>atory            
,congregation  held its meet+ 9 !       
,vatican palace1 & on ! foll[+ #bg? (   
,m>*1 9 ! g5]al ,congregation1 assembl$1
 z is cu/om>y1 9 !  pres5ce ( ! ,holy   
,fa!r1 ! foll[+ subject 0 discuss$3     
',:e!r any1 & :at1 miracles h be5       
conclusively prov$1 aft]  v5]ation _h   
be5 all[$ to ! ,bless$1 9 case & to !   
effect  ( ! pres5t discussion8'  ,& by a
 v special fav\r ( ! ,holy  ,see !      
foll[+ 0 also discuss$3 ',& grant$ !    
approval ( !  miracles1 :e!r h]         
canonization may safely be proce$$ )8'  
,! ,mo/ ,em95t ,c>d9als & ,mo/ ,rev4    
,consult]s deliv]$ _!  op9ions on bo?   
matt]s1 & 7 he>d mo/ att5tively by !    
,sov]eign ,pontiff2 & al?\gh he describ$
 ! cause z mo/ r>e  & mo/ noble1 he     
nev]!less1 accord+ to ! usual cu/om1    
def]r$ giv+ 8 def9itive decision1 b     

r$\bl$ 8 pray]s to  implore ! help (    
,heav54    ,on ,palm ,sunday1 ! #h? (   
,april foll[+1 ! ,holy ,fa!r1 aft]  hav+
 mo/ f]v5tly (f]$ to ,god ! ,eu*>i/ic   
,sacrifice1 _h !  decree ( approval ( ! 
?ree miracles1 ( :i* we %all speak      
aft]w>ds1 read & publi%$ ) ! accu/om$   
solemnity by  ,monsignor ! ,secret>y ( !
 ,sacr$ ,congregation ( ,rites4  ,he    
next  publi%$ ! decrees1 call$ !        
',tuto1' = ! beatification (            
sev5ty-?ree ,v5]able ,m>tyrs ( ,*9a1    
,tonqu91 & ,co*9 ,*9a1  memb]s ( !      
,dom9ican & ,franciscan ,ord]s1 !       
,congregations (  ,mission>y ,prie/s1 & 
( ,=eign ,missions2 & ! decree (        
beatification ( ! ,v5]able ,m>tyrs ( !  
,we/ ,indies1 memb]s (  ! ,ord] (       
,discalc$ ,c>melites1 & t ( !           
beatification ( !  ,v5]able ,s]vant (   
,god1 ,m>ia ,cres5zia ,hoss1 pr(ess$ nun
 ( !  ,?ird ,ord] ( ,/4 ,francis4  ,8   
,hol9ess !n deign$ to address to  !     
assembly a ,lat9 allocution1 9 :i* he   
manife/$ ! joy t he  felt1 especially = 

! decrees reg>d+ ,bless$ ,rita (        
,cascia1 !  glory & ornam5t ( !         
,augu/9ian ,ord]1 & ! jewel ( !         
,umbrian prov9ce1 :i* gave bir? also to 
,/4 ,b5$ict & ,/4  ,francis1 & :]e = _m 
ye>s ! ,sov]eign ,pontiff himself _h    
ex]cis$ z ,bi%op 8 pa/oral m9i/ry4  ,all
 ! m did he rejoice  s9ce x 0 a "q ( ?is
 mo/ humble & mo/ holy woman's          
canonization1 a solemn religi\s c]emony1
 & supreme act ( !  ,pontifical au?ority
 & ( ! infallible tea*+ ( ! ,vic> (     
,jesus ,*ri/4  ,he add$ t x 0 desirable 
t ! m>vell\s od\r  :i* is diffus$ & giv5
 =? f "t to "t ne> ! sacr$  rema9s ( !  
,bless$ ,rita1 & call$ prodigi\s f ! "t 
(  ,urban ,,viii41 %\ld soon be r5ew$1 z
 a happy augury ( a bett]  future 9 ?is 
,holy ,ye> & 9 ?is c5tury t is ab\t to  
comm5ce4          ,,*apt] ,x    ,,!     
,,?ree ,,miracles ,,approv$ ,,= ,,h]    
,,canonization    ,fir/ ,miracle4--,!   
od\r :i* is felt ne> ,/4 ,rita's body1  
especially :5 miracles are work$ ?r\gh  
h] int]cession1 & :i*  is diffus$ 9 a   

