which was miraculously celebrated, as we shall see in the course of our narrative.
After this perpetual vow, Catharine advanced rapidly in sanctity; in imitation of Jesus Christ, she crucified her innocent body, and she resolved to deny herself as far as possible, all nutritious aliments. When meat was served to her, she secretly gave it to her brother Stephen, or put it secretly away; she continued and augmented her disciplines, either alone or in concert with her youthful friends. She felt a burning zeal for the salvation of souls, and entertained a special devotion towards such saints as had labored most diligently in promoting it: she chiefly loved St. Dominic, whose apostolical charity God had made known to her.
The child advanced in age, but faith, hope and charity were developed far before her tender years, and her daily conduct commanded the respect of her seniors. The following instance Lapa often related. Catharine had scarcely attained the age of ten, when Lapa desirous of having a Mass said in honor of St. Anthony, sent her to the curate of the parish to acquiesce in her wishes, and to offer a certain number of candles on the altar, and present a sum of money mentioned. The pious child joyfully fulfilled her mother's commission, but would profit by adding her own prayers to what she felt was promoting God's glory. She therefore remained in the Church until the end of Mass, and did not return home until the Office had terminated. Her mother, — persuaded that she should have come home after having spoken with the priest, found her absence too much prolonged, and reproached her in a way common among "the people" for her slowness. "Cursed," said she, "be the tongue that pretend that you should not have returned!"
