Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/251

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from that the threatened Schism ought not frighten any one, but that they should do God's work and dread nothing. When she had finished, the Sovereign Pontiff, quite encouraged, resumed her discourse, and said to the Cardinals: "Behold, Brethren, when we yield to timidity how we become guilty before God. This humble woman confounds us; I call her humble, not in contempt, but on account of the weakness of her sex: she should naturally fear, even though we were of good heart; and yet where we are fearful, she is tranquil, and inspires us with courage. Is not this a motive for confusion to us all ?" And he continued: "What should the Vicar of Jesus Christ dread, though the whole world were to oppose him; is not Christ, the all-powerful, stronger than the world ? He can never forsake the Church. " The Sovereign Pontiff, encouraged himself and his Brethren; he praised the Saint in God, and accorded her many spiritual favors for herself and her companions.

Jeanne, Queen of Sicily, at the instigation of the devil, declared herself openly against the Church and favored the Schism to the extent of her power. Urban VI thought of sending to her Catherine and another Virgin called Catherine, daughter of St. Bridget of Sweden, who was recently inscribed in the catalogue of the Saints, by Pope Boniface IX . He hoped that these two persons with whom the Queen was acquainted might induce her to forsake he. evil ways. When our Blessed Catherine knew it, she did not shrink from the charge it was intended to impose on her, and she even offered to go, directly. But Catherine of Sweden did not like to undertake the voyage, and refused in my very presence, the mission that was proposed to her. I acknowledge that through imperfection and want of faith I also did not approve the project