wond]ful mann]4    ,z reg>ds ?is        
miracle1 we told 9 full ev]y?+ ab\t x 9 
!  f\r? *apt] ( ! pres5t "p4  ,we h only
 to add our joy t  ! oracle ( ! ,holy   
,see has solemnly confirm$ :at hi/orians
 h  writt5 reg>d+ ?is sweet od\r1 & :at 
has be5 alleg$ 9 !  processes & confirm$
 by exp]i5ce4    ,second                
,miracle4--,complete & in/antane\s      
recov]y ( ,elisabetta  ,b]gam9i f       
conjunctivitis complicat$ by ulc]\s     
k]atitis ( !  small-pox =m4             
,elisabetta ,b]gam9i ( ,t]ni1 ab\t sev5 
ye>s be=e ! "t (  :i* we wrote1 _h be5  
attack$ by ! small-pox 9 s virul5t a  =m
 t x left h] :ole face pitt$1 & de/roy$ 
! sight ( h]  eyes1 s t %e c\ld h>dly   
di/+ui% light f d>kness4  ,sev]al       
physicians consult$ by h] p>5ts _h      
submitt$ h] to  diff]5t =ms ( treatm5t =
 ! recov]y ( h] sight1 b to no  purpose4
  ,%e 0 !n s5t z a bo>d] to ! ,augu/9ian
 conv5t (  ,cascia1 :]e h] fa!r's si/] 0
 a nun1 kn[n z ,si/] ,m>ia  ,maddal5a1 9
 ord] to pray ! ,"l ?r\gh ,/4 ,rita's   

int]cession  ei!r to re/ore h] sight or 
else take h] to ,himself4  ,%e 0 !re    
pr9cipally because h] fa!r's /epmo!r _h 
be5 miracul\sly cur$  by ,/4 ,rita "s   
ye>s be=e4    ,! girl 0 br\ght to !     
conv5t & confid$ to ! nuns' c>e 9       
#ahcc4  ,pity+ ! sad case ( ! afflict$  
*ild1 !y took mo/  lov+ c>e ( h]4  ,!   
doctor :o att5d$ ! conv5t 0 call$ 9  to 
visit h]1 & he confirm$ ! op9ions ( !   
doctors ( ,t]ni  t h] disease 0         
incurable1 & t only a miracle c\ld      
re/ore  h] sight4  ,! poor *ild suff]$  
great pa91 & ev5 ! light  caus$ h] s mu*
 inconv5i5ce t two pat*es ( gre5 silk _h
 to  be hung ov] h] eyes4  ,besides1 !re
 0 a con/ant fl[ ( hum\r  mix$ ) te>s1  
:i* 0 s corrosive t x ate away *annels  
on  h] nose & *eeks1 & gave =? a        
nauseat+ & insuff]able  /5*4  ,to give  
"s relief to ! little pati5t1 h] aunt & 
!  mi/ress ( ! bo>d]s us$ to wa% h]     
eyes1 by ! doctor's  directions1 ) a    
decoction ( m>%mall[s2 b ev5 f ?is      
treatm5t %e suff]$ a good deal1 = 9 !   

c\rse ( x h] eyelids  _h to be rais$ z  
mu* z possible1 & ?is caus$ h] acute    
pa94    ,elisabetta cont9u$ 9 ?is       
deplorable /ate till ,septemb] ( t  ye>1
 :5 ! nuns ?\ght ( gett+ h] to we> a    
black votive dress  9 hon\r ( ,/4 ,rita4
  ,?is dress 0 fir/ bless$ by !         
confessor  & t\*$ to ! receptacle 9 :i* 
! sa9t's body lies4  ,%e 0  dress$ 9 t  
habit & h] eyes t\*$ ) a little silv]   
rod1  :i* tradition says once t\*$ ,/4  
,rita's =ehead4  ,! mi/ress  not$ t     
aft]w>ds ! fl[ ( hum\r f h] eyes _h     
decreas$1  & ?is fact gave ,elisabetta  
c\rage to h great] confid5ce 9 !  sa9t's
 protection4  ,t morn+ ! nuns1 accord+  
to cu/om1 7  sort+ 9 ! c\rty>d ! corn to
 be employ$ 9 mak+ ! little  loaves (   
,/4 ,rita4  ,! mi/ress br\ght           
,elisabetta to !m1 & %e  sat d[n ne> "o 
( ! nuns1 &1 ow+ to h] bl9dness1 began1 
in/ead ( select+ ! be/1 to mix :at _h   
already be5 sort$ )  ! inf]ior corn4  ,!
 nun told h] to keep quiet1 & ! mi/ress 
!n gave h] a cup ) "s corn 9 x to play  

