The Lives of the Saints Volume 1 - St. Patrick's Basilica

www.freecatholicebooks.com
and hard by he erected a little church, and round about it, at
intervals, five small hermitages, wherein, with his companions, he
renewed the austere and exalted life of the old anchorites, and advanced
greatly in spirituality. And in order that no care or worldly thought
might ruffle the sublime tranquillity of this contemplative life, the
convent had charge of daily supplying the holy solitary with food.
But the superiors, who knew the rich treasure they possessed in our
saint, when he had attained the age of twenty-four, chose him for master
of the novices; in which new office, so far from allowing himself the
smallest dispensation, he was foremost in setting the example of a
scrupulous observance of every rule; assiduous in his attendance in
choir, constant in silence, in prayer, and recollection. He was careful
to instil into the hearts of those under his charge an ardent love of
Our Lord Jesus, and a desire of imitating him; as also a special
veneration for, and tender attachment to His blessed mother.
From Naples, where he was employed as master of the novices, our saint
was transferred to Piedimonte, and invested with the office of guardian.
The zeal which this new and more responsible charge called for, was
surpassed only by the profound humility its exercise demanded. Ever a
rigid enforcer of the rule, he was careful to make his enactments
agreeable to others, by being the first to observe them himself. The
beneficial result of such conduct was soon made manifest, for he thereby
won the hearts of all the religious, who under him, advanced with rapid
strides towards the most heroic {514} perfection. Still his humble and
gentle spirit sighed to be disburdened of so heavy a charge; and having,
after two years, obtained the desired release, turned its charitable
energies to the direction of souls, the assistance and alleviation of
the dying and distressed, and the conversion of sinners.
When he was released from his post of guardian, it was only to reassume
that of master of the novices, which be held for four successive years,
and exercised partly in Naples, and partly in Piedimonte. But now
succeeded the accustomed visitation of crosses, to be afterwards
followed by an increase of grace and supernatural favors; an alternation
which checkered the whole course of his life. He was summoned to his
native country, Ischia, to order to discharge the painful duty of filial
affection, and receive the last sighs of his dying mother. Her death
ensued, full of hope, and calm, in the presence of her beloved; and,
stifling the swelling emotions of sensible grief, this incomparable son
followed her remains to the church, and offered up for her soul the
sacrifice of propitiation. Who shall adequately conceive his feelings
during the celebration of that mass? Was his grief less filial, less
poignant, because it was reasonable and Christian? and because, instead
of breaking into wild laments and barren demonstrations, it remained