Veronika Negroni of Binasco

ON BLESSED VERONICA OF BINASCO, VIRGIN, AT MILAN.

Year of Christ 1497.

Veronica of Binasco, Virgin at Milan (Blessed).

[1] Binasco is ^a town of Lombardy, almost midway on the road between Pavia and Milan, which Leander Albertus calls an honourable and well-populated castle, and which, according to Alciato, who had ^a magnificent villa there, was called Bacinae in Latin, Blessed Veronica's homeland. and by others Binas. From here, about the year 1445, Veronica was born. In the twenty-second year of her age she embraced the religious life at Milan in the monastery of St. Martha, and at last in the year 1497, on January 13, Her feast-day. ^a Thursday, she died ^a holy death. Twenty years later, by the authority of Leo X, she began to be venerated in that same monastery. Ferrarius mentions her in his general catalogue of Saints with these words: "At Milan, in the monastery of St. Martha, the deposition of Blessed Veronica of Binasco, of the Order of Preachers."

[2] Whether that monastery of St. Martha was originally established under the Dominicans, we are unable to pronounce; we find nothing in Veronica's Life Her profession. from which it would be possible to establish this. St. Augustine and St. Martha are repeatedly mentioned as particular Patrons. Perhaps this gave Ferrarius the occasion for writing as he did, Her Life. because Isidore Isolano, ^a Dominican preacher, by whom certain other distinguished works are extant, wrote the Life of Veronica. It was published at Milan in 1518, printed by Gotardus Ponticus.

[3] Notes on the above. The copy we obtained, printed on vellum, was illustrated with notes written in gold, vermillion, and various colours; these, although they savoured of exceptional piety and reverence for sacred things, we have judged it superfluous to add in their entirety. The bookseller from whom it was purchased in Italy claimed it had belonged to Cardinal Sfondrati of Santa Cecilia, and that those notes had been added by his effort. He was indicating, as we suppose, Paolo Emilio Sfondrati, not his uncle Niccolo Sfondrati, who as Supreme Pontiff was called Gregory XIV; both, however, were Cardinals of the title of Santa Cecilia; for Francesco, the father of Gregory XIV, was Cardinal of the title of Sant'Anastasia. But some of these notes are earlier in date than all of these men, as will be noted at book 3, chapter 6. In the same volume there was an office of Blessed Veronica, written by hand, and ^a Mass, which we have thought best to omit.

[4] Raptures and revelations. Veronica is recorded to have seen many things in ecstasy concerning the mysteries of the life of Christ, which learned men reject as suspected of falsehood. But perhaps these things, more obscurely narrated by her, were expounded in that way by the writer; or she herself expressed them from mental images derived from prior instruction about such matters, since she could not express the immense power of divine light and sweetness, of which she had no forms in her imagination. And the same may be observed from time to time in the raptures and revelations of other Saints as well.

THE DEEDS OF THE INEXPLICABLE MYSTERY

OF BLESSED VERONICA, VIRGIN,

OF THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MONASTERY OF ST. MARTHA

OF THE CITY OF MILAN,

UNDER THE OBSERVANCE OF THE RULE OF ST. AUGUSTINE.

Veronica of Binasco, Virgin at Milan (Blessed).

Author: Isidore Isolano.

DEDICATION.

To the Most Christian King and Queen of France, Francis and Claude, their spouses, and most unconquered Dukes of Milan: Brother Isidore de Isolanis of Milan, of the Order of Preachers, wishes felicity in the human and divine realm.

[1] The deeds of Christians deserve to be celebrated above all. Whoever, Francis and Claude, sovereigns of the greatest hope, has striven with ^a great and excellent mind to know the stratagems of mortals from the foundation of the world will be persuaded, will confess, and will assert with the most steadfast conviction that those in which the most illustrious men, worshippers of the Catholic truth, have shone are worthy of greater admiration than all the rest. Indeed, if you should summon to the examination of one most just tribunal the Jews — ^a race chosen by God's establishment, wise and distinguished; the philosophers — pre-eminent in nobility of soul; the renowned and proven legislators; the kings — most exalted in the majesty of sovereign rule; the most magnificent founders of cities; the most illustrious generals — I say, the thunderbolts of war — and finally the most learned men, who have shone in every nation under heaven, they will all be found incomparable in every respect to Christians. God, most blessed, was sometimes believed to be known to the Jews alone — who, offering the sacred rites of sacrifices to the same God of heaven, excelled by the prophetic spirit. The philosophers, more than all other mortals surveying the more secret things of nature — learned, elegant — gave signs of the immortal soul in their admirable works. The legislators — just, prudent, and expert in human affairs — seem to have enriched the entire world with so many and so great public institutions. The most pious kings, endowed with the hearts of great minds — rich, distinguished, and steadfast — made historians illustrious. And the renowned generals who waged wars — noble, freeborn — preserved peace with arms and strove to be commemorated among mortals as beneficent and gentle by their great trophies. The most erudite cultivators of letters, finally, seem to have refined, illuminated, and rendered immortal all things with their lofty minds. But, O Christ, immortal God! O man born indeed in time, but perpetually governing the reins of all things! O God most high, whose divine followers placed the doctrines of the Jews, made transparent by heavenly light, before the eyes of mortals; and we do not doubt that, changing the holocausts for the better by the coming of the Holy Spirit, they surpassed the Prophets. In truth, the literary institutions of the philosophers, compared with Christian doctrines, are found to be meagre, unpolished, blind, foul, deformed, and by their guide and their perils, ostentatious. Now the most ample kings, made wise by the Christian light, desire above all to be crowned with ^a diadem unimaginable to mortals among the heavenly host, and the great generals offer their arms to Christ. Indeed, in the praises of the Christian family, the power of speech grows sick and falters, and sits clouded and heavy; even when the East winds blow favourably and happily, the swift and steady flowing spring of eloquence fails, grows dull, and languishes. O divine nations of the Christians! O wonderful commonwealth, sealed with divine virtue, most excellent, most good — which does not place human souls among the stars by an empty fiction, but numbers them among the blessed spirits, and after death makes them happy by ^a holy manner of living!

[2] Wherefore, most unconquered King Francis and magnanimous Queen Claude, from whom Italy at last received its most desired peace, preceded by an unheard-of kind of triumph: I have resolved to offer to your Highnesses ^a volume containing heavenly secrets. For to whom might it more fittingly or more honourably be permitted to dedicate the virgin deeds that exalt the Christian faith than to the Most Christian sovereigns? For you are that Commander of the Christian army, O most unconquered King Francis, The Author exhorts the King and Queen to great deeds for the Catholic faith. whom the Catholic religion — marked with the protection of the Cross — awaits, beseeches, and with certain divine favour hopes, as the one who will conquer the enemies of the name of Christ. Already all the boundaries of the Christian Empire seem to see the Archangel Michael carrying the sacred sign of the Cross before you, crying with ^a loud voice and saying: "Thus says the Lord to my anointed one Francis, whose right hand I have grasped, that I may subdue the nations before his face and turn the backs of kings. I will go before you and will humble the glorious of the dark earth to you." And you, Claude, most steadfast Queen — many venerate, honour, and welcome you as one who will bring succour to the tottering commonwealth of the orthodox faith. But raise the eyes of your minds to heaven from time to time, O sovereigns of so great ^a hope, and consider the just judgments of God, by which we have learned that princes chosen by immortal God are rejected undeservedly — whether when they trample upon justice, or when they fail to venerate the Roman Pontiff, or when they give loose rein to the pleasures of nature. And to the fear of God. We therefore ask you, upon whom rest the nearly ruined house of God and the declining empire of the Church militant, to fear the dreadful divine powers of the great God — beseeching through the bowels of the mercy of our God, that they may bring, confirm, and consolidate for you the prosperous successes of human and divine affairs, even unto the day of Christ Jesus.

[3] I am likewise compelled to inscribe my literary gifts, however modest, to Your Majesty, O most great King Francis, lest I incur the detestable crime of ingratitude. The King supports the Author at his own expense. For in recent months you enjoined by your letter the most illustrious John de Selva, the most just President of your Senate at Milan, to sustain me with your alms, even though I frequently traversed various kingdoms of Italy at the command of my Superiors. Receive, therefore, O Kings — the divine lights of the Christian Commonwealth — these virgin deeds, and number the virgin Veronica, of ^a sanctity unknown to mortals, among your tutelary divinities. Farewell and prosper. From the house of Our Lady of Grace, Milan, on the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, 1517.

PROEM TO THE LIFE OF BLESSED VERONICA OF MILAN.

By Brother Isidore de Isolanis of Milan, of the Order of Preachers and professor of the regular life.

[4] In the wretched times of the Church, Saints are raised up by God. Learning from the heavenly secrets revealed in sacred Scripture, we have understood that in the unhappy tempest declining around our times there would be men who, distinguished by integrity of soul, inviolable faith and hope, and remarkable piety, frugal, and of exceptional sanctity — familiar with the citizens of heaven — would be at hand for the human race rushing headlong through the precipices of vice, and would illuminate the whole world as the most splendid lights. Although the most distinguished virtue of these persons will lie hidden from many mortals, yet the supreme Creator so pursues them with love that He has promised by ^a mystical word to dine with each one. "If anyone opens to me," He says, "I will enter in and will dine with him." Rev. 3:20. That these things come about by the most provident gift of Christ, who governs the rights of the militant Church — His greatest empire — we do not doubt, and we confess it; and to those who do not, with eyes bound shut, cast away the most bright light of faith, these things are rendered as clear as the sun.

[5] For when the most savage army of demons waged war with the sword of princes against the Christian Commonwealth, most merciful God set against the insatiable murderer the necks of the Martyrs, Martyrs fight against tyrants. and also the most distinguished Virgins, in whose milk-white blood he might rage. They carried back trophies to the most unconquered, and laureated with their own blood, they made the walls of the heavenly and earthly Jerusalem more magnificent and more spacious. Satan, turning his back to the victors, enjoined upon the impious throng of his soldiers fresh wars, to be fought with new weapons. Vanquished, he brings back his arms; but he teaches unhappy mortal minds heresies. Thence Arius, Sabellius, Ebion, and many others sent down to the underworld innumerable men deceived by ^a false image of sanctity. Doctors against heretics. But Christ, resplendent with heavenly arms, chose men upon whom He bestowed the divine gifts of the Holy Spirit most generously. These were the innumerable Doctors of the Catholic truth, receiving speech and wisdom from the Father of Lights, whom the most foul enemies of orthodox wisdom could not resist. At last there followed sad hypocrites, who, adorned with the Christian title but with ^a shameful life, wicked morals, and most criminal words, do not hold the commandments of Christ the Most High in great regard. Who indeed could patiently endure the sulphurous stench of the burning pit arising from the impiety of these persons, which offends even the supracelestial realms? Confessors and Virgins against hypocrites. Against these, Christ dashes — by the sanctity of the female sex (to pass over the divine men) — persons of most brilliant talent, with the most certain perils of divine things, against Himself as the Rock, by which they are broken, shattered, and shown to be utterly empty, as clearly as the sun.

[6] Very many women of the Christian religion have flourished in our time, whose deeds are deemed incredible by the impious, but the pious — illustrious by the light of faith — marvel at these same things as wonders of God, believe them, proclaim them with their mouths, and confess them. Wonderful things that happen to holy women. For who would not marvel at ^a woman experiencing the pains of the Passion of Christ every week? Who would not be astonished at one bearing the stigmata of Christ the Most High in her body, foretelling the future, and understanding most clearly the supreme secrets of immortal God through the instruction of Angels? There should be no doubt that the angel of darkness very frequently feigns the appearance of an angel of light; but I believe indeed (and the belief is not in vain) that this kind of person is from God, is governed and instructed by God — persons who, meditating upon heavenly things with ^a lofty mind, burst forth into new flames of divine love, and having experienced things wonderful beyond the powers of nature, teach still more wonderful things and despise everything that is in the world so as to gain Christ. This is the law, this the rule, this the measure for testing spirits whether they be of God. Once we have discerned them, our understanding must be made captive in obedience to Christ.

[7] Wherefore I begin to undertake the task of writing the deeds of the incomparable Virgin Veronica, who departed this life when I was in the years of my youth, leaving to mortals — especially to the Milanese — the great title of her name. From whom the Author received what he writes about Veronica. First, ^a woman named Benedicta, an elderly religious sister of the monastery of St. Martha, at Christ the Most High's command, collected these things — with Veronica revealing them — along with Thadaea of Ferrara, of the Bonali family, of the same profession (whom the Saviour wished to be Veronica's confidant), who was indeed ^a most keen investigator of the acts of the Virgin Veronica. Benedicta wrote them down in three volumes in the vernacular tongue; in rendering them into Latin, we have only added an arrangement. The volumes written by Benedicta's hand do not contain different things, but two are the originals, while the third is transcribed word for word from both. There are also at present among the living many most proven witnesses of the virtue of Veronica. We have indeed begun this heavenly work by divine mercy, for we do not consider ourselves worthy to render such things in the Latin tongue. But since the limitations of our condition can neither add anything to nor diminish the pure truth, the evangelical saying must be brought into the discussion: "The Spirit breathes where He wills, and you hear His voice, and you do not know whence He comes or whither He goes: so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." John 3:8. But since it is generous and full of honest modesty to acknowledge through whom one has progressed — just as it is the mark of an indebted spirit and ^a sign of an unhappy talent to try to acquire fame for oneself by disparaging the learning of others — we confess that Benedicta, in writing the deeds of Veronica, employs words breathing divine love, which we with our cold hearts cannot imitate. Whatever hidden energy our volumes lack, therefore, even though amid so great ^a throng of writers they may remain in obscurity, let me console myself nevertheless with the nobility and grandeur of the things written. However it may be, the memory of the deeds accomplished will be of benefit for my own part, and I shall have taken my own counsel. Livy, book 1. For indeed (to use the words of the noble historian once more), if my love for the task I have undertaken does not deceive me, in the knowledge of these matters this will be of the first importance to you, both salutary and fruitful: that you will behold every kind of instructive example set upon ^a conspicuous monument. From it you may take what to imitate; from it, what is foul in its undertaking and foul in its outcome, what to avoid. For the rest, we have divided the present work in various ways, giving sufficient satisfaction to the well-disposed Reader. For volumes divided into books and chapters enhance the meaning, and intervals are accustomed to provide vigour to the listless.

BULL OF LEO X.

Permitting the celebration of the feast of Blessed Veronica.

Pope Leo X, to his beloved daughters in Christ, the Mother and nuns of the monastery of Blessed Martha at Milan, greeting and Apostolic benediction.

[8] Since, as the venerable brother Dionysius, Bishop of Saint-Malo, our representative and that of the Apostolic See on behalf of our most dear son in Christ, Francis, Most Christian King of France, Dionysius, Bishop of Saint-Malo, Legate of the King of France to the Pontiff. has recently informed us on your behalf: you most ardently desire that ^a certain Veronica, while she was living among mortals, ^a professed nun of your monastery — on account of the singular virtues of her exemplary life, her fasts, prayers, vigils, and very many other virtuous and God-pleasing and acceptable works which, while still living, she performed with the divine grace assisting her, so that it is pious to believe she has been received into heaven; both on account of the frequent miracles which our Lord daily works through her intercessions after her death, and on account of the singular devotion which you bear toward her; and so that the fervour of devotion may increase, and you may become more and more the followers of good works day by day — that you be permitted to venerate and honour her as Blessed in your church and monastery, and to have her image painted in your churches and chapels. Wherefore the aforesaid Bishop and Ambassador Dionysius has humbly petitioned us in your name to deign, in accordance with the duty of our pastoral office, to satisfy this pious and honourable desire of yours, from Apostolic benignity.

[9] We therefore, who gladly encourage all the faithful, and especially those of the female sex serving the Lord under the sweet yoke of religion, to devotion and veneration of the Saints and holy women of God, as far as we are able, [The Pontiff permits Veronica to be honoured as Blessed and her image to be painted.] and willingly assent to their pious desires arising from great fervour of devotion — inclined by petitions of this kind, we grant and indulge equally to you by Apostolic authority and by the tenor of the present letters, from the fulness of Apostolic authority, that for your special consolation you may and shall be able to venerate the same Veronica as Blessed in your churches and chapels, and to have her image painted, without incurring any demerit, or idolatry, or scruple of conscience — notwithstanding any Apostolic constitutions and ordinances and any other things whatsoever to the contrary. By this, however, we do not intend that she has been inscribed in the catalogue of the Saints, until the process of her canonization has actually been carried out. Given at Rome, at St. Peter's, under the ring of the fisherman, on the fifteenth day of December, 1517, in the fifth year of our Pontificate. Evangelista. On the reverse: To the beloved daughters in Christ, the Mother and nuns of the monastery of Blessed Martha at Milan.

COMMENDATION OF THIS BOOK

To the Father of the Monastery of St. Martha.

Rufinus Belingerius, Doctor of Both Laws, Archpriest of the Church of Sts. Nabor and Felix of Pustino, in the Diocese of Pavia, Vicar General of the Most Reverend Father in Christ and Most Illustrious Lord, Lord Hippolytus, by divine mercy Cardinal Deacon of the Holy Roman Church of the title of St. Lucy in Silice and Administrator of the Archbishopric of the same Church: to the Venerable Father in Christ, the Lord Giovanni Antonio Borsano, Parochial Priest of the Church of St. Paul at Milan, greeting in the Lord and charity.

[10] This present little work, like the first rose filled with every most sweet flavour, which from the sacred monastery of this illustrious city — the beauty and ornament of the venerable Religious Sisters of St. Martha at Milan — as from ^a fragrant rosary, irrigated by the dew of the Holy Spirit, guarded unstained by divine grace, and plucked by an angelic hand, ought by right to be dedicated and given to you rather than to another; for you were chosen — by the judgment of the entire city, and not by chance — as spiritual Father and most just Rector of their souls for the holy governance of these same sisters. For it was fitting that those sacred Religious Sisters, most worthy of all praise, should fully have you — ^a most excellent man and worthy of equal praise — as such ^a Father and guardian of their souls; and that whenever you exhort them, as is proper (as indeed you do most frequently), to bear their own cross with patience and humility, you should have this little book alone, from which — drawing the most ample instruction not from elsewhere but from them themselves — if you wish to exhort them to humility, to obedience, to poverty, to chastity, to charity, and to other such like things, you will have from this rosary the most ample manner and examples.

[11] And so that you may more easily recognize this, it is fitting to run through the life of this Virgin in summary, A summary of Blessed Veronica's life. so that you may more easily contemplate her merits. We are taught and assured by many testimonies that the Most Blessed Veronica, born of modest parents, dedicated herself to God before she could by age have known God; and being now of full age, she consecrated her virginity to Christ, whom she beheld sitting in His majesty in ^a wonderful vision; and she saw the secrets of the heavenly court, which mortal tongue cannot express. She devoutly obtained the habit of St. Augustine in the aforesaid monastery. Various virtues. She renounced worldly delights, gave herself entirely to prayer, and both taught and persuaded the other Sisters to do the same. She ministered to the sick with the greatest diligence and charity. She overcame the temptations of the devil and the constant battles of malignant spirits with the shield of patience and the helmet of faith. No word fell from her that was not religious, not holy; her every discourse was about morals and religion, about piety, about contempt of the world, about the love of God and neighbour, about the heavenly fatherland. No one approached her who did not depart more learned and better. Her learning was infused, not acquired; Abstinence. she seemed ^a teacher before she was ^a student. The abstinence of this Virgin was extreme, and the austerity of her life was wonderful: for she utterly rejected the use of wine and meat. She went to food as to punishment; to Communion at the altar, which was frequent for her, Piety. as though invited to ^a heavenly wedding feast, she proceeded with the greatest eagerness, yet humbly and devoutly. She had no feathers; but she had made her bed from hard planks. Vigils. She slept no more than three hours by day and by night; all the remaining time she spent in watching, praying, preaching, and performing works of mercy. She struggled most frequently with demons. Struggles with the demon. But she would say with the Apostle, "When I am weak, then I am stronger." 2 Cor. 12:10. She was often caught up by the Spirit, and suspended in the air, she was nourished by divine contemplations, Frequent raptures. to such ^a degree that, struck and moved beyond herself, she felt nothing at all.

[12] This Virgin departed to heaven in the fifty-second year of her age, and her body, preserved for some time, was at length laid to rest in the aforesaid monastery, not without the greatest devotion and reverence of the people; by the touch of which body very many of the sick obtained their health. Miracles after death: Afterwards also the Virgin, now received into heaven, graciously heard the prayers of supplicants, and saw to it that they were heard by her Spouse and Lord Christ, and she continues to do so even to the present day. When all these things had become known, public report carrying the news, even to our Most Holy Lord, Lord Pope Leo X, through his Apostolic brief, Private cult and image permitted by the Pontiff. which we have seen, read, and handled, he declared that the same Blessed Virgin could be depicted in the cells of her fellow religious sisters and in their church, and that she could be venerated and honoured as blessed, privately however, and not publicly. Therefore, since all the aforesaid things are most well known to us and true, we have decreed that the present little work, as true in every part of it and conformable to the Christian religion, can and ought to be printed, notwithstanding anything whatsoever to the contrary. Farewell, and deign to pray to God for me.

BOOK I OF THE LIFE.

On her character.

Chapter I. On the birth and parents of the Virgin Veronica.

[1] There is among the Insubrians ^a town which they call Binasco, midway between Pavia and Milan. There, from the humble family of the Negroni, the Virgin Veronica was born. Her father was occupied in cultivating the land and in trade of certain goods of small value. For this reason, from her tender years, by her parents' command and on account of poverty, Veronica devoted herself to weeding the fields. Veronica weeds the fields. Nor indeed, though Veronica's family lacked earthly riches, was it wanting in the excellence of virtues. For very many assert that her father was ^a man of no small innocence — upright, simple, and Catholic. Her father ^a good man. Whenever it happened that he was selling ^a horse or any beast of burden, he was accustomed to disclose to the buyers the hidden defects of his animal with great simplicity. Born therefore of such parents, the Virgin Veronica, by the very lowliness of her stock, rendered the wonderful name of God more illustrious than the distinguished nobility of mortals.

Chapter II. On the desire for heavenly things.

[2] The Virgin Veronica, vehemently inflamed by the fire of divine love, carrying out her parents' commands, very often devoted herself to weeding the fields accompanied by many women. She was, however, wonderfully pensive, avoiding her companions and preferring to work alone. And while she took delight in solitude as she worked, she shed tears abundantly, with many watching from afar. A lover of solitude, she spurns jests and songs, out of piety. Her companions, ignorant of what lay hidden in the Virgin, were amazed. For they observed the Virgin, abounding in every propriety of conduct, shedding tears while working, turning deaf ears to jesting words, taking no delight in songs, eating sparingly, drinking more sparingly still, and obeying her parents with all humility in all things. These things were not rare in the Virgin, but continual. Moreover, when very many marvelled that the Virgin carried on such things day and night beyond her years, they judged that something great assuredly lay hidden within her.

Chapter III. On the apparition of the Blessed Virgin.

[3] Having conceived the vow of religious life, Veronica with unceasing prayers begged to be clothed in the holy habit by the Mother of the monastery of St. Martha. The same Mother advised her to learn her letters thoroughly. The Virgin therefore endeavoured sufficiently to fulfil the Mother's commands. She studies letters by night. Wherefore, since she was compelled by her father to attend to domestic affairs the whole day, she devoted herself to learning letters during the night vigils. She prayed moreover to the most loving God and the Most Blessed Mother, that they might assist her in acquiring knowledge of letters, from which she was hindered by the frequent labour of her hands. At length the immortal Mother of God appeared to the Virgin, clothed in most resplendent garments of blue colour. Terrified by this sight, the Virgin Veronica nearly collapsed to the ground in fear. The Blessed Virgin appears to her, commands her to learn only three letters. But the most loving Mother, drawing closer to the fearful virgin, said: Do not be afraid, my daughter: nor should you strive excessively to know letters. For it is my will that you have knowledge of only three letters: the first shall be of white colour, the second of black, the third of red. And indeed, having recovered her spirit and strength, Veronica, made bolder, said: Are you the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of the Lord? She replied: I am the Mother of Almighty God. To whom Veronica said: I would never believe this, She doubts the vision. since I am but ^a lowly little woman, unworthy for the Mother of God to come to me. I rather think you are the devil, who has come to deceive me and has assumed the appearance of this extraordinary woman. To whom the Mother of God replied: Do not doubt, daughter, that I am the Mother of Christ: for I myself am she. Explanation of the three letters. But hear the meaning of the three letters. The white letter signifies purity of heart, which I command you to strive to obtain with all the desires of your soul. Take care that you never pursue anything with illicit love. All your affection must be fixed with your whole mind on my Son and on me. But the black letter teaches that you should never take scandal from the works of your neighbour. Though men may do evil works, you must always have compassion on the wicked and strive to reduce all things mentally to the order of my will. You shall also pour forth constant prayers before God my Son for those who err. You shall always guard yourself from murmuring, whether any evil is inflicted upon you or upon your neighbour. As for the red letter, I command you to meditate daily on at least ^a portion of the passion of my Son as attentively as possible. If you can learn the other letters thoroughly, well; if not, let these three never slip from your mind. Whoever shall shine with purity of soul, that person will be radiant before my Son. But whoever devotes himself to murmuring, his soul will be as if discoloured with blackness and not pleasing to God. But the soul of one who meditates on my Son's cruel death will glow with divine love: to whom divine gifts from on high (unknown indeed to the wicked) will be given. And saying these things, the Mother of the Supreme Creator vanished.

[4] And indeed thereafter Veronica did not much esteem letters, pondering the words of the Mother of God in her heart and observing them in practice. She becomes ^a lay sister in the monastery of St. Martha. Wherefore she strove to put on the habit of the Sisters who are not bound to the chanting of the divine offices, and in that state she ended her days. And these things happened in the year 1463 from the Nativity of Christ, also three years before Veronica entered the religious life.

Chapter IV. On the manner of life of the monastery of St. Martha in the city of Milan.

[5] Nearly one hundred and fifty years are now passing, counting from above the year 1517 of our Lord's birth; Origin of the monastery of St. Martha, when by certain venerable women the monastery of St. Martha in the city of Milan was established. Lacking in earthly riches, it was considered wealthy in an abundance of spiritual goods. For those first Sisters lived most innocently, holiness, and rather in an angelic than ^a human manner. By Apostolic privilege they choose as Confessor ^a secular priest, by whose counsel and authority they are governed in spiritual and temporal matters, especially when anything of great weight has come up for action. The manner of life of these Sisters serves under the Rule of St. Augustine. The offspring of this religious order also built monasteries throughout many parts of Italy. We have learned by truthful assertion that for the Sisters of this monastery of St. Martha, who in the beginning of the foundation served God in the highest peace, among other marvels this happened very frequently. Illustrated by miracles. For when any Sister had died, upon the opening of the tomb the corpses of their own accord yielded, granting ^a more ample place to the recently deceased. Agnes de Fidelibus, Mother of the aforesaid monastery at one time, ^a woman outstanding in virtues, affirmed that she had seen this most clearly.

Chapter V. On the character and life of Sister Michaelina of Rimini.

[6] A certain noble woman of Rimini, married to ^a very powerful man, Michaelina builds ^a monastery at Rimini and presides over it: having come to Milan on certain pressing affairs, chose as her lodging the monastery of St. Martha. She, inspired by the life, the conduct, and the holiness, and the examples of the Sisters, conceived in her mind to establish ^a monastery at Rimini under ^a similar rule of life. This, returning to her homeland, she accomplished with all zeal. Having founded the monastery, she presided over it for many years. At length after her death, she is said to have been illustrious for innumerable miracles. Very many also report that her husband led an eremitical life, She is illustrious for miracles. and at length rested with ^a holy end. This is the Michaelina whom Veronica beheld among the Blessed on the solemn feast of the Holy Father Augustine. We have made mention of her for this reason, so that the manner of life of the monastery of St. Martha might be rendered clearer.

Chapter VI. On the character and life of ^a Sister.

[7] I think that it should by no means be passed over in this place that in the monastery of St. Martha there was ^a certain wonderful Sister, named Justina, Justina suffers from consumption for thirty years. ^a Milanese by birth. She was distinguished by the special gift of continual prayer. She fell, however, into consumption: wherefore she very frequently vomited blood. She was sick with that malady for thirty passing years. During which space of time, inhabiting ^a cell set apart from the others, and almost always intent upon prayer, she by no means spared herself from fasts and abstinence. She would sit alone before an oratory, placed by herself in her own cell. There she had affixed an image of the Most Blessed Mother of God, Wonderfully devoted to the Blessed Virgin. which she venerated exceedingly, most vehemently delighted by frequent remembrance of her. She exulted, she rejoiced, and her heart leaped, made more joyful by the recollection of the Mother of the Supreme Creator. For which reason, by these examples of holiness, the Sisters were stirred up to take on the most ardent love of divine things. She spent nearly the whole night without sleep, devoting herself to prayer; and when overcome by sleep she allowed herself rest, reclining her head upon her breast. And yielding at most to nature, she applied her head upon the bedstead to rest. In this manner of life she spent the space of thirty years. She desired nothing earthly, always yearning for heavenly things. She strove with all her effort to despise herself.

[8] But as Justina's end drew near, the Sisters heard most clearly the singing of the holy Angels on high. They did not know that Justina's death was at hand: At her death the singing of Angels is heard. and they marvelled at the heavenly harmonies, which at first they supposed to be the voices of boys. But when the bell had given the signal for the dying Justina, the Sisters hastened to her, endeavouring to behold her as she breathed her last. And indeed around Justina's cell the singing of the Blessed was heard more frequently, and gradually seeking the heights of heaven, it ceased as Justina expired. And as the Sisters marvelled at the heavenly harmony after Justina's death, an elderly woman long devoted herself to prayer, asking from the Lord and the Most Blessed Mother that it be revealed to her why at Justina's death angelic singing had sounded for mortals. Placed among the Martyrs in heaven. That woman, after assiduous prayers, heard ^a voice saying: Sister Justina inhabits the places of the Martyrs. She was greatly astonished at this. Wherefore she prayed more and more, saying: O my Lord God, by what merit would I believe that Justina has received ^a place of glory among the Martyrs, when she suffered no torment from any tyrant? I fear greatly that that voice was the devil's trick. To the woman praying, at last the voice repeated ^a third time: Sister Justina inhabits the places of the Martyrs; and added: For she endured enormous torments, the dire sickness lasting for the space of thirty years.

[9] This is the Justina whom Veronica asserted she once saw among the Blessed, bearing in her hand the palm of martyrdom. She appears to Veronica. There were not lacking those who asserted that they had received heavenly gifts through Justina's prayers. Moreover, when many years after Justina's death the body of ^a certain Sister was to be committed to that same sepulchre, the head of Justina was separated from the rest of the body: and immediately blood flowed from it. The head was placed in ^a certain spot, until after the funeral of the recently deceased Sister they might decide what was to be done. Meanwhile ^a certain Sister, led by simplicity, took the head and was washing away the blood with rainwater. And when much water had turned red with the same blood, other Sisters came upon the scene. The monastery's Father Priest also arrived, and they were greatly grieved at the copious blood of the Virgin poured out to no purpose. Other marvels concerning her relics. For they had intended to enclose the head itself with greater veneration. The same head also, placed in ^a certain spot with less reverence, frequently fell down of its own accord with no one pushing it. Wherefore, by the Father of the monastery's command, it is preserved among the relics of the Saints.

Chapter VII. On her Confessor.

[10] Since more frequent mention must be made of the Confessor of the Virgin Veronica, I have judged that certain things concerning his character should be noted in advance. He was ^a Milanese by birth, of the noble family of the men of Alzate, named Thaddaeus. He, while leading ^a celibate life in the world, was ordained to the priesthood on the advice of ^a certain hermit. A man indeed of great devotion, he was always more devoutly occupied with divine things and the worship of sacred matters. Nor did he lack the learning which always adorns ^a priest. Thaddaeus the priest was chosen by the Sisters of St. Martha as Confessor, in accordance with the Apostolic indult, in the month of June, two months indeed after Veronica had already assumed the habit of religion. Thaddaeus lived on after Veronica's death: and not ^a few asserted by truthful testimony that he had departed this world ^a virgin.

Chapter VIII. On certain aspects of Veronica's character after receiving the habit of holy religion.

[11] Veronica was distinguished by ^a twofold life: eminently devoted to contemplation, and diligently occupied with exterior exercises. She was ignorant of letters, except for reading the Hours of the Blessed Virgin, to which she more frequently attended. The poverty of the monastery requiring it and by the Mother's command, Veronica begs for the monastery. Veronica would go about, seeking bread door to door through the streets of the city of Milan. She was likewise compelled sometimes to go beyond the walls of the city and to make the rounds of the villages, seeking the necessities for the monastery's sustenance. Devoted to contemplation. Returning home, she devoted her effort to assiduous meditation on the Passion of the Saviour and on her own sins. Such an abundance of tears flowed from her eyes, She weeps profusely. that they seemed like overflowing rivers. No cries, no noises, and no movements were joined to her tears. For this reason, for many years the Virgin's holiness remained hidden. Although very many Sisters noticed Veronica weeping, they judged nevertheless that there was nothing extraordinary in her. Veronica was always of such great zeal to guard the divine gift more secretly in the depths of her heart. With ^a placid face and gentle eyes she was always seen at home, and being of robust body, she shrank from no labours. At the time of the vintage and harvest she was accustomed to withdraw further from the city, sometimes seeking alms.