)4  ,z soon z  ,elisabetta got ! cup %e 
began to /ir ! corn ) h] little h&1  &  
sudd5ly call$ out t %e c\ld see1 & z %e 
did n "k  :at corn %\ld be reject$1 %e  
held out a gra9 9 h] h& &  ask$ :e!r t  
%\ld be put aside or n4  ,at ! same "t  
%e  ?rew (f ! gre5 pat*es1 & ! nuns ran 
9 a/oni%m5t to look  at ! *ild's eyes1 &
 saw t !y 7 mo/ beautiful & entirely    
cur$4  ,to make sure t %e _h recov]$ h] 
sight !y made h]  sort all ! corn t %e  
_h 9 ! cup1 & %e did x p]fectly4  ,!n !y
 all w5t toge!r to :]e ! sa9t's body 0  
to ?ank h]  = s great a miracle4  ,!    
*ild !n saw = ! fir/ "t ! body  ( h]    
b5efactress1 & %e wept ) love1 & ) h]   
arms cross$  return$ h] ?anks 9 a l\d   
voice4  ,:5 ! doctor ( ! conv5t  saw    
,elisabetta he decl>$ t ! sa9t _h work$ 
a great miracle1  & t o!rwise %e nev]   
w\ld h be5 able to see4    ,! *ild      
rema9$ 9 ! conv5t = ne>ly ?ree ye>s     
aft]1 & h]  eyes 7 always /rong4  ,%e   
le>n$ s well to read t %e us$ to  recite
 ! (fice 9 *oir ) ! nuns1 & read        

in/ruction = !  lay si/]s4  ,%e also    
le>n$ to write & sew1 & d o!r fem99e  "w
 t ne$s v acute sight4    ,z a complem5t
 ( ! n>ration ( ?is miracle1 we judge x 
"r to  quote ! words ( a fam\s ,roman   
physician1 :o 0 call$ on to give  8     
judgm5t on ?is prodigi\s ev5t4  ,8 le>n$
 op9ion1 deliv]$  9 writ+1 ends ?us3    
',x is a matt] ( consci5ce & ( necessity
 to reit]ate my op9ion  t ?is cure has  
be5 in/antane\s1 p]fect1 & la/+1 9 no   
way  caus$ by art or by natural =ces1   
impossible to take place except by      
miracle1 :i* by sci5ce & by consci5ce   
mu/ be classifi$ ) !  great inexplicable
 port5ts :i* ! ,omnipot5t ,god all[s to 
be  p]=m$ by ,8 fai?ful s]vants1 & 9 our
 case by ,bless$ ,rita (  ,cascia2 & ?is
 ,i aga9 repeat 9 my deposition "u my   
oa?4'    ,?ird ,miracle4--,in/antane\s &
 p]fect cur+ ( ,cosimo ,pelligr9i  f    
*ronic cat>rhal ga/ro-ent]itis1         
hemorrhoidal affection1 &  s]i\s &      
p]man5t *ronic anmia4    ,cosimo        
,pelligr9i1 ( ! t[n ( ,conv]sano1 9 !   

prov9ce ( ,b>i1  a tailor by trade1 &   
fifty ye>s ( age1 brok5 9 heal? by long 
ye>s ( lab\r & by tr\bles ( m9d1 began  
to lose /r5g?1 &  8 eyesight became s   
weak t al?\gh he us$ v /rong glasses  he
 c\ld di/+ui% only ) difficulty objects 
a %ort di/ance  away4  ,he _h1 besides1 
gr[n s deaf 9 bo? e>s t x 0  necess>y to
 speak 9 a v l\d voice to make him he>1 
& s great  0 8 deafness t he did n ev5  
he> ! /rokes ( a hamm] )  :i* on "o     
occasion 8 cloak 0 nail$ = a joke to a  
b5* on  :i* he 0 sitt+4    ,besides 8   
great loss ( /r5g? & ! weak5+ ( 8       
organs1 he  also suff]$ f s]i\s disord]s
 ( ! /oma*1 pa9s 9 !  abdom9al region1  
frequ5t vomit+s & hmorrhoids4  ,he1     
moreov]1  exp]i5c$ frequ5t sudd5 attacks
 ( dizz9ess1 :i* 7 s s]i\s  z to make   
him fall to ! gr\nd unless he spe$ily   
retir$ to b$1  & /upefi$ him = h\rs1    
dur+ :i* "t 8 sight 0 altoge!r  obscur$4
  ,at night he (t5 suff]$ f muscul>     
contractions1 &  if he spoke = long or  
li/5$ to o!rs = any l5g? ( "t he  0     

seiz$ ) %ak+s 9 all 8 memb]s4  ,8 ways (
 cur+  himself made 8 already           
suffici5tly deplorable /ate ( heal? /ill
  worse4  ,=1 in/ead ( consult+ a       
doctor1 foll[+ 8 own caprices  he took  
frequ5t purgatives1 & bl$ himself s (t5 
& to su* an  ext5t t he develop$ *ronic 
anmia1 :i* %[$ its pres5ce 9  8 pallid1 
emaciat$ c\nt5ance4  ,he 0 ?us (t5 =c$  
to keep  8 b$1 & 8 bodily weakness &    
m5tal agony made life a burd54    ,su* =
 _m ye>s 0 ,pelligr9i's mis]able        
condition4  ,ab\t !  ye> #ahgg1 on !    
#bbnd ( ,may1 ! fea/ ( ,/4 ,rita1 to :om
 he _h  great devotion1 :5 he 0 ent]+ 8 
h\se aft] he>+ ,mass at  ! sa9t's alt> 9
 ! *ur* ( ! nuns ( ,/4 ,cosmo1 he fell  
to  ! gr\nd1 depriv$ almo/ entirely (   
s5se4  ,he 0 put to b$1 &  ! doctor     
imm$iately s5t =4  ,on 8 arrival !      
doctor in/antly  saw ! v grave /ate ( ! 
man1 prescrib$ "s rem$ies1 (  :i*1      
h[ev]1 almo/ no use c\ld be made1 &     
ord]$ ! la/  ,sacram5ts to be adm9i/]$4 
,aft] be+ ano9t$1 ,pelligr9i became  s  

ill t he lo/ all /r5g? & ! use ( 8      
s5ses1 & 0  h>dly able to brea!2 8 face 
became corpse-l 9 its pallor z he  lay  
motionless 9 b$4  ,9 ?is /ate he pass$  
two days1 & on !  ?ird day ! doctor 0 ( 
op9ion t he w\ld n live till ev5+4      
,mean:ile a lay si/] ( ! conv5t1 :o 0   
si/] ( ! sick man's  wife1 s5t to ask h[
 he 01 & 9 s5d+ an answ] 8 wife  reque/$
 ! nuns to light ! lamp at ! sa9t's alt>
 & (f]  pray]s = h] husb&1 :o 0 9 8 la/ 
agony4  ,! reque/ 0  imm$iately att5d$  
to by all ! community4  ,little ov] an  
h\r  pass$ :5 ,pelligr9i1 z if wak+ f a 
pr(\nd le?>gy1 op5$  8 eyes1 began to   
move 8 arms1 &1 call+ 8 wife1 said to   
h]1  ',i am cur$4  ,bless$ ,rita has    
made me well4'  ,he !n began to tell  h[
 ! sa9t _h appe>$ to him1 _h t\*$ him on
 ! =ehead1  %\ld]1 & brea/1 & assur$ him
 t he w\ld be cur$1 & t  aft] only a day
 or two ( weakness he w\ld be entirely  
well4  ,he also  gave ! same acc\nt ( ! 
vision to o!rs :o came to see him1 &  ! 
fact prov$ t ! sa9t _h miracul\sly sav$ 

him f imm95t  dea?4    ,! next day he   
left 8 b$ completely cur$1 z ,rita _h   
told him he  w\ld be4  ,he 0 able to eat
 & dige/ 8 food z well z any p]son  (   
/rong robu/ heal?1 & all ^? *ronic ills 
t afflict$ him  = s _m ye>s 7           
in/antane\sly & entirely eradicat$1 & 8 
deafness & lack ( vision also 7 entirely
 gone4  ,he c\ld see z  well z if he _h 
nev] be5 %ortsight$1 & c\ld detect !    
lea/  noise1 & al?\gh he 0 sev5ty ye>s (
 age he _h rega9$ full  vig\r & /r5g?4  
,_m p w5t to see ,pelligr9i1 :o seem$ z 
"o rais$ f !  dead to a new life1 & :o 0
 fill$ ) a new /r5g?4  ,all :o  saw him 
gave glory to ,god & to ,rita = s       
wond]ful & surpris+ a  fact4  ,aft] t5  
ye>s1 :5 he 0 eighty ye>s old1 he 0     
exam9$  by doctors1 & f\nd p]fectly     
heal?y & full ( vig\r4                  
,,conclusion    ,we h n[ come1 oh1      
read]1 to ! end ( our j\rney1 & h[ev]   
%ort x has be51 y1 ! fai?ful foll[] (   
our /eps1 _c fail  to look back1 z      
travell]s d aft] a difficult passage1 & 

consid]  ) u ! difficulty & r\ghness ( !
 way t ,rita trav]s$ 9  ord] to rea* h] 
sublime goal4  ,we are conv9c$ t x is n 
simply curiosity t has mov$ y to foll[  
our pla9 n>ration (  facts1 b ! proposal
 to foll[ on ! pa? t ,rita has travell$ 
by1 & walk 9 h] foot/eps1 = ! lives ( ! 
sa9ts are writt5  & read = no o!r object
 ?an ) ! ,div9e assi/ance to cause  _!  
virtues to be imitat$4  ,& y mu/ h      
rem>k$ t ,rita's  virtues h ?is peculi> 
*>act]i/ic--t p]sons ( bo? sexes1  ( all
 ages & conditions1 may put !mselves 9 !
 way ( practis+  !m & turn+ !m to       
acc\nt4  ,! "y1 m>ri$ p]sons1 p>5ts1    
wid[s1 p]sons 9 religi\s life1 ! tr\bl$ 
& afflict$ ( bo?  sexes1 h ea* 9 ! life 
( ?is sa9t a bright & %9+ mirror  :]e9  
to behold _! /a9s1 _! weakness1 _!      
imp]fection1 &  see also h[ to remove ^!
 blots "u ,rita's c>e & protection4     
,! incid5t ( ! wondr\s bees flitt+ ab\t 
h] cradle1 describ$  9 ! fir/ "p1 seems 
to u to symbolize ! great multitude (   
,*ri/ian s\ls1 ea* ( :i* 9 its prop]    

place may extract1 l  indu/ri\s bees1 ! 
honey & fragrance ( virtue f ?is my/ic1 
odorif]\s1 & preci\s g>d54  ,%e is inde$
 ! jewel ( !  ,umbrian prov9ce1 z !     
inspir$ ,pontiff1 ,leo ,,xiii41 /yl$ h] 
9  mo/ happy phrase on ,april #h1 #aijj1
 ^: beauty c nev] fade1 ab\t  :i* ?\s&s 
( s\ls may ga!r & be excit$ to ?\ghts ( 
ineffable sweetness t w produce good    
fruits 9 "t & 9  et]nity4    ,y "y p1 y 
p>5ts1 y religi\s1 y tr\bl$ &  afflict$1
 nev] lose sight ( y\r model6  ,h       
rec\rse to h] 9 all  y\r trials1 & ev5  
:5 y\r tr\bles seem irrep>able1 d n lose
  c\rage1 = %e :o is commonly call$ !   
,sa9t ( ! ,impossible  & ( desp]ate     
cases w !n especially gu>d y & br+ y    
consolation4          ,r4  ,t4          
,,wa%b\rne1 #d ,,pat]no/] ,,r[1 ,,london