Saintly Characters Recently Presented for Canonization

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1859 Excerpt: ...of God respecting me, and that I should state my infirmities and my sufferings, which would hinder me from discharging the duties of the ministry." This shows the nature of the retreat that God required from His servant. The works of charity which he was to perform were part of the training for his future apostleship. He lived quite a retired life, and confined himself to hearing confessions and giving advice to those who came to see him. He spent his time like a hermit. In the morning, after mass and making his thanksgiving, he went to his room, and spent three hours without seeing any one. He observed all the rules of his order most exactly. He forsook the society of learned men, and paid only a few visits. He gave himself up to works of charity, and preached on the Sundays, and visited the sick. He was the spiritual director of the Blessed Mary Francis until her death, which took place in 1791. He generally saw her every day. A young man, during the revolutionary period in 1791, had inscribed his name in the National Guard, in accordance with the wishes of his uncle, who threatened to disinherit him if he did not do so. He called on Father Bianchi, who refused to receive him until he would go and have his name erased from the list. This, the person said could not be done. The holy man said what was impossible with men was possible with God, and eight days after he had this conversation with the saint his name was struck out of the list, on his mentioning some circumstances to the captain of the guard. A mother, whose son was given up by the' physicians, hoped to obtain his recovery through the prayers of Father Bianchi. He acceded to her request, and when he had prayed for him, he laid his hands on him. On leaving the place he said, "The mother...