[12] Although for three years after receiving the habit of holy religion she suffered from pains of the head and stomach, yet this unconquered and frugal woman, beyond what can be said, neglected neither bodily labours nor spiritual works. She always labours. If at any time the Mother of the monastery ordered that the Virgin be spared from labours as though she were becoming ill, Veronica would say: I myself am strong in my powers: for which reason I would consider it wrong not to undertake the labours I am able to bear. I must work while I am well, while there is time, while my age suffices. She pitied the lot of all the unfortunate, and desired to be at hand for everyone. She counted as nothing the health and rest of her body and other such things, delighted by the interior sweetness of immortal God. Performing such and so great things, she led ^a life that was an exemplar of all religious observance for twenty passing years, vehemently inflamed with divine love.

Chapter IX. On the abundant grace of tears.

[13] We have said, and it will not be amiss to repeat again, that Veronica was distinguished by ^a remarkable gift of tears, which she was compelled to shed both in private and in public. She strove sometimes to restrain her flowing tears, She tries to restrain her tears. on account of which she suffered from ^a severe hoarseness of voice. Feeling lowly and abject things about herself, Veronica was horrified that her inner life might in any way be open to the Sisters. When on one occasion the violent retention of tears had made Veronica ill, the Mother of the monastery wished her to make use of ^a physician's aid, and she, smiling, said: This is ^a trifling illness. Tomorrow I shall be found well. For Veronica, when praying, meditating, and grieving for her sins, tears were always at hand. The Sisters marvelled at the flowing tears in the Virgin, shed with no movements, no commotion, and no voice uttered.

[14] At the time when she first began to be caught up to heavenly delights, she heard Christ the Most High saying: Meditation on the sorrows of the Mother of God. Understand, my daughter, that tears flowing from those who meditate on account of my Passion are most pleasing to me. But since I love my Mother, the Queen of heaven, with ^a love beyond all thought, more pleasing to me is the attentive meditation on the sorrows which she endured in my Passion.

[15] Thadaea, Veronica's confidant, related that on ^a certain day, ^a divine light appearing, she had shed such an abundance of tears that she observed her garments excessively drenched, and the floor, as if ^a vessel of water had been poured out there. On account of ^a new ardour of mind from contemplating the mysteries of Christ the Saviour, that vehement flow of tears had arisen. Incredible force of tears from meditation on the Passion. Thadaea sometimes thought of keeping an earthen vessel in the Virgin's cell, which she might place beneath the eyes of the Virgin when she was caught up to the choirs of the Blessed, to collect the flowing tears. This was at length accomplished, with an Angel as minister. The collected vessel of tears was of ^a weight of two Milanese pounds. I think it should by no means be passed over in silence here that certain Sisters affirmed that the tears of the weeping Veronica, caught up to the Blessed, which she was then shedding abundantly, stood motionless before the Virgin's breast; and then, when the Virgin returned to bodily functions, they flowed down here and there, just as we observe waters flowing of their own nature.

Chapter X. On her obedience.

[16] Veronica wished to do nothing except by the command of her Superiors, to whom she subjected each and every interior and exterior thing, judging that she could not err if she obeyed her Superiors. For this reason Veronica's heavenly gifts very easily came to light. She reveals all her secrets, when commanded. For when questioned by her Superiors commanding by their authority, she would lay open her secrets. Spiritual consolations, prayers, meditations, conversations with Angels, and even the wonderful love that inflamed her heart toward God — she set aside by the vow of obedience. The Virgin would say, How highly she esteemed obedience; reporting ^a heavenly oracle, how most pleasing to God are the things which men do for the sake of sincere obedience. Wherefore whatever was commanded to the Virgin, she readily and joyfully performed with swift execution. Though Veronica often desired to anticipate the night vigils, she never dared to do so without consulting her Superiors. Even with Christ's approval. When they did not agree, the Lord Jesus, immortal God, once said to the Virgin as she was occupied with heavenly things: Know, my daughter, that it is more pleasing to me that you, being obedient to your Superiors, should not rise before the night vigils. For the acts of the common life are exceedingly pleasing to me: and especially those which are performed by the vow of obedience. O the gift of obedience, most delightful to me, on account of which I descended from heaven, having been made obedient unto death. Thus spoke Christ. Wherefore, with her Superiors' approval, Veronica would go about on errands; when they so directed, she remained enclosed; she diligently devoted herself to works of humility, pondering in her mind the great fruits of obedience. She considered it impious and wicked to resist in any way even the slightest command of ^a Superior.

Chapter XI. On humility.

[17] By the most illustrious gift of humility Veronica so shone before God and all those among mortals who knew her, Remarkably humble. that the incredible gifts of God which shone forth in her were made clearer and more certain by the great works of holy humility. She always thought lowly and abject things about herself, and spoke the same. She judged herself worthy of no benefit from God, and declared herself ^a poor little woman burdened with ^a load of sins. Wherefore she never anywhere refused lowly tasks, but rather wished to perform the most despised of all. She cares for the chickens. Hence for many years, often over the protests of the Sisters, she bore the care of the chickens, having found in that ministry ^a more suitable place for the solitude of which she was most desirous. Resplendent in this illustrious humility, she * wished on one occasion to sing psalms among the Sisters in choir, after she had even learned from an Angel the entire psalmody and manner of chanting the office. She is taught the manner of chanting by an Angel.

[18] Why should I proceed further? Veronica never did anything that was not most adorned with the beauty of profound humility: her words, manners, gait, service, laughter, her gentle and sad expression — all things in short bore witness to the wonderful humility within her. She conducted herself with all those of the household so modestly that she seemed the servant of all. Wherefore she daily advanced in grace, virtues, and wisdom before God and men. O how often did this Virgin shed abundant tears and draw sighs from the depths of her heart, on the one hand believing herself ^a most lowly woman, on the other experiencing divine conversations and the consolations of Angels! She asks Christ not to be made known to mortals. She was distressed, grieved, and most vehemently tormented whenever she suspected anyone of thinking highly of her. Therefore with the most earnest and daily prayers she strove to obtain from Christ the Most High, and besought with great groaning, that no one should know the heavenly gifts of holiness which the most provident Majesty of God had given her. Overcome by humility, Veronica kept silence about very many things, dreading the fame or reputation of holiness. While Veronica was being tormented in ^a wonderful manner because some people had learned that she was caught up to heavenly things, she was immediately freed from her senses and carried by supernatural aid to heaven. Then she beheld Christ gazing upon her with gentle eyes and saying: Know, my daughter, that you have received heavenly graces from me, immortal God, not only for your own sake: for the souls of others are equally dear to me. You assert that you are the most lowly of all creatures: but know for certain, O my daughter, that I am no respecter of persons: with every degree of sex, condition, fortune, nobility, and lowliness set aside, I gladly pour out my gifts upon whomever I will. Let it be understood also that it is most pleasing to me that you think yourself unworthy. Hence I have decreed that throughout the whole course of one passing year you shall behold the feasts of the Saints in the heavenly Jerusalem. When these things become known to mortals, they will be greatly stirred to venerate with their whole mind and sincere affections the solemnities of the Saints. Thus spoke Christ.

* It seems one should read "did not wish."

Chapter XII. On simplicity. ^a.

[19] Veronica was by her very nature resplendent with candid simplicity, so that she seemed an exemplar of all virtues. Her countenance, eyes, lips, and alternating conversations with the Sisters and members of the household all displayed the simple and heavenly soul of the Virgin. On the celebrated day of the octave of Corpus Christi of the year 1487, as the priest was celebrating the sacred rites, She sees Christ in the form of ^a child. the Virgin beheld with her bodily eyes Jesus in the form of an infant clothed in white, walking between two Angels upon the small altar which stood before the place where the Eucharist was reserved. She supposes that the others saw the same. Many Angels also surrounded the little child. That vision persisted from the beginning of Mass to its conclusion. And since Veronica, endowed with pleasing simplicity, supposed that all the Sisters had seen the same things, she said to the Mother of the monastery and her Sister the Vicaress: Did you see the infant walking upon the altar the whole time while the priest was saying Mass? When they replied, Not at all, the Virgin was covered with ^a blush, and resolved that henceforward she would try with all her might to conceal what she had seen. The Sisters at length marvelled at the Virgin's purity and her simple manner of life, by which she heard all things with ^a patient and placid ear, yielded to everyone, and drew all to love of herself.

Chapter XIII. On her frugality of diet and scant sleep.

[20] Besides the customary fasts of her religious order, and besides the common severity of life, Veronica was most temperate in food and drink: indeed so moderate as to be worthy of admiration. She lives on bread and water. She was held by ^a most ardent desire to live on bread and plain water, which she did for innumerable days. It was her rather frequent custom to take no food at all for an entire day. She especially loathed all food on that day on which she was fed with the Body of Christ. She would have spent almost the entire night awake in contemplating divine things and pouring forth prayers to God, had the commands of her Superiors not stood in the way. The long durations of her raptures will become evident to the reader in the following books. Her bed was of haircloth, She uses ^a bed of haircloth. which she covered with ^a linen sheet from those which the Sisters used according to the rule of their order. We have been eager to obtain ^a small piece of that haircloth bedding, undoubtedly more precious than gold or any precious stone. Indeed we do not doubt that Veronica was very often nourished by angelic bread; ^a matter we judge should be explained more aptly in its place.

Chapter XIV. On her journey to the city of Como.

[21] Christ commands her in rapture to go to Como. Christ Jesus sometimes commanded Veronica when she was caught up in spirit to the Blessed, saying: I will, my daughter, that you go to the city of Como, accompanied by the Sisters Thadaea and Simona — whom, though she is absent, I myself will lead home in ^a way unknown to mortals. You shall set out upon the journey on the sixteenth day before the Kalends of November. That year was 1489. A thing worthy of wonder: Simona, who was absent, arrived at the monastery on the evening preceding the aforesaid day, and at sunrise they set out together for the city of Como, choosing as lodging the home of ^a certain woman who had enclosed herself for the sake of observing the solitary life. Christ had moreover said to Veronica: There is in the monastery of St. Francis ^a certain old man whose name is Joannes, most famous among the priests who are accustomed to hear the confessions of lay persons: you shall summon him by name and make him aware of certain things that lie hidden with him. She reveals secrets to ^a certain Friar Minor. This Veronica most diligently carried out. The elder Joannes was astonished, amazed, and drew sighs from the depths of his heart at the Virgin's discourse, by which he heard secrets known only to God and to himself being revealed. Wherefore the aforesaid Brother Joannes of the Order of Minors ever afterwards honoured the Virgin Veronica with special veneration.

[22] Likewise in the ninety-fourth year above the one thousand four hundredth, on the sixth day before the Nones of June, Veronica set out for Como by command of Christ the Saviour. For she had learned from the same Saviour that there was ^a man in that city who, weighed down for many years by the burden of mortal sin, was to be saved with Veronica's help, and Christ making it known, Veronica fully understood the nature of the sin, its origin, and the manner of rising from that same crime. Wherefore, meeting the man, she most effectively exhorted him to be reconciled to God, putting aside that sin. That man heard Veronica most gladly, and satisfying her counsels, entered the way of salvation. Driven by the divine Spirit, Veronica entered very many monasteries of women in the city of Como: There she moves ^a sinner to repentance. where, spreading the word of salvation with supreme humility and heavenly virtue, she produced and brought forth heavenly fruits.

Chapter XV. On zeal for souls.

[23] The city of Milan has ^a very many monasteries of sacred women, of which Veronica frequently visited several by the command of Christ God, She admonishes many religious women about hidden sins. calling out by their own names the women whose sins she reproved, and laying open the secrets of their minds, saying: I, my dearest Sister, at God's command have come to tell you that you are given over to such ^a sin, by which you do injury to the divine majesty. Do penance, and the Creator of all will be merciful to you. For the most provident Majesty of God has deigned to make these things known to me, for the heavenly support of your salvation. Wherefore we do not doubt that Veronica served the salvation of very many in the city of Milan.

Chapter XVI. On her embassy to Alexander VI, the Supreme Pontiff, by Christ's command. ^a.

[24] The embassy of the Virgin Veronica, at the command of Christ the Supreme King, was carried out in this order. In the ninety-fourth year above the one thousand four hundredth, Christ said to Veronica as she held the heavenly realms in spirit: I will, my daughter, that you set out for ^a distant region: and the same Lord and Saviour did not state the reason. And while Veronica, ignorant of things to come, marvelled at the divine command, the Lord said to her: It is my will that you go to Parma. She is prepared by God for the Roman journey. After many days the Lord added, saying: I have resolved that you go to Florence, to speak with ^a certain great Prelate of the Church. The Virgin suspected from this discourse of the Lord that it would come about at length that she would go to Rome by the command of Christ the Most High, and for the sake of carrying out an embassy to the Supreme Pontiff, who was then Alexander VI. By such preliminaries, the most loving Saviour was preparing and composing the mind of his spouse for more easily undertaking the long journey. Wherefore Christ sometimes changed the appointed time. For it is ^a principle of divine providence that the law of secondary causes is nearly always inviolable. God could indeed have infused into the Virgin the most steadfast virtue and strength of soul along with the command, but Christ himself, the first of causes, observed the manner of secondary agents. At length, when ^a year's space had elapsed, the Saviour said to the Virgin: Come, my daughter, prepare yourself more diligently for the long journey now to be undertaken. Do not be afraid, but set out with greater confidence, since in whatever cities, fortresses, and villages you shall come to, I will always be with you. Nothing of those things which are needed for sustenance shall be lacking to you and yours. You shall take as companion Sister Thadaea, whom I have willed to be your confidant.

[25] And so the Virgin Veronica, having obtained the escort of four venerable men, with her companion Thadaea, set about to take the road toward Rome on the third day before the Ides of September of the year of our Lord 1495. And such was the abundance of money bestowed upon her that she was able to support herself and her entire company abundantly. Therefore, with the things necessary for the journey arranged, while the Sisters listened and many outsiders who loved and venerated the Virgin came to see her, Veronica said: I am setting out for Rome by divine command to the Supreme Pontiff. She goes to Rome. Nor was this embassy ever more openly enjoined upon me until last night alone. In fact, on the eighteenth day the Virgin Veronica arrived at Rome, and her entire company was safe and sound, having suffered no mishap. She stayed at Rome for the space of eight days; likewise at Florence. And afterwards they returned to Milan in eighteen passing days.

[26] Once in Rome, when she was striving to approach the Supreme Pontiff with the support of the leading men, very many said: This is ^a matter of great moment, She is easily admitted: since the noblest men from the most remote borders of the Christian Empire have come to speak with the Supreme Pontiff, and have been frustrated in their wishes up to now. But on the day appointed by the Saviour, the Virgin entered the palace of the Pontiff. When Alexander learned of this, he came forth with ^a great retinue attending him, sat down in the corner of ^a certain hall, and summoned the Virgin. She approached, and having kissed his holy foot, carried out the embassy of Christ in the greatest secrecy. The secret conference concluded, the Pontiff summoned the Virgin's companions: and having blessed them, they gave immortal thanks to immortal God. She obtains Indulgences: Veronica also obtained from the same most holy Pontiff ^a full remission of sins and the Indulgences of the Stations of the city of Rome for all the Sisters of the monastery of St. Martha. After these things, Pope Alexander rising, as Veronica was departing, said to the most eminent men who happened to be present: Honour this woman, She is honoured at Rome and elsewhere. for she is ^a holy woman. But ^a commotion of very many persons of both sexes coming to greet the Virgin arose the following day after the audience with the Supreme Pontiff, and the Virgin Veronica departed from Rome. The Florentines honoured the Virgin with no small veneration. Wherefore, exceedingly troubled by such things, she abandoned the visitation of the churches of that city which she had begun. From the people of Piacenza likewise Veronica received outstanding signs of veneration: wherefore, lodged in ^a monastery of her order for many days, she was compelled to receive very many visitors. But when the Virgin had crossed the Po, the ferry boats suffered shipwreck on the next crossing, with Veronica watching. Those who were present ascribed it to the Virgin's holiness that neither any person nor any beast of burden suffered any harm beyond fright.

BOOK TWO,

On divine things experienced by Veronica according to the bodily senses.

PROEM.

[1] After having described the character of the Virgin Veronica, who shone like ^a most pure star in the night of this world, I see an immense ocean opening before me. For the divine things she experienced through her senses present themselves to be explained. These are of such great majesty that even the holy Fathers themselves might judge them most worthy of wonder. For we read in the sacred books of the Old Testament that God Most High addressed the Fathers under various images of perceptible things, and that Angels rendered themselves familiar to them: but after the nature of our mortality was assumed by Christ God, we have learned that demons fought in open battle with the most holy men, and struck and wounded them with blows. We likewise marvel that very many beheld ^a heavenly light mingled with mortal affairs, and that those inflamed with love of Christ the immortal God performed things incredible to the wicked. What of these things, I ask, did not shine forth in Veronica? Various visions and wonders of Veronica. For she, delighted by daily companionship with Angels and inflamed with the ardour of higher progress, enjoying conversation with God, shone by desire and attention to heavenly things like ^a great light. She herself was most cruelly beaten by the demon; she herself obtained the sight of heavenly light; she herself, at last, with all vices extinguished and all virtues brought to perfection, learned to fulfil by deed and virtue and every effort that saying of the Blessed Apostle Paul: "Our citizenship is in heaven." Phil. 3:20. We shall pursue these things in the second volume. To which beginnings of so great ^a work, that the Blessed may give favourable success, we desire by our prayers and entreaties.

Chapter I. On the apparition of Jesus affixed to the Cross.

[2] After Veronica had devoted herself for many years to the assiduous contemplation of the Passion of Christ the Most High, on ^a certain night after the nocturnal lauds, Christ crucified appears to her. she lingered longer in the sacred church after the Sisters had departed: and Christ affixed to the cross, livid with wounds, his head compressed by ^a crown of thorns, pitiable, appeared to her on the altar before her bodily eyes. With incredible splendour that image of the Crucified illuminated the entire space of the church, and then vanished. That vision pierced the heart and soul of Veronica with the sword of Christ's Passion. Wherefore she was tortured in ^a wonderful manner, languishing with the most vehement love of Christ Jesus. She grieves intensely. Shortly before, the bitter recollection of her sins had been ^a sharp sword for the Virgin. But driven by such great thoughts, Veronica embraced ^a stone column to which she happened to be clinging. For, labouring under the waves of her thoughts, she had lost all her strength. Meanwhile, with rivulets of tears flowing from Veronica's eyes, she heard ^a voice resounding with great lamentation, which she judged to have been that of no mortal. Not at all frightened by that voice, the Virgin devoted herself to prayer until sunrise.

Chapter II. On the apparition of St. Augustine.

[3] St. Augustine appears to her three times. In the year 1487 from the Virgin Birth, as Veronica was devoted to nocturnal prayer, Blessed Augustine appeared to her three times, with many days intervening between each apparition. He was surrounded by such light that the entire place where the Virgin lay enclosed was illuminated as though it were day. Augustine was clothed in ^a silken cope and ^a purple vestment. He seemed of ^a certain divine aspect, wearing ^a most resplendent mitre upon his head. Veronica was at first alarmed by the immense brightness, then exulted with heavenly joys. Indeed, when the vision had passed away into heaven, the Virgin was distressed, grieved, and wept that she had not been allowed to speak back and forth, her sins (as she herself asserted) meriting this. Hence she was greatly at ^a loss whether these splendid gifts sent to her from heaven were from God or from the deceitful demon. But when she began to be caught up in mind to divine things, she learned with complete certainty, Christ the Most High making it known, that they had proceeded from God. She also understood many things by which all sadness was turned to joy.

Chapter III. On the heavenly light.

[4] As Veronica was meditating on the Passion of the Saviour in ^a more secret place and shedding abundant tears for her sins, ^a divine light appeared in the darkness of midnight, and the glory of God shone around her. And when she had seen that light on the third night, she feared lest snares were being prepared for her by the demon: for, most humble and considering herself unworthy of such things, she was tormented and prayed that the enemy might never rejoice over her. Meanwhile, departing from Milan by the Mother's command, she went to the town of Rosate, not far from the city, Effects of the divine light on her soul. to seek alms. As she was praying, that heavenly light again shone upon her. The Virgin said that she was at first terrified by that light, then affected with unspeakable joys, and burst forth into new love for the Saviour. After she had implored the Supreme Creator for many days not to be deceived by that light, she conceived in her mind the plan to go to ^a desert and desolate places, intending to render ^a more pleasing service to God in the most sweet quiet of solitude.

Chapter IV. On the apparition of an Angel dissuading the desert.

[5] She resolves to withdraw to the desert. Veronica, inflamed with ^a most vehement desire to seek the desert, resolved, having obtained the consent of the Priest and the Mother of the monastery, to depart without the knowledge of the rest. On the day after the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord in the year 1487, the Virgin spent the whole night awake, praying and meditating in ^a certain more secret place where she had affixed an image of the Blessed Virgin. After reading the Hours of the Most Blessed Mother, the penitential psalms with litanies, and the Office of the Dead twice, she extinguished her lamp and gave her mind to meditation. An Angel dissuades her. Immediately an Angel of the Lord, whiter than snow and shining with ^a great light, appeared to her, dispelling the darkness of deep night from the place. The Virgin was frightened by the light. The Angel said to her: Do not fear, for I am ^a messenger of God: the light which you have so often beheld was divine. You must not depart for the sake of seeking the desert; because such is the will of God. Know also that the cultivation of the desert would be harmful to the salvation of your soul. And saying these things, he sought the heights of heaven, leaving the Virgin affected with heavenly joys. Although the Virgin was wonderfully delighted by the presence of the most blessed spirit, she was nevertheless saddened that she had not addressed the messenger of heaven with ^a longer conversation. Wherefore, grieving, she prolonged her vigils until dawn.

Chapter V. On the frequent apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

[6] ^a. When Veronica was once questioned in secret (which she wished to remain secret as long as she lived), she asserted The Blessed Virgin frequently appears to her. that very often while the Sisters were chanting vespers or matins, she had beheld with her bodily eyes the Queen of heaven, surrounded by Angels, clothed in an exceedingly white garment, and usually of blue colour. The Empress of the world stood not far from the altar, with Angels standing around her. Along with St. Elizabeth. On the feast of the Visitation of Blessed Mary and Elizabeth, both appeared to her. That vision very often persisted until the end of the divine praises, sometimes it departed sooner. Beholding such and so great things, the Virgin experienced ^a new change of heart, new affections, and new joys concerning divine things. When she had revealed these things in secret at the command of her Superiors, they would indeed have judged them vain, had they not known with complete certainty that the Virgin Veronica was endowed with candid simplicity and heavenly prudence.

Chapter VI. On her being beaten by the demon.

[7] When Veronica was seeking alms in the town of Binasco, by the command of the Mother of the monastery, on ^a certain day, having taken her midday meal, she ascended to ^a more secret place of the house of the woman who had received the Virgin as ^a guest. As she was praying, the enemy of the human race immediately struck her with blows, and departed in tumult, and giving off mournful noises, he destroyed the wooden staircase, casting the steps here and there. Those who had heard the unusual noises were amazed, She is beaten by the demon. especially the mistress of the house, not knowing that these things had been done by the power of the devil persecuting Veronica. The Virgin also related that she was once cast into ^a pit by the demon, with ^a fellow Religious Sister thinking it had happened by chance.

Chapter VII. On the apparition of Jesus in the form of an infant.

[8] On each day of the octave of Corpus Christi of the year 1489 from the birth of the Saviour, being present at the divine offices, in that place where the holy Body of the Lord was kept, Christ appears to her in the form of an infant. Veronica beheld with her bodily eyes Jesus clothed in white, bearing the form of an infant, accompanied by an angelic retinue. Jesus sometimes appeared walking upon the altar, sometimes entering the tabernacle, and more frequently coming out.

Chapter VIII. On another apparition of Jesus in the form of an infant.

[9] On the last day of the aforesaid octave, ^a Priest arriving, accompanied by ^a Cleric, in order to carry the holy Body of the Lord around the walls of the temple of St. Martha; She sees Christ and Angels in the procession. with the Sisters standing by holding burning candles, when the Eucharist had been taken from the sacred tabernacle, Veronica, in full use of her senses, saw Jesus in the form of ^a most beautiful infant, surrounded by ^a throng of Angels. And as the Priest carried the Body of Christ around, he himself appeared to be lifted up by the Angels. For they attended on every side. Meanwhile an angelic hymn sounded in Veronica's ears: whereupon, immediately departing from her senses, she was seized in rapture. Nor indeed, once caught up in mind, did she cease to contemplate Jesus hidden under the image of an infant, that vision persisting until the Priest had carried around the most sacred ^a bread. After this the Virgin, carried higher to the starry mansions by an Angel, learned certain most lofty things.

Chapter IX. On her being more frequently beaten by the demon.

[10] The wicked enemy, impatient of such great gifts, began to exercise the weapons of impious fury against the Virgin. She is frequently beaten by the demon. For he very often rushed upon her like ^a roaring lion and struck her with blows. Veronica's eyes sometimes turned black after swelling from the demon's fierce blows. When the Sisters first noticed these things, they asked what might be the cause of such disfigurement of her eyes. But by the command of the Mother of the monastery, the Virgin, though unwilling, revealed the matter. Ah, how often did the ancient serpent attack Veronica, She is harassed by him in various ways: with the noise of footsteps, trampling, and frequent panting like that of an ox. On one occasion the demon lay before the doors of the place where the Virgin was meditating on the Saviour's Passion, bellowing horrible nonsense, and at length saying more clearly with ^a rabid mouth: What are you going to do with your Christ? Do not fear at all that you will be damned. On one occasion he leapt upon Veronica's shoulders and head, pressing down the Virgin, who was tortured as though crushed by the weight of ^a great stone. And when the Virgin had remained immovable, he struck her head with many blows, from which she suffered an enormous headache. Even with threats of death. That pain, however, did not exceed the span of one natural day. Also pulling at her cloak, he affirmed that he would kill the Virgin. He gave many noises — now by striking the door, now by ascending and descending ^a certain staircase — and many other signs of fury, by which he attempted to make Veronica desist from what she had begun.

[11] She fears lest these things are permitted by God on account of her sins. But the Virgin, not degenerate in spirit, feared only lest God had granted that power to the ancient enemy on account of the demerits of her sins. Wherefore she prayed to God most frequently and shed abundant tears, beating upon the ears of divine mercy. These things were often hidden from the Sisters, since the Virgin had chosen ^a more remote place for prayer, in which legumes were stored, the dispensing of which she oversaw. When that place was demolished for the sake of rebuilding the monastery, the Virgin also changed her more secret place of prayer. The devil, pursuing her more fiercely, so afflicted her with blows that the matter became publicly known. For the dire marks of the blows appeared, and most vehement pains arose in each limb of her body as they turned black. After the Virgin's mind began to be caught up to heavenly things by divine aid, she was more cruelly tormented by the demon, though without the noises. Veronica used to say that the demon's blows were exceedingly fierce, as though ^a hammer of iron or ^a very hard stone were striking, and that only those who had experienced such things could express them. She asserted that it was by divine providence that through these illnesses and the pains that arose, those who were sick were more quickly freed. Up to this time she had never beheld any form of the demon with her bodily eyes: which she had known beforehand through an angelic revelation. For three years Veronica fought this war against the demon, and always won most invincible triumphs through divine consolation.

Chapter X. On her being beaten by the demon.

[12] On the holy Sunday within the octave of Epiphany, after Veronica, caught up in mind by an Angel, had seen the Most Blessed Mother of God grieving most vehemently over the loss of the boy Jesus, as we shall relate more fully in the fourth book; in the morning, giving her mind to prayer in her cell, while ^a certain priest was saying Mass in the church, she felt the demon approaching: he assaulted the Virgin She is direfully beaten by the demon. and struck her with blows so great as he had never before inflicted: nor did he cease from the beating until, the sacred mysteries being completed, ^a certain Religious Sister happened by chance to come to the Virgin. The woman was amazed to see Veronica lying on the floor, her whole face turning black, unable to speak or breathe; for all the joints of the Virgin's body seemed to be dislocated, and every limb of hers was languishing. The Virgin was so severely pressed by the tormenting impious demon that she could not even utter the most holy name of Jesus. At length, by divine aid, she spoke and said: Lord my God, for the good pleasure of your will, behold, I willingly die. At these words, Satan left her half-dead and trembling in her whole body. The woman who had come therefore burst into tears, sharing in Veronica's miserable calamity. Then she asked what the origin of the most unhappy event had been. Veronica replied: It was the demon, whom she called by the common name ^a Malatasca. With the Religious Sister's help, therefore, she climbed into bed with supreme effort. The remaining Sisters hastened to her, After the beating she is caught up in rapture and soon restored to health. and weeping, they pitied the Virgin's afflictions. Without delay: Veronica's mind, seized in rapture, flew to the starry mansions. But returning to her bodily functions, she was found nearly well: for on the same day, rising from bed, she took food in the common refectory, and on the following day she did not hesitate to undertake many labours in the service of the monastery.

Chapter XI. On the address of ^a certain deceased Sister.

[13] When ^a Religious Sister who was suffering from ^a final illness, whose name was Liberata, whose heart was believed to be inflamed with great zeal for God through her holy conversation, was dying — with the Mother of the monastery's consent, Veronica made ^a request of her in these words: My dearest Sister, She makes ^a request of ^a dying woman. I beg you with all the desires of my soul that when you have departed from this life, you obtain from the Lord the power to appear to me and make me certain of that in which I have most offended against the Divine Majesty: also strive to obtain from God that I may be the first among the Sisters to follow you after your death. And when you have obtained that gift, you shall make me certain of it ^a month before, which will precede the last hour of my death. For at that time, in order to lay down the burden of the body, fortified by the reception of the Sacraments, prayers, and tears, I shall endeavour to reconcile God to myself. These things, however, you shall always entreat for my sake according to the good pleasure of the Most High God. Liberata assented to Veronica, and she departed this life on the twenty-first day before the Kalends of December of the year 1487 from our Lord's birth, giving dire signs of death — by ^a hideous change of face, movements of the eyes, biting of the tongue to the point of shedding blood, groaning, and enormous swelling of the entire body: but after death her corpse returned to its former appearance. The Sisters feared with great fear lest these were perhaps preludes to eternal damnation.

[14] But on the feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr of the following year, ^a voice resembling the voice of Liberata while she lived awakened Veronica from sleep. The Virgin supposed that the voice of the deceased had announced to her the day of her death, but three days later, after Veronica had poured forth prayer to the Lord in ^a secret place in the silence of the dead of night, she heard the voice of Liberata calling her. Shaken by that voice with vehement terror, the Virgin was nearly made lifeless. Liberata said to her: The dead woman appears to her and reveals various things. I indeed, O Veronica, am Sister Liberata. Know that you have failed in many things, and especially in this matter — and she explained the kind and type of sin. All things have been pardoned you by the divine mercy through the means of sacred confession. Be more cautious in the future, and understand that you will suffer many adversities. Also make the Mother of the monastery aware without delay, that she should admonish the Sisters gathered together to beware of murmuring, for it is ^a great sin by which they sometimes sin against God. Also give her thanks, and let the Mother herself on my behalf convey to the Sisters gratitude for the suffrages rendered to me, by which I was rescued from the fires of purgatory. I exhort the Mother to bear with equanimity the misfortunes that will come, for she will be crowned with ^a greater crown before God. Meanwhile the Virgin, having recovered her strength and having become bolder, said: Why, O Sister, did you show such dire signs of death when you were breathing your last? Liberata replied: I saw the devil in ^a terrifying form trying to compel me to deny Christ God. But by the Saviour's command, death by suffocation immediately followed for me. Therefore the horrible appearance of the demon, the hard struggle with him, and the violent death compelled me to give those dreadful signs. Farewell, Sister, for I am unable to remain with you any longer. To whom Veronica said: Is all well with you? Liberata answered: It is well. But as dawn broke, Veronica heard the bell sounding for the salutation of the Most Blessed Virgin, and the voice of Liberata fell entirely silent.

Chapter XII. On ^a heavenly voice heard commanding certain things to be done.

[15] The priest Thaddaeus, who had the care of the monastery of St. Martha, ^a religious man and one fearing God, was persecuted by the sharp words and threats of malicious persons: for which reason the priest was grieving most vehemently, and the Sisters likewise were troubled, constantly beseeching God Most High that he might free the shepherd of their souls from wicked lips and deign to be at hand for him. But Veronica, touched with grief of heart within, with tears welling up, bending her knees and stretching out her hands to the stars, often prayed in this manner: Most loving God, your Christ, Calumnies dispelled by prayer. priest and minister, and good shepherd of our souls — we who serve you and are called (O would that we were worthy of the name) your spouses — have mercy on our errors and protect him from the snares of the malicious. Help him who hopes in you, and save him from his enemies. After long prayers, therefore, and after abundant tears, on ^a certain night after keeping vigil, Veronica heard ^a voice saying most clearly: Go now quickly, Veronica, and tell Sister Thadaea that, after first saying the prayer of the Blessed Virgin, she should recite to God Psalm 117, whose beginning is "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good": which Thadaea accomplished, asking many Sisters to do the same on that day, and indeed for many years. By this prayer the mouth of those speaking wickedness was stopped, and men of blood ceased from their iniquity.

Chapter XIII. On ^a certain apparition of Jesus in the form of an infant.

[16] When the twin Sisters Clara and Seraphina of the monastery of St. Martha were suffering from ^a final illness, Veronica sees Christ as an infant in the Eucharist. the priest came to administer the Viaticum: when therefore he lifted up the holy Body of the Lord in his hands, departing from the altar, Veronica beheld the infant Jesus surrounded by Angels: the most blessed Spirits were singing heavenly songs. Hearing these, Veronica immediately left the use of her bodily senses. But the priest, having ministered the sacred rites, departed. When Veronica returned in spirit to her earthly seat, She accompanies the priest in spirit. she said to the Sisters: I always accompanied the priest in spirit and was present at all the acts when the Sacrament of the Eucharist was administered to the sick Sisters. In clearest proof of which she recounted each detail.

Chapter XIV. On beholding the death agony of ^a dying Sister.

[17] Veronica was present at the death of Seraphina, beholding with her bodily eyes the fierce battles of the ancient enemy by which he was harassing the departing soul. For an Angel of light stood ready to assist the dying woman. On the opposite side the demon was casting at Seraphina certain grave things, The demon casts various things at the dying woman. as well as light words, failure to observe silence, and those things which mortals consider of no moment: and he was recalling the same things reproachfully. But the Angel of light replied that Seraphina had confessed all things. Then the impious Satan brought other things forward; but upon receiving the response of confession, he departed in confusion. And so, as Seraphina breathed her last, Veronica understands that she is detained in purgatory. Veronica beheld the Angel of the Lord rejoicing exceedingly: wherefore she understood that the soul of Seraphina had by no means been condemned to eternal damnation; which she also learned more certainly the following night, surveying the heavenly realms, with the Lord making known that the spirit of Seraphina was bound to the fires of purgatory.

Chapter XV. On beholding the death agony of another dying Sister.

[18] On the sixth day after Seraphina's death, Clara departed from human affairs: and Veronica said that her death struggle, although it was longer, She sees the Blessed Virgin present at the death of ^a certain sister. was nevertheless milder: for she beheld the Queen of the world present there. But when the Sisters supposed that Clara had died, since she gave no signs of life, Veronica, pressing her mouth to the ear of Sister Thadaea, said in ^a low voice: O if you could see what I see! You would not think that Clara had yet yielded up her spirit. The outcome of events proved this, for she immediately opened her eyes, moved her head, and made use of every sense. After this, coming to her last moment, she breathed out her soul. Then Veronica said to Thadaea: Now without doubt Clara has died: for she had noticed that the Most Blessed Virgin had sought the heights of heaven.

[19] What lot befell Clara after death, the Virgin learned when she was seized in rapture, with the Lord revealing it. Yet she is detained in purgatory. For she was made certain that she was consigned to Purgatory. Veronica asserted that by ^a special gift of God it was made known to her that Apostolic letters profit very few to such an extent that they are not forced in some way to experience the pains of Purgatory. For such is the rigour of divine justice, and such is the indisposition of mortals. Veronica moreover noticed in the death agony of the aforesaid Sisters that the demon attacks the dying with great violence to terrify them, and that he is put to flight by the sprinkling of holy water. Alas, what will those burdened with the weight of great sins, The demon is put to flight by blessed water. what will murderers, adulterers, and vain men suffer at the last; when virgins consecrated to the Lord from their tender years (as they say), and leading ^a celibate life even to death, suffered such fierce battles? Let these people remember, I pray, what the fruits of sacred confession are. For by that Sacrament the mouth of the opposing demon is stopped. The aforesaid Virgins Seraphina and Clara departed from mortal things in the passing month of October of the year 1488.

Chapter XVI. On her being more cruelly beaten by the demon, and restored to health by the sight of the Saviour alone.

[20] On the first day of March of the following year, an Angel of the Lord announced to the Virgin while she was occupied with heavenly things, saying: Forewarned by an Angel, she is cruelly beaten by the demon. Be of strong heart, because very soon you will suffer most fierce blows from the demon. Two days later, as she was praying in her cell during the first watch of the night, the fierce demon assaulted her and afflicted her with cruel strokes of blows. Veronica was horrified with enormous fear at the demon coming in ^a fury of rages, and her inmost parts were moved. The Virgin gave thanks to the Supreme Creator for the scourges received, judging herself equally unworthy to endure such things for the name of the Saviour: after composing her limbs, battered by blows, in her bed, she was soon compelled to rise and descend the staircase, though labouring. And when she had attended to the needs of nature and was returning, where she reached the bottom of the staircase she was more fiercely tormented by the demon; and with the beating quadrupled, the wicked spirit left the Virgin half dead. Then Veronica offered even greater praises to immortal God for the quadrupled scourges. Then the brave Virgin, summoning her strength, climbed the staircase, and composed in her bed, spent the entire night awake. For she was in pain everywhere and everywhere she was tormented. But as day dawned, the Sisters came to visit the Virgin, who was indeed sick in her whole body, but battered in her head more than in her other limbs.

[21] As the Sisters were commiserating the exceedingly dire lot of Veronica, the bell sounded for the celebration of Mass: wherefore, as they departed, Veronica, sitting alone, was immediately caught up to the Blessed. She is refreshed by ecstasy after the beating. She asserted upon returning to her earthly seat that the Saviour had encouraged her with this address: Know, my daughter, that during these hours you endured the blows with which, at the approaching time of my Passion, I took the last supper with my most loving Mother. Then, while we were weeping, Magdalene entered the upper room to ask the cause of such great tears. To whom the Virgin, imitating Anthony, said: Where were you, good Jesus, where were you? Why were you not present at the beginning to help me? Christ replied: I, my daughter, was here; and had I not been present, you could not have endured those fierce blows. According to the good pleasure of my will the impious demon afflicted you with blows, and I willingly took away his strength: for Satan can do nothing against my commands. Here therefore I was, O my daughter. I indeed, when I was bound to the column and was being scourged, found no one to console me; but you had me present, giving you help, courage, and strength. Although I committed no sin, I nevertheless endured the piercing crown of thorns, the scourges, and the cruel cross with their wounds. Why should not you yourself suffer, who have sinned so often? I have made the mysteries of my Passion known to you as if they were then being enacted in Jerusalem, so that by suffering you might learn to share in my sufferings. But I suffered unjustly; you are justly afflicted for your sins.

[22] To whom Veronica said: Why have you deigned to make the most lofty mysteries known to me, ^a lowly and exceedingly abject little woman, burdened with many sins? The Lord replied: You have indeed committed many offences which make you unworthy of these gifts; but you have been granted such heavenly gifts by my goodness alone. Wherefore do not attribute these things to your own merits at all, but only to my compassion, which by no means regards the faces or dignities of men. For all things depend upon, flow from, and are given by my will. I could also have filled you with all knowledge, by which you would surpass any wise persons of the world, and by which you would untie all the knots of human and divine wisdom: Humility pleasing to God. but it pleases me exceedingly that you consider yourself unworthy and undeserving of such things, and that you desire your heavenly gifts to remain hidden from mortals. For humility, unknown to the wicked and known to none who is not among the pious, has always pleased me. Thus spoke Christ the immortal God. Veronica said that she then heard many things from the Saviour by which she received enormous consolations, which she thought it wrong to reveal; for the discourse of Christ the Most High was quite long. By whose cheerful countenance and exceedingly gentle eyes of his divine presence, upon returning to the functions of the body, she was found well. All pain and every illness departed by the medicine of the divine countenance, only the blackness of the whole body persisting.

Chapter XVII. On the small palm branch brought by an Angel.

[23] Veronica obtains ^a longer life for ^a certain one. When Sister Thadaea was labouring under ^a serious illness, the Queen of heaven sent down from on high to Veronica, who was constantly praying for her health, ^a small palm branch, which was ^a sign that ^a longer life had been granted to her by the Lord. Veronica received this gift on Palm Sunday, which she had known beforehand was to be transmitted to her. That small palm is of silver, in the likeness of an olive tree, adorned with various colours for the various gifts bestowed upon the mind of Thadaea by God, as Veronica learned, the Most Blessed Virgin revealing it. It has ^a small tablet affixed as if to its trunk, upon which the divine names Jesus and Mary were inscribed. That same small palm is still preserved with special veneration by the command of the Divine Mother and Virgin in the monastery of St. Martha, which we ourselves also saw and handled.

Chapter XVIII. On the bread brought by an Angel.

[24] She flees the sight of secular persons. On the feast of St. Martha, certain women of distinguished nobility came to visit the Virgin Veronica; she, being occupied with contemplation and loathing the company of people, and desiring to be visible to no one, fled deliberately to ^a more remote part of the house, and, concealed by ^a heap of firewood, hid the whole day. Having been sought and nowhere found, she was fed with bread brought by an Angel of the Lord. O the ineffable compassion of the Saviour! O the immense bowels of mercy of our God, Twice bread is brought to her by an Angel. who sent down from on high ^a provision of bread to the most innocent Virgin, hiding and fasting, as manna to the Fathers! Also on the celebrated day of the Lord's Nativity of the same year, the Virgin, persisting in fasting, likewise received bread from an Angel. After this, however, Veronica was by no means granted that gift until ^a period of three years had elapsed.

Chapter XIX. On her being fed only by bread brought by an Angel on fast days.

[25] On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday she fasts on bread and water. It was Veronica's custom to fast on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and indeed with such abstemiousness that she used only bread and plain water. Wherefore, after the three years following what we wrote in the preceding chapter had elapsed, she was fed only by bread brought by an Angel. The Angel of the Lord began to bring this heavenly nourishment to the Virgin on the celebrated day of Catherine the Martyr in the year 1493 from the Nativity of Christ. On each fast day the Virgin, content with ^a single very white and fresh bread of moderate size brought by an Angel, She then received bread from an Angel for four years. loathed all other food. Thus did the Angel of the Lord act on all the days of her life on which she thereafter lived on bread and plain water. This period preceded the Virgin's death by three years. Veronica testified that by ^a single angelic bread, although moderate in size, she was more and more satisfied than if she had consumed four ordinary loaves.

Chapter XX. On the angelic bread doubled for the sake of Sister Thadaea.

[26] For Thadaea, who was suffering most grievously, the most upright Virgin, with unshakeable faith and hope, entreated with many prayers and obtained ^a longer life. Receiving ^a doubled bread after this, Her illness is driven away by it. she gave one to the ailing Thadaea: who, eating it, immediately began to recover, and within ^a short time, restored to fullest health, she attributed her well-being to the Virgin's merits. After she had recovered her health, Thadaea affirmed that, through Veronica's provision, she too had very often partaken of the angelic bread. Indeed, to establish credence in so great ^a thing, Thadaea offered ^a small portion of that bread to the priest to eat. This great prodigy of bread brought by an angelic hand Thadaea revealed to those inquiring at Veronica's funeral. She was at that time presiding over the monastery of St. Martha. The Sisters knew indeed that Veronica fasted three days of every week, using only bread and water; but they did not know that she was fed on angelic bread. Wherefore the Virgin, greatly desiring that the matter remain entirely hidden, would take her portion of bread, which she had been accustomed to eat in the common refectory of the Sisters, and enter her cell, pretending to eat the bread in private, but secretly giving it to the poor. O Veronica, angelic Virgin! O heavenly heart! O incomparable woman, who, living among sick mortals, merited to be both fed and nourished by the heavenly food of angelic bread.

Chapter XXI. On her more frequently falling ill from the demon's beatings, and returning to health after rapture.

[27] We have learned that the enemy of the human race beat Veronica more frequently, and that, seized in rapture and obtaining heavenly joys, she would return to health. Wherefore it had become ^a proverb among the Sisters of the monastery of St. Martha that, when they saw Veronica sick from the demon's beatings (which happened more frequently) and caught away from her senses to the heavenly court, they would say: Sister Veronica has gone to the physician, for she almost always returned in good health. The Sisters were gladdened by that proverb and rejoiced more and more, when they beheld the angelic Virgin having obtained excellent health by ^a divine miracle.

Chapter XXII. On her being taught the psalter by God.

[28] It must be repeated here that when Veronica entered upon the habit of religion, she was ignorant of letters, except for the Hours of the Supreme Virgin, which she was accustomed to read: for which reason, for many years she sought bread door to door by the command of the Mother of the monastery. The Supreme Creator, regarding the humility of this his handmaid, taught her the entire psalter and infused the wisdom of sacred letters by so great ^a gift that she both read and understood all the psalms of David. Knowledge of the psalter is divinely infused in her. This heavenly gift, however, was hidden from all mortals, by the Virgin's effort, and she strove with the greatest endeavour to dissuade people of any such opinion. For the Virgin, adorned with incredible humility and finding nothing good in herself, strove with all the desires of her soul to appear lowly in the sight of all, and deeply grieved at the fame of her holiness. But to her, who judged herself entirely unworthy of such great gifts, greater gifts were daily bestowed from heaven.

Chapter XXIII. On her being taught by an Angel the office according to the custom of the Roman Curia.

[29] In the month of February of the year 1494 from the birth of Christ the Most High, which was the second year She is taught the Roman Office by an Angel. in which God nourished Veronica with angelic bread; the Angel of the Lord, arriving with ^a brilliant light, in the space of eight days taught the Virgin the entire office of the Roman Curia and the various customs of the religious who follow the Roman Curia in performing the divine praises. Thadaea, who was aware of this, said to the Sisters: I, learning from the Virgin that an Angel was about to teach her divine things, gave her the breviary that had been granted to me: but each day, taking back the book, I would find bookmarks marking the pages in which the offices of those days were written: wherefore I was made more certain of the angelic ministry. Thus she spoke. And greater credence should be given to Thadaea, since she herself was the most keen-eyed witness of Veronica's deeds.

Chapter XXIV. On the Angel assisting her in performing the divine hours.

[30] The same Angel, who had fully taught the divine offices to the Virgin Veronica, sometimes was present to assist her in performing them. The Angel and the Virgin, always on bended knee, would say the psalms alternately, as well as the responsories and antiphons. The sixth day of the month of March was the first The Angel recites the hours with her. on which Veronica sang the psalms with the Angel's assistance. The Angel would turn the pages of the book, instructing the Virgin as to how she might faithfully perform each thing. Afterwards they likewise said many psalms alternately. When these had been completed, the Angel of the Lord would say: You alone shall finish the remainder. Then, seeking the realms of the Blessed, he would return to God who had sent him.

Chapter XXV. On the description of the Angel's appearance.

[31] Veronica asserted that the Angel of the Lord was accustomed to arrive surrounded by such light that, in the densest darkness of midnight, the Virgin who wished to read divine things needed neither fire nor spectacles. By that same light, unknown to mortals, the Virgin was also prevented from gazing long enough or sufficiently upon the angelic form. She beheld the angelic face bearing ^a small horn on the middle of its forehead, The Angel's form. ^a stole hanging from its neck, and wings such as it is the custom of Christian painters to depict Angels, who surpass all bodies. He emitted rays of the purest light on every side, especially on the most celebrated days, and his wings in particular shone more and more brightly. The ascent of the mind into divine love and praises is signified by wings: which, for those devoted to the Christian religion, tends to be more fervent and lofty in imitation of the citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem. Nothing indeed, Veronica used to say, that we see can be compared by mortals to the brightness of an Angel. Nor should that splendour be considered empty, for when the Angel of light departed, the night persisted more darkly for me, and it also compelled me to use the light of fire and spectacles, if I wished to finish the divine offices that had been begun. Thus spoke Veronica.

Chapter XXVI. On the volume composed by her at the Angel's dictation.

[32] Veronica composed ^a most distinguished work at the Angel's dictation, which is believed to have been removed from the eyes of mortals by divine wrath, A book composed by Veronica at the Angel's dictation. while the Virgin was still living. She affirmed, however, that it would come to pass that the volume itself would someday be restored to the monastery of St. Martha by the most provident gift of God. Would that this might be given in our own time, which undoubtedly stands in wonderful need of angelic teachings. But having received ^a golden pen brought by an Angel, Veronica wrote the aforesaid book, which the Sisters of the monastery of St. Martha guard with special veneration alongside the small palm. We ourselves saw the pen, marvelling more and more at the angelic ministrations and Veronica's holiness in that matter.

Chapter XXVII. On the angelic consolation given to her when ill.

[33] When ill she is refreshed by an Angel. Veronica was very frequently tormented by intestinal pains, and, battered by the harder scourges of the wicked demon, she was in the most vehement pain. But the Angel, coming to her from heaven in the silence of the dead of night, would comfort her with the light of his splendour. Then they would recite matins together. After completing ^a portion of the divine praises, the Angel of the Lord would say: Rest ^a little, daughter, for you are exceedingly afflicted, languishing with the sharpest pain. But he would frequently command the Virgin, when she was kneeling, to stand on her feet. After this the most blessed spirit would reveal to Veronica the secrets of the heavenly Jerusalem, unknown to mortals: they would also converse with one another according to the Angel's pleasure. It was also the custom of the divine messenger to add: Come, daughter, let us continue the divine office. Thus did the Angel of the Lord act whenever Veronica was greatly afflicted.

Chapter XXVIII. On her recalling from memory by ^a special divine gift each and every thing written in the Roman breviary.

[34] She receives from Christ knowledge of the entire Roman breviary. On the most celebrated day of the Lord's Nativity, in the year 1495, Christ the Most High made known to Veronica, who had been seized in rapture and was surveying the heavenly choirs, saying: Today, my daughter, I wish to honour you with ^a most illustrious gift. What the future event would be was indeed proved by its outcome. For the Virgin, returning to her senses, discovered that she remembered everything that is read in the Roman breviary. Wherefore she never had need to use ^a book, either in the changes of offices, or in any difficulty pertaining to the divine offices. The Sisters too, when they asked, Veronica affirmed the same. And no Sister wavered with ^a doubtful mind at the Virgin's words, since they knew and clearly observed that the wonderful things which happened in her were done by God's working and by his word confirming them with signs that followed.

Chapter XXIX. On the mystery of the Lord's Resurrection being shown.

[35] At the night vigils of the Lord's Resurrection of the year 1495, Veronica was present not in the choir, but in ^a corner of the church, chanting in ^a lower voice: for in her humility she never wished to mingle with the other Sisters who were chanting, for the sake of preserving her vocation. And when the last psalm was being chanted, the Angel of the Lord, whom she beheld radiating with greater light on every Sunday at her right shoulder and on the principal feasts, said to her: Rise, daughter, and go to your cell. And Veronica, immediately carrying out the angelic commands, went more quickly to her cell, although she observed the neighbouring places becoming bright with heavenly light, yet her own cell was radiating with ^a greater brightness. Having entered, she bolted the door. And beholding with her bodily eyes Jesus the Son of God surrounded by ^a multitude of Angels, she was elevated to the ceiling of the room. She sees Christ on the feast of Easter: Commanded to sing the antiphon "Regina caeli laetare, Alleluia" in ^a louder voice, she sang it most sweetly. Then the Saviour showed the Virgin, under bodily images, all the mysteries performed on the holy day of Easter. Each of the apparitions of Jesus the Most High, and especially and the mysteries performed on that day. when he is believed to have appeared to his Most Blessed Mother — these things the most provident Majesty of God deigned to show to the waking Veronica under bodily sight.

Chapter XXX. On Christ walking in her cell.

[36] On the day after the feast of Pentecost of the year 1496, before the psalmody of None was chanted by the Sisters in the church, Thadaea went to the cell of the Virgin Veronica, as was her custom, for the sake of refreshing her spirit. But knocking repeatedly at the closed door, she received no response at all. But Thadaea, peering very carefully through ^a crack, saw the place resplendent with heavenly light and enclosed on every side. In the midst of the light Veronica was walking about, chanting in ^a louder voice, as is the custom of one who is singing: and Veronica's voice did not seem to be that of ^a human being, She is seen walking in light and chanting within her cell. but ^a heavenly melody with the sweetness of harmonious sound. Thus the Virgin, exulting, walked about for ^a long time, chanting. Thadaea marvelled at the Virgin's face, which had become more cheerful, resembling one who was laughing, and saying: My God, not knowing of this, I cannot now say. But pausing ^a little, she continued the psalmody all the way to the end of None. Thadaea did not wish to be present at the Office of None, drawn by the surpassing sweetness of the persisting psalmody. Thadaea asserted that the voice of Veronica chanting then was of such sweetness that, exulting exceedingly with heavenly joys, she was unable to understand what words the Virgin was uttering.

[37] When the modulation of the psalms was finished and the divine light departed, Veronica opened the door; and Thadaea immediately embraced her, saying: May God pardon you, my Sister, who never deigned to open the door for me as I knocked for ^a long time. To whom Veronica said: Do you know what the Saviour has said to me? She indicates that she chanted None with Christ. Know that today you have been granted ^a great gift, since it has been given you from heaven to have perceived those things which you saw and heard. To whom Thadaea said: Tell me, why did you prolong the divine praises for so long? Veronica replied: I performed the entire psalmody of None together with the Saviour. To whom Thadaea said: Why did you say: "My God, not knowing of this, I cannot now say"? To which the Virgin answered: The Saviour had commanded me to say certain things which I did not know. But the same God immortal taught them to me. Thadaea, the investigator of Veronica's deeds, sometimes affirmed, saying: I, many times, while the Virgin Veronica, in the ecstasy of the heavenly Jerusalem, was surveying the heavenly realms, have observed her cell becoming bright with an immense brightness; but never was I able to see the Virgin more distinctly than when she was walking about with Christ and chanting. Whoever you are who marvel at these things, read the most illustrious deeds of St. Catherine of Siena, by which you will easily be stirred to venerate the holiness of the Virgin Veronica, chosen from among thousands. The times of Veronica also had, throughout very many cities of Italy, Virgins affected by such and so great gifts from the Supreme Creator that are beyond telling. The purity of those virgins is indeed to be admired, and their contempt for all delights, and their most upright and heavenly life, who emerged as most splendid lights destined to illuminate the whole world with their holiness.

Chapter XXXI. On the conversations of the Saints.

[38] After having seen the feasts of the Saints among the Blessed, which the fifth book will reveal, The Saints converse with her face to face, on their feasts. Veronica merited heavenly conversations with the Saints on each individual feast throughout the passing year. This divine consolation began on the feast of the Nativity of Blessed John the Baptist. On those days which are dedicated to many Saints, those divine minds appeared together to the Virgin and conversed most sweetly, and the heavenly Virgin thirsted for the flowing streams of the fountain of life. Those conversations surpassed the minds of all mortals; nor can even the most brilliant human minds sufficiently grasp the mysteries expounded by the inhabitants of heaven. In the month of August the Church celebrates the feast of St. Zephyrinus, Pope and Martyr*: on which day Veronica experienced ^a consolation higher than every human mind. For after the heavenly discourse, Zephyrinus sang most sweetly with an angelic song. These apparitions of the Blessed occurred to the Virgin Veronica under bodily sight, and the Saints arrived clothed in heavenly light. Wherefore Thadaea, Veronica's confidant, was accustomed to affirm: I, in that same year, labouring under ^a long illness, had the Virgin as my companion for many nights and days, toward whom I would behold ^a light descending from heaven, and I would hear the sounds of the Virgin speaking; but I was unable to perceive her words at all. Also throughout the whole course of one year, Veronica endured ^a reproof from each of the Saints and angelic choirs for whatever sins she had committed against God: wherefore, stricken with enormous fear, she was first confounded, then she sang the mercies of the Lord, who had pardoned all things to her.

* August 26.

BOOK III.

On the rapture of the Virgin Veronica and many portents.

PROEM.

[1] The abstraction of the minds of men from the bodily senses, Twofold abstraction from the senses. which are called and are exterior, is in some cases natural, following the manner and order of nature; another kind is found that is beyond nature. What we call natural is produced by ^a vehement application of the mind to anything weighed by the intellect and the rational examination of the mind. For although the powers of the soul are many, there is but one intention, and when it is occupied with the contemplation of human or divine things, the operations of sight, hearing, and the other senses are found to be ineffective; but by ^a slight movement the soul returns to the functions of the body, because the mind's intention is very easily recalled to the operations of the senses. These things are well known to scholars, Rapture beyond nature is threefold: and occur daily. That abstraction which is beyond nature is called rapture in sacred literature. This rapture indeed comes either from illness, or from an evil spirit, or from the divine power. For there are many diseases which, by humours running through the thread-like passages of the bodily spirits, block the path for those same spirits, from illness, and for this reason the body lies inert and motionless. from the demon, The possessed, moreover, suffer alienation from the senses through the working of the evil demon. But the sacred books relate that the powers of the Blessed called forth many of the wise from their senses. from God. For the Prophet Ezekiel, speaking of himself, says: "The Spirit lifted me up between heaven and earth, and brought me to Jerusalem in ^a vision of God." Ezek. 8:3. Likewise the Apostle Paul says: "I know ^a man in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven." 2 Cor. 12:2.

[2] In the Symposium. Socrates (as Plato writes) from sunrise to the next sunrise stood without blinking, motionless, on the same spot, with his mouth and eyes directed to the same place, absorbed in thought and abstracted from his body. Plato frequently withdrew far from his body through the intensity of contemplation. Raptures of pagan sages. His disciple Xenocrates was abstracted from his body for ^a full hour every day. Porphyry, the disciple of Plotinus, writes that Plotinus was often accustomed to change his countenance away from his body; that he then discovered certain wonderful things which he would afterwards write down: and he asserts that he himself was present at these marvels of Plotinus four times. He affirms that he himself, when he was in his sixty-eighth year of age, was once seized by ^a divine power during contemplation. We read that Heraclitus and Democritus did the same thing many years before them. We have mentioned these, even though ^a doubting whether they were caught up by the workings of good spirits, yet judging that they did experience true rapture. But why do we bring forth philosophers, when the more illustrious deeds of our own establish the truth of divine rapture? Raptures of the Saints. For did not our own St. Thomas Aquinas, whose praises we now judge should be passed over in silence, was he not caught up while living to the heavenly mansions by ^a most illustrious gift of God? Catherine of Siena, whose life we venerate, honour, and adore by command of the Holy Roman Church, was she not, separated from her senses while still mortal, seeking out the heavenly abodes?

[3] Now indeed those who have made trial of the prudence and character of the Virgin Veronica Veronica's rapture is from God by no means attribute her rapture to illness. Let him who thinks the Virgin was caught up by the demon call to mind her divine deeds, her holiness, and her innocence. For who in his right mind would dare assert that ^a Virgin who, returning to her earthly seat after rapture, breathed forth divine love, foretold the future, unlocked the secrets of minds, described the heavenly abodes, and more and more despised all earthly things — was caught up by the demon? Satan is believed to be the most fierce enemy of Christ the Most High, against whose heavenly teachings he always plots impious schemes. But the Virgin Veronica, learning each of the Saviour's deeds while seized in rapture, sets forth, preaches, confesses, and adores the worship of Christ the immortal God to mortals even after her death. Wherefore, gentle Reader, I would beseech you by the sacred things of Christ not to read what we have written in the following books void of faith, for you will come to know things which can bring you to eternal triumphs.

Chapter I. On the beginning of the rapture.

[4] When the Virgin Veronica had reached her forty-second year, after she had obtained many triumphs against demons, it was granted to her to be caught up to the heavenly palaces. In the beginning of her rapture, indeed, she was occupied in the heavenly Jerusalem only at night, departing from her senses. Then, when ^a certain priest was celebrating Mass in her presence, and especially after she had received the divine Eucharist, she was accustomed to be seized in rapture. While praying also and devoting herself to meditation, she very frequently flew away to the Blessed. The body remains motionless during rapture. With her spirit elevated upwards, the body remained motionless, and by no art could it be brought about that the spirit would return to the organs of the senses; whatever unbelievers might attempt so that she would return to her senses, she was moved no more than ^a corpse. The Sisters found the Virgin with her knees bent, in the manner of one praying, very often abstracted before the altar, sometimes lying in bed, sometimes standing. When separated from her senses she sometimes emitted humble sounds; by which it could be perceived in some manner where the Virgin's soul was. She remained motionless for the most part, unless when she was reproducing the movements of the suffering Saviour, or was compelled by divine command to imitate the gestures of the Most Blessed Virgin. Caught up in rapture, she held the heavenly realms for the space of many hours.

Chapter II. On the effect of rapture.

[5] Returning to her bodily senses after surveying the regions of the Blessed, Veronica What she was like after rapture. burned with the most vehement divine love: sometimes she returned bathed in tears, sometimes cheerful and exceedingly joyful and exulting. Ill, and so ill that she could not move as though afflicted with wounds, after rapture she was immediately found well. Hence among the Sisters of the monastery of St. Martha, when Veronica fell ill and departed from her senses, it had become ^a proverb: She is grieved to be discovered in rapture. Sister Veronica has gone to the physician. When seized in rapture, she would usually sit gravely afflicted, and as though weakened after completing ^a long journey. Nothing was so troublesome to her as being discovered in rapture by anyone. Her spirit could not sometimes have persisted in the body (for, having been affected by heavenly joys, she loathed all human things) had not the peculiar gift of God, joined to it, aroused and vivified her drawn-back and mortified limbs.

Chapter III. On the sins of men, and especially of Priests, known by her.

[6] To the Virgin Veronica when seized in rapture, Christ very frequently showed Christ shows Veronica the sins of many. what crimes impious mortals were committing, by which divine goodness is provoked to anger. Christ said to Veronica: Attend, my daughter, to how great sins my Priests sin against me, who then, with all veneration set aside, approach my altar with brazen face, about to offer the divine sacrifice. Consider also, my daughter, how great ^a patience I use toward them. I myself most patiently endure my anointed ones, who with polluted heart and unclean lips and hands touch me under the Sacrament. By such impious crimes they would deserve to be swallowed up by the earth opening. But I wait for them patiently and with open bowels of mercy, that, having amended their ways, they may return to me: and if they shall not repent, their judgment shall be without mercy. Wherefore I stir you and those who serve me with ^a pure heart to tears, and urge them, my Spirit persuading, to pour forth constant prayers before me for all who err from the way of truth, and especially for my sinful anointed ones.

Chapter IV. On the punishments of the damned shown to her. ^a.

[7] Veronica, holding the realms of the Blessed, was led by Christ the immortal God, whom the chorus of Angels then surrounded, to the foul prisons of the underworld. With Christ as guide, she saw many places of the damned. The first was horrible with ^a very deep abyss. The Lord said, addressing the Virgin: This is the unhappy place of princes and lords who have been consigned to eternal punishments: what follows is the cavern of the nobles and of those who, swelling with pride, despised the eternal goods. The third place which you see is where the souls of usurers are tortured; whose number there seemed so great that Veronica did not think there were as many people in the whole world. Various punishments of various states in hell. Closer to these was the prison of the poor, and they were fewer than the rest. Then she saw ^a vast cavern where the souls of religious were afflicted with harder torments. Christ said: These are, my daughter, those who, having professed the divine ways of religious orders, were thereafter forgetful of their own salvation and greatly opposed me. As the Saviour was recounting these things, he bore ^a sad and terrifying countenance. The Angels also showed very sorrowful faces. Veronica also surveyed many places of torment of inconceivable foulness, and various kinds of punishments inflicted for various sins. To their misery and unhappiness was added that they endured fierce torments at the hands of the most cruel demons. Indeed, when she had beheld ^a certain soul which was being tortured, enclosed as if in ^a vessel of boiling water, the Lord said: This soul belonged to that unhappy nun whom you once knew: A murmuring nun is damned. she suffers such and so great things for the sin of murmuring, and for the quarrels set among the Sisters by her malice, and especially because she loosened her tongue against her Superiors. But the miserable woman refused to blot out those sins by the sacrament of confession, and therefore she died impenitent.

Chapter V. On the horrible face of Christ shown threatening scourges to the world.

[8] On the feast day of St. Thomas the Apostle, Veronica, releasing her spirit to the Blessed, saw Christ sitting on ^a lofty throne, at whose angry countenance all things seemed to tremble: she also heard the Lord of Majesty threatening the world with most dire scourges on account of the innumerable crimes perpetrated everywhere by impious mortals. But the pious Mother, the Queen of the world, prayed to her Son, God, in these words: I beg you, my Son, The Blessed Virgin supplicates her Son who wishes to destroy the human race. do not crush the human race with such great punishments: spare the sinners: have mercy on the offenders, you who choose to show mercy rather than to be angry. To whom the Son replied: Long enough and more, O most loving Mother, have I waited, hoping that men would abandon their crimes: I can no longer endure them, since they daily fall into worse sins; with no fear and no shame do they turn from their wicked ways. Behold, Mother, how greatly they provoke me to anger. Let me now be, that my fury may be kindled, and let me destroy them from the earth. Then the Mother gave many signs of piety, begging God her Son to have mercy on the human race. God stood fast in his mind and, angry, was not moved by his Mother's prayers. At length the loving Mother, entreating, concluded: She obtains ^a respite for mortals. I wish, my Son, that you restrain these scourges until ^a year's time has elapsed, during which mortals may be able to abandon their impieties and turn to you, their God. The Son acceded to his Mother, whose wishes he was always accustomed to satisfy, and said: I will for the course of ^a year, and indeed for many years, have compassion on the crimes of the human race, by your prayers and your compassion, sparing my scourges. And the Lord was appeased from the evil which he said he would do to mortals.

[9] After these things Veronica returned trembling to her bodily functions, asserting that the back-and-forth discourse between Christ and his Mother had exceeded the space of two hours. What tears, what sobs, what sighs the Virgin Veronica shed, both bearing compassionate feelings for those who erred and having seen the face of the Saviour, terrifying beyond what can be said, I could not easily express. The terrible sight of Christ in anger. But amid her tears, as the Sisters arrived, she said: Beware, O dearest Sisters, of sins, lest perchance the exceedingly horrible face of the angry Saviour seize upon you. Alas! alas! how much terror will the sight of the angry immortal God, Christ the Most High, bring to mortals! What, I ask, will sinners do on the dreadful day of judgment? Ah, Lord God, guard us and guide us, that on the last day of the great judgment we may merit to hear: "Come, you blessed of my Father." Do not, I beseech you, heed the wickedness of our sins. Thus spoke Veronica. The Virgin asserted that she saw similar things on the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin.

Chapter VI. On the future scourges of God known not many years hence.

[10] On the holy day of Good Friday of the year 1489, among many things shown to her from heaven, Veronica beheld the many ^a scourges of God which he had resolved to inflict upon the impious commonwealth of men not many years hence. They were exceedingly fierce and of unknown judgment. She sees the threatening scourges of God. She discerned that no class of men, no condition, would escape the hand of God striking. Wherefore she wept most abundantly, grieving for the lot of all. But the Angel of the Lord commanded that she not reveal to anyone the scourges shown to her.

Chapter VII. On the revealed negligence of the Sisters.

[11] When the Virgin Veronica was sometimes praying for the community of Sisters of her monastery, after the elevation of her mind from bodily functions, She learns from the Blessed Virgin of the Sisters' negligence in divine matters. the Most Blessed Queen of the world said: These Sisters of yours, for whose sake you continually beseech immortal God, are found to be quite negligent in carrying out divine matters. They indeed desire to be affected by heavenly gifts, but they refuse to undertake the labours. They absolutely must suffer if they wish to be partakers of God's gifts. To whom Veronica said: O sweet Mother and Lady, you know well the fragile state of the human condition: no one can do any good work unless your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grants it. To whom the Mother of God replied: I confess that you speak truly: but O my daughter, recall the entire course of my life, which I have already long since set before you. Remember, I say, and store in your heart, that apart from my ^a sanctification (for I was sanctified in my mother's womb), I never received anything from my God without prior labours of body and soul. Meanwhile the community of Sisters in the choir began to chant the litanies of the Blessed Virgin and the antiphon "Salve Regina," for it was Saturday, on which day it is the custom of the monastery for the Sisters to perform such things in honour of the Mother of God. Litanies and Salve Regina most pleasing to the Blessed Virgin. The divine Mother therefore said: This singing of my litanies and of the antiphon "Salve Regina" is most acceptable to me. She likewise explained to the Virgin Veronica, the Queen of the world, what more excellent praises were contained in the litanies and the antiphon "Salve Regina," and also the fitting manner in their singing. But the same Virgin did not wish to reveal this by the command of the Most Blessed Mother.

Chapter VIII. On the happiness of the Saints seen.

[12] As Veronica was praying for all the Sisters of her monastery, and freed from her bodily senses, Christ once said: I wish now to make manifest to you the happiness which I have resolved to give to the Sisters of your monastery and to all my other elect. Veronica asserted that she beheld innumerable beatitudes of the Saints, of which the greatest were those which God himself had disposed to bestow upon the Pastors of God's holy Church. Christ also said, calling Priests "Christs" and Religious Sisters "Christas" — names which, according to the custom of the ancient Doctors, can apply to all who are endowed with divine grace: I have arranged greater beatitudes than the rest for my Christs who are resplendent with virginity, and lesser ones for women. Those of my Christs who are beautiful with virginity are truly most pleasing to me: How pleasing virginity is to God. whom I so love that even if they have committed any sin, however grave, I have resolved to guard them from wicked lips and from ^a deceitful tongue. But woe to those who shall assail my Christs either in secret or openly: for I will destroy them and uproot them from the earth.

[13] The immense, though unequal, glory of the Saints. The Virgin also saw the unequal beatitudes prepared for those who willingly despised the world, and for those who entered monasteries under compulsion, and who, at length turning their resistance into love of gentle virtue, strove to render ^a worthy service to God. She asserted that the glory which married persons would have is less than that of all others. The Virgin declared that no kinds of beatitude could ascend into the heart of man, nor be uttered by the voice. I saw, Veronica used to say, the celebrations of the Saints processing among the Blessed, of which I can speak of some, but of the happiness prepared for all the Saints, the tongue can express absolutely nothing. All mortal things are of absolutely no moment compared to these. We must strive, through good works, to attain the unspeakable rewards of eternal happiness. If it were given to any one of you, O most beloved Sisters, to contemplate the glory of the Blessed, no labour and no vigils would call you back from your purpose, nor would your spirit grow tepid in any way. God immortal is faithful, munificent, and gives exceedingly great rewards to those who love him: for even the smallest things done for the love of the divine Majesty, he renders rewards beyond imagining. Although every good thing is from above, descending from the Father of lights, without whom we can do nothing rightly, yet we must do what is in us, and the mind must be prepared for divine things.

[14] Hear, most beloved Sisters: When I once besought the divine mercy for sinners, Christ answered: By my grace they render themselves unworthy through frequent sins. Let them do what is in them, and the heavenly gift of grace will be at hand for them: for I who created them without themselves will by no means save them against their will. Take care, O Sisters, with all diligence not to offend the bowels of the mercy of our God by any sin: for the Lord and my Saviour Jesus Christ once said to me: I judge more severely those things Religious will be punished more severely. by which the practitioners of sacred religious orders sin against me, on account of the great gift of religion they have received, than those crimes which others commit, however grave: for he who has received more is bound to love more, and remains ^a perpetual debtor to the guarding of innocence. Wherefore on the day of Judgment, for the loss of even ^a small amount of time, and for any idle words or the slightest sins, we shall render an account and suffer fierce punishments. Let us guard ourselves with the utmost care lest we unknowingly sin against our most beloved Spouse, the Lord Jesus Christ, and in any way fall short of the unspeakable beatitude shown to me. Thus spoke Veronica.

Chapter IX. On the reproof made to her by an Angel.

[15] Veronica once narrated to the Sisters with candid simplicity, saying: On ^a certain day when ^a priest was celebrating Mass, I looked with somewhat excessive curiosity at ^a Sister kneeling beside the altar, solely through instability of mind: She is reproved by an Angel for an idle glance. but when it happened that I was abstracted from my bodily senses, the Angel of the Lord, who was accustomed to attend me, reproved me with such severity that I would have ended my last day if my mind had been joined to my body while enduring such things. Alas, how great was the horror of the reproving Angel! How hard the words! How terrible the countenance! Among other things, these were the words of the reproving Angel: Is this how you acted, giving reins to your heart? Why did your eyes wander? Why did you look at that Sister with excessive curiosity? You have surely sinned against God not lightly. Returning to her bodily senses, the Virgin poured forth innumerable tears for the space of three days. She also said that Christ had commanded her to perform something grave as penance for this instability of her eyes. She undergoes penance at Christ's command. Christ the Most High also commanded the Virgin to keep that secret command, wherefore Veronica was accustomed to affirm, saying: When I am present at the sacred rites of the Mass, I dare not even move my head, fearing the punishment of the divine Majesty.

Chapter X. On the punishments of Purgatory shown to her.

[16] Suddenly seized in rapture, Veronica, after first passing through the punishments of Tartarus, with an Angel as guide beheld in wonder each kind of torment She sees the punishments of hell and purgatory. by which souls are purified in the underworld. The place of the damned and of Purgatory indeed appeared different, but there was no difference between the punishments. For the fire was the same, and the torturers the same. They were tortured with various punishments for the various wickedness of the sins they had committed. The Angel of the Lord also showed Veronica the first entrances of Purgatory, and she beheld innumerable souls of those ordained to sacred orders, and ^a very great crowd of both sexes afflicted with incredible torments. The Angel of the Lord said: For what sins souls go to Purgatory. Know, my daughter, that these souls endure these torments for any slight disobedience toward their Superiors and for sluggishness in carrying out divine things. Among their sins, vain murmuring against Superiors stands out, and that of certain nuns against their Confessor: for which reason they are now more severely afflicted for the same sin: The punishment of murmuring. for, having once made God propitious to themselves through the sacrament of Confession, they will suffer until it pleases God. They would be freed, however, by prayers, Masses, and alms. Such is the gravity of murmuring that, had they not expiated that sin through sacred Confession, they would have been consigned to eternal punishments.

[17] Meanwhile she beheld ^a certain soul known to the Virgin when she was joined to her body, proclaiming most vehement pains with great wailing. That voice so terrified Veronica that, trembling, she immediately returned to her bodily functions. Two Sisters, Ursula and Magdalena, who were present when Veronica returned to her senses, testified that the Virgin gave signs of vehement sadness, fearful grief, and enormous horror, She falls ill with fever from the vision of Purgatory. with striking of hands, shaking of head, and ^a mournful voice. The Virgin said: Alas! Alas! What punishments, what kinds of torments I have seen today! May it be granted me to speak of the things I have known and to reveal matters plunged in the deep darkness of Purgatory. Amid her words Veronica collapsed to the ground: ^a vehement fever seized the Virgin, and marks appeared on the Virgin's whole body, as though flickering with fire, and of the size of ^a palm of the hand. The Virgin affirmed that she had recognized certain souls which, on account of their merits and their reputation for holiness while they governed their bodies, she had long supposed to be already enjoying the vision of God. She kept silent about their names, fearing to incur the offence of ^a divine fault. And after this Veronica said to the Sisters standing by: I exhort you, O most beloved Sisters, to beware of murmuring with all the zeal of your souls: for it is ^a great sin, and more hateful to God than mortals suppose. Even if those things were true which men and women of both sexes dedicated to the divine worship say while murmuring, they should still cease from murmuring on account of the offence to the divine Majesty: for we are called from worldly affairs to the divine praises, not to pursue murmuring. Do not hesitate to believe that great and unimaginable kinds of torments are prepared for those who will be bound to the fires of Purgatory. Thus spoke Veronica.

Chapter XI. On the apparition of demons under various forms of animals.

[18] For each day of one whole year, Veronica was exceedingly afflicted by the apparition of demons, God first making it known. For an entire year she saw demons daily. The first of these apparitions occurred on the night of the feast of Corpus Christi. The form then assumed by the wicked demon was that of an ox, breathing fire on every side and bellowing terrifyingly. The Virgin was most vehemently terrified, especially because with impious voice the devil kept repeating: I will absolutely carry you down to hell with these horns. But greatly terrified by the enormous fear, she was seized with an acute fever, by which she was even prohibited from receiving the Sacrament of the holy Eucharist on that solemnity. She is seized by fever from terror, having seen the demon. But when the Virgin was caught up to the realms of the Blessed, Christ said: Indeed, O my sweet daughter, you feared the exceedingly horrible image of the demon: but know that it is my will that on each day of one year, individual demons shall become visible to you under the forms of cruel animals and birds: do not be afraid, for I am with you. Returning to her bodily senses, she perceived that she had been made well by the joyful sight of the Saviour, whose word was fulfilled to the letter, with demons appearing daily to the Virgin in exceedingly fierce forms. On the final day, as though with ^a mustered army, they all came at once, and the intrepid Virgin beheld them. Whoever has striven to know the deeds of both with ^a Catholic heart and lofty mind will assuredly not cease to admire the virtue and merits of St. Anthony in the Virgin Veronica.

BOOK FOUR,

On the life of Christ the Most High shown to her.

Chapter I. On the Annunciation of the Lord shown to her.

[1] On the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, Veronica, often releasing her spirit to the Blessed with the Angel as guide, among other things beheld an Angel of the Lord of indescribable beauty and power. But the Angel who guided Veronica said: She sees the Angel Gabriel. This is Gabriel, the messenger of God, who today divinely announced the Incarnation of Christ to the Most Blessed Virgin for the salvation of mankind. For he, entering her presence and finding the Virgin reading, terrified her with ^a great brilliance and said: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women." When she had heard this, she was troubled at his saying and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. And the Angel said to her: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear ^a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his Father, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. You also shall be the greatest of women, and shall be called Queen of heaven and Mother of God." And Mary said to the Angel: "How shall this be, since I know not ^a man?" And the Angel answering reported those things which are written and read in the Gospel. And Mary said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word." After this she immediately conceived of the Holy Spirit the Son of God. [All the mysteries of Christ's life were explained to the Blessed Virgin at the Annunciation.] And Mary rising, went not many days later into the hill country. But know, the Angel said to Veronica, that Gabriel ^a set forth to the Most Blessed Virgin all the mysteries of the Passion and joy, and the entire life and character of the Saviour, before she conceived Christ — things which, by God's will, the Evangelists passed over in silence. Having observed these things, Veronica, returning to her senses, attended the sacred mysteries and received the holy Body of the Lord.

Chapter II. On the Nativity of the Lord shown to her.

[2] Two days before the solemnities of the Lord's Nativity, when Veronica's spirit had flown by night to the starry mansions, she saw the heavenly Jerusalem being adorned, as it were, by the Blessed for the future joys of ^a new triumph; although, if there were ^a thousand worlds filled with people, the tongues of men or the tireless course of eternal speech could by no means express the majesty of the heavenly abode. They were therefore adorning the most ornate palaces of heaven, the most blessed spirits wishing to signify their angelic joys to the Virgin Veronica in ^a human manner. The adornment of heaven. That entire entrance seemed adorned with gold, shining on every side, exceedingly beautiful. Returning to her senses, Veronica understood the mystery.

[3] But on the night of the vigil of the Lord's Nativity, departing from her senses, She sees in spirit the Blessed Virgin going to Bethlehem. she beheld the Most Blessed Virgin sitting upon ^a donkey, with ^a great belly as though about to give birth shortly. The Divine Virgin was of tender age and of modest appearance, so that she seemed ^a young girl. Joseph her husband attended her, having ^a handmaid as companion, on account of the pregnant Virgin, and ^a servant leading an ox. Joseph went forth to register, ^a and his name was written down with Mary his pregnant wife; but neither the servant's nor the handmaid's name appeared to Veronica to be recorded by the Emperor's scribe. Then the Mother of the monastery summoned Veronica, who was suddenly returning to her bodily senses, and ordered her, accompanied by another Religious Sister, to seek alms through the city of Milan; She begs for the monastery. which task she performed the whole day, except for the dinner hour.

[4] Returning therefore in the evening, Veronica immediately went to the place of prayer. Without delay: seized in ecstasy, she found herself in spirit at Bethlehem, where she had left the Virgin with Joseph and the others. The Blessed Virgin and Joseph's household were wandering through the whole city seeking lodging, after they had returned from the place of the imperial registration, Again caught up, she sees the Blessed Virgin entering the stable. and they could not find any: for so great ^a multitude of men and women had gathered there for this purpose that every single house seemed full on all sides. Wherefore Joseph wandered about more sadly. But coming to ^a certain place that was covered on all sides and inhabited by no one, he said to the Most Blessed Virgin: I think it fitting that we enter this place, for it is no longer proper for us to go about the streets in ^a darker night. The Virgin, assenting, immediately dismounted from the donkey. And Mary said: The time of giving birth is near. To whom Joseph said: I will go and seek women to help you. The Virgin smiled. Joseph said: Do not laugh, for you will need such help; and he went away in the silence of the dead of night.

[5] Then Veronica, returning to her senses, learned that the time for performing the nocturnal hours was near. She persevered in prayer and meditation until matins had begun. And when she had departed from her senses, she found the Most Blessed Virgin in that same lodging where she had left her. She beheld Jesus, the Redeemer of the world, born of the Virgin, ^a tiny infant; whom the Virgin and Mother, holding with one hand, with the other was gathering hay She sees the infant Jesus newly born: to make ^a little bed for the infant. Then ^b taking the veil from her head, she covered half of the infant's little body; and on the other side the hay was clinging. Joseph was not present when the Virgin gave birth; he soon returned with three women and found the place illuminated with an extraordinary splendour. The women, as though frightened by that light, could not enter: but Joseph, going in, adored the newborn infant. Two women, more boldly following Joseph, did the same; the third, falling on her face before the entrance, cried out: What I hear I will not believe unless I see. ^c Entering at last, and drawing closer to the Most Blessed Virgin, she extended her hand, which, withering suddenly, caused her the most vehement pain. But the Angel of the Lord addressed the woman crying out in pain, saying: Ask the Virgin's pardon, and touch the infant, and you will be freed. The woman carried out the commands, and not lacking in faith, she was restored to health. The women, departing, announced to those willing to hear: For the Saviour of the world is born.

[6] But let the narrative return to Jesus lying in the manger, whom the Divine Virgin, bending her knees and clasping her hands together, adored. The ox and donkey warmed him with their breath and had humbled themselves as if adoring, and with great cries as if praising. Then an Angel of the Lord, arriving taller than many, adored the little Jesus. And there was with him ^a multitude of Angels adoring other mysteries of that night and saying: "Glory to God in the highest." Heavenly songs sounded on every side, which the frail hearts of mortals could not endure, nor could they express even ^a small portion in words. Indeed, the manger of the Lord shone with such light that the whole region was made bright, and the night was illuminated like day. And shepherds were in the same region, keeping watch and guarding their flock by night. They, terrified by the new light, fell on their faces: and behold, an Angel stood near them, the calling of the shepherds: and the glory of God shone around them, and they feared with great fear, and the Angel said to them: "Do not fear; for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be for all the people, for today the Saviour of the world is born to you in the city of David. Go and adore him. And this shall be ^a sign for you: you shall find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in ^a manger." And they came in haste, always looking up to heaven in astonishment and wonder at the things they had seen and heard. Their flocks and herds also followed them, crying out as if marvelling at these new things. And when they had reached the places from which such great light was coming forth, they adored. And they found Mary and Joseph and the infant laid in the manger. Meanwhile, as these things were happening, the Angel of the Lord admonished Veronica to observe the animals of the earth, all the trees, the stones and elements, and also the stars of the sky, giving signs of joy in honour of the newborn Saviour. Having beheld these things in her mind, the Virgin perceived herself to be before the infant Jesus: and adoring Jesus, she was able neither to speak nor to touch the infant. And when Veronica's spirit had beheld many things which she refused to relate to us, she returned to bodily affairs. After she had attended the celebration of three Masses, she was caught up by the Angel until the hour of receiving the divine Eucharist. The Virgin Veronica asserted that she had then learned divine secrets other wonderful things. which she judged it neither right for mortals to relate, nor that ^a person could express in words, let alone grasp with the mind, if such things were pursued in human words.

[7] Having received the mystery of the Lord's Body, Veronica was seized in rapture. The Angel of the Lord showed her more clearly all the ^d wonderful things that occurred at Christ's birth. She was contemplating the heavens dripping with honey, as if snow were descending from heaven throughout all the regions of the world: but in the high heaven she beheld ^a golden circle, Various things done elsewhere when Christ was born. in the middle of which was the Virgin holding an infant in her arms; at Rome she observed ^a fountain of oil flowing forth, and ^a certain temple being destroyed from heaven; she also heard ^a newly born infant speaking immediately, understanding each word of the little child; likewise ^a certain bird uttering human words; and Veronica learned that many miracles, now unknown to mortals, occurred at the Saviour's nativity, which she judged should be venerated in silence. This rapture of Veronica persisted until the hour of the evening office.

Chapter III. On the Circumcision of the Saviour shown to her.

[8] During the solemnities of the Mass on the Lord's Circumcision, Veronica, departing from her senses, went to ^a most ornate ^a temple: not knowing, however, in what region it was, the Angel of the Lord immediately appeared, teaching Veronica about each part of the temple. There was in the temple an altar of remarkable magnificence, before which stood an old man of venerable appearance: there was also present ^a venerable widow, and many people of both sexes. Meanwhile someone brought the infant Jesus, whom the old man received in his arms. The same man ^b offered two pairs of doves and two turtledoves to the old man. And the Mother Mary and Joseph, She sees in imagination the mystery of the Circumcision. as if sad, watched Jesus from afar. At length the old man stripped the infant of his swaddling band, and taking ^a stone knife, cutting away the foreskin, removed ^a small piece of flesh. The little infant, wailing and crying, most vehemently afflicted his Mother with pain; terrified also by the mournful voice, Veronica returned to her senses, sad and bathed in tears. She remained sadder throughout the whole day, as though she were still hearing the infant's voice resounding in her ears. For she was sharing in the suffering of the infant Jesus and of the Most Blessed Mother, whom she had perceived to be afflicted with enormous grief at the circumcision of her Son.

Chapter IV. On the adoration of Christ by the Magi shown to her.

[9] On the vigil of the Lord's Epiphany, while Veronica was attending the sacred rites of the Mass, departing from her senses, she was led by the Angel to the regions of the East. She sees the calling of the Magi. She saw an Angel of the Lord announcing to the King of that province that the Saviour of the world was born, and urging him to set out to adore him. Without delay: she was led to another region of the East, where the Angel of God made known similar things to its King. Then, having proceeded to ^a more distant shore with the Angel as companion, Veronica observed similar things being made known to the King of that province through an Angel of the Lord. After Veronica had traversed long stretches of land, her mind returned to her body. But in the evening, when the sun had set, giving her mind to prayer, Veronica was caught up in rapture and immediately led by the Angel to the region of the East. She noticed that the three Kings had come together in one place: their meeting, and as they spoke with one another, each narrated what he had seen and heard from the Angel concerning the birth of the new great King. And he said: Who will be our guide? They finally resolved to hasten together to adore the new King. Then, with various things arranged for the majesty of ^a royal journey, Veronica contemplated the Kings mounting dromedaries — animals of great stature and fierce in appearance. And behold, ^a star brighter than the rest went before them, which the Kings followed. Seeing the star, they rejoiced with great joy their journey, and said: This is the sign of the great King. Veronica asserted that, with the Angel as guide, she followed the three Kings through long stretches of land, who likewise hastened, riding on their dromedaries. A great crowd of men accompanied the Kings, having many kinds of animals in their retinue. their conversations, And as the Kings continued their journey, she heard them speaking about the things they had seen and heard from the Angel, the messenger of the Lord's nativity.

[10] Meanwhile Veronica's mind returned to her bodily senses. And as day dawned, ^a certain priest celebrated Mass in the church of St. Martha, at which Veronica was present: and after the adoration of the Eucharist, seized in rapture, she went to the kingdom of Jerusalem, where King Herod was ruling: and behold, she found that the three Magi had arrived, whom Herod met: and hearing from the Magi that ^a new King had been born, he swelled with pride and envy, their meeting with Herod, and dissembling the pain deep in his heart, he displayed joy at the birth of the new King. Then she saw the royal hall being arranged, tables prepared, and food brought in befitting royal dignity. She saw Herod and the three Magi reclining together at table, and while reclining, discussing many things about the newborn King.

[11] After this, returning to bodily functions, she noticed the priest about to celebrate the divine rites. When these were completed, receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist together with the Sisters, she was again seized in ecstasy and led by the Angel to the place where Herod was with the Kings. As the Magi were departing, Herod said: "Go and inquire diligently about the child, and when you have found him, report to me, so that I too may come and adore him." When they had heard the King, they departed. their departure from Jerusalem, But the star was nowhere to be seen as long as the Kings lingered with Herod. Veronica observed Herod flattering the Kings, and the Kings showing joy to Herod. But the Virgin perceived the Magi, once on the road, saying: Where shall we go, having lost the star as our guide? Without delay: and behold, the star which the Magi had seen in the East went before them, until coming it stood over the place where the child was. Seeing the star, the Magi rejoiced with great joy. They were indeed far from the place when they observed the star standing still: and descending from their beasts, taking their gifts, and leaving behind their entire retinue, they alone went to the place above which they marvelled the star was standing. Meanwhile the Angel of the Lord announced to the Virgin Mother that the Kings had come to adore the infant Jesus. The Blessed Virgin seemed to have been greatly alarmed at this. When the Kings entered, the Virgin and Mother rose, their entry into the stable, and the Kings paid her reverence. Then the Virgin sat down, placing the infant Jesus in her lap, wrapped in ^a linen garment. The infant's legs appeared bare, and Joseph was present, accompanied by ^a servant. Before the Kings, touching the little child, adored him, they bent the knee three times and disputed at length among themselves as to who of them should adore first: finally the youngest approached first, kissing the infant's feet and placing on the ground before the infant's feet the crown he wore upon his head, their adoration. and the infant Jesus blessed him. The others did likewise. And as each one adored, Veronica heard the Kings speaking at length, but she asserted that she was unable to understand anything. The adoration completed, they offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which Joseph received. The Angel of the Lord revealed to Veronica the entire mystery of the gifts. Veronica said that the Kings were of outstanding bodily appearance, clothed in golden garments reaching to their knees, and she marvelled as she beheld the younger King, who had adored first, as though he had become an elder and of one age with the other two. After the Magi withdrew, they stayed only one night in nearby lodgings. Veronica's spirit saw the Angel of the Lord appearing to the Kings in their sleep and commanding them not to return to Herod. Having received this answer, they returned to their own country by another way. After the Kings' departure, the Angel of the Lord led Veronica's mind to the place where Herod was. He seemed greatly enraged, together with all who were present, because the departing Magi had by no means returned to him. He also commanded through heralds that it be announced to all that whoever found the Kings and brought them to him would be rewarded with great gifts. After this, Veronica's mind, returning to bodily functions, found that the Sisters had already chanted the greater part of vespers.

Chapter V. On the Purification of the Blessed Virgin shown to her.

[12] On the solemn day of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Veronica experienced two ecstasies, one at night, the other after the celebration of the Masses and the reception of the sacred host. In the first, she asserted that she had seen things beyond the intellects of mortals, which she kept silent by the command of immortal God: but in the second ecstasy, which lasted for more than three hours, she was led by the Angel into ^a temple. The mystery of the Purification. The temple was of wonderful beauty, in which an aged man dressed in linen with ^a somewhat dark-coloured hood was standing beside the altar; then she saw the parents bringing the infant Jesus and ^a pair of turtledoves and two young pigeons, and the Virgin Mother and Joseph followed. Entering the temple, they presented Jesus to the old man, who, bending his knees, trembling and fearful, received him in his arms, and kissing the infant Jesus with enormous joy and weeping, said: "Now you dismiss your servant, O Lord, in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation." The Angel of the Lord said to Veronica: This is Simeon the Prophet. When he had held the infant in his arms for ^a long time, he seemed reluctant to hand him back to his Mother: for the old man hung upon the Saviour's face out of the sweetness of God which he was showing by words and gestures that he perceived. But when he had handed the infant back to his Mother, he said: "And ^a sword shall pierce your own soul." And behold, Anna, ^a woman very advanced in years and of venerable appearance, stirred by the prophetic Spirit, coming in at that very hour, gave thanks to the Lord, saying many things about the infant Jesus. And the Blessed Virgin was greatly frightened by Simeon's words. The infant Jesus also seemed rather sad, and of ^a face more mature beyond his years. The Saviour had always seemed to Veronica to have had this more grave aspect from his very birth. Veronica beheld Jesus clothed in rather poor swaddling clothes when he was presented in the temple. After this she beheld the celebration of the candles, which we shall pursue in the following volume.

Chapter VI. On the journey of the Blessed Virgin shown to her, carrying the infant Jesus into Egypt.

[13] On the night following the feast of Epiphany, seized in rapture, Veronica The mystery of the flight into Egypt. was led by the Angel into ^a certain house where Joseph and the Blessed Virgin were. She saw an Angel appearing to Joseph in his sleep (for it was night) and saying: "Rise and take the child and his mother, and flee into Egypt: for Herod, in his wrath, is about to seek the child to destroy him." Who, rising, saddled the donkey and placed the Virgin upon it together with the child. Joseph also took three handmaids as companions, leading an ox with three donkeys, which certain servants were directing. The donkeys were laden with household goods which ^a family needs for daily sustenance. They proceeded hastily through ^a forest path, which the Angel of the Lord had taught Joseph was the way to travel.

[14] Veronica seemed indeed to be ^a companion of that divine company, walking with those who walked, and hearing every word spoken and beholding deeds as the Angel pointed them out. She sees Christ adored by wild beasts: For when the heavenly company entered the forest, ^a great multitude of animals of various kinds came, at which the Blessed Virgin seemed to be frightened: but as the animals became tame and adored the infant, all proceeded joyfully. The Virgin Mother addressed Veronica, revealing divine secrets and commanding that she make them known to no one. O how often did Veronica's mind behold the Most Blessed Virgin exceedingly weary from the length of the journey, for the Virgin and Mother was frequently afflicted by enormous heat and scarcity of food. They sat down under the shade of ^a palm tree, ^a branch of which she observed being brought from afar at the infant's nod. Immediately ^a fountain sprang forth, from which the entire company, being thirsty, more than satisfied the needs of nature. From the same water they also filled the jars which they had brought with them. a fountain miraculously springing forth. But the Blessed Virgin, after giving her limbs to sleep for ^a short while, took up strength, filled ^a certain vessel with water, and washed the swaddling cloths in which she wrapped the infant. After this, with things arranged, as they continued the journey further, with the sun growing hot, the Virgin Mother asked Joseph to rest under the shade of ^a leafy tree, and Joseph, assenting, assisted the Virgin as she descended from the donkey.

[15] After this Veronica returned to her senses, greatly afflicted with weariness, as though she had traversed the regions of so long ^a journey in mind and body. Veronica is weary as though from the journey. What we have described Veronica beheld only at night: but when the light of day arose, she was likewise caught up to the place where she had left the Blessed Virgin with the infant Jesus and the rest of the company. And as they continued the journey, Veronica went alongside the donkey She sees the rest of the Virgin's journey: upon which the Blessed Virgin was sitting, and though the Virgin and the Angel comforted her with heavenly words, she was unable to respond. The words of the Queen of heaven remained stored in the depths of Veronica's heart, and she affirmed that she perceived wonderful joys from them. When they had completed the arduous journey through forests, they entered ^a certain house: bandits fleeing. thieves inhabited it, all of whom fled, terrified by the fierce multitude of animals, climbing into the safe places of the trees, except for one who received the entire company most hospitably. Joseph asked those who had fled to come down and return to their lodging, but the bandits never consented. Meanwhile Veronica's spirit returned to bodily functions. Veronica sometimes refused to explain the heavenly secrets which she had learned from the Blessed Virgin speaking throughout the whole journey, except for ^a few things which follow. The Most Blessed Mother said among other things to Veronica: You see, my daughter, with what labours I have traversed this journey: I endured still greater things while living, always walking through various tribulations. Know moreover, O sweet daughter of mine, that mortals can obtain no grace from immortal God unless they are first afflicted in mind and body and labour vehemently. Certain things, however, which the Blessed Virgin added while instructing Veronica, I judge should be kept silent in this place, being prepared to commit them to writing more aptly if God shall grant it.

Chapter VII. On the loss of Jesus shown to her, when he had reached the age of twelve.

[16] At the third hour of the night of the Lord's Day on which is chanted the Gospel of the loss of Jesus when he was twelve years old, Veronica was caught up until midnight. In that space of time she was led in mind by the Angel to ^a certain house, at which Mary the Mother of the Lord and Joseph had then arrived, returning from Jerusalem from the celebration of the feast. The Mother, thinking her Son was with Joseph and not finding the boy Jesus, She recognizes the mystery of the twelve-year-old Jesus lost, in rapture. was sharply grieved. She said to Joseph: Where is my Son? He replied: I do not know. I thought he was with you. Then both drew deep sighs: supposing the boy to be in the company, they resolved that each should seek Jesus separately, and they went ^a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances. The Virgin first went to the house of Elizabeth ^a, wife of Zacharias, whom the grieving Elizabeth asked whether she had perhaps lost her Son. When she replied, Yes, Elizabeth made herself ^a companion to the grieving Virgin. They went together to the house of Anna ^b, the mother of the Most Blessed Virgin, who likewise accompanied her daughter. Grieving, therefore, they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances. The Mother was afflicted with such great anguish that she nearly fainted with grief. Joseph also ran about through all the neighbouring places, and certain relatives and neighbours did the same. Although the Angel of the Lord accompanied Veronica's spirit as she followed the Blessed Virgin, she nevertheless beheld each thing done by Joseph as he searched for Jesus.

[17] Then, returning to her senses, she was most vehemently grieved, because she had noticed the Blessed Virgin suffering greatly as she sought her Son. This was the day on which such an abundance of tears was shed that you would have called her eyes ^a flowing fountain. Veronica's grief. Veronica was struck with blows by the demon, as we related in the second book. And so Veronica's spirit, as she lay languishing so that no breath remained in her, departed from her senses and was led by the Angel to the courtyard of Solomon's temple. The Mother of Jesus was there, accompanied by many women seeking Christ together. And when ^a great multitude of men was present, the Most Blessed Virgin heard ^a certain man saying to the crowds: O ^a thing most worthy of wonder, that one boy should dare to dispute against so many Doctors of the Law, The finding of Christ. whom he has so confounded that, ignorant of their answers, they seem struck dumb. And the Divine Mother, drawing closer, questioned the man more diligently, and understanding the matter fully, said: This is my beloved Son, disputing in the temple. Entering the part of the temple where the disputation was being held, those present saw the boy Jesus, sitting on ^a high place, as on ^a tribunal, in the midst of the Doctors, listening to them and questioning them. When Jesus saw his Mother, he rose and gave signs of reverence: then, sitting down again, he continued the disputation he had begun at greater length. When the disputation was finished, Jesus descended from the place, Reverence toward his Mother. and going to his Mother, he showed still greater signs of maternal veneration: his Mother, embracing him more sweetly and bestowing kisses worthy of so great ^a Son, said, holding his right hand: "Child, why have you done this to us? Behold, your father and I have sought you sorrowing." And he said to them: "Why is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" Then the Mother, falling silent, holding his right hand, led her Son away, with Elizabeth holding his left. Thus the boy Jesus, in the middle between the Blessed Virgin and Elizabeth, returned home rejoicing, with the whole crowd that accompanied his Mother likewise exulting.

[18] Throughout this entire journey Veronica always accompanied the Virgin, and as they returned to Nazareth she was nearer to the Blessed Virgin, to whom the Mother of the Most High God said: Consider, most loving daughter, The grief of the Blessed Virgin during those three days. what sorrows and what anguish I endured in the loss of my beloved Son: wherefore understand that nothing can be obtained from God except through great labours endured of mind and body. So it happened to me as well: my sanctification alone excepted. During the Virgin's words, the boy Jesus gazed upon Veronica with gentle eyes, showing her signs of affection. As the whole crowd entered Nazareth and the house, Joseph with his kinsfolk and acquaintances likewise arrived there. They all rejoiced and were glad, applauding the finding of the boy Jesus. When Veronica had beheld these things, she returned to her bodily senses.

[19] Veronica lay ill from the wounds received from the demon; and the Sisters, who diligently attended her, asked her to reveal to the Sisters what she had seen in that ecstasy, and the most gracious Virgin satisfied their wishes. The Sisters also asked what the appearance of the boy Saviour was, The form and dress of the boy Jesus. and what his garments were, and she replied: The colour of the garments of the boy Jesus was blue, very beautiful; the appearance of his face seemed quite childlike and joyful, his hair was curling and white as snow. The boy Jesus was of such beauty as could never be expressed by her in words. Moreover, when she had seen the Blessed Virgin and all her retinue in the dress in which they then were, Veronica asserted that the Most Blessed Mother was dressed in ^a garment of blue colour. The garment of Elizabeth, however, was of ^a somewhat dark colour, lighter, which Milanese call "morello" in the mother tongue. She also asserted that she had heard and understood each thing said in the Saviour's disputation, whether by him or by the Doctors of the Law, which, when she returned to her bodily senses, entirely escaped her memory.

Chapter VIII. On the baptism of the Saviour shown to her.

[20] As the priest was celebrating the solemnities of the Mass on the Lord's Day after the octave of Epiphany, Veronica, departing from her senses, was led by the Angel to the bank of the Jordan river, where Christ appeared to be standing. And behold, John the Baptist was hastening, crying out: "Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world." And when he had come to the Saviour, he adored him, falling upon the ground. And Jesus said to him: "Baptize me, John." John replied: "I ought to be baptized by you, and you come to me?" To whom the Lord said: "Permit it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." But John, after he had shown signs of great humility and three times refused to lay his baptizing hands upon the Saviour, at last assented and baptized Jesus, who had laid aside his garment and already entered the waters of the Jordan. She sees Christ baptized by St. John. John was clothed in camel's hair and ^a leather belt about his loins, and trembling and fearful he poured the waters upon the head of the Saviour, which flowed down over his whole body. But the Saviour remained motionless amid the running waters, upon whom the Holy Spirit descended in the form of ^a dove, gleaming with snowy whiteness, bearing ^a cross in the middle of its head, The miracle of the dove. and ^a voice thundered from on high, saying: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." After the Father's voice, the dove always ^a spoke to Christ, until it flew away to heaven. Veronica said that she understood each word that the dove spoke with Christ, which she afterwards did not remember. Four Angels were also present, holding the Saviour's garments in their arms, for what the Angels then did invisibly in service to the Saviour, Veronica beheld as it were before her eyes with ^a clear mind. Jesus, ascending from the water with the Angels' assistance, put on his garments; The Angels' service. then Jesus, entering the river, baptized John. After this, Veronica, returning to her senses, attended the celebration of the Mass and sat down to dine with the rest of the Sisters.

Chapter IX. On the wedding at Cana in Galilee shown to her.

[21] While Veronica was reclining at table, she was caught up in mind by the Angel to Cana of Galilee: and she saw ^a splendid banquet hall, She sees in spirit the wedding at Cana of Galilee. in which ^a table containing various kinds of food had been set. Christ and his Mother were standing there, along with the bridegroom and bride, and very many others in the same place. Jesus first blessed the table with his right hand, while the others chanted as is the custom of religious. Then, when all had sat down, the Saviour, placed at the head of the table in ^a chair, reclined: at his right hand the Most Blessed Mother sat down; the bride followed her, while at the left the bridegroom placed himself, with the rest following. At the foot of the table Veronica, accompanied by the Angel, seemed to be standing, watching all that was taking place. The Virgin, relating what she had seen, said that the Saviour was adorned with ^a remarkable garment and bore certain most beautiful things upon his head. The Most Blessed Mother was clothed in white garments, the bridegroom and bride in red. Those who continually served were five in number; two indeed brought the food, two divided what was brought, and the fifth was the steward of the feast. Although he presided over all, he attended particularly to pouring the wine. The rites of the banquet. Among the foods were roasted meats prepared with various skill; there were also spoons, with which the guests took up the stews. The breaking of bread was done by the Saviour with his hands, while the others accomplished it with ^a knife. After they had feasted for ^a long time, when the wine failed, the Mother of Jesus said to him: "They have no wine." Jesus said to her: "What is that to me and to you, woman? My hour has not yet come." His Mother said to the servants: "Whatever he tells you, do it." Now there were six stone water jars set there. Jesus said to the servants: "Fill the jars with water," and they filled them to the brim. Jesus said to them: "Draw some out now and take it to the steward." And they took it; and when the steward had tasted the water made wine, and did not know where it came from — but the servants who had drawn the water knew — the steward called the bridegroom and said to him: The changing of water into wine. "Every man serves the good wine first, and when they are well drunk, then that which is worse; but you have kept the good wine until now." Veronica testified that the water had been changed into dark wine. When the food had at last been removed from the table, she saw certain wooden vessels brought, splendidly crafted, in which more delicate things made of sugar were kept, which we call ^a sweetmeats. Then some people brought various instruments with which they played wonderful songs, Dancing. and the bridegroom and bride and many others danced, while the Saviour and the Blessed Virgin always remained seated. Veronica affirmed that the songs and dances of this wedding excited nothing but heavenly consolations, with the sight of the Saviour filling all things with spiritual joys. After this, Veronica, returning to earthly functions and at the Sisters' long request (for she was still sitting in the common refectory), explained the course of this vision. Although the Virgin unwillingly satisfied the Sisters' wishes, she was nevertheless compelled by her candid simplicity and the command of the Mother of the monastery to make public the secrets which she had been accustomed to keep with great joy to herself.

Chapter X. On the temptation of Christ in the desert shown to her.

[22] On the first Sunday of Lent, after receiving the Sacrament of the Lord's Body, Veronica's mind flew, with the Angel as guide, into ^a deserted place, where she lingered for the space of seven hours. She saw there Christ, as though clothed in mortal flesh, exceedingly pale and wasted by extreme emaciation; his garments also appeared worn. The Angel of the Lord said: He whom you see coming, veiled in human form, is the demon, the enemy of the human race. His form was that of ^a man, like ^a hermit, his face showing that he had abstained for many years; in his hand he carried ^a rosary, in his lap stones; and when the demon had placed these before Christ, he said: The temptation of Christ: I see that you are exceedingly hungry; if you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. He answered and said: "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Then, having changed his earlier form, the devil took him up to ^a high place and said to him: If you are the Son of God, the second: cast yourself down. For it is written: "He has given his Angels charge over you, and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against ^a stone." Jesus said to him again: "It is written: You shall not tempt the Lord your God." Again the devil, fashioning ^a more horrible form, the third. took him up to ^a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and said to him: "All these I will give you, if you fall down and worship me." The devil, then clad in ^a form terrible beyond measure, was breathing fire on every side. To whom Jesus said: "Get behind me, Satan. For it is written: You shall worship the Lord your God, and him alone shall you serve." Then the devil left him, giving horrible sounds, so that the mountain, turned to fire, seemed to crumble and collapse from its very foundations. And behold, the Saviour, immediately surrounded by ^a throng of Angels, was led to ^a place of wonderful beauty. What that place was, Veronica could never discern. First the Angels, ministering, clothed Jesus in ^a splendid garment, whose edges they held in honour of the venerable divine Majesty. Then they produced various songs which the eternal course of tireless speech could not explain. Christ refreshed with food and song by Angels. She also beheld ^a table being prepared, white loaves being brought by angelic ministry. Then Christ the Most High addressed Veronica with ^a rather long discourse. After this the Virgin returned to bodily functions.

Chapter XI. On certain deeds of the Saviour shown to her.

[23] Certain things we judge should be passed over in silence which Veronica's mind saw through the Angel's agency, since she noticed nothing other than what the Evangelists relate. These include the Saviour's transfiguration on Mount Tabor, the healing of the man born blind, the raising of Lazarus, and many others.

Chapter XII. On the conversion of Mary Magdalene shown to her, and certain other things.

[24] On the Thursday before Palm Sunday, Veronica's mind, seized in ecstasy, was led by the Angel to the place where she both saw and heard Christ proposing the parable of the five talents. A great crowd of men and women was present at his preaching; in the midst of the crowd sat ^a woman placed on ^a higher seat, whose adornment of head and clothing, her restless eyes, the movement of her head now to the left, now to the right, proclaimed her to be unchaste. When the Saviour had finished the narration of the parable, he cried out, saying: O soul burdened with sins! You who have buried the talent of the Lord in the ground, She sees Magdalene pierced by Christ's gaze and voice: having committed such and so great crimes — return willingly to me, and I will receive you. Then the immodest woman directed her eyes more flatteringly toward Christ: but Christ cast the terrifying glances of his eyes upon the woman with such power that the woman, descending from her seat, sat upon the ground weeping and wailing. Then she laid aside each of her ornaments, which her sister Martha accepted and kept. At last, with her hair unbound, while drawing sighs from the depths of her heart, she turned the eyes of all who were present upon herself. When the discourse was finished, Jesus departed, exceedingly afflicted by sweat and labours. Then Simon the Leper invited Christ to dinner; assenting, he immediately entered the house of Simon.

[25] Magdalene returned to the home of Martha. Veronica followed Magdalene with the Angel as her guide, and observed her weeping over her sins, shut up in her room. Martha, she anoints the feet of Christ and confesses her sins. with ^a Marcella assisting, was busy about much serving, exulting in the sweetness of God who had converted her sister from error. But Magdalene, learning that Christ was taking food in the house of Simon, took ^a vessel of precious ointment, and entering the house of Simon — Veronica's spirit always observing these things — she first anointed the head of Jesus, then his feet, and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. Christ seemed exceedingly afflicted from weariness, and Simon was watching the anointing woman with unceasing eyes. Magdalene also began to wash the feet of Jesus with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and anointed them with ointment, uttering aloud each sin she had committed throughout her entire life, as is the custom of those who confess. Such an abundance of tears flowed that the eyes of the weeping Magdalene seemed like streams. Veronica asserted that she heard each of Magdalene's sins as she set them forth weeping at the feet of Christ, with all the circumstances that tend to make offences more grave or to change them to ^a different kind.

[26] After this, Magdalene added: O happy am I to have found ^a sister Martha, who was the origin of my salvation and snatched me from the jaws of hell! O Martha, most worthy sister, Martha had long laboured for her sister's conversion. who with such zeal desired my salvation! whom I so often despised when she corrected me, pursuing her with calumnies! Ah, how often with proud mouth I said to you: Live by your own ways, seek your own Prophet; but let me follow my own desires. But you, Lord, Father of mercies, forgive the horrible crimes of ^a sinner. Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, for I, wretched one, sometimes spurned following my most loving sister Martha, for the sake of concupiscence. But Jesus was silent, watching with ^a sad face the weeping woman. Simon also, turning evil things over in his heart, looked at Magdalene with hostile eyes. Observing this, Christ proposed to him the parable of the two debtors. And after the back-and-forth responses of ^a longer discourse, Jesus, turning to the woman, said: "Your sins are forgiven you, go in peace": the Saviour also raised her up and blessed her, and she, judging herself unworthy of so great ^a gift of pardon, raised her voice and increased her tears. Martha, however, thinking her weeping sister was in her room, went there, and not finding her, thought she had gone to Simon's nearby house, and therefore Martha immediately followed her sister, where she learned the cause of so many tears and rejoiced more and more. After this the Angel commanded Veronica's mind to use its senses.

Chapter XIII. On the entry of Christ into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday shown to her, and the supper held in Martha's house.

[27] On the night of Palm Sunday, Veronica, seized in rapture, was led by the Angel to Jerusalem. There she beheld Christ sitting upon ^a donkey, and noticed that the disciples had arranged garments upon the donkey's back in the manner of ^a saddle. She sees the triumph of Palm Sunday. The disciples surrounded Christ, with the Most Blessed Virgin, Martha, and Magdalene and many women following at ^a greater distance behind. The whole city was stirred, and the suburbs hastened to see; and they were asking what such great rejoicings might be. But Jesus was weeping, saying: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, if you knew the things which I myself know, you too would weep." And his most loving Mother, seeing her Son shedding tears, wept. The women who were present likewise wept, and especially Magdalene. But the Angel of the Lord, showing Veronica the twofold populace, said: This people, which you see affected with joy, is the people of the Gentiles; the other, bearing sad countenances, is the Hebrew people. "And the children of the Hebrews, taking branches of olive trees, spread their garments in the way, and cried out, saying: 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'" Veronica asserted that the ^a palm and olive trees showed signs of veneration as Christ passed by; but the bushes alone which are called reeds nowhere bent; and that the number of boys was great, about ten years of age. These alone applauded Christ, the Gentiles being nearer to the place and more remote from the Hebrews. What these things portended, the Angel then revealed to Veronica, as will be explained more openly in the sixth book. But when the Saviour reached the square before the temple, he descended from the donkey with the disciples' help and, proceeding to ^a higher place, delivered ^a discourse before the assembled crowd. And when Jesus had completed his words, he seemed anxious with sweat and labour. Martha, who continually followed Christ, remembering that Christ had taken no food that day and that no one had invited him, passed through the midst of the people, stirred by the fervour of the Spirit, and asked him to come to her house together with his disciples: to which the Saviour assented more gently. Then Martha hurried home with ^a quick step and devoted herself to preparing the supper, with Marcella assisting, and carried it out sufficiently.

[28] Meanwhile, with the Angel of the Lord admonishing Veronica that she would be present at ^a certain supper of the Lord, she returned to her senses. Veronica is present at the supper in Martha's house. It was midday on Palm Sunday, and after Compline had been chanted by the Sisters, Veronica entered the common refectory with the other Sisters, for she was still fasting. Having taken ^a light meal, compelled by the interior Spirit, she rose and, entering her cell, at the beginning of her prayer she was caught up in rapture; the Angel of the Lord led her mind to the house of Martha, situated in ^a certain village: where she beheld the Saviour blessing the supper with his disciples. The Lord having sat down, his Mother also reclined, while the crowd of disciples stood. Mary of James and Salome and other women followed the Mother in order on the right side of Christ; on the left sat John, with Magdalene placed at the feet of Jesus. Veronica asserted that all the foods, which were rather refined and varied, as befits ^a most noble table, lacked meat and dairy products, as the Christian religion is accustomed to practise during the Lenten season. Among the servants and handmaids, Martha appeared more anxious, with Magdalene always remaining at the feet of Jesus. Martha said to Jesus: "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her therefore to help me." And the Lord, responding with ^a cheerful face, said: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. Mary has chosen the better part, which shall not be taken from her." Martha, receiving the Lord's words joyfully, exulted more abundantly that God had granted her sister Magdalene the gift of true conversion, and therefore she devoted herself to her frequent ministry more eagerly and fervently. When the supper was finished, the whole company, with the Saviour beginning, gave thanks to the Most High. After this the Saviour summoned Veronica, commanding certain things to be made known to the Sisters. While speaking, she noticed the Apostles reclining to take food, ^b for when the Saviour was dining, John alone among the Apostles had reclined.

Chapter XIV. On the supper of Christ and the Blessed Virgin shown to her.

[29] On the night of the Lord's Supper, the Virgin, seized in rapture, was led by the Angel to Bethany in the house of Martha: She sees Christ's last supper with the Blessed Virgin. she beheld ^a table set in ^a certain upper room, and Christ and the Blessed Virgin seated, with all others excluded, since they were to converse more privately. The discourse between Mother and Son was about the coming Passion of the Son. The Son was exhorting his Mother to bear patiently what was to come and not to be excessively saddened by his absence. For it is necessary, the Son said, that I go to Jerusalem and, after taking ^a last supper with my disciples, undergo the death of the cross, for the sake of restoring the human race. But the loving Mother drew sighs from the depths of her heart and wept in many ways, dissuading her Son from undertaking that journey. Then the Son brought forth the oracles of sacred Scripture and the obedience to the eternal Father, who had sent him into the world for this purpose. The Virgin Veronica seemed to see the Divine Mother hanging on the words from her narrating Son's mouth, and frequently collapsing to the ground when she understood the fierce torments which her Son was explaining he would suffer: but the Son would raise his Mother and console her more sweetly. The whole night Mother and Son spent intent on such conversations, and they took no food at all. When at last they had risen from the table, Veronica beheld Christ kneeling before his Mother and asking for her maternal blessing, and the humble Mother likewise kneeling begged that the same be given to her by God her Son. After this pious contest had been prolonged at some length, with tears always flowing from the eyes of both, the Mother first blessed the Son, then the Son blessed his Mother. Without delay: the most loving Mother cried out in ^a loud voice, saying: I beg you, my Son, do not depart. The whole house of Martha heard the Mother's elevated voice. Magdalene immediately ran, inflamed with the fire of love, and asked the cause of such great tears, to whom the Mother said: Ask this of my Son, for he has resolved to go to Jerusalem, about to undergo the dire torments of death. Magdalene, approaching the feet of Jesus, bathed in tears, begged saying: Do not, my Master, go to Jerusalem, for you know the impious counsel of the Jews. To whom the Lord replied: Do not ask me such things: for it is necessary that I go and endure fierce torments. After he had paused for ^a brief space of time, he was departing. And when his Mother had burst into more abundant tears, she said to Magdalene: Quickly, O Magdalene, following your Master, ^a ask him in my name to return. Magdalene departed and carried the Mother's words to the Son. But the Son bade Magdalene return and be present at his Mother's side with words and companionship. Magdalene returned, announcing all things, and both burst into more and more tears. Veronica asserted that she had seen all things in order and had heard very many lamentable words which the Mother and Magdalene, weeping, then uttered. And that when the Saviour departed, she had noticed that his face had changed, worthy of enormous compassion, and had become exceedingly pale, so that he seemed ^a different person.

Chapter XV. On the Lord's Supper shown to her.

[30] After Veronica's spirit had beheld all things done in Martha's house, with the Angel as guide she immediately came to Christ as he was setting out for Jerusalem. A large company of disciples was then with Jesus, although Veronica had seen only Christ depart from Martha's house. The Saviour entering Jerusalem, She sees the events before and during the Last Supper: the Virgin heard what words he spoke while teaching the disciples, and among other things he commanded, saying: "Go and prepare for us that we may eat the Passover. When you enter the city, ^a man carrying ^a pitcher of water will meet you; follow him into the house into which he enters, and you shall say to the master of the house: The Master says to you, where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples? And he will show you ^a large upper room, furnished; there make ready." Veronica affirmed that the pitcher was ^a vessel of no small beauty. She likewise beheld the upper room, in which some of the disciples were attending to the preparation of the supper, while others were assisting Christ as he taught them. All were exceedingly sad. They heard certain new words from the Saviour, and they attended to what he commanded to be done, driven by sad thoughts, scarcely understanding. And when all things had been prepared, Jesus reclined, and his disciples with him. "And supper being ended, he rises from supper and lays aside his garments: and having taken ^a towel, he girded himself; then he poured water into ^a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. He came therefore to Simon Peter," the washing of the feet: "and Peter said to him: Lord, do you wash my feet?" John 13. and the rest that the Evangelist John narrates. The Saviour kissed the feet of each one after washing them. Veronica said that the upper room was of extraordinary beauty, in one part of which ^a table with ^a square border, not much raised from the ground, had been prepared, while on the other side of the upper room basins were placed which the Saviour used in the washing of the feet. "After therefore he had washed their feet, he took his garments, and having reclined, he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat, this is my body. Likewise also the cup, saying: the institution of the Eucharist: This is the cup of the new covenant." Then Jesus said: "Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me. The disciples therefore looked upon one another, doubting of whom he spoke." The devout company marvelled and was astonished, and some also wept. Veronica heard the Lord's entire discourse, and the disciples speaking back and forth. When the Lord's discourse was finished, the Saviour embraced each of the disciples: and departing, he taught them about the kingdom of God. The Angel of the Lord accompanied Veronica's spirit, following in the Saviour's footsteps. "And Jesus went forth with his disciples across the brook Cedron, where there was ^a garden, into which he entered, and his disciples: and taking with him Peter, James, and John," Veronica saw Christ bending his knees and praying, events in the garden: and the Angel of the Lord showing the chalice of the coming Passion. After the Saviour's threefold prayer, behold, she sees Judas coming with ^a cohort; and Jesus going to meet him and saying: "Whom do you seek?" They answered: "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them: "I am he." When this had been done ^a third time, "the cohort and the tribune and the servants of the Jews seized Jesus and bound him." the arrest of Christ. Veronica asserted that she had observed the arrest of the Saviour in this manner. The Jews and their impious mob seemed like famished wolves rushing upon ^a lamb; they first cast Jesus to the ground, striking his face and his whole body with their fists. Then they placed an iron chain around his divine neck, dragging him, and all insulted Jesus as he stood. Then with the hilt of their swords they struck Jesus as he was being dragged, and battered him with stones, until they came to the brook Cedron, where, casting him headlong into the torrent, they dragged him for ^a long time by the chain, shouting with impious cries.

Chapter XVI. On the presentation of Christ before the judges shown to her, the sentence of death, and the carrying of the Cross to Mount Calvary.

[31] As the Jews entered Jerusalem leading Christ, Veronica beheld Jesus being brought before Annas and Caiaphas. She likewise saw each thing that the Saviour endured before the judges. Veronica asserted that the man The blow struck on Christ. who struck Christ in the face had his hand covered with an iron gauntlet, and that the blow was very fierce, so that blood dripped and ran down onto the beard and neck of the Saviour. When the Jews scourged Jesus bound to the column, ^a shower of blood poured from his sacred body. Then they crowned his head with thorns, the gore increasing; Other torments. and they placed ^a purple garment around him. The garment was exceedingly tattered and unseemly. They immediately blindfolded his eyes with ^a cloth, bending their knees and mocking him and spitting in his face. But Jesus, like ^a gentle lamb, stood in silence. At last, when the sentence of death had been pronounced by Pilate, Veronica's spirit beheld the Jews with great clamour placing the cross upon Jesus' shoulders, soldiers making noise with their weapons and voices, and the tumult of the populace. They were indeed striving to lead Christ to the place of execution with the utmost speed. The carrying of the Cross. But Jesus, the spotless lamb, stood half-dead, and his limbs were failing, his strength gone. The dire Cross was of such great weight for his heavenly shoulders, battered by fierce torments. Veronica said that Christ left the Praetorium of Pilate and carried the Cross at that hour of the day when the Sisters are accustomed to gather for the chanting of Prime. Wherefore Veronica was always accustomed thereafter to grieve most vehemently whenever she happened to hear the little bell of the monastery sounding for the hour of Prime.

[32] And as Christ, carrying the cross, continued his way through the streets of the city, behold, Veronica saw his Mother hastening, bathed in tears, accompanied by John and Magdalene and many women. The Virgin and Mother was striving to touch her Son, but she was driven back by the crowd. Mary said to John: I ask you, since you know the streets of the city, lead me by some shortcut by which I may at last be able to touch my Son. The meeting with his Mother. John, carrying out her commands, led the accompanying multitude to ^a crossroads, where an upright stone stood; the Saviour, passing by there, noticed his Mother coming forth to meet him, and said: O Mother, you have added to my sorrows. Breaking forth into mutual embraces, both gave tears instead of words. The abundance of both was so great that the Mother's tears mingled with the Son's tears. Meanwhile the Cross, clinging to the Saviour's shoulder, slipped to the ground, and ^a certain man, picking it up, held it until Christ was torn from his Mother's embraces. But as the hellish ministers compelled Christ to continue on his way, that wicked man placed the cross upon the heavenly shoulders. But since the Saviour was walking rather slowly, pressed by the enormous weight of the beam, they imposed the cross to be carried upon Simon. Although we have touched upon the things seen by the Virgin Veronica in ^a brief discourse, they were nevertheless shown to her individually, as though they were then being enacted in Jerusalem.

Chapter XVII. On the nailing to the Cross and the death of Christ shown to her.

[33] After the Saviour, surrounded by the exceedingly impious crowd, ascended Mount Calvary, he appeared naked, his garments having been stripped off. And when the Son of the Almighty King was being stripped, fresh blood flowed from the horrible wounds, for the garment was joined to the wounds by coagulated blood. After the fluids were thus disturbed, rivers of blood flowed from the gushing wounds; for from head to feet there was no soundness in the Son of God. The Virgin and Mother was present in the midst of these crowds, observing everything, summoning tears as in ^a great whirlwind, Christ naked, girded with his Mother's veil. and when she beheld the divine body of her Son naked, she drew the veil from her head and cast it to her Son, which Jesus, receiving it, girded himself. The Virgin Veronica said that she had seen the cross, which was of great size, placed on the ground beside the Saviour, upon which the Saviour, stretching himself with his back clinging to the wood, willingly extended his arms. Then many dogs surrounded him, and fat bulls opened their mouths over him. Taking nails, since the holes of the Cross made by the carpenter were too far apart for his hands and feet to reach, they bound his arms and hands with rope and, pulling for ^a long time, dislocated the frame of his body, and especially the bones clinging to his shoulders were knocked from their natural place. How he was nailed to the Cross. They first nailed his right hand to the Cross with ^a nail, then his left, with hammers pounding as if beams were being joined together. They did the same with his feet, wherefore all the Saviour's limbs were torn from their natural places. These things having been carried out most cruelly, with unheard-of ferocity the ministers of Satan raised the sacred body on high, so that those present could easily perceive the unspeakable pain of Christ hanging upon the Cross. How the Cross was raised. Veronica observed that when the Cross was being raised, it fell to the ground because of the executioners' wish, which heaped up pains immeasurably upon the most loving Saviour. And when they raised the cross ^a second time, they tried to make it hang either to the right or the left, whereby the wounds became ever wider, the pains most vehemently increased.

[34] At length, when the Cross was secured, the Divine Mother and Virgin, seeing her Son's body exhausted of strength, all his blood shed, and his sinews crushed on every side, cried out in ^a mournful voice: The Mother's grief. Alas, O my Son, behold the unhappy outcome of your words. Behold, the time and place foretold to me by you are at hand, in which, seeing you, I cannot touch you. Now I confess that Simeon's prophetic words are fulfilled in me: "And ^a sword shall pierce your own soul." O sweetest Son, how most piercing, how most sharp is this sword, by which I behold you hanging in such torments upon the cross. Thus the most loving Mother continued, recalling such things, frequently ^a collapsing to the ground from the magnitude of her grief; and Magdalene would raise her, with the company of women assisting. The Virgin and Mother sometimes looked upon the Saviour's face, always crying out certain prophetic words, then would sink to the ground from the magnitude of her pain. Thus she persevered until her Son surrendered his soul to the Father. Veronica said that, with the Angel as guide, she observed each movement of Christ Jesus hanging on the Cross, especially the crown of thorns pressing, when he had no place to rest his head, which he then allowed to hang toward his chest. And when Christ said, "I thirst," the loving Mother cried out: Alas, O my Son, I once fed you with milk, but now I cannot give you ^a drink. And amid her words she collapsed to the ground, lifeless. Veronica's mind observed, as the hour of death approached for Jesus hanging on the Cross, that he was being transformed, and that his cheeks were moistened, irrigated with profuse tears; but Veronica said that the Saviour uttered no sound amid his tears, nor any cry except those things which the Evangelists record. And the Mother, pursuing her divine Son with all piety, when she noticed that he was nearer to death, drawing closer to him, said: Now I behold you dying, my Son. Do you wish to say anything to your Mother, afflicted with sorrows of every kind? To whom Christ said: "Woman, behold your son." Then, raising his eyes to John, he said: "Son, The death of Christ. behold your mother." And the Mother, crying out, said: Now I know, O my Son, that you dismiss me as your Mother. What is this exchange, O divine Son? After the Virgin and Mother, full of tears, had said such things, the face of Christ Jesus, the Son of the Almighty King, became more pale, his eyes growing dim. At length, with his whole body changed, the Saviour, crying out with ^a loud voice, said: "It is finished." And saying this, he gave up his spirit.

Chapter XVIII. On the wonders shown which occurred at the death of Christ, and his burial.

[35] When the Saviour had died, the lifeless Mother and Virgin clung to the ground, and the other women with the greatest difficulty tried to restore her to her senses. Veronica said that at the hour when Christ surrendered his soul to the Father, she beheld the sun putting on darkness, the rocks splitting, the tombs opening, Prodigies at the death of Christ. ^a violent earthquake occurring, and very many people beating their breasts as they returned. Longinus piercing the Saviour's side with ^a lance: and both water and blood flowing most abundantly from the side of Christ: Longinus ^a likewise, having recovered the light of his eyes, turning to God. She saw moreover that when Longinus had pierced the side of Christ Jesus with the lance, the Most Blessed Virgin, who had already risen, again collapsed to the ground. She also said that after these things were completed, all returned to their own homes, except John and the Most Blessed Virgin, Magdalene, and the women who are read in the Gospel to have attended the Lord's sepulchre. Veronica also was present, accompanied by the Angel.

[36] They all lamented and wept, looking upon the face of Christ, and they desired to take the dead man down from the cross but could not. Joseph and Nicodemus came, and the Most Blessed Mother, beholding them, was at first alarmed, then gave ^a sign of joy. They were clothed in black garments, with hoods descending to their eyes, and they also wailed, displaying the most vehement grief. These first embraced and paid reverence to the Blessed Virgin, then to John, likewise uttering lamentable words in ^a louder voice. Then they adored Christ and, contemplating his body, lamented more and more. Climbing upon projecting ladders and pulling out the nails, with Joseph meanwhile supporting the body, The deposition from the Cross. they laid it in the lap of the Mother, who greatly desired this: and when the Mother had received it, wounded by ^a new grief, she called upon her Son three times. The voice of the weeping Mother was made more lamentable by those who were present, adding laments to laments. The burial. The loving Mother surpassed all, crying out and pouring forth the most abundant tears. After this they placed the body of Jesus in the tomb and closed the mouth of the tomb with ^a great stone. Although the loving Mother would neither suffer her Son's body to be taken from her lap nor wish to abandon it once buried, she nevertheless assented, though unwilling, at John's command. John at length departed, accompanying the Mother, and together they went to Mount Sion. Veronica was always present as companion, with the Angel as guide, who, when the Blessed Virgin and the rest had entered ^a certain house, immediately led Veronica to see the temple of Solomon.

Chapter XIX. On the Temple of Solomon shown to her.

[37] When Veronica, seized in rapture, had entered the most magnificent temple, the Angel of the Lord said: The place which you see Veronica sees in spirit the temple of Solomon. is the temple of Solomon. Veronica affirmed that she had never seen ^a temple of such magnitude and beauty, nor did she know what to compare it to, since it seemed to surpass incomparably even the great cathedral of the city of Milan: she judged that nowhere in the whole world could ^a house be found adorned with such gifts. Everywhere in it columns ^a of golden colour, most ingeniously crafted, stood erect and gleaming. Veronica, also surveying the places of the Holy Land while Christ the Most High was undergoing the fierce torments of the Passion, remembered each of them more clearly afterwards, as though she had been present with her bodily senses. Having seen the temple of Solomon, Veronica's spirit immediately descended with the Angel as companion to the Limbo of the Fathers, where the soul of Christ was. Having beheld the liberation of the holy souls, Veronica's mind returned to its mortal seat.

[38] It should be noted that, although we have covered the mysteries of the Passion of Christ the Most High very briefly, the Virgin Veronica saw them over three nights — Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday — with certain things shown to her by the Angel on each night. Veronica likewise used to say that the dire Passion of Christ Jesus was of such great cruelty that no mortal tongue and no kind of writing has yet sufficiently explained it. It is indeed worthy of enormous admiration She often sees the mysteries of the Passion in spirit at other times. what Veronica testified; for over the course of one year, on each Friday three mysteries were shown to her: namely, the arrest, the binding to the column, and the nailing to the Cross. On all the Fridays of the month of March of that year she beheld all the events of the Saviour's Passion shown to her in order. The Lord Jesus once said to her that he had done this because he had suffered on ^a Friday in the month of March. But he wished the number of that Friday within the month to be uncertain, so that mortals would honour those days with equal veneration.

Chapter XX. On the Resurrection of the Lord shown to her.

[39] On the holy day of Easter, after receiving the divine Eucharist, Veronica was seized in rapture until the dinner hour. This was the beginning of her rapture under the Sisters' observation: for previously it had been hidden, since she departed from her senses only at night. In the course of this ecstasy, therefore, with the Angel as guide, the spirit of Veronica first went to ^a house situated on Mount Sion, in which the Most Blessed Mother was persevering in weeping. Without delay: and behold, Magdalene asked the Virgin Mother for permission to go to the tomb of Christ. As she departed, Veronica observed the face of the Virgin Mother being changed with ^a new joy, and as the gladness gradually increased, the Blessed Virgin at last broke into laughter. She sees Christ appearing to his Mother after the Resurrection. Then suddenly, Christ rising from the dead, shining with heavenly splendour and clothed in ^a white garment, entered that place: and his Mother, going forth to meet him, after mutual greetings, most joyfully embraced her Son. Wherefore Veronica afterwards understood that the gladness of the Most Blessed Virgin had been ^a harbinger of the coming of the Son of God. Immediately Veronica's mind, leaving that house, followed Magdalene going to the tomb with the Angel as guide, and observed all the things which the Gospels relate. She saw Christ in the form of ^a gardener, then appearing to the Apostles, and taking on the form of ^a pilgrim, joining himself to the disciples going to Emmaus. She also learned in wonder the entire discourse of Christ, the women, and the disciples. At length, after seeing Christ appearing on the day of the Resurrection to four women whose names the Angel kept silent, she returned to her bodily senses.

[40] Veronica's humility. Perceiving that the Sisters had noticed her caught up in rapture, the Virgin was vehemently embarrassed, and so embarrassed that she trembled in her whole body at the same time. But the word that she had once received from the Saviour consoled the handmaid of Christ, when he said: I, my daughter, will make the gifts given to you manifest when I will, and I will also gladly keep them secret. It should by no means be passed over in silence here that on each Lord's Day of one passing year, it was given to Veronica to see ^a portion of the mysteries of the Lord's Resurrection, The useful memory of Christ's Resurrection. and that Christ the Most High sometimes said to her: Know, my daughter, that whatever is asked of me in honour of my Resurrection and on the Lord's Day, I will assuredly grant it, provided that what is asked will benefit the soul of the one asking. Wherefore I command that the one praying should entreat in this manner: Lord, in honour of your most holy Resurrection, grant me such things, if it be your will and expedient for the salvation of my soul.

Chapter XXI. On the Lord's Ascension shown to her.

[41] On the night of the Lord's Ascension, after the nocturnal vigils, Veronica sought ^a more secret place: and praying, she suffered ^a rapture, and her mind was led by the Angel to ^a large upper room in which were Christ who had risen from the dead, the Blessed Virgin, and the Apostles. She heard Christ saying: The hour has come when I shall ascend to my Father. And Veronica looked around and saw the Most Blessed Mother and all who had gathered, affected with sadness; to whom the Saviour offered consolation, saying: "Let not your heart be troubled; I will not leave you orphans. Behold, I am with you always, and I will send you the Paraclete Spirit, who will affect you with unspeakable joy. For if I do not go, the Paraclete will not come to you." And when he had said these things and many more, "he was lifted up, The Ascension of Christ. and ^a cloud took him from their eyes," surrounded by an innumerable army of Angels. And Veronica immediately found herself mingled with the angelic choirs and was ascending as Christ ascended, as though accompanying him. Indeed, as Christ passed through each sphere of the heavens, new legions of Angels came to meet him, always singing new heavenly songs. Many brought the fragrance of incense and diverse kinds of aromatic offerings, by which with each passing moment the triumph of the ascending Son of God was made more celebrated. When at last Jesus the Most High entered the empyrean heaven, she contemplated the Father and the Holy Spirit, as it were, coming to meet him. At the highest summit of heaven ^a most ornate seat was placed at the right hand of the Father, in which Christ, sitting down, shone forth clothed in unspeakable glory. Three persons of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit were indeed seen, and also one nature and one God. Having beheld such and so great things from heaven, Veronica's mind surveyed the heavenly joys until the eleventh hour according to the Milanese reckoning.

Chapter XXII. On the sending of the Holy Spirit shown to her.

[42] On the night of the most celebrated day of Pentecost, Veronica, holding the heavenly realms, saw at the highest summit of heaven Christ kneeling before God the Father and saying: You know, O my most holy Father, that when I was among mortals, I promised my Mother and my disciples that I would send the Holy Spirit down to them. And since today is suited for this mission, grant, I pray, that I may accomplish it. To whom the eternal Father said: Since, most beloved Son, all things have been delivered to you by me, send the promised Holy Spirit as you wish. And immediately Veronica returned to her earthly seat. She was persevering in prayers and meditations until she had received the Sacrament of the holy Eucharist: and having received it, departing from her senses, Veronica's spirit was led by the Angel into ^a large upper room full of people, among whom were Mary the Mother of the Lord, all the Apostles, Martha, Magdalene, Marcella, She sees the sending of the Holy Spirit. and many of both sexes who had gathered, praying: "and suddenly there came ^a sound from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting, and there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in various tongues, as the Holy Spirit gave them to speak." And when this sound had been made, ^a multitude gathered: then the Apostles and those who had gathered, as though intoxicated, going out, preached the word of the Lord to the nations. "And they were all amazed and marvelled; but others, mocking, said: These men are drunk with wine." All things therefore done in the sending of the Holy Spirit, just as they occurred in Jerusalem, Veronica saw. Nor was this vision without ^a miracle: for returning to her senses when the Sisters had already dined, After that vision she burns with ^a certain divine fire. she was burning in mind and body with that fire of the divine Spirit, and her heart was melting with wonderful sweetness. And now, as Veronica was leaving the precincts of the church, Sister Thadaea met her, who, rushing into Veronica's embrace, because she deeply loved and venerated the gifts of God which she experienced in her, perceived that the whole body of the Virgin Veronica was burning most vehemently. And as she herself also grew warm from the mutual contact, experiencing within herself an unknown flame of divine love, she thought that Veronica had received some great thing from heaven that day.

BOOK FIVE

On the feasts of the Saints shown among the Blessed.

Chapter I. On the feast of Saints James and Philip shown to her.

[1] On the first of May, during the solemnities of the Masses, Veronica's mind was caught up by the Angel to the starry mansions. There she saw the citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem proceeding in choirs arranged in this order. Two men went before an innumerable throng, clothed in garments brighter than the stars and sun, and wearing crowns adorned with equal splendour upon their heads. It is inexpressible for mortals to say with what brightness, glory, and majesty those leaders of the entire heavenly army shone. At their sides stood pairs of Angels giving the fragrance of incense with golden thuribles: A solemn procession in heaven. she also noticed other Angels likewise standing in the middle of the procession: and songs sounding with surpassing sweetness resounded on every side for the inconceivable joys of the heavenly Jerusalem. Innumerable armies of Angels followed those men. After them the Apostles, then ^a great multitude of Martyrs, then the Roman Supreme Pontiffs together with Archbishops, Bishops, and lesser Priests, joined to ^a throng of Saints of every kind; and they all wore golden garments interwoven with pearls and precious stones, crowned with gold and gleaming gems, and exulted with divine joys. Assuredly no pomp of mortals can be compared to this heavenly one, which we cannot even touch in thought or worthily describe in any manner of speech. For it is an immense brightness which can neither be perceived by our eyes nor expressed in words. But the Angel of the Lord, who was at hand for Veronica, said: The two men going before the others are the holy Apostles James and Philip. He likewise indicated to her who each of the throngs were. Veronica moreover beheld God of immense glory sitting on ^a throne emitting rays of most beautiful light on every side, whom all the Saints in procession adored. With ^a serene countenance and ^a message of divine joy, immortal God gazed upon each one, blessing them with his right hand extended on high. After this, ^a tribunal surrounded by immense light and divided into two seats, and James and Philip ascended higher than the other seats: and when the entire throng of Saints had venerated each of them individually, they each departed to their own seats, which appeared divinely placed throughout the whole expanse of the region of Paradise. After which Veronica, leaving the Blessed, was commanded to use her bodily senses.

Chapter II. On the feast of the Holy Cross shown to her.

[2] On the solemn day of the Finding of the Holy Cross, Veronica's mind, caught up to the heavenly seats, reported that she had observed these things. She sees the Cross adored in heaven. Beside the divine tribunal was ^a place emitting rays of the purest light on every side. There an enormous golden Cross stood erect: precious stones the size of ^a human hand gleamed upon the Cross. That splendour was so bright that nothing among mortal things could be compared to it. Without delay: and behold, the Most Blessed Queen of heaven and St. Magdalene, accompanied by an army of virgins, came to adore the Cross. Then the happy Queen, first bending her knees, venerated the holy Cross: and the Cross, inclining itself, readily offered itself to the Virgin who wished to kiss it. The Virgin first kissed the place where Christ's right hand had been nailed, then the place opposite, then that of the head, then the part of the side from which blood and water flowed, and finally she adored the places of the feet, kissing them and showing the joys of great love. Magdalene did the same. But when these had adored, the Saviour came, in the middle between John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, who likewise venerated the Cross. After this, with the Saviour and the Most Blessed Mother sitting in ^a certain heavenly place, all the citizens of heaven adored the Cross in the same manner; the Virgins beginning, who, bowing their heads in pairs, gave signs of the highest veneration. Meanwhile, as they adored the holy Cross, two Angels standing beside it spread the fragrance of incense with golden thuribles: and when all returned to the heavenly abodes, Veronica's spirit also returned to her earthly seat.

Chapter III. On the feast of St. Monica and certain other Saints shown to her.

[3] On the ^a day on which the Church celebrates the birthday of St. Monica, mother of the most excellent Doctor Augustine, Veronica's soul, surveying the heavenly realms, saw the citizens of the heavenly city processing with ineffable pomp in her honour, The feasts of St. Monica and other Saints. doing the same things which we have recounted in the first chapter of this book: but St. Monica, together with her son, clothed in garments befitting immortal glory, went before all others; just as we said the two Apostles James and Philip went before. Veronica's mind beheld similar things at the feasts throughout the passing year. The leaders and heads of the processions were indeed varied according to the diverse feasts of the Saints; for on the feast of the conversion of Blessed Augustine, St. Ambrose, who had brought Augustine to the faith, together with the same most blessed Augustine went before the rest, brighter in the adornment and splendour of their garments; but on the feast of St. Bernardine of the Order of Minors, the leaders were St. Francis and Bernardine, whom there followed Saints Louis ^b King of Sicily, Anthony of Padua, Louis King of France, and Bonaventure the most illustrious Doctor. Although on each day throughout the year the Virgin Veronica, releasing her spirit to the Blessed, beheld such celebrations being held in honour of the Saints who are venerated by Catholics throughout various parts of the world, we shall nevertheless pass over them and leave them to the devout reader for meditation: lest the same things, repeated, which Veronica observed with the greatest joys now that she, while still mortal, was reaching the stable state of the blessed life, should produce tedium. But if on any particular day we judge that something special should be brought forward, we shall do so as briefly as possible.

a. May 4.

Chapter IV. On the feast of Corpus Christi shown to her.

[4] The Angel of the Lord said to Veronica as she contemplated the great and indescribable things done among the Blessed on this day: The great celebration of the Venerable Sacrament. Know, daughter, that today's feast is of such great dignity that it must be honoured by every effort of mortals, on account of the adorable majesty of the divine Eucharist, as you observe the heavenly citizens doing in the heavenly Jerusalem. For the Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, and Powers, Cherubim and Seraphim, surrounding the divine tribunal in the likeness of ^a wheel, were clothed in alternating garments of white and purple colour. Among their choirs were innumerable ones giving incense with golden thuribles, and raising songs on high. After these orders, before the Angels and Archangels, the Most Blessed Queen of heaven, in the middle between Martha and Magdalene, accompanied by Apostles, Patriarchs, Prophets, and the remaining throng of Saints, adored God the Son, inclining herself three times. The Son, rising, rendered honours to his Mother. Then the Virgin ascended the tribunal of Christ and sat at the right hand of her Son: for John the Baptist, whom Veronica had always seen sitting at Christ's right hand, rose from the throne and left the place on the right side to the Queen; beside whom Martha and Magdalene had sat down. After immortal God had at last been adored by the entire heavenly court, the wheels of the heavenly spirits arranged themselves. All the Saints vanished after the divine wheels had been coordinated, with only the angelic host appearing in the wheel. Finally the Queen of the world, rising from the divine throne, departed after ^a threefold adoration, with ^a great company of heavenly spirits and Saints attending her. As she withdrew, she never turned her back to the divine countenance, but unceasingly contemplated it, since by divine happiness the Blessed always see the face of God. After this Veronica's mind returned to its earthly seat.

Chapter V. On the feast of St. John the Baptist shown to her.

[5] When, on the solemn day of the nativity of John the Baptist, Veronica was searching out the heavenly abodes, she heard the Angel who directed her saying these things: Be more attentive, daughter, for now the feast of the Baptist begins among the citizens of heaven, at which Christ the Most High will be present with the whole heavenly Jerusalem attending. Immediately Veronica beheld Christ descending from his lofty throne: he had ^a golden garment woven with green colour, The garments and adornments of Christ and the Saints on that day. which the Angels held around for the greater veneration of the divine Majesty. Upon his head he bore an ornament whose glory she could never sufficiently attain. No one among the heavenly citizens shone with that head ornament, although each was adorned with the most excellent gifts. The Baptist and John the Evangelist, clothed in white garments emitting golden rays, held in their hands lilies more radiant than the sun. The Queen of the world, when she descended from her throne, walked in the middle between Martha and Magdalene, after the Patriarchs and Prophets, who were distinguished by ^a special dress. The Queen of heaven was clothed in ^a white garment, around which choirs of Angels stood, holding her garments. Although the garments of Martha and Magdalene were more desirable than gold and precious stone, Veronica could never know what colour Magdalene's was. After the armies of Angels, Elizabeth the mother of the Baptist, joined with Anna the mother of the Most Blessed Virgin, came forth; following was ^a crowd of virgins whom no one could number: Mary of James and Mary of Salome went before them. All the Saints, however, had diverse tokens of glory according to their merits; some bore golden crowns, certain ones torques, some silver gifts adorned in the most beautiful workmanship. As the entire heavenly court resounded with the sweetest songs, they all processed to adore Christ the Most High, placed upon ^a most blessed seat in the middle between John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, as Veronica was always accustomed to behold Christ. After this Veronica's spirit, with the Angel as guide, returned to earthly functions.

Chapter VI. On the feast of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul shown to her.

[6] Veronica's mind, caught up by divine power to the heavenly palace, saw the feasts of the Apostles celebrated in the same order. The garb of the holy Apostles was indeed of ^a white colour emitting golden rays, utterly inexpressible to mortals. Peter, holding ^a palm and keys in his hands, was clothed in pontifical attire. Paul held ^a golden sword, ^a palm, and lilies. Both, processing with ineffable pomp, first adored the majesty of immortal God, and then the entire heavenly court, following, rendered honours to the divine power.

Chapter VII. On the feast of St. Martha, Christ's hostess, shown to her.

[7] Among the feasts of St. Martha surveyed, there was shown to the Virgin Veronica an enormous multitude of Religious Sisters who, clothed in white, immediately followed Martha as she proceeded with heavenly pomp. The Angel said to Veronica: These are the women consecrated to God of the monastery which Martha established while living.

Chapter VIII. On the place of St. Mary of the Snow shown and the feast of St. Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers.

[8] Three times on this day Veronica's spirit flew to the stars with the Angel as guide; in the first rapture she was led by the Angel to Rome: and beholding ^a certain place covered with abundant snow, she noticed the Most Blessed Mother of God, surrounded by Angels, was present there. Then the Angel said: This is the place where snow descended from on high at the Queen of heaven's command, The church of St. Mary of the Snow. so that John the Patrician, stirred by this miracle, would build ^a church in her honour. Without delay: Veronica marvelled as she beheld ^a basilica of wonderful size. The Angel of the Lord said to her: This is the church built in honour of the Blessed Virgin. In the second rapture Veronica heard heavenly songs, with the Angel teaching, and saw certain very great things done in honour of the Mother of God, which she did not relate in detail. In the third rapture the Angel showed Veronica St. Dominic, dressed in the manner of the Preachers, with whom another companion of the same profession was joined: their garments shone in ^a wonderful way; many Angels followed them, Innumerable Saints of the Order of Preachers. then thousands of thousands of Brothers of the Order of Preachers followed behind, with Sisters of the same order in innumerable number following. With heavenly pomp they all adored God the Most High and their holy Father Dominic, with the rite which we recalled above as having been shown to Veronica in the other solemnities.

Chapter IX. On the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin shown to her.

[9] Veronica's mind, seized in rapture on this solemn day, beheld the Queen of the world as though breathing her last, and she likewise saw her, freed from the flesh, rising again. And so the Queen of heaven had already come back to life, and her body was immediately seen being carried on high by Angels. It was clothed in gold on every side, giving ^a splendour higher than all human thought. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. But before she reached the heavenly seats, the Blessed Virgin was led through the midst of Purgatory: she suffered no punishments; rather, the souls being purified were affected with great joys by her presence. Then, proceeding to the highest summit of the heavens, the Blessed Virgin found Christ the Most High coming to meet her, with the whole heavenly Jerusalem attending. Divine songs sounded on every side, and after mutual embraces, the Virgin, endowed with ^a double crown by God her Son, was placed upon ^a very lofty seat. Not far from the Queen of heaven ^a Martha, Magdalene, and Anna her mother sat around, together with the sisters, whom choirs of Angels surrounded, giving heavenly joys. After this Veronica's mind returned to human functions.

Chapter X. On the liberation of souls by the Angels shown on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.

[10] On this day, as soon as Veronica had received the Sacrament of the Eucharist, her mind departed during the solemnities of the Masses, proceeding to the confines of Purgatory. She beheld ^a man of ^a certain divine aspect, clothed in ^a garment of wonderful beauty, whose name Veronica never knew, and ^a great number of Angels followed him. That multitude, with whom Veronica was mingled, entered the regions of Purgatory. Then so many souls were brought before the man as the population of half the city of Milan could not contain, and individual Angels seized individual souls — those whom they had guarded among mortals. The souls indeed appeared reddened by the burning when they came out of the purgatorial fire, Souls led out of Purgatory on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. but once snatched from the flames they became whiter than snow. Crowned therefore with green foliage, they were all placed before the throne of immortal God by the Angels: and the souls laid their crowns before the seat of God, and the same immortal God, with ^a serene countenance and placid and gentle eyes, blessing them, offered them to his Most Blessed Mother. When she had seen these things, Veronica's mind returned to her body, affected by such great joys That sight was most joyful. that she thought she could not long continue living in the flesh. Veronica asserted that she had beheld very many things at that celebration of the Assumption, affected by the most vehement joys at each rapture; but the most joyful of all was when she observed souls being rescued from Purgatory.

Chapter XI. On the feast of St. Augustine shown to her.

[11] This particular thing Veronica noticed on the feast of St. Augustine when her spirit departed from the senses. For the holy Father Augustine, adorned most richly in pontifical garb, wearing an interior garment of red colour, proceeded in the middle between Saints Nicholas of Tolentino and William, dressed in priestly fashion and crowned, with ^a mitre radiating exceedingly with gold and precious stones, The adornment of St. Augustine. bearing in his hand ^a small golden shrine of incredible beauty. The human mind cannot grasp what that beauty, that extraordinary splendour, and that remarkable magnificence were. A large number of Hermits first followed them, then regular Canons clothed in white garments, after whom ^a great crowd of religious of ^a somewhat dark grey colour, in which many Orders clothe themselves while serving under Augustine's rule. She noticed ^a multitude of women of that order under which Veronica lived immediately following the men. The Angel of the Lord said to her: These are the Sisters of your monastery and your religious order. That one is Michaelina of Rimini; the one nearer is the Mother who gave you the habit of holy religion, who was likewise called Michaelina. The one who follows is Margaret; and she who bears ^a palm like ^a Martyr is Justina: the Angel also did not keep silent the names of many others. Among them Veronica recognized the two Mothers who had died in her own monastery while she was present, who looked upon her with ^a cheerful expression. But since the garments of some were more splendid than others, Veronica understood that those clothed in brighter attire had more perfectly despised the world. After this she noticed innumerable Sisters following; some were clothed in black, very many in white garments. ^a In the space of seven hours, during which the rapture persisted, the entire assembly barely completed the heavenly celebration of the Father Augustine, with signs of heavenly joy resounding throughout the entire heavenly Jerusalem.

Chapter XII. On the feast of St. Jerome shown to her.

[12] When Veronica, surveying the heavenly realms, contemplated the feast of St. Jerome among the Blessed, she saw Jerome, with Augustine as his companion, Gregory and Ambrose following. All were clothed in white, with Jerome holding lilies in his hand The form and garb of St. Jerome. and wearing ^a hat upon his head in the manner of Cardinals. The hat was encircled by ^a golden crown of ^a beauty unknown to mortals. The immense retinue of Priests and illustrious men who preceded was very great; and ^a most copious multitude of religious followed, some clothed in garments of black colour, many in ^a somewhat dark grey, very many dressed in white. Each one was exulting, displaying divine joys, and filling the heavenly court with indescribable harmony in honour of the holy Father Jerome.

Chapter XIII. On the feast of St. Francis shown to her.

[13] By the merits of Francis, Veronica, her mind caught up to the heavenly mansions, saw certain souls being rescued from the punishments of Purgatory by the ministry of Angels. His garb was ^a white vestment which covered the clothing of his order. The multitude of Preachers, Priests, laypeople, and men of the Third Order was innumerable; which followed Francis as he proceeded with heavenly pomp. St. Clare, accompanied by St. Ursula, went before all the Sisters of that same profession.

Chapter XIV. On the feast of All Saints shown to her.

[14] Veronica reported that today's feast was of such great majesty among the Blessed that in the space of twenty hours the choirs of Saints had scarcely finished their procession. We have judged that only these things should be written. For St. Francis ^a went before all the religious on account of his true poverty, which he always embraced while living. St. Dominic followed Francis, surrounded by ^a great company of his own Brothers. Then the most blessed Father Augustine, whose followers of various orders seemed to exceed the number of all religious orders. Then St. Basil; finally the venerable Benedict, whom crowds of monks surrounded. Each bore in their hands some token of distinguished glory; the holy Religious Sisters carried either breviaries or rosaries of wonderful beauty. The books and rosaries of some were most richly adorned. The Angel of the Lord said to Veronica: The more excellent adornment of books or rosaries was given to the women by the heavenly court because they were more attentive and fervent in performing the divine Hours. The devout reading of the divine Hours honoured from heaven. Although the entire heavenly Jerusalem exulted with the various songs of the Angels, no one turned their eyes from the face of God: so great was the delight of perceiving even ^a single word proceeding from the mouth of God; for that divine voice surpassed all delights and surpassed all joys.

Chapter XV. On the feast of the Dedication of the Church shown to her.

[15] On the fourth day before the Ides of November, when the solemnities of the church's dedication were being celebrated in the annual custom, the Virgin, suddenly seized in rapture, surveyed among the citizens of heaven ^a temple, not large, of ineffable beauty. Its walls were made of emerald, sapphire, and precious stones; and the adornment of the stones was such as mortals cannot describe. In the temple, heavenly songs resounded, by which men of Imperial and Royal majesty and of the most eminent dignities, crowned with gold, were stirred to enter the temple to adore. Each one placed their crowns before the throne of God, who was seated in the middle of the temple. After innumerable crowds processing most magnificently, Veronica's surveying mind was sent back to mortals, most vehemently affected by heavenly joys. She asserted that in this feast she had observed something imperial and worthy of royal pomp beyond all the rest.

Chapter XVI. On the celebration shown on Saturdays in honour of the Most Blessed Virgin.

[16] Veronica was caught up by the Angel on every Saturday throughout one passing year to the realms of the Blessed; Veronica is caught up on every Saturday. where, surveying the heavenly feasts, she saw all the Blessed processing in honour of the Mother of God, after which the Most Blessed Virgin directed her eyes upon Veronica with such joy that Veronica never remembered being joined to ^a mortal body. She also used to say: I, present in mind among the divine assemblies, forgot all mortals, nor could I have imagined anything sadder than to return to corruptible things.

Chapter XVII. On the feast of St. Catherine the Martyr shown to her.

[17] This particular thing alone I now judge should be written, since on the celebrated feast of the same Catherine the Martyr, Veronica saw, joined to Catherine the Martyr, progressing with indescribable glory, ^a certain Virgin clothed in white, not ^a Martyr, shining with equal majesty, whose name the Angel kept silent. I, however, with pious devotion judge it to have been Catherine of Siena of our Order of Preachers, whom Christ the Most High also distinguished with the title of Spouse in the governance of the Church Militant.

Chapter XVIII. On the feast of the Holy Innocents shown to her.

[18] Veronica said that the Blessed celebrated ^a special feast on this day: for, caught up in mind, she saw innumerable infants clothed in white, wearing inner garments of purple. The adornment of the Holy Innocents. Each one bore in their hands lilies and branches of palms, their heads shining with ^a new adornment and gleaming among the citizens of heaven. A crowd of Martyrs, which no one could count, surrounded the infants. They sang ^a new song in loud voices before the throne of God. Then, forming ^a circle, each surrounded the throne of God radiating with immense brightness: wherefore the divine tribunal was rendered on every side more beautiful by the beauty of the infants. After this the Virgin's soul returned to its human seat.

Chapter XIX. On the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot shown to her.

[19] On the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot, Veronica, freed from bodily bonds, was carried by supernatural aid to the precincts of heaven: and as the Blessed processed in the customary manner, she observed in the order of those processing that Sts. Anthony and Paul the first hermit were first. The garb of Anthony and Paul in heaven. They were clothed in white, bearing lilies in their hand in honour of their virginity. Their adornment and splendour were extraordinary and beyond words, and ^a great number of hermits followed them. At the very end of the order she saw certain religious, covered in black and wearing birettas on their heads: Veronica asserted that she had never before beheld men of such garb in the heavenly Jerusalem; and although their crowd was large, they did not reach the number of the other religious orders. And so the heavenly assembly did in honour of St. Anthony what we have frequently recalled as having been done in the other feasts.

Chapter XX. On the celebration of candles seen on the day of the Purification.

[20] On the celebrated day of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Veronica's mind, suddenly seized in rapture, after having contemplated the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple, which we described in the preceding book, was immediately led to ^a basilica of unimaginable beauty. There was ^a most ornate altar there, beside which ^a priest of ^a certain divine aspect was putting on his sacred vestments, as though about to celebrate the sacred mysteries: She sees in spirit Christ as it were celebrating Mass. but to Veronica, marvelling at the priest surrounded by so many spirits, the Angel said: This is Christ the Most High, who is about to celebrate the sacred rites. Immediately the angelic song began the Introit. The Saviour's priestly garb is indescribable to mortals: on every side precious stones and pearls gave ^a heavenly beauty. The amice was golden, interwoven with sapphire crosses and adorned in ^a most beautiful manner. The stole and maniple had the same beauty. The vestment which we call the chasuble seemed of inestimable glory from the excessive brilliance of gold, precious stones, and pearls. Ten Deacons were present, clothed in the most splendid vestments, in the manner of Deacons. Ten Subdeacons also ministered to the Deacons. These twin groups stood, and their garments were of different colours: the first were clothed in white, those who followed in purple, then the nearer ones in white, the rest in purple. Two horns of the altar were visible; six Deacons held golden thuribles; four were conspicuous in angelic garb, two were resplendent. From the beginning of the Mass to its end, as the Deacons offered incense, the smoke of incense always ascended. Who would dare describe the Saviour's voice singing the solemnities of the Mass? That voice, clearer and more distinct, provided blessed joys and filled the heavenly court with indescribable harmony, surpassing beyond measure the songs of the Angels with its sweetness. Although the voice of the Subdeacon chanting the Epistle was exceedingly pleasing, the Deacon sang the Gospel more pleasingly still. Meanwhile, as Christ the Supreme Priest was performing the secrets, two Angels distributed white candles to the people who filled the temple. Then the Angels extended ^a veil before the altar for receiving the offering. When the Saviour turned his face to the people, behold, the Most Blessed Virgin, accompanied by two most eminent women, offered ^a candle to the Saviour and kissed his hand. Her companions did the same, as did each minister of the altar, and so did all the people who were present. O with what great desires of her soul Veronica, seeing these things, wished to hold ^a candle, by whose offering she might have kissed the Saviour's hand. When at last Christ had blessed all, Veronica's spirit returned to bodily functions. She was grieving and tormented, with tears flowing, that she had not been worthy to kiss the Saviour's hand, and she attributed this to her sins, on account of which, being anxious, she fell asleep briefly. In that sleep she received wonderful consolations from ^a long discourse of the Saviour. But the same Virgin fell silent, saying: "It is not permitted for ^a man to speak those things." She asserted that she had seen men; whose crowd, although it was large, did not reach the number of the other religious orders. And so the heavenly assembly did in honour of St. Anthony what we have frequently recalled as having been done in the other feasts.

Chapter XXI. On the feast of St. Joseph shown to her.

[21] On the day when we venerate St. Joseph, the spouse of the Most Blessed Virgin, with ^a special solemnity, Veronica's spirit, holding the realms of the Blessed, beheld Joseph clothed in white and holding lilies in his hand as signs of virginity, and going before all the citizens of heaven with the greatest glory. Veronica also saw many other feasts celebrated among the citizens of heaven, and especially in honour of two Martyrs whose names she did not know.

Chapter XXII. On the feast of St. Benedict shown to her.

[22] When, on the feast of St. Benedict, Veronica's mind, with the Angel as guide, was present among the choirs of the citizens of heaven, she beheld the same The adornment of St. Benedict. St. Benedict, clothed in ^a white garment and surrounded by indescribable glory. In one hand he bore ^a precious stone, by whose excessive brilliance and rays she was prevented from recognizing more distinctly what it was. She said: I sometimes thought that the stone had the appearance of ^a lily: but its beauty was great and imperceptible to me. The number of Abbots and monks, covered by black and white garments, who followed St. Benedict in heavenly pomp, was great.

Chapter XXIII. On the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin shown to her.

[23] Veronica asserted that the feasts she saw being celebrated in the heavenly Jerusalem on the day on which we recall the Annunciation of the Lord were of special majesty. First, Christ the Most High, proceeding in the middle between John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, shone with such great splendour — with Joseph the father following and exulting with admirable glory — as no hearts of mortals could grasp. Veronica rejoiced and was exceedingly glad, recalling the countenance of the Saviour: and the entire heavenly court, proceeding in alternating companies of men and women, exulting, sounded forth heavenly joys. The garment of the Blessed Virgin. The garb of each was resplendent with special beauty. But the Most Blessed Virgin was clothed in ^a white garment, into which from the hands to the shoulders and from the shoulders to the hands golden rays were woven. In the middle of the breast and the middle of the shoulders golden rays shone with divine light: the border of the garment also, front and back, was exceedingly beautiful with ^a double weaving of golden rays, as we see in the linen garments of celebrating priests. Crowned with ^a double diadem of gleaming gems, the Most Blessed Virgin also walked forth. Angels held her garment around her for the greater veneration of the Mother of God. At last, after the throne of the Most High had been adored and the Mother of God venerated by all the citizens of heaven, Veronica left the heavenly celebrations, ^a space of seven hours having elapsed while caught up in contemplation of these things.

Chapter XXIV. On the feast of St. Mark the Evangelist shown to her.

[24] On this day Veronica's mind, having advanced, saw the heavenly celebration: St. Mark, in the form of ^a white lion with golden eyes, The mystical form of St. Mark. whose beauty and dignity were beyond imagining, going forth among the Blessed. The three other Evangelists were joined with Mark — Matthew bearing the form of ^a man, Luke that of ^a calf, and John that of an eagle. Their wings struck against one another, filling the choirs of the Blessed with divine songs. For what has sounded more sweetly in heaven and on earth than the voices of the Gospels? Mark, bearing ^a palm and crowned with ^a golden diadem, was emitting ^a splendour unimaginable to sick mortals. With such pomp Mark processed, exulting, through the choirs of the heavenly Jerusalem, with all the citizens of heaven rendering divine joys and the customary honours to the Most High.

Chapter XXV. On the feasts of St. Peter Martyr and St. Catherine of Siena, celebrated together on one day in heaven, shown to her.

[25] On the third day before the Kalends of May, Christ the Most High making it known, Veronica understood that during the three days following she would behold only the feasts of the Saints in heaven, and in the course of that period she attended many celebrations of the Saints in heaven: but for nearly the whole night of the feast of St. Peter Martyr of the Order of Preachers, Veronica, freed from bodily senses, was carried by supernatural aid to heaven: there she beheld St. Peter, joined to Father Dominic of the Order of Preachers, progressing among the Blessed with ^a glory unknown to earthly beings. Both shone in the habit of the Preachers, The celebration of St. Peter. both were honoured with special veneration by the whole Jerusalem, accompanied by ^a great crowd wearing the habit of Preachers. Meanwhile she beheld St. Catherine of Siena, whose companion was the Martyr and Virgin Domitilla, proceeding with equal glory. The splendour and majesty of those Virgins is inexpressible to mortals, who, first adoring the throne of God surrounded by indescribable light, received heavenly honours from all the Blessed. This rapture lasted for many hours, inasmuch as it persisted from the celebration of Mass until after the evening offices had been chanted. Veronica asserted that in that departure of her mind she had observed the citizens of heaven always intent together on celebrating the feast of St. Peter Martyr and St. Catherine of Siena.

[26] It is indeed beyond words what triumphs Veronica witnessed in honour of certain Saints and holy women throughout the entire following day, extending to the interval of night. These celebrations, therefore, throughout the course of the year, Veronica saw, caught up in the splendours of the Saints, which, although we have pursued them in ^a brief discourse, will nevertheless produce an immense volume for those devoted to divine contemplation. The enormous joys of heaven. For Veronica sometimes asserted, of such great majesty, when she was revealing certain things to the Sisters, was that glory of the Saints that it should rather be venerated in silence than disclosed by the feeble and hoarse inanities of mortals. Veronica also exhorted the Sisters, saying: I have narrated to you, O dearest Sisters, ^a few certain things by divine command, so that, with the things of the world despised, you may strive to stir your minds to the joys of eternal celebration. Let no labour frighten you, nor, affected by any tedium, allow your hearts to grow tepid from the flame of divine love. I have seen exceedingly great rewards prepared for us among the Blessed, which my spirit, joined to the flesh, cannot explain. O if you were granted from on high to behold the divine honours of even ^a single living soul, you would indeed confess that those gifts are unknown to mortals, for no visible forms can express the appearance of that heavenly dignity. I also keep silent many things from you, O Sisters, at Christ's command. Thus spoke Veronica.

BOOK SIX.

On the manifold exposition revealed to Veronica.

PROEM.

[1] I judge that this volume should be prefaced with the observation that, in the sacred books, the moral sense sometimes personifies the wicked through accounts of the good, and the impious sometimes bear the type of the righteous. For who doubts that the rule of King Ahasuerus signifies the sceptre of immortal God? The pious as types of the impious, and the impious of the pious. And the delights of King Solomon described in the oracles of the Canticles? Do not those Canticles, in that most blessed manner of speaking, reveal, explain, and foretell the divine love of Christ and the Church, of the most righteous soul — its heavenly preludes, consolations unknown to the wicked, and the Supreme Creator caressing those mortals who yearn for eternal joys? Wherefore the moral senses, which the sixth book opens, accord with the interpretation of sacred literature; in which many things are related by which even the greatest of men may receive special instruction.

Chapter I. On the exposition of certain things seen on Palm Sunday.

[2] We wrote in the preceding book that the Virgin Veronica, caught up in mind, observed what joys and what honours the Saviour received on Palm Sunday; and among them, the palm and olive trees gave signs of humility, while the reeds alone stood unmoved. The Saviour said to the Virgin: These signify that men whom I inhabit through the gift of grace always think humble things of themselves, do humble things, speak humble things, scorning the praises of men. The malice of vainglory. They always bow their heads and necks when anything is to be done or spoken for the adoration of the divine Majesty. But those who resemble reeds are found to be the proud, desirous of human ambition, and inflated with wicked thoughts. So great is the wickedness of the sin of vainglory that even if ^a man were to be renowned for miracles, by that vice of arrogance I am compelled to hate him. Let mortals beware, moreover, lest they approach the priests of the Church to receive olive or palm branches without prior confession of sins, How branches should be received. in act or in intention. Let each one first resolve to forgive offences against his neighbour, and let him strive by all means to reconcile himself with the divine Majesty. Adorned with these works, he will worthily bear forth the branches of palms. Thus spoke Christ the immortal God.

Chapter II. On the manner of chanting certain psalms revealed by the Saviour.

[3] On the same day of Palms, after having observed in mind the supper in Martha's house, the Saviour addressed Veronica in these words: Often in times past you have poured forth prayers before me for all the Sisters of your monastery, but tell them in my name that those who are assigned to chanting the offices are excessively idle. They harbour certain hatreds in their hearts and wander in mind in ^a wonderful way. When reproved, they do not abstain, but rather grievously offend by the aforesaid error. They gather there to honour my name with praises, not to burn with vain thoughts. Likewise tell them by my command, Devotion in the divine office. when they begin to chant the canticle "Benedicite omnia opera Domini Domino" and have drawn out the pause in the middle of the verse, that they should remember that they are praising and blessing my name. Let them also remember the same at each pause of the aforesaid hymn, and of the psalms "Laudate Dominum de caelis," "Beati immaculati in via," and "Cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus iustitiae meae." Although the Saviour likewise taught Veronica to do the same in the chanting of many psalms, he commanded the Virgin to keep this secret. Christ also added these words: In my name you shall explain these things to the Sisters more quickly, because I shall no longer command such things to be made known to you. I also command that the same things be made known to all future Sisters. Let each one raise her voice more boldly, consigning enmities to oblivion: for this is my will. To whom Veronica said: You know well, O Lord my God, that the frail hearts of mortals can be endowed from on high with nothing unless you yourself grant it. Do you yourself inflame their souls with your love, so that, having conceived the fervour of your Spirit, they may serve you as Lord. But Christ replied to Veronica: You confess true things indeed, O my daughter, but it is necessary that they do violence to themselves, renouncing their own will: let them learn by my example to suffer, and let them revolve in mind and heart the sufferings, wounds, and labours endured by me. By these they will impose reins upon themselves and overcome the incentives of the flesh. After this Christ discoursed on certain most lofty matters which he wished to remain hidden from mortals. And the Virgin's mind, returning to bodily functions, recognized by the sound of the bell that the time for the nocturnal vigils was at hand.

Chapter III. On the moral exposition of the events at the Last Supper of Christ with the Most Blessed Virgin.

[4] During the days of Holy Week of the year of the Lord 1490, the Saviour Christ Jesus, by divine aid freeing Veronica from her bodily senses, expounded each of the mysteries of his Passion that had been reviewed, speaking in this manner: Remember, my daughter, that when I was taking the last supper with my Mother, and she was asking the causes of my grief, I paused ^a little before giving my reply. For the Mother was saying: I know indeed, O Son, that you are to die in Jerusalem, but I do not know the exact time. A response should be weighed before it is given. Thus indeed should everyone act: for one must more diligently consider beforehand whether the response to be given should produce scandal to one's neighbour, anger of the mind, or offence to God. Also bring to mind, O daughter, that my Mother, when she learned the time of my Passion, immediately collapsed to the ground, half dead; The grief of the Blessed Virgin at the Passion of Christ. and when she had recovered her strength, she said: Alas, O my Son, among the innumerable pains endured for love of you, this one surely will pierce my very soul. This is the manner of penitents and those bewailing their sins, for on account of the love of such sins, sharp swords ought to pierce the hearts of the penitent, after the manner of the torments of my Mother: although no grief of any mortal who voluntarily undergoes adversity for their sins can be compared to my Mother's sorrows, which she endured in the days of my Passion. And when ^a man falls into mortal sin, if he is to rise from it, he must first fall half dead within, and persevere long in anguish; my Mother signifying this by her own sorrows. For one must persist in the sorrows of recalled sins for at least as long ^a time as my Mother then lay clinging to the ground. And this grief assumed for sins is indeed found most pleasing to my sight.

[5] Remember also, my daughter, that at that hour Magdalene entered and cried out with ^a great voice from grief at my coming Passion, which she had understood from my exposition. That voice indicates the flame of the enormous love with which she loved me. I also wish to be loved by men with an equal love. What love should be like. Someone may say: It is not to be wondered at if Magdalene loved me so greatly, since I called her to the way of salvation with no prior labour. But Martha, undergoing many things for her sister's sake, merited the gift of divine grace for Magdalene. Assuredly no one will receive spiritual gifts from God's bounty unless they have first striven to overcome hard things. Many indeed wish to taste in advance the fruits of the heavenly fatherland, but they are wearied by the efforts they have endured, and having become idle, they are never found to have obtained their wish.

[6] But hear, my daughter, what the maternal blessing signifies which I asked for on bended knee from her. Whoever among mortals rejoices in having living parents, One should not leave home without parents' knowledge. let him revere them: let him never seize upon ^a journey wishing to leave home without their knowledge, since parents, whether of the flesh or the spirit, those who honour them in such ways commit lesser sins or return home unharmed. But when my Mother asked to be blessed by me, she gave an example of humility for all who wish to understand. But when she said: "My heart and body grow dim at this hour," she bore the type of the darkness of those men who, knowing themselves to be bound by sin, add sins to sins. But Magdalene, following me in order to call me back from the journey, is ^a sign of the sinner; to one pursuing my footsteps, it is right always to invoke and cry out to the bowels of the mercy of the Most High. And just as Magdalene persisted long in entreating, so penitents ought likewise to act. I revealed to my Mother, for her sole consolation, my future resurrection on the third day, so that sinners may learn to rise at least on the third day from the death of sin. And just as my most loving Mother, when Magdalene announced the future resurrection on the third day, replied: "What, I ask, Magdalene, will happen during these three passing days?" — so those burdened with sins do not know what may befall them; for they can be overtaken by sudden death. Finally, the faith that persevered in my Mother alone teaches the one converted to the way of truth to keep the sacraments of inviolable faith. And perpetually hating the offences he has committed, let him never despair of the generous gift of God's mercy. For I will forgive all sins to the sinner.

Chapter IV. On the moral exposition of the events at the Last Supper of Christ with his disciples.

[7] Remember also, O my daughter, that in my last supper with my disciples I said: "He who dips his hand with me in the dish, he will betray me." Why Christ did not publicly reveal Judas's crime. This signifies that I can make public any sins, however hidden. But I did not wish to reveal Judas the traitor to the other disciples, lest perhaps his heart might be hardened by shame, but I wished his sin to remain hidden, waiting to see if he might turn to me and repent, but having abused my kindness, he died impenitent. The damnation of Judas is also the norm for all sinners. For by obstinacy alone those who err are consigned to eternal fires and are deprived of perpetual mercy. Let mortals likewise learn by my example to forgive injuries to their neighbour and not to reveal the crimes of their enemies to others. Wherefore, so that the crime of Judas the traitor might remain entirely hidden, I gave him the sacred Eucharist, though he was unworthy. The Lord also said: Remember, my daughter, that I announced my death to my disciples, at which they were greatly grieved. This typically indicates that the penitent must explain his mortal sins to the priest, and when he has understood them, distinguished from venial sins with the priest declaring it, let him grieve with his whole heart, taught by the Apostles' example. And when I commanded my disciples to have peace among themselves, saying: "My peace I give to you, my peace I leave with you," fraternal charity is taught by that discourse. For he who lacks the peace of his neighbour shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven; nor can he who is deprived of fraternal communion be numbered among the elect. And I myself, commanding the Apostles to be an example to others in virtues, taught each one not to give scandals to their neighbours by doing evil; let them think well of what they see others doing, always bearing compassionate feelings. When mortals have noticed any crime, let them think within themselves, saying: Others' sins should not be judged. "Today for me, tomorrow for you." Let them know finally that the chain bound to my neck signified captivity in the devil's power for all who are bound by mortal sins. Indeed, I signified my capture at the Last Supper, so that those who desire to follow me may learn to be despised by men. For no mortal tongue can express how pleasing to me is that contempt, and how useful it is for those who voluntarily desire to be despised.

Chapter V. On the moral exposition of certain events after the Last Supper of Christ with his disciples.

[8] The Lord also said: When I deigned to wash the feet of Judas the traitor, I taught by deed how greatly enemies should be loved: for the love of enemies is indeed most pleasing to me. But when I was going to the Mount of Olives with my disciples, who were exceedingly sad from grief at the things I had declared were coming to me, Christ consoles his disciples. I said at last: "I beg you, O my disciples, put an end to your mourning." Those words signify that all mortal things pertaining to the body are concluded by an end, but the soul possesses perpetual immortality, whether it has been bestowed with eternal joys or consigned to the punishments of hell. Many say that the souls of men perish with the body; but they are exceedingly mistaken and err far from the way of truth — ignorant, foolish, ungrateful, and lacking the light of conscience. The wretches do not attend to the gifts I have sent down to them from on high. For I gave them ^a soul in my image and likeness. I redeemed them with my most precious blood. But they, foolish in their belief in the mortality of souls, intoxicated with the delights of the world, commit impious crimes against me; and if they shall not be converted, they will pay the penalties of eternal damnation. But the mourning of the disciples indicates the love with which they loved me with their whole heart. This is the love which I expect from men and which the disciples' affection prefigures. The love of men alone is sufficient for me, in return for so many gifts received from me — those whom I snatched from the darkness and shadow of death with my own blood; whose souls I indeed pursue with such great love that I desire them all to be saved. Wherefore I wait and wait again and again for them to live justly and holily: and when they have refused to the very last breath, I am compelled to exercise the laws of justice against their crimes.

Chapter VI. On the moral exposition of those things which happened to Christ praying in the garden.

[9] The Lord also said: Many things happened to me, O my daughter, when I prayed to the Father on the Mount of Olives that the chalice of the Passion might pass from me, which I shall not explain to you one by one, since they may be found written in many places. My sweat then became like drops of blood falling to the ground, by which it was given to understand that the one who has committed ^a mortal sin ought to be affected with an equal grief. The thought of my mind was so vehement that, when I recognized the will of the Father — that he had determined I must absolutely undergo ^a cruel death — Whence Christ's bloody sweat. all my trembling bones shifted from their natural place. My flesh also was in pain to the very marrow of my heart and no longer seemed to cling to my bones; wherefore water and blood flowed from my body in place of sweat most abundantly. But when the Angel brought me in the name of my Father the sign of the Cross, to which ^a sponge was attached and placed upon the chalice, and to which I myself was to be nailed, I was so terrified that I thought I would collapse limb by limb. Although no penitent's grief can be compared to my grief, inasmuch as it surpassed all torments, I command all sinners nevertheless to be in anguish, and especially those who commit abominable crimes, among whom the most wicked are found to be those dedicated to sacred things, as you once saw when I showed you while your soul was caught up. Wherefore let every mortal strive daily to meditate on some mystery of my cruel Passion. The bloody sweat, therefore, flowed when the flesh was more harshly fighting against the spirit, and I did violence to my nature, about to satisfy the command of my Father. Let those who daily commit impious crimes imitate me, and let them fight against the incentives of the flesh for the sake of keeping the divine law and at last attaining their salvation; let them strive to do violence to themselves so that they may avoid sins, just as I myself, carrying out my Father's commands, overcame the reluctant flesh. Let them also meditate that I endured these dire torments for the salvation of the human race, not for my own. There is also another thing by which men are taught to follow me: for let those who pray learn by my example to extinguish idleness and vain thoughts. And to those who strive to pray with an unmoved mind, I promise heavenly gifts — humility, self-contempt, charity, and union of hearts with their brothers. Fraternal charity enhances prayer. It could never be expressed by mortals how pleasing to me is the holy peace found among brothers, and how much divine fruit it bears. Hence it comes about that those who pray most attentively are often caught up in rapture and lack the use of their senses, because, then joined to me with enormous love, they are carried by the one intention of the soul toward me alone.

Chapter VII. On the moral exposition of those things which happened at the arrest of the Saviour.

[10] But when I had prayed to the Father in the garden, soldiers came to arrest me: and I, going to meet them, among other things said, "I am he." By this example of mine, let those burdened with sins learn to reveal all things, even the smallest, to their Confessor. For even if they hide themselves from the face of their Confessor, they will never be able to hide from me. Whoever approaches to purge his guilt through sacred Confession, let him go with sorrow, ^a contrite heart, and ^a firm mind to abandon his sins entirely; but he who, while confessing, retains the desire to sin — his confession is displeasing to me, and he is found guilty before me for unworthily abusing the Sacrament. Remember, O my daughter, Christ cruelly dragged through the Mount of Olives. with what fury and what madness the raging Jews dragged me, bound, through the Mount of Olives: for the flesh of my toenails then gave way. Would that those who hasten to sin would observe this kind of journey, and revolve it in their mind, saying: Woe to me, miserable and wretched! I run to sins with these feet, but Christ my God was compelled most cruelly to descend the Mount of Olives on his feet, lest I should any longer tread the path of iniquity. When it happens that ^a sinner, thinking such things, grieves for his own sins, let him not delay in approaching the priest to seek the Sacrament of Confession.

[11] And the fact that I was dragged in various directions and led before many and always kept silent signifies that ^a man who aspires to heavenly things must never quarrel: Quarrels must be avoided. even though he may be judged guilty by someone and be innocent, let him keep silent by my example, for he who devotes himself to contentions is afflicted with the vice of arrogance, commits ^a sin, and thinks himself superior to those with whom he contends. But I command the man who follows me to believe himself the least of all, drawn by the love of my affection alone.

Chapter VIII. On the moral exposition of Peter's threefold denial.

[12] The Lord also said: Call to mind, O daughter, that I foretold to the disciples that Peter, who pursued me with such great zeal of love, would deny me three times before the cock crowed twice. In the house of ^a Annas he denied me twice; and ^a third time when Malchus, whose ear he had cut off, asserted that Peter was one of the number of my disciples. After this I looked upon Peter, moved inwardly by grief and love. "And immediately the cock crowed, and Peter remembered the word which I had said to him, and going out, he wept bitterly," revolving in his mind that he was the one whom I had predicted would deny me three times. These things signify, O my daughter, that those who serve me deny me by their sins, as Peter did. These also are those who show themselves to be languishing with love for me, among whom the chief are found to be those dedicated to sacred things, committing such grave sins as I once showed you. O would that those who sin after Peter's example and follow the one who erred would also follow the one who repented! For I promise them my mercy. But alas, with an obstinate heart, which the devil inhabits, they persist in the miseries of their sins until their last breath. And when it falls to me to exercise the punishment of justice, they are consigned to eternal punishment, afflicted with greater torments than others. Their torments are indeed inexpressible, as you know you once saw by my command and at my showing.

Chapter IX. On the moral exposition of John announcing the arrest of Christ to his Most Blessed Mother.

[13] Remember also, O my daughter, that when I was bound to the column, John quickly went away to announce to my Mother what dire things were happening to me. For when he reached the house where my Mother and Magdalene were then staying, he struck the door, making ^a great noise, driven by the vehement love with which he loved me. Magdalene came to answer the one knocking, and said: O John, where, I ask you, is my Master? But John, from the greatness of his grief, gave abundant tears instead of ^a voice, being unable to give ^a reply. By these things, O my daughter, Grief over the Passion of Christ. men are taught by John's example to be inflamed with love for me: and hearing the mysteries of my Passion, to grieve and be tormented with profuse tears, as they understand John did. I know indeed that no one can be affected with such great grief from the love of my Passion as John and Magdalene grieved. But not even they would have grieved so much had I not granted this to them by my special gift. But I wish all men to strive to be afflicted in heart from reverence for my Passion, as though sharing in my sufferings: It is beneficial to share in Christ's sufferings. and if they shall have shed even ^a single little tear, let them think they have done something great: for no mortal tongue can make known how much joy it brings to me, and how much benefit that little tear brings to them.

[14] The Lord also said: Let it not slip from your mind, O my daughter, that John, having gone to my Mother, said: Your Son, O Lady, has been seized by the Jews and bound; do not delay, I beg you, and do not linger, if you wish to see him. By these words men are taught, Sins must be expiated at once. when they have noticed that they have committed any sin, not to delay in revealing it to ^a priest through the Sacrament of Confession, or at least to be contrite with the intention of confessing as soon as possible. Then my Mother replied: Quickly, O John, let us go together to Jerusalem. By the type of this word, let the impious likewise learn to rise immediately from sin. But when my Mother entered Jerusalem, since it was night, she saw the light of ^a fire shining from afar in ^a certain house: the Mother went there and found ^a carpenter; the Mother asked the man, saying: Do you know where my Son might happen to be? To whom the carpenter replied: I do not know your Son; but this much I know for certain, that the Jews have seized ^a certain man who is called Jesus of Nazareth. And with this wood ^a of the Cross, at the coming of dawn, he is to be nailed. Then the Mother, crying out, said: O cross, what torments will my Son endure upon you! O cross, how many times will my Son die upon you! The Mother's tongue clung to her palate at each word. After this the Mother, embracing Magdalene, said: See, O Magdalene, to what cross your Master and my Son is to be nailed. These words of my Mother exhort the guilty of mortal sins to cry out from the whole heart: O my God, I am indeed worthy of being destroyed by you for the filth of my crimes. But when he shall be nearer to the gates of bodily death, let him pray with all the desires of his soul, saying: O good God, what will be my lot after my departure? Although I have cleansed myself by the Sacrament of Confession, I do not know what awaits me after death.

Chapter X. On the moral exposition of those things which occurred in the leading of Christ from the Praetorium of Pilate to Mount Calvary.

[15] The Lord also said: Remember, O my daughter, how, leaving the house of Pilate, I was led with unheard-of cruelty: for I had become ^a reproach to the nations and ^a shaking of the head among the peoples. My Mother, beholding me, did not recognize me, so disfigured was my face, and therefore she said to Magdalene: Do you know, O Magdalene, who is my Son and your Master? By this word it is shown that those who have not striven to know me among mortals, I too shall by no means recognize them in the sight of my Majesty. And when my most loving Mother asked John, since she could not touch me because of the crowd of people and did not know the streets of Jerusalem, to lead her by ^a shortcut to the place where I would pass; this indicates that whoever is weighed down by the burden of mortal sin will never be nearer to me. But when I beheld my Mother and said, "Your presence has immeasurably increased my sorrows, O Mother"; I teach all those who conceal their sins in Confession and unworthily receive the sacred Eucharist that they may indeed frequently deceive men, but never me, God; rather, they add sins to sins, receiving the Sacrament of my Body to their own damnation. And when my tearful Mother, watching me ascend toward Mount Calvary with supreme effort, said: "Alas, my Son, how will you be able to climb ^a higher mountain, weighed down by such ^a burden?" These words teach the man guilty of mortal sin to recall his guilt in his mind, and with great grief of heart to say such things: Alas, miserable me! Alas, wretched me! How shall I arrive at seeing the face of my Creator? Nor should you consign to oblivion that Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry my cross upon his shoulders, so that I might be brought more quickly to the final punishment: which is ^a sign to sinners that I will show them no mercy after death.

Chapter XI. On the moral exposition of those things which happened to Christ after he reached Mount Calvary to be crucified.

[16] The Lord also said: After I had ascended Mount Calvary, with my Mother watching, who had separated herself from the crowd like ^a poor little woman; the impious soldiers prepared for me the torments of ^a cruel death. But my Mother, tearful and sorrowful on all sides, said: "Now my heart and my whole body and my garments are turning to darkness: and who will set ^a limit to such great darkness for me?" This discourse signifies the darkness of sinners. These are indeed of such great blindness that it is more fitting for mortals to keep silence about them than to disclose them in words. But when the Jews who surrounded me like dogs were making dire sounds as they were about to nail me to the Cross, the sword of grief pierced the soul of my most loving Mother. But after they had raised me, nailed to the Cross, on high, my Mother, most vehemently tormented, said: "Alas, O my Son, whom I so often saw venerated by the crowds through the streets and squares, I now behold most shamefully raised into the air!" And since I had no place to rest my head, she added: "You have nowhere, O Son, to rest your head." Let those who seek the pleasures of the flesh learn from these words to meditate more often that I myself always laboured exceedingly. But what anguish I endured upon the Cross, who shall tell? And when I was nearer to death, I said to my Mother: "Woman, behold your son." And from that hour John took her as his own. To whom, although she knew herself to be the Queen of the world, she nevertheless obeyed, being always most humbly obedient to me. By this example of my Mother, let those who are powerful in positions of authority and who surpass others in dignities learn to be at hand for their inferiors, and if necessary, sometimes to serve them. When at last my loving Mother, perceiving that I was about to give up my spirit to the Father, embraced the Cross on which I was hanging, affected by those sorrows which cannot be expressed by human speech.

Chapter XII. On the moral exposition of those things which happened around the dead Christ.

[17] After I, hanging on the Cross, had surrendered my spirit to the Father, many soldiers came, driven by furies, and especially Longinus, who most cruelly wounded my side with ^a lance. The most precious blood, running down the lance, touched the soldier's hand, and immediately, anointing his eyes, he received the light of his eyes which he had lacked, and at the same time dispelled the darkness of his mind. Behold, he who had afflicted me with ^a hard wound, against whom I myself could have exercised ^a hand of vengeance for his sins, Longinus illuminated. was granted the salvation of mind and body by my compassion alone. Led by these examples, let men forgive offences to everyone who has harmed them, rendering good for evil: for this is most pleasing to me. Let those who forget injuries also await great gifts from me, for they shall bear worthy rewards. But when my loving Mother beheld the cruel wound inflicted on me by Longinus, she nearly collapsed lifeless to the ground. When she likewise beheld Joseph of Arimathea coming with ^a certain company, the same thing happened. For she feared that he might be plotting some evil against my body. To whom John said: Do not fear, O Lady, for the approaching company is friendly, not hostile. Then the Virgin bent her knees, giving thanks to God the Father, who had deigned to send her help. These things teach everyone that when, after adversities, they have perceived aid from the Lord, they should first recognize it and, not ungrateful, should give thanks to me, the Supreme Creator. The Lord likewise said: Remember also that Joseph of Arimathea, when he reached the place of the Cross on which I myself hung dead, among other things cried out: "Alas! Alas! Our Master has died by the exceedingly cruel envy of the Jews." By which words he both showed that he loved me exceedingly and that many sins are committed through jealousy, for which very many undergo the sentence of eternal damnation, as you once learned when I was teaching.

[18] But as Nicodemus climbed the Cross and pulled out the nails The deposition of Christ from the Cross. with which I was fastened, Joseph supported my body. And my loving Mother, gazing at me with unwearying eyes, stretched out her arms, as though about to receive me in her lap as I was being lowered. These things, O my daughter, indicate that it is right for anyone to devote themselves most attentively to meditating on my Passion, with all other thoughts that might divert the mind set aside. Meditation on the Passion. Let that meditation burn with the fires of charity, after the example of my Mother: for he who loves much, grieves greatly over the calamities of the beloved; and he who loves little is not much tormented. But since the grief of others assumed on account of my Passion is incomparable to the sorrows of my divine Mother, let men strive to be roused from the sleep of negligence, lest they be found ungrateful for the received gift of my Passion; and I will give them more than they themselves shall have asked. For those who study most diligently the meditation of my Passion are exceedingly pleasing to me. I myself, at last taken down from the Cross, was received upon my Mother's knees. Magdalene bathing my feet with tears, my loving Mother washed my face with ^a more abundant flood of tears; after this she cried out, invoking her Son with ^a threefold voice. Then, repeating each of the oracles of the Prophets that had foretold concerning me, she gave inexpressible laments in ^a most mournful discourse. Let penitents learn by this example to weep exceedingly over themselves, and to give sorrowful voices for each of their sins. For contrite hearts I by no means despise, but rather pursue with enormous love.

Chapter XIII. On the moral exposition of those things which were done at the burial of Christ.

[19] As my Mother accompanied my funeral with ^a rather long discourse, John and Joseph said: The present hour is now nearer to nightfall: wherefore, tearful Mother, allow us to anoint the body of your Son and our Master with spices for burial. The most loving Mother replied: Do you think, John, that you can commit my Son to the tomb without his Mother? Amid her words she drew wailing from the depths of her heart. At last my loving Mother covered my body with ^a veil, with those present assisting. When she saw the lighted candles around her, she cried out more loudly on account of the venerable funeral. And when they had come to the tomb, my Mother spread herself over my body, crying out in ^a most sorrowful voice: "Alas! Where, O my Son, am I leaving you?" And as those present were weeping, John said: "Let the body be placed in the tomb now, Mother, for it is growing late and the day is already declining." Very many indeed pursue earthly things with as great affection as my Mother pursued me myself. They say in heart and mouth: "To whom do we leave these earthly things of ours?" They think only of temporal things, casting aside the happiness of the soul. They do not at all remember the last things, and what their lot will be after death. At last my most loving Mother, departing from the tomb, kept repeating in ^a lamentable voice: "Alas! How, without you, O my Son, will I be able to lead my life?" It is fitting for those who err from the way of salvation to say such things, and for those involved in the filth of sins. Let the one who errs from the way of salvation cry out with ^a contrite heart and ^a sad voice, saying: "Alas! How shall I live without the heavenly gift of divine grace? I who have committed so many and such great sins! What will become of me if I am overtaken by sudden death! Will not my soul, with so many sins committed, be consigned to eternal fires?" When they have uttered these things with the voice of the heart, let them not despair, but, with faith and love raised to heaven, let them await the bowels of my mercy. Thus they will be able to merit the gift of grace and to persevere faithfully to the end. The Lord likewise said: My loving Mother always kept her faith inviolate, and no faith of mortals may be compared to hers. Whoever therefore, after the manner of my divine Mother, shall guard the faith of divine things most perfectly to the end, striving to carry out my commands, revolving me in his soul and composing his affections, that person is always with me, and I with him; and surrounded by divine light, he will at last obtain eternal goods.

Chapter XIV. On the moral exposition of the washing of feet shown before the institution of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

[20] Throughout the whole year, after Veronica had beheld each of the mysteries of the Saviour's Passion, she was distressed and uncertain in mind, The washing of feet shown to Veronica before the Supper. wondering why she had always seen Christ washing the feet of his disciples before the Supper; when the Evangelists relate that Jesus did this after the Supper: wherefore the Virgin often begged the Supreme Creator, entreating him to know the reason for this. On the twenty-seventh day before the Kalends of October of the year of the Lord 1490, after the fierce beatings inflicted on the Virgin by the demon, the Lord revealed many things to her as her soul held the heavenly seats, by which she received both bodily health and ineffable joys of mind. After this Veronica addressed the Lord in these words: Why, O my Lord God, have you shown me the washing of the feet and your Last Supper in an inverted order compared to the irrefutable teaching of Gospel truth? To whom the Lord replied: I confess, O my daughter, that I performed the washing of the feet after the Supper, so that the impious Judas, observing the works of such great humility, might desist from his intended crime; for I was allowing him to act according to the choice of his will, knowing him to be intent on the plots of my betrayal. But neglecting repentance, he carried out with an obstinate mind what he had conceived. To you, however, the Supper and the washing of the feet were shown in an inverted order, by this mystery which I now reveal to you: namely, those who approach the Sacrament of the divine Eucharist must first have washed the whole person, for they should shine with both interior and exterior purity. But very many, stained with the foulness of sins, hasten to receive the sacred rites of my Body with no stings of conscience troubling them: wherefore, having contracted ^a great sin, they offend — to the occasion of their own perpetual damnation. I have permitted these to use their free will, just as happened to Judas. This therefore is the reason, and this the mystery, of the inverted showing of the Supper and the washing of the feet.

Chapter XV. On the moral exposition of the colours of Christ's garments.

[21] The Angel of the Lord once said to Veronica's spirit as it was released to the Blessed: Remember, O daughter, that you have noticed Christ the Lord wearing garments of various colours: The various colours of Christ's garments. sometimes you have also seen him clothed in white, sometimes in ^a garment of green, sometimes of red, and often of blue colour. The white garment signifies the innocence and purity of mind, What the white garment signifies. with which men ought to shine in the sight of the Lord: and especially those who are dedicated to sacred things. Know indeed, my daughter, that one who lacks purity will never receive grace from God. The hearts of men are indeed unstable, and they cannot escape evil thoughts: but those who are diligent about purity of mind must strive to extinguish vain thoughts as quickly as possible, grieving in heart that they are affected by such things. Let them also guard against other things that are accustomed to be opposed to purity of mind: to these, gifts will be given from heaven, since they are most pleasing to God. Know indeed, my daughter, that there are many Prelates in the Church, and those bound by the bonds of religious life, who do not greatly value purity of mind. They involve themselves in secular affairs and many things irrelevant to their purpose, to the scandal of their neighbours and their own damnation. They provide material for wicked thoughts, and those which they ought to crush in the seed they foster with greater zeal: they will at last descend to the infernal abodes unless, having been converted, they come to their senses.

[22] The garments of Christ of green colour, gleaming with gold and of ^a beauty inexpressible to mortals, indicate the future glory among the Blessed what the green signifies: of those who follow the commands of my will while the spirit governs these limbs. It is indeed known to no one whether he is worthy of hatred or of love. And if there are any such — few are found — God so willing, that men may more and more guard against sins; and that they may devote themselves with greater zeal to acquiring virtues, apply their mind to cultivating the soul, and uproot ingratitude for the benefits received from God. This manner of life is most pleasing to immortal God, and those who follow it will shine among the Blessed, just as you have seen the green garments of Christ of ineffable beauty shining.

[23] The Angel of the Lord also said: The red garments indicate the Passion which Christ, clothed in mortal flesh, underwent for the redemption of the human race. what the red signifies: Moreover, the garment of blue colour bears the type of humility. He who possesses this will be resplendent with very many virtues, among which will be charity and peace, what the blue signifies. from which the diligence of prayer will flow from ^a clear fountain. Prayer is most pleasing to God; through its mediation, ineffable gifts come to mortals from heaven. There are those who say that we cannot be humble unless God has given it. They confess true things indeed, but these must do violence to themselves, fighting against themselves, not greatly esteeming themselves, and always agreeing with the humble.

Chapter XVI. On the moral exposition of the garments of the Saints.

[24] The Angel of the Lord also said: I have shown you, O my daughter, the feasts of the Saints throughout the passing year, as they are celebrated among the Blessed. You have indeed contemplated the Saints clothed in those garments which they wore as mortals, so that you might understand what the state and what the blessed condition of each was: What the garments of the Saints shown signify. but know for certain that the citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem wear no garment except that of glory. The white vestments of the Virgins, therefore, together with the lilies they bore in their hands, signify the glory of most pure virginity. The palms which some Virgins carried indicate the crown of martyrdom. I have also shown you the greater Confessors separated from the lesser in glory; likewise the Brothers of the Order of Minors following their leader St. Francis, of whom one seemed more excellent than another, you have seen in the habit of their order; so that you might know for certain which of them had more perfectly despised the world and themselves. You have likewise beheld those serving under the holy Father Augustine, who, although they were of various habits, were nevertheless observers of their religious rule. You have likewise noticed St. Dominic with his followers clothed in the habit of that religious order. You have observed Sts. Benedict and Basil in the various garments of their religious orders, so that you might recognize them in the heavenly Jerusalem by the habit, the sign of their mortal life; for in heaven they differ only by the grace of the divine gift, not by any distinction of garments. Wherefore, when the course of the year had elapsed during which you contemplated each of the Saints' feasts, you no longer saw the Blessed clothed in such garments. Learn therefore that the garments of the Saints have shown you their beatitude. And when you were beholding the mysteries of the Passion of Christ or of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, know that they were shown to you as though they were then being enacted in Jerusalem. But the various colours of the garments of Christ the Most High signified what was explained above. For God is absolutely immutable, subject to no change of garments or of any other thing. I repeat to you finally that there is but one distinction of glory among the Blessed. The beatitudes of the Saints, moreover, surpass every most illustrious form of dignity that has been shown to you.

BOOK SEVEN

On the frequent reception of the Divine Eucharist.

PROEM.

[1] The Sacrament of the Divine Eucharist is above all heavens, to be adored with the highest veneration and to be accompanied with unceasing prayers. For it is our God, nourishing us with angelic food. Wherefore after each chapter of this book we have ^a added various prayers in the Catholic manner, desiring with all the wishes of our soul to accord greater honour to the narrated deeds.

Chapter I. On the Sacrament of the Eucharist promised to Veronica by ^a special gift of God.

[2] Up to this point I have endeavoured to explain the greatest gifts of God, deserving of no small admiration, sent to Veronica from heaven; but now I undertake with ^a most certain narrative things unheard of for many ages and the supreme miracles of our time accomplished in ^a woman. In the year 1490 from the Christian nativity, on the tenth day of the month of June, on which day the solemnities of Corpus Christi were being celebrated, Christ addressed Veronica, whose mind was caught up to the Blessed, in these words: Know, my daughter, that it will come to pass that the priest, for whose sake you continually pour forth prayers before me, will keep ^a portion of the divine host consecrated on the special feast of my Body, to be given to you; and when he goes to take it, he shall by no means find it, for you will secretly receive it through the working of my heavenly grace. The Mother of the monastery happened to hear the Virgin, seized in ecstasy, murmuring such things, for the Virgin, daily made holier, was drawn in the departure of her mind with such sweetness that she could not be roused by any art. It was her custom to utter many things then with her mouth, by which Veronica murmurs certain things in rapture. it could be perceived what secrets she held in her interior conversation with Jesus the Most High Saviour and with Mary the Queen of the world. The Sisters sometimes stored in their hearts the half-finished words, and having found the opportunity, would question the Virgin. The Virgin usually satisfied those who questioned her, and would reveal all things in secret. Sometimes indeed she would reply in ^a humble voice: My God does not allow me to say these things. For I have seen things too great, which could never be expressed in words by mortals. Wherefore, as the annual solemnity of Corpus Christi was approaching, she was distressed and grieving, lest, having perhaps suffered some such thing, her heavenly gifts might become known to the Sisters. Hence she frequently complained before the immortal Christ in these words: Why, O my God, do you wish me, the least of all the Sisters, to be known as one whom you have endowed with such ^a great gift?

Chapter II. On the Eucharist received with an Angel as minister.

[3] On the night of the Saturday ^a within the octave of Corpus Christi of the following year, the Virgin Veronica, after the nocturnal vigils, being occupied with contemplation in her cell, heard ^a voice sounding sweetly when caught up in mind in the heavenly realms: Rise, daughter, and receive the most worthy Sacrament with which your God is about to endow you. Then the Virgin, wondering most vehemently and more and more inflamed with the flames of divine ardour, immediately roused her spirit to its senses. With heavenly light brightening the place on all sides, She receives the Host from the hand of an Angel. she beheld an Angel of God, whiter than snow, holding the holy Body of the Lord in his right hand; and when the Angel had placed it upon the Virgin's mouth, the entire vision vanished. Having received the Host, the Virgin flew away to heavenly delights, remaining in rapture until sunrise.

[4] When day dawned, the priest came to hear the Sisters' confessions and to distribute to them the reserved Sacrament of the Divine Eucharist according to the monastery's custom. The Virgin was tormented, lest the deficiency in the number of hosts should make what had been done by the Angel understood by the Sisters. She prayed to the Lord in these words: O my Lord God, for whom nothing is impossible, act by your command so that the full number of hosts may be found: the one which the Angel ministered to me, do you, by your powerful virtue, add anew to the number of the others. Made more confident after her prayers, The number of hosts is afterwards miraculously found intact. with confession preceding, the Virgin came forth rejoicing with the rest of the Sisters to receive the heavenly Sacrament. The full number of hosts having been found, full of wonder, she gave immortal thanks to the Supreme Creator. For two years the Confessor and the Mother of the monastery, knowing of this remarkable deed, kept it stored in their secret hearts. The Virgin, carrying out God's commands, made such things divinely accomplished known to no one except by God's will. These things occurred on the feast of St. Barnabas of the year 1491.

Chapter III. On the Eucharist received from the hand of the Saviour.

[5] After the octave of Corpus Christi, on the night of the immediately following Friday of the year 1493, the Angel of God addressed the Virgin Veronica as she was occupied in the heavenly Jerusalem, saying: Daughter, tell the priest to keep ^a portion of the consecrated host for you; for the priest had resolved to distribute all the portions of the divine Sacrament to the sick Sisters that day. The Virgin, returning to her senses, conveyed the angelic command to the priest through the Mother of the monastery. The priest obeyed, supposing that according to the Virgin's custom of receiving the holy Body of the Lord every Saturday, he would give the reserved portion to her on the following day. The Virgin also marvelled exceedingly at the new commands of the Angel, ignorant of the future event. On the night of the passing Saturday, therefore, being in her cell, Veronica was caught up to the heavenly choirs and heard the Angel saying to her: Rise, daughter, and entering the church, honour the holy Body of the Lord with that veneration At the Angel's instruction she goes to the church by night. with which you have been accustomed when it happens that you approach Communion. After the second genuflection you shall behold ^a most splendid cloud coming to meet you, and you will know afterward what these things portend. When the third genuflection is completed, keep what you shall see stored in your heart. After these words, the Virgin, returning to her senses, was astonished, revolving the angelic words in her mind. Then Veronica, suddenly rising, set out for the church, as though murmuring such words: What, I ask, is the reason, O God and my most loving Lord, by which you compel me to enter the church in the silence of the dead of night? But when the Virgin entered the church, she beheld two burning candles, one on the altar, the other attached to ^a candlestick standing on the floor. It was the Sisters' custom to light those candles in honour of the Body of Christ; but after the second genuflection, she observed the chalice containing the Eucharist being placed on the altar, with the door of the place of reservation opened, without anyone at all carrying it. When for ^a third time she began to bend her knee, she beheld ^a cloud gleaming with such great splendour that she became half-sighted and could nowhere divert her eyes from the brightness of that cloud. She then saw the host being placed from the chalice onto the paten, and the veil with which the chalice was covered being extended; then Angels dressed in most splendid garments of various colours, and singing in alternation with heavenly harmony, she both saw and heard as she genuflected ^a third time. Rising, she came to meet the holy Body of the Lord, for she noticed the divine host flying toward her mouth. Without delay: new songs, concordant with the angelic voices, immediately began to resound with indescribable sweetness. And there issued forth from the bright cloud ^a clear voice, speaking most sweetly and gently in the Latin tongue: She receives the Eucharist from Christ himself. "Receive my body, O my daughter": then in the mother tongue it added: "I am he in whom you have always believed." The Virgin confessed that she was affected with ineffable joys, hearing the voice of God mingled with the angelic songs, from which she would have breathed out her soul even ^a thousand times, let alone that her human body would not have been able to endure such and so great things without God preserving it by ^a special gift, which the heavenly Virgin then perceived with her bodily eyes and ears. O inestimable love of charity! That to console your Virgin you deigned to bestow your body upon her with your own hand. O most loving God! O gifts unknown to the wicked among mortals! O angelic Virgin, who while living in human fashion merited to be present by divine favour at heavenly joys!

[6] It was the custom of this Virgin, before she swallowed the Sacrament of the Eucharist, to withdraw to ^a more secret place, since as the host settled upon her breast her spirit was drawn away from corruptible things, and she was horrified at being seen caught up in rapture by the Sisters: She returns to her cell with utmost speed. wherefore, feeling the sacred mysteries in her mouth, she went to her cell with such speed that she covered the distance in ^a moment, thinking that she had neither touched the ground nor the stairs she had climbed. Entering her cell, she recognized by the bell sounding that it was the third hour of the night. The Virgin had not yet swallowed the Eucharist: and when she had done so, separated from her senses, she continued until sunrise. Veronica asserted that as she departed, the most white cloud surrounded by Angels, which we mentioned, persisted in the church. O incomparable Virgin Veronica, who experienced the miracle of Habakkuk, carried in the blink of an eye over long distances! O heavenly spouse of Christ the Most High, who appears to have attained the glory of Catherine of Siena by the wonderful intimacy of the immortal God, Jesus Christ! O soul most pleasing to God, who, receiving the Eucharist from the hand of the Saviour, obtained ^a gift equal to that of St. Dionysius.

Chapter IV. On the disclosure of the aforesaid events.

[7] The heavenly Virgin Veronica, made exceedingly pensive by the mystery of the event which we have described, was astonished that the immortal God had affected her, abject and lowly, with so great ^a gift. She reveals all to the Mother of the monastery. Wherefore, questioned by the Mother of the monastery and commanded to reveal the secret of her heart, she narrated the event, disclosing everything with sincere faith. She also said in her grief: I fear greatly lest ^a portion of the sacred host is missing from the chalice; but having confidence in the Lord, for whom it is not difficult to restore the portion of the host to the chalice — as witnessed by the previous experience — with confession completed, she came before the priest on that Saturday to receive the holy Body of the Lord according to custom. Then the priest, having put on the sacred vestments, opened the small door of the tabernacle in which he had placed the Eucharist the day before, and beheld the chalice; in the middle of whose paten he found the veil, which he had extended over it, folded up. The priest, astonished that no one but himself had touched the chalice, as he supposed, carried the sacred vessel to the middle of the altar: but finding no divine host, he was shaken with such great fear and trembling that he could scarcely stand. Looking upon the Virgin, he perceived that she was seized in ecstasy. He was about to depart sadly after leaving the sacred rites, had not the Mother of the monastery explained the matter to him: The matter is reported to the Bishop. wherefore, affected with astonishment, he explained so great ^a matter to the Most Reverend Archbishop of Milan; who, hearing it, shed tears, perceiving that the bowels of God's mercy had accomplished such and so great things in the Virgin; and that God is no respecter of persons, but pours out his heavenly gifts upon any of his faithful servants and handmaids, even those lacking in nobility and honours. The humble Veronica, however, grieved that the matter had become public. She also thought that through her own thoughtlessness it had happened that the small portion of the host was not divinely restored to its place, for she thought that this could have been achieved through prayer.

Chapter V. On the priest commanding the Virgin to reveal the aforesaid events.

[8] The Virgin's Confessor, wishing to understand the deed done by Veronica, questioned her, and she, satisfying the command of him who ordered, added: Recently, drawn to the Blessed, I complained to the Saviour and the Lord our God Jesus Christ She complains to Christ that he has made her known. as to why it had pleased his divinity to make me, exceedingly lowly and the least among the Sisters, known by endowing me with such ^a great gift. My God replied to me with words that he wishes me to keep more secretly; then he said: Know, my daughter, that for this reason I left the veil upon the chalice folded up, so that the priest might understand that the sacred host was not there. Then the priest, having summoned the Sisters together, set forth the remarkable deed, exhorting them to live justly and holily, and to give thanks to the Supreme Creator, who had placed ^a Virgin of such great holiness in their monastery. For she was an incomparable treasure, and if they made use of her, they would become partakers of God's friendship. The priest also commanded the Sisters, at Veronica's request, not to speak of it to anyone until she had closed her last day: for the humble Virgin had asked this of Christ, and she believed and asserted that she had obtained her wish. For indeed, in that ecstasy in which she departed from her senses after the priest did not find the host, the Mother of the monastery heard the Virgin making such requests, along with many words about the most lofty matters, while the rest of the Sisters were at that hour dining. But the priest, revolving in mind and heart the gifts of the Virgin Veronica, which were higher than every human thought, sometimes feared that they were done by the craftiness of the devil: She divinely knows his thoughts. which did not escape the Virgin, God revealing it, and God said to Veronica: A time will come when your Confessor, dismissing all uncertainty, will most firmly believe that these things are done by me. Nor indeed has he committed any sin by this uncertain mind up to now.

Chapter VI. On ^a certain angelic revelation.

[9] On the third day after receiving the Sacrament from the right hand of Christ, the Angel of the Lord addressed the Virgin when she had departed from her senses, saying: Know, my daughter, that the divine words which you heard proceeding from the most white cloud, namely: "I am he in whom you have always believed" — God spoke to you in the mother tongue so that you might understand it was God, She understands certain things from the Angel. not an Angel, from whom you had received the sacred mysteries. Understand also, O my daughter, that the priest endured that kind of affliction, trembling, and fear, God willing it, when the sacred host was not found, because he had at times been incredulous, doubting whether the wonderful things he had experienced in you were from God. The Angel of the Lord also said: The veil which you saw extended is to be preserved with great veneration. The candles are indeed to be guarded, but with lesser reverence. These things, however, O daughter, I have made known to you on behalf of Almighty God.

Chapter VII. On the conversation between God and Veronica.

[10] When around the same time the soul of the Virgin Veronica had been carried to divine things, she addressed God, speaking with her, in this manner: What is the reason, O my Lord God, that you have covered me, your lowly and inept little handmaid, with such embarrassment for the manifestation of the heavenly gift received by your compassion alone, that I dare not associate among the Sisters? She lovingly complains to God that he has made her known. For I revolve in my mind my own littleness and my lack of any virtue, and then the fact that I, to whom you have granted so great ^a gift, have become known. O my God, what, I ask, is the reason for this confusion of mine? You know well, most loving God, what I myself had planned to do, lest the supreme mystery which you deigned to work in me, who am devoid of virtues, should become known. I truly fear that you then made me blind, unable to do or say anything, and therefore I stood in confusion, as my sins deserved. Then God replied to the Virgin in this manner: Why, O my daughter, are you confounded about this matter? Recall that I told you that men would come to know my gifts when I will. Understand, my daughter, that it was I who took away your mind and memory, lest perhaps you might carry out what you had planned. For it pleases me and I wish this great mystery to be made manifest to the nations: this praise is not yours, but entirely mine. Wherefore you and whoever shall observe such things, let them attribute praise to my name, not to you. For I, the immortal God, endow with my gifts those whom I have chosen for myself, not by their merits, but by my goodness alone. Wherefore for the sake of my glory I command you, O my daughter, to see to it that what happened to you when you received the sacred Eucharist from my hand be committed to writing, so that after your death it may be made known to very many that I, Almighty God, wrought that lofty mystery in you, She has these things written down, at Christ's command. by my gift alone, and for my praise, not your own. Wherefore the humble Virgin, carrying out the divine commands, although they seemed arduous, and having found the opportunity, summoned Sister Benedicta, whom we mentioned above, and asked her to write down the entire event, and each divine and angelic word, for the praise and perpetual honour of Almighty God.

Chapter VIII. On the sacred Eucharist frequently received by divine means.

[11] The Virgin Veronica, ^a nursling of contemplation, most earnestly desired to receive the sacred mysteries of the Body of Christ, and especially on Sunday, so that, burning with desire for the Blessed and joined to the Son of God, her heart might be more and more inflamed. But lest she furnish the Sisters with material for thinking that she surpassed the rest in goodness, and fleeing to be marked out by singularity, she revealed her desires to no one, nor had she resolved to approach the Eucharist to receive it except when the rest of the Sisters received it on solemn feasts, according to the custom of their religious order. The Virgin was, however, most vehemently tormented, inflamed with such ^a great desire. During that period, whenever she was present at the solemnities of the Mass, burning with the desire to receive the sacred mysteries, she experienced those consolations which she had been accustomed to experience when she actually received the Sacrament. Wherefore, as the Virgin's desire increased, immortal God secretly and covertly gave her the sacred Eucharist from heaven in this manner: for the Virgin would see ^a portion of the divided host entering through the window of the choir and flying to her mouth; A particle of the host is often miraculously brought to her. and having received it, she would very frequently fly to the starry seats. The Sisters indeed saw the Virgin departing from her senses, but they did not know the reason for the matter. This manner of receiving the Divine Eucharist persisted for almost the Virgin's entire lifetime, and especially when the priest Thaddaeus was saying Mass, with him never noticing the deficiency of the host. This divine deed became known through Sister Thadaea, whom we have often mentioned already, who revealed it after the last rites of Veronica. Indeed, satisfying the divine command, than which she judged nothing holier or better, she at length resolved to receive the divine mysteries publicly, and on those days which she had chosen by ^a special command of God. The Sisters also heard the Virgin, seized in ecstasy, sometimes saying: O my Lord God, on what day, I ask, do you command me to receive the mysteries of your Body in actuality? Then, falling silent ^a little, as though awaiting the divine response, she would repeat with her voice the day appointed by the Saviour. Likewise, God having first commanded, she often knew the day of the more frequent reception of the Eucharist, for she would utter such things when caught up to the Blessed: It is therefore the pleasure of your will that I receive the sacred mysteries of your Body on that day.

[12] At length the divine Virgin Veronica ascended to such ^a degree of perfection that she never confessed to the priest unless she had first been instructed by the Saviour as to how often and in what way she had failed. Christ teaches her what sins to confess. The Sisters frequently heard the Virgin, caught up in rapture, saying: O my most loving God, you know that today I am to approach the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist; wherefore I would ask you to deign to make known to me in what things I have sinned against you, which I should say to my Confessor. O miracle truly unheard of for many ages! The Virgin never confessed any sin unless she had first learned it by God's revelation, along with the manner of confessing.

Chapter IX. On her abstinence on the day of Communion, and on ^a certain reception of the Divine Eucharist.

[13] Thadaea, who was by God's command Veronica's confidant, frequently asserted that the Virgin Veronica was accustomed to take no food on the day on which she had received the Lord's Body. She always fasts on the day of Communion. Although she was present at dinner with the others, she nevertheless persisted fasting, without the Sisters noticing: only Thadaea, the Virgin's confidant, attended to these things. When the priest also frequently came for the purpose of administering the Eucharist, he was unable to give it to the Virgin, Veronica's soul having been carried to the Blessed. And the Saviour himself, when the priest had departed, bestowed the mysteries of his own Body upon her. The Virgin Veronica used to call this manner of receiving the Divine Eucharist by the name of spiritual Communion. Thadaea, Veronica's confidant, revealed these things by word and in writing after the Virgin closed her last day.

Chapter X. On marvels seen concerning the sacred mysteries, and on the secrets of minds known by her.

[14] Around the same time, whenever she was present as the priest was performing the sacred mysteries, She sees an infant on the altar at the elevation of the host. at the elevation of the host Veronica would behold with her bodily eyes, not caught up in rapture, ^a tiny infant of extraordinary beauty, surrounded by Angels. Above the chalice, however, she saw certain wonderful things of great splendour, though she was never able to discern clearly what it was that she admired, surrounded by such great light. That entire vision persisted as long as the holy Sacrament remained on the altar.

[15] She sees the devotion of the Sisters who are communicating. When the Sisters were receiving the sacred mysteries, it was divinely granted to Veronica to know their minds — which ones approached the holy Body of the Lord with greater grace and which with less. She also observed two Angels offering incense throughout the entire Communion, and likewise ^a large number of holy Angels assisting the priest and specially accompanying herself. Passing over many things at last, I shall not keep silent one thing most worthy of admiration: for on ^a certain day as ^a certain priest was celebrating, Veronica, illuminated by heavenly light, perceived that he was performing the sacred rites unworthily, being guilty of mortal sin: for he was labouring in his mind with hatred of his neighbour. The Virgin, summoning the priest to her, admonished him by divine command not to approach the divine mysteries in the future unless he had first been reconciled with his neighbour. O the angelic mind of Veronica! O the Virgin's heart — truly ^a divine tabernacle! O the exceedingly happy and heavenly soul of the Virgin Veronica, who, though clothed in ^a mortal body, merited both to see and to contemplate the divine mysteries with her bodily eyes!

BOOK EIGHT

On the death and miracles of the Virgin Veronica.

PROEM.

[1] Whenever the most provident Majesty of God, which by its authority governs the activities of the whole universe, accomplishes something beyond the laws of nature, sacred teaching is accustomed to designate it by the proper name of miracle. For to halt the course of the sinking sun, to make the waves of the sea stand like ^a wall, to rain manna upon the Fathers for forty years, to level the walls of ^a city with the blasts of trumpets, to recall the dead to life, to restore health immediately to the sick — this is judged to be the work of immortal God alone. Why God works miracles. For no creature in the universe is capable of doing such things unless it is endowed with ^a certain special divine gift, by which it becomes an instrument of God. But we do not doubt that immortal God works miracles to establish the truth, which surpasses the minds of mortals. Wherefore Christ the Most High, the Apostles, and the innumerable army of Saints confirmed the orthodox faith by miracles. And for those mortals who lead ^a life worthy of immortal praise, miracles are very frequently accomplished through their prayers. For by such works, the uncertainty of human minds doubting someone's holiness is made certain. Hence we believe that God has worked miracles through the merits of the Virgin Veronica after she attained the starry abodes. Whoever therefore, full of wonder, shall have held the greatest gifts of Veronica in no small esteem, let him read the miracles which we have resolved to write in this last book, let him meditate upon them, and, adhering to the truthful testimony of men, let him willingly surrender himself captive in spirit under the great triumphs of Veronica.

Chapter I. On her death.

[2] The Virgin Veronica, illustrious for her heavenly character, closed her last day in the fifty-second year of her life, and the thirtieth since she assumed the habit of holy religion. For on the Ides of January of the year 1497 from the Saviour's birth, after she had been confined to bed for ^a period of six months with fever and various illnesses, she surrendered her spirit to God. Veronica foretells the day and hour of her death. She revealed the hour and day of her departure to the Confessor five days beforehand, saying it would be on ^a Friday, at the hour of Compline. When the Virgin was nearer to death, the priest who was at hand for the Virgin, pretending that he was about to leave, asked Veronica for permission to depart; when she did not consent, the bell for Compline sounded. And now the Virgin had changed her face in various ways, and at the second sounding of the bell, breathing out her spirit, she sent it to the heavenly fatherland, She dies. her body displaying peace of soul. For, as though falling asleep in the sweetest slumber, she bade farewell to mortal things. The priest said to the Sisters standing by: This is the hour in which Veronica disclosed to me five days ago that she would leave the world. I wished this secret to remain hidden with me, to test whether it would come to pass, and therefore I was pretending to leave. Behold, O Sisters, understand these things now in honour of so great ^a Virgin, who has now left mortal things. When the priest had brought many such things about the Virgin into the discussion, all the Sisters burst into groans and tears. But when the body was washed according to custom, After death, whiter. it appeared exceedingly white on every part. This is indeed worthy of enormous admiration, since while living the Virgin was of ^a somewhat dark complexion, and her face also assumed ^a new beauty. The water of the washing, kept by certain Sisters, brought healing to some.

Chapter II. On the funeral celebrated.

[3] The body of the Virgin having been carried into the sacred church, an innumerable multitude of the people came flocking to pay their respects: for which reason it lay unburied up to the fifth day. The Archbishop of Milan, being ill, first sent his Vicar to inspect the Virgin's body, then announcing the funeral, he Her body is honoured by the people. would summon the chief priests of the cathedral so that, after the visitation by the people, the body of so great ^a Virgin might be more honourably committed to the sepulchre. The throng of people visiting the body of Veronica continued up to the fifth day: for at the twilight of each day during which it lay unburied, ^a great crowd stood before the virginal body, adoring it no differently than relics of the Saints. In the evening the doors of the church could scarcely be closed because of the pressing crowd: and many indeed proclaimed that they had received heavenly benefits. She is buried. On the fifth day at last after the Virgin's death, after venerable funeral rites had first been provided, the body was committed to the sepulchre — incorrupt and palpable, just as the bodies of the living remain.

Chapter III. On the arm divinely moved while her body lay on the bier.

[4] On the night preceding the day of the Virgin's burial, the Mother of the monastery and her Vicaress and certain Sisters were present, along with ^a noble Milanese matron, Antonia de Stampis, admiring the new beauty in the Virgin's body, which seemed to increase with each passing day: they were astonished at the rosy face suffused with ^a blush, the beauty of her hands, the redness of her nails, and the heavenly beauty of the whole body. The dead woman moves her arm. And while they were admiring the Virgin's body, she raised her left hand higher, first placed it upon her breast, then joined her left to her right in the form of ^a cross. The women who were present were terrified, and especially the Vicaress, who was nearer to the body. By chance it had been granted as ^a special gift to four noble and very honourable men to spend that night in the outer church: to whom also the small door was opened through which it was the Sisters' custom to receive the Divine Eucharist from the priest's hand: these witnesses proclaimed this wonderful deed to many, assenting likewise that they had observed the changed colour of the nails up close. What such things might portend, however, the Sisters never fully understood. But if we assert that such things signified the glory received from Christ by the Virgin among the Blessed, we shall establish the teachings and faith of similar miracles of the ancients.

Chapter IV. On the miracles that occurred while the body lay unburied.

[5] Miracles. While Veronica was living, ^a certain Sister named Daria, who had not yet professed religious life, had suffered from an enormous pain and severe swelling of the hand: A hand healed. when she, full of faith, touched the virginal body, she received the gift of health.

[6] A certain woman whose husband had been suffering from an intolerable pain of the sinews for ^a period of six months, Pain of the sinews removed. asked Veronica, whom she had learned was recently deceased from the commotion of the people, to intercede for her husband's health: and on the following night the man rested in the sweetest sleep — which had never happened to him during his illness. In the morning, therefore, the woman, crying out, went to the Virgin's body and made the matter known to all who were present. The man, moreover, growing stronger day by day, received the gift of complete health.

[7] Christophorus, ^a Milanese citizen from ^a family of Lodi, afflicted with ^a severe pain of the shoulder, came with ^a certain companion to the Virgin's funeral Pain of the shoulder. to pray to God that by Veronica's merits health might be granted to him. But since the church could not be entered without difficulty because of the pressing crowd of people, the companion said: Why, I ask, have you come here? To whom Christophorus replied: In order to beseech this Virgin for my health. The other mocked the man's vow, saying: I am greatly amazed that this was the reason for your journey to this place, since, having abandoned the Saints whom you may rightly beseech with the Church's approval, you have come to an unknown woman. He had scarcely finished his words when Christophorus, immediately perceiving that he was well, suddenly rushed against his companion who was detracting from the Virgin's holiness. Wherefore ^a commotion arose among the people.

[8] During the days of the funeral of the Virgin Veronica, two Sisters from the monastery of the Annunciation of the same religious order and of the city of Tortona were lodging in the monastery of St. Martha: one, whose name was Honorata, developed ^a swelling of the shin, from the pain of which she was impeded from the business for which she had come to Milan. Although with great effort she went to the sacred church Swelling and pain of the shin. and, full of faith and humbly entreating, touched the Virgin's hand: after which she returned to bed, and when day dawned, as the swelling and pain subsided, she felt no trace of the fever.

[9] The custodian of the fortress of Milan had ^a daughter who had long been suffering from ^a continuous fever, Fever. which could in no way be cured by the efforts of physicians: she, hearing that Veronica had died and that the people were flocking to venerate her, conceived ^a vow with the greatest faith and vowed that she would donate ^a silk garment to the church of St. Martha if she were restored to health by the Virgin's prayers: she also added that she would arrange for ^a solemn Mass to be chanted by priests in the aforesaid church on ^a designated day. Her prayers did not go empty: for she was immediately freed. The same woman was also suffering from ^a humour flowing from her shin, and, healed of the fever, with the humour gradually drying up, she obtained full and complete health.

[10] A certain woman of the Third Order of St. Francis, named Jacobina de Oligio, greatly troubled by difficulty of breathing, Difficulty of breathing. hearing the crowds of people hastening to make their vows to the Virgin, set out for the sacred church of St. Martha: and when she had reached it with great difficulty, she vowed to God that she would offer ^a candle to the same church and would make the miracle known publicly if she should obtain health through the Virgin's prayers: and when the vow had been made, she returned home well, and afterwards revealed the matter to the Sisters of St. Martha.

[11] Pain of the arm. A certain woman named Mafiola de Glusiano had long been deprived of the use of her arm and was vehemently troubled by pain in it: and having venerated the Virgin's body, she pressed her ailing arm against the Virgin's hand: she immediately felt relief from the illness; and the following night, finding herself well, she was no longer troubled by that disease.

[12] Two noble Milanese brothers, quarrels having arisen between them, Fraternal hatreds settled. resolved on ^a certain day to fight one another with swords, and each threatened the other with death. There was no one who could call them back from this plan of fraternal slaughter: but their sister, named Luchina, prayed before the body of Veronica, turning to the Most Blessed Mother of God with these words: O most loving Mother of those who err, I would beseech you, if the Virgin Veronica has such grace in the sight of your Son as the concourse of this people shows; turn aside, I pray, from my brothers the impious fates they have contrived, and compose true peace between them. A wonderful thing! The hearts of the brothers were so united that on the following day they took food together; each asked and obtained pardon from the other: and breaking into mutual embraces, the brothers gave signs of true peace, and on that very day on which each had threatened the other with death. We received these things from the aforesaid Luchina, who asserted that she had received another gift from God through the prayers of the Virgin Veronica, which she refused to reveal.

[13] A certain poor woman suffering from ^a severe headache, Headache cured. since she could not touch the Virgin's body because of the multitude of bystanders, cast upon it ^a small cloth, with which she bound her temples and immediately received her health. The woman thereafter valued that small cloth so highly that she never consented to the requests of the most distinguished women who asked to have it, for she feared that it would never be returned to her.

[14] Toothache. When the virginal body was about to be committed to the sepulchre by the priests and had already been placed in ^a wooden coffin, with all the Sisters standing by, ^a certain Sister named Marcella, troubled by ^a severe toothache, applied the fingers of the Virgin to her own teeth, and immediately all pain ceased, and, not lacking in faith, she received her health. These miracles indeed occurred while the Virgin's body lay unburied. We believe that still greater things occurred then, which were lost through the oblivion of remarkable ingratitude.

Chapter V. On the miracles that occurred after the body was buried.

[15] On the thirtieth day after the Virgin's death, the tomb was opened The body of Veronica is uncorrupted after thirty days. in which the body had been laid, and all the Sisters saw it incorrupt on every part. Daria, whom we mentioned in the preceding chapter, was suffering from ^a great pain of the stomach, and applying the hand of the Virgin to her stomach, Stomach pain permanently driven away. she immediately merited full health. Nor was Daria ever again troubled by that illness.

[16] The wife of Count Borella, an eminent matron, asked Veronica for the recovery of her husband, who was suffering from ^a prolonged fever; and he immediately rose from his bed and, mounting his horse, departed from the house. Health obtained. The matron, in order to fulfil her vow, had five Masses celebrated and had an image of the Virgin painted at her sepulchre.

[17] Speech and health recovered. The son of ^a noble woman, Elizabeth de Crotis, had lost the ability to speak from ^a sudden illness, and when his death seemed nearer, the woman asked Veronica that by her merits the power of speech might be restored to her son, so that on the point of death he might confess his sins. When the vow had been made, the son spoke, and after the Sacrament of Confession he at length merited full health, growing stronger day by day. In testimony of this, Elizabeth affixed ^a waxen image to the Virgin's sepulchre.

[18] Pain of the shoulder driven away. Blancha Lucia, the daughter of ^a certain distinguished Count and wife of Gaspare Stangha, ^a noble man, had never given credence to the holiness of Veronica: and when she had frequently been troubled by pain of the shoulder, it happened that while hearing vespers in the church of St. Martha she was tormented by the same pain; raising her eyes to the sepulchre of Veronica, she prayed, saying: I have indeed never, O Veronica, given credence to those things that are reported about you; but if through your prayers the Lord shall have freed me from the pain by which I am also now oppressed, I will give credence to all the things that the report of men proclaims about you. And presently that pain receded, from which she did not suffer thereafter. The same woman also recovered fully from ^a headache and fever through Veronica's prayers. Also of the head; and fever. She testified henceforth to all that she assented in her heart to the things that were reported about the holiness of the Virgin Veronica: wherefore she had ^a waxen image hung at her tomb.

[19] The brother of ^a certain poor woman was tormented by an exceedingly long illness; Speech and strength recovered. and when he had frequently been exhorted to confess his sins and had never consented, he was at last deprived of the ability to speak: his sister was most vehemently distressed, fearing that her brother might leave this life impenitent. Wherefore the woman vowed to Veronica that, if the power of speech were restored to her brother, by which he might confess his sins, she would offer ^a small candle to her sepulchre. The man immediately spoke, and most diligently confessing his sins, he presently received the overflowing gift of bodily health. The woman made this deed known to many in honour of the Virgin Veronica.

[20] Disease cured. Blancha, the wife of Laurentius Marcellinus, ^a Milanese nobleman, had ^a young daughter suffering from ^a disease of many scars from which humour dripped, and since those same scars clung to her cheeks, hands, and feet, the mother, though loving, wished for her daughter's death, for she feared that her daughter would be deprived of the use of her limbs. But the mother, having recourse to Veronica's intercession, at length merited full health for her daughter, for after making the vow, the girl gradually recovered and established credence in Veronica's holiness.

Chapter VI. On ^a certain boy healed of ^a wound of the hand.

[21] A wound healed. In the year 1517, on the fourteenth day before the Kalends of February, Camillus Falco, the son of Master Dominic, formerly rector and head of the schools of Lord Thomas Crassus, at the twentieth hour, while standing before the fire at his father's home reading the deeds of Veronica, took ^a knife and pierced his left hand so that the tip of the knife protruded on the other side. The mother, running at the sound of his great pain and cry, was so alarmed by the size of the wound that she could not help her son, but only alerted her husband: the boy, however, undaunted, pulled out the knife himself, exhorting his father and mother not to weep, and since he was affected by no swelling or pain from the wound, he kept singing throughout. And although Master Dominic employed ^a physician's care for his son for seven days, these things were accomplished not by human effort but by divine aid and help; since the same Master Dominic, the boy's father, had immediately turned to the intercession of Veronica and commended his son to her, and the boy said that his father was more affected by pain than he himself was, since this (as the boy himself said) had happened to him by the help of Veronica.