have done will be of any benefit to him?" "Yes," modestly replied Anchieta, " immediately after the memento for the dead, when I said these words: To Thee, God the Father Almighty, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory! God showed me the soul of that dear friend, freed from all its sufferings and ascending to Heaven, where his crown awaited him." (See Note 12.)
CHAPTER XIX.
Relief of the Souls through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass — Venerable Mother Agnes and Sister Seraphique — Margaret of Austria — The Archduke Charles — Father Mancinelli.
We have just spoken of the efficacy of the Holy Sacrifice in relieving the poor souls. A lively faith in this consoling mystery inflames the devotion of the true faithful, and smoothes the bitterness of their grief. Does death deprive them of a father, a mother, a friend? They turn their tearful eyes towards the altar, which affords the means of testifying their love and gratitude towards their dear departed ones. Hence the numerous Masses which they cause to be celebrated; hence also that eagerness to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of Propitiation in favour of the dead.
Venerable. Mother Agnes de Langeac, a Dominican Religious of whom we have already spoken, assisted at Holy Mass with the greatest devotion, and encouraged her Religious to a like fervour. She told them that this Divine Sacrifice was the holiest act of religion, the work of God by excellence, and reminded them of Holy Scripture: "Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord deceitfully."[1]
- ↑ Jer. xlviii. 10.
