Lord. She had been remarkable for her tender devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. After her death St. Gertrude saw her, brilliant with a celestial light, kneeling before the Divine Master, whose glorified wounds appeared like lighted torches, from whence issued five flaming rays that pierced the five senses of the deceased. The countenance of the latter, however, was clouded by an expression of deep sadness. " Lord Jesus," cried the saint, " how comes it that whilst you thus illumine your servant, why does she not experience perfect joy?"
"Until now," replied the good Master, "this sister has been worthy to contemplate my glorified humanity only, and to enjoy the sight of my five wounds, in recompense for her tender devotion to the mystery of the Holy Eucharist; but unless numerous suffrages are offered in her favour, she cannot yet be admitted to the beatific vision, on account of some slight defects in the observation of her holy rules."
Let us conclude what we have said concerning the nature of these pains by some details which we find in the Life of Blessed Margaret Mary of the Visitation. They are taken in part from the Memoir of Mother Greffier, who, wisely diffident on the subject of the extraordinary graces granted to Blessed Sister Margaret, recognised the truth only after a thousand trials. Mother Philiberte Emmanuel de Montoux, Superior at Annecy, died February 2, 1683, after a life which had edified the whole Order. Mother Greffier recommended her specially to the prayers of Sister Margaret. After some time the latter told her superior that our Lord had made known to her that this soul was most dear to Him on account of her love and fidelity in His service, and that an ample recompense awaited her in Heaven when she should have accomplished her purification in Purgatory.
The Blessed Sister saw the departed in the place of expiation. Our Lord showed her the sufferings which she
