Legends of Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church [Microform]

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LEGENDS

or SAINT JOSEPH.

Matron ot tb« Inivtrsial (S>lnmh.

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TRANSIATED FBOM THE FBENCH

"The memory of the just 1» with pr»h»8."-Pr(w. t. T.

NEW YORK BARCLAY STREEf. D. & J. 8ADLIER & CO., 81

HONTBIilAL : XAVIIE STBEITB. OOE. NOTRE DAMB AND ST. FRANCIS 1872.

r ir;i iiit iN iii i il ii i «> i« feff ft) I um > » i| a i*

f The to the

rend < partal ConKre", »n the year 1872, Entered according to Act of ter, in & CO., By D. & J. 8ADLIEU althoii Washington. the Librarian of Congress, at In the Offloe of true, {

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8t»i»o»J|>«dl>y'IN<'BNT DILL, eccles 8t, N. Y. »J Ic *T New-Cli»inlnn atitlie rence, I 1 presei TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.

I The "Legends of St. Joseph," hovo given to tlie public, have boon gathered by the rove- rend compiler from many Hources. Tliey all partake, more or less, of tho legendary charac- !onKre»», 'n the year 1872, ter, in so far us tho manner of relating goes, LIEU & CO., although several are strictly and historically CongreM, at Washington. )f true, and taken from the archives of cities or religious houses. Some, like " The Bod in Blossom," "The Shepherds of Bethlehem," "The First Christmas Night," and a few others, are in strict conformity with tho Scrip- while others are more or less ?f?^/ tmal narrative ; embellished by the pious fancies of tlie faithful,—filling up, as it were, in process of time, the somewhat meagre details of gospel and ecclesiastical history. Some, again, are well authenticated facts of quite recent occurrence. I have endeavored, as far as possible, to preserve throughout the simple phraseology of Tbanslatob's Preface. M tlio original, so*wt)ll bciitting popular Icgciuls. Tlio poems I havo done my best to roiulor

it is, as tlio rtsador faithfully : no easy matter will understand, to carry the versification of one language into another. In each of tlio Ippro poems I havo retained the original measuro, us being very suitable to the ballad style, and, at the same time, musical enough to please the oar. We I find It is with grateful satisfnction that hook ( uiyself finishing the translutitm, and writing There Preface, on the first AVednesday in March, this traditii the month which Christian piety sets apart for ciety ti luunbly the special honor of St. Joseph ; and I trust that the beloved Patron of the Church, and the special protector of Christian families, sacred

Avill accept my share of the work as the hum- pious 1 ble offering of a heart that loves hira and his of "Lt love, and Immaculate Spouse Avith a truly fiUal hy the that he will bless this little book, so that it in thei may tend to make him known and loved by by the the children of the Church as the kind, good the id father, and faithful friend of those who seek his blessed patronage. lieauti M. A. S. garded Nbw York, March 6, 1872. deeply lEFACE.

g pdpnlar Icgciuls. iiy boHt to rondor t is, as the viMiilor lie versiticiitiou of of the In each Ippi'obiitioit of tjjc |Msj)op of lllontrcal. orij^iniil inoiiHnro,

) biilUul 8t,> lo, ami, enough to please We have read, with lively int(;rest, a "action that I find book entitled "Legends of St. J<)se])li." writing tttion, and There are, as every one knows, family itlncsday in March, triulitions perpetuated in Christian so- piety sets apart for ciety to maintain the spirit of faith and cph ; and I humbly piety, although they form no part of the [•on of the Church,

' Christian families, sacred deposit of Catholic faitli. These

3 work as the hum- j)i()us traditions are known by the name loves him and his of "Legends," and our fathers, animated love, and truly fiUal by the spirit of faith, took great delight le book, so that it in them. In that they were guided, not lown and loved by by the rules of severe criticism, hut by 1 as the kind, good generally followed in those of those who seek the ideas beautiful ages when falsehood was re- M. A. S. jrarded with horror, because men were deeply imbued with the truth that it

.,_ »*-c^ ^ 1, VI APPROBATION OF THE

as, in those gives death to tlie soul ; and times of innocence and simplicity, people took care not to deceive others, so they could not believe that others wished to deceive their brethren. good It is with this rule of simple faith that the "Legends of St. Joseph" nuist be read, if one would find in them the sweet attraction which such reading always has. The lessons conveyed in them, under different forms, all of the most pleasing kind, make the perusal of this book useful and advantageous. From the examples given we may learn that no one ever has recourse in vain to the good St. Joseph, the worthy spouse of the immaculate Virgin, the gracious foster-father of the Son of God made man, the powerful patron of the Catholic Church. We believe, then, that good Christians will find in the reading of these Legends wherewith to nourish their piety, their OF THE BISHOP OF MONTOEAL. vu

those confidence in, and their devotion to, that ; and as, in people great Saint. Doubtless there are not 1 simplicity, ive others, so they wanting many other good books written Patriarch; t others wished to in honor of this admirable but he is so great and so worthy of e of simple good praise from the entire world, that there to ids of St. Joseph" could never be good books enough rould find in them make him known, nor eloquent tongues vhich such reading enough to proclaim his greatness and his isons conveyed in goodness. Hence it is that we hesitate " forms, all of the not to recommend these Legends of St. make the perusal Joseph. and advantageous. Given at Montreal, May 20th, 1811. learn ;iven we may »h IGNATIUS, recourse in vain to Bishop of Montreal. the worthy spouse irgin, the gracious 5on of God made iron of the Catholic hat good Christians ig of these Legends

1 their piety, their Tbanslai

Appkoda'

II.

in. ':

IV. '.

V. ]

VI. ]

VII. 1

VIII. 'j

IX. 'J

XI. XII.

XTII. XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. CONTENTS.

FAQB

Thanslator's PnEFACE iii

Appkocation of the Bishop ok Montreal . . . v

I. The Morning and Evening Star ... 11

II. Ville Marie (now Montreal) ; or, The Marvel- ous Foundation 19

in. The Rod in Blossom 27 IV. The First Cliristmas Night .... 30 V. Dut^ Before All 39 VI. The Value of a Mass 47 VII. The Unexpected Pilot 55 VIII. The Lighting of Naples 58 IX. Tlic Shepherds of Bethlehem ... 66 X. Tlie Clirigtmas Dinner 78 XI. The Paris Dressmalier 88 XII. A Meeting 96

XIII. The Palm Grove 107 XIV. The Good Thief 114 XV. The Caravan 123 XVI. The Desert 132 XVII. The Return to Nazareth 138 !

Contents.

XVm. The Hawthorn Bush .

XIX. The Second Meeting .

XX. OM-Time Windows .

XXI. The Snake . XXII. The Panther

XXIII. Tlxc Ursulines of Quebec XXIV. Ave, Joseph

XXV. Tlic Mysterious Hosts . XXVI. An Extraordinary Vocation

XXVII. The Little Cabin-Boy . XXVIII. Tlie Pearl Lost and Found XXIX. Scenes in Nazareth

XXX. Tlie Saw .

XXXI. Tlie Choice of a King .

XXXII. An Apparition . XXXIII. The Lost Children XXXIV. The Bird cf Paradise and the Humming Bird .... royalty XXXV. The Last Moments of St. Joseph XXXVI. The Holy House XXXVII. The Advocate of Hopeless Cases APPENDIX 316 }.

LEGENDS OF ST. JOSEPH.

THE MORNING AND EVENING STAR.

|T is often asked why God so long delayed, not only the crowning of, but even the general diffusion of nrt the Humming devotion to St. Joseph? Is his

royalty of such recent date ?

. Joseph It is a universally-admitted principle, that

B8 Cases iu the Church, devotion to the Saints has its

beginning, its progress, its perfection. Very

different is the light of the sun at dawn and at noonday. These several degrees are always regulated by Infinite Wisdom, which "reaches from end to end mightily, and disposeth all 12 Legends of St. Joseph.

though things sweetly." (Wisd., viii., 1.) At the out- Virgin, which set of the preaching of the Gospel, the eyes, tho merit, as it were, veiled herself from our of Ho better to bring out the grand figure of Christ.

abnega- Mai'y, i Is it not by a similar abnegation, an 16.) 1 tion which makes the Angela wonder, that St. h; so long in tho shade? i"*<. Joseph has remained j Jesus, then of just Was it not that he would have Mary t Mary, first take possession of all hearts, that j " Beho devotion to them should be firmly established his own sorrow in the Church, before he advanced I can- recogu claims to our love and veneration ? We I 'He V not doubt it.

I Hence But it is unmistakably true, that Joseph, sight although hidden, was ever living in the c Church, seen by her and felt by her chil- is seei strikin dren, like a faithful friend who remains un- endea^ known to us under our roof, quietly averting from us every danger, and even providing us cnthu^ Here with the means of living. Yes, we shall unceasingly repeat, Joseph, ruins [the r< like Mary, always lived in the Church. He al- stamp always sustained her by his powerful, I :

Joseph. Legends of St. Joseph. 18

though secret influence. Were not tho words iii., 1.) At the out- his Gospel, the Virgin, which express all his dignity, his viituo, pages from our eyes, tho merit, and his glory, inscribed in tho the husband of ,nd figure of Christ. [of Holy Writ?—"Joseph, Jesus." (St. Matt. i. >egation, an abnega- Maiy, of whom was born This Divine spouse the Holy Ghost calls ;el8 wonder, that St. 16.) excellence and universality long in the shade? jimt, by a sort of of justice, as the Sacred Doctors interpret it. Id have Jesus, then styles him the "father" of Jesus: m of all hearts, that [Mary even " ! father and I have sought Thee )e firmly established Behold Thy

sorrowing." (St. Luke, ii. 49.) Jesus Himself I advanced his own can- recognized this supreme paternal authority ineration ? We I " He was subject to them." (St. Luke, ii. 50.)

that Joseph, Hence the Fathers of the Church cannot lose f true, I

: their pen ever living in the sight of this divine personage from there, tho most id felt by her chil- is seen going forth, here and glory; seem id who remains un- striking testimony of his they limits the roof, quietly averting endeavoring to confine within due admiration. id even providing us enthusiasm of their love and Here and there, too, are found, amongst the ngly repeat, Joseph, ruins of ancient temples, images that prove in the Church. He the remembrance of Joseph. His name ia

al- stamped on all our sacred antiquities. )y his powerful, I 2

i^;'«- -VWWf-' of St. JosErii. 14 Legends

:ab!^vhy.bouia.os«PpreB. Joseph lived with wholly and always fact? He hved the where terrestrial parn^lise, Mary, in a sort of taken up then- aho.h. the/haa, as it were, was nonoml bv Who knows not that Mary of called the clulclren Elias and his followers, Mount Cannel, nine eentu- the Prophets, on on earth. Iho before her appearance ries on Virgin was traditional mystery of a fruitful was it accom- ; no sooner the holy mountain had his share in the pushed" than Joseph Intercourse was so easy, homage of Carmel. cottage sweet, between the BO fi-equent, so and the the cave of EUas of Nazareth and was that the Dmne Prophets! There it knows not, Uiei-efore. blossom grew. Who Scripture wherewith the Holy the blessings mountain? Who has not covers the favored dews and rains where remarked the celestial and made ever fruitful with Heaven watered sides and miraculous the flower-enameled summits of Carmel? the ages felt Uved on earth ; In fine. Joseph

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Legends op St. Joseph. 15

liira. They saw the day of his universal honor mV\ wo fiuppress dawning afar off, like a rising sun. Hence the aud ftlways with appearance, at intcvvalH, of fervent servitors, imrmlisc, wliero I who launched on the world a species of proup their fthodo. phecies, the accomplishment of which delights was honored hy us now. And these, moreover, are but echoes of (h1 the children of the doctrines of ages gone before. irmol, nine centu- Let UH first hear Isidore of I'lsle. His voice The , on earth? comes to us from the sixteenth century : was traditional on " God raised up and glorified St. Joseph for mer was it accom- tlie honor of His own name, establishing him his share in the as head and patron of the Church Militant, rturse was so easy, His glory is far from being at its height. As, tween the cottage before the last judgment, all nations must the ) of Ehas and know the name of, and venerate and adore, Divine s that the the only true God, so also must all admire the >ws not, therefore, long-hidden, yet inestimable gifts whereof St. the Holy Scripture Joseph was the recipient. Yes, all gifts shall Who has not ain? be granted unto him In that favored ws and rains where- time, the Lord will give a more subtle intelli- made ever fruitful l gence to the mind and the heart of His elect es and miraculous they shall scrutinize the heart of St. Joseph,

to admire therein the loving marvels of grace, ages felt 1 earth ; the

iiatiMdSim- ST. JoSEPn. 16 LE0END9 OF

achnirablo troasiire, and they slwvll find an the 0U\ Law never such as the Patiiavcbs of snspccteil. That mag- either aiscovoretl or shall of light and gU)ry nificent outpouring tho Hdy Angels. be the special work of amongst tho Thu9 shall he who is first on earth, that first Saints of Heaven take, rank which is his duo!" Jacquinot, of the A century later. Father to repeat these Company of Jesus, delighted more clear. prophecies, making them still says he. "Towards the end of the world," asunder the veil which con- « God will tear marvels of the shrine of ceals from us the Holy Spirit will act Joseph's holy heart; the moving them to on the hearts of the faithful, personage re- that divine ; exalt the glory of be consecrated and temples ligiotis houses shall people will recognize as a hum to him, and Saint who protected special protector that Sovereign Pontiffs thera- Jesus Christ; the a holy inspiration from Belves shall decree, by Patriarch bo solemnly above, that this great LEQEND8 OP St. Joseph. 17 isErn.

honored throughout the whole spiritual do- liniblo treasure, main of St. Peter." 3 OKI Law never Have not all these prophecies been fully teil. That mag- accomphshed in our days? Has not the de- aml glory shall votion to St. Joseph made rapid progress? 10 Holy Angels, Has it not, by a secret impulse of God, as- •st amongst the sumed proportions hitherto unknown? Eve- earth, that first rywhere it is seen rewarded by favors the

most precious. St. Joseph is truly the Just Jacqiiinot, of the these Man praised by God, the Man of our time. 11 to repeat From every country arise eloquent panegyrists still more elear. who proclaim his greatness. The pages of worlil," says he, each relate new marvels. e veil which cou- Our age has seen the Evening Star rising of the shrine of all radiant beside the Morning Star. Both loly Spirit will act are before our eyes. Both shine henceforth to 111, moving them over the world's troubled sea. Joseph and re- ine personage ; Mary appear to us united on earth as they 'cratcd and kmplcs are in heaven. Like Mary, Joseph has his ,vill recognize as a temples, his altars, his festivals. Like her, iijt who protected he has his religious con]gi'egations, devoted to ign Pontiffn thera- him. The year sets apart a mouth for him, aly inspiration from the week a day. In honor of Joseph, as in tiiarch be solemnly ;

ov St. Johki-h. 19 Lroknds

orectocl Ar.lK.o,.t.aterni- honor of M-vvy. aro not o and Co„«r.«alu.„s. tioB. AHHocialions, ho w. fanulios whoso father Bpeak of tlio holy hvory. honors to ^vear his ItiB aecnocl an the charnni.g appond- Hi8 Cora has bocomo VILLE

affo of the Scapuhir. Tl shavo in all the And why HhouUl ho not not divino Hpousc? Arc l,,,o.s paid to his and by reason of their th.ir goods in common, not a day to come, O virtues? Was there given thee to share when it should bo Joseph, earth whieh thou didst Mary the only glory of with works The erown of thy seem to be deprived? doubled, with- Jean Spouse was to be. as it were, and the SI from its splendor, out taking any thing wo owe to ont oi thee? That happiness to rest on which Heaven reward . illustrious Pius IX. May the of hii for evermore 1 him his ci

men ( tion

blessj haviK ^r«-li<'t)ufraterni- #5)-'C ivjrivliouH, not to

is. [)go fiither ho veivr his Uv«»y. n. lunniiig nppeud- VILLE MMIIE {NOW MONTREAL); OR, THE MAUVELOUS FOUNDATION. shiivo in all the sixteenth jN the first years of the l)ouHO? Aro not century there Hved in Paris, in reason of their jy who St. Paul's parish, a num iliiy to como, was to signalize his passage on ivcn theo to share as by earth as much by his lofty virtues which tliou didst charity; his name was thy works of zeal and lio crown of Jean OUer. His father was a nioniber of re, doubled, with- and became Superintend- and the State Council, its Hploudor, name ent of Lyons under Louis XIII. The ppiness wo owe to which the young OUer bore, the high rank ay Heaven reward talents, of his family, his rare qualities, his

his connection with the most distinguished men of his time, early attracted public atten- signal honor of being tion ; he Lad the X blessed by the saintly Bishop of Geneva, of having for director St. Vincent de Paul, and 20 Legends of St. Joseph.

the Ora- also Father de Condreu, Superior of to be la tory. But one thing more remains founder of the Company H added ; he was the who was h€ of St. Sulpice. Such was the man to the in to estabUsh in Canada the devotion Holy Family. CO There lived, at the same time, in Anjou, a of gentleman named Jerome le Koyer de la kr ui Dauversiere, collector of taxes at La Fleche. He was a man of great piety, of rare abne- so of gation, and the father of six children. God had made known to him that He wished to m to be particularly honored in the island of Mon- oi treal, by the veneration of the Holy Family, and that He chose him to make the person BC He of St. Joseph honored. To this intent had several times ordered him to establish ai in that island, as yet barren and uncultivated, P« a hospital, designed for the relief and instruc- d( tion of the sick, and to form, for the manage- la ment of this house, a Congregation of Hos- tr

pital Nuns, specially devoted to the honor of tl that great Saint. t(

j_i.,ji.-^';/,Y^'-:yfSi;--;-'T)*iv "ij of St. Joseph. 21 T. Joseph. Legends

Superior of the Ora- An order so extraordinary had thrown M. do more remains to be la Dauversiere into the strangest perplexity. his position, itler of the Company He did not uudeistand how, in as the man who was he could undertake the foundation of a coUmy the devotion to the in America, and the establishment of a new congregation of women devoted to the service ime time, in Anjou, a of St. Joseph. The island of Montreal he ime le Koyer de la knew not even by name. Nor did his pecuni- in undertaking works f taxes at La Fleche. ary means warrant him so important. not even that facility t piety, of rare abne- He had of six children. God of speech which presents enterprises in the m that He wished to most favorable light, and persuades people in the island of Mon- to embark in them. Nevertheless, the same orders were so often renewed, in a manner 1 of the Holy Family,

Q to make the person so urgent, with instructions so clear and so precise concerning the situation of Montreal I. To this intent He ered him to establish and Canada, the quality and character of the anen and uncultivated, persons who were to aid in executing this

the relief and instruc- design, that at length the confessor of M. de

3 form, for the manage- la Dauversiere, after having for a long time Congregation of Hos- treated the project as wild and impracticable, 3Voted to the honor of thought that he ought to let him go to Paris,

to see if Providence would present him with St. Joseph. 22 Legends of

carrying out tliis so ex- any opportunity of traordinary enterprise. de la Dauver- Arrived in the capital, M. himself to the minister, siere went to present Seals, who resided the Keeper of the Crown the gallery of the castle at Moudon, and in men were not met Mr. Olier. These two each other, and acquainted, had never seen intercourse one had never had the slightest a Divine inspi- with the other. Impelled by two friends who had ration, they meet like embrace one another been long separated, and as though their with the warmest affection, salute each other by hearts were one ; they Domiuick and St. name, as we read of St. Olier congratu- Francis of Assissium. Mr. on the cause of lates M. de la Dauversi^re in his hands a roll his journey, and placing in gold [about five of one hundred pounds I want to hundred dollars], he said: "Sir, know your mten- have a share in the work ; I recommend it to God." tiou, and am going to the Holy Next day, Mr. OUer celebrated

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/ iEPH. Legends op St. Joseph. 23

out tiiis so ex- Mass, at which M. de la Dauversi^re received communion. After the thanksgiving both re-

de la Daiiver- tired to the park of the castle, and comnm- to the luiuister, nicated to each other the plans they had ials, who resided formed to promote the glory of God in the ry of the castle island of Montreal. Their conversation last- uot three hours. It was clearly ascertained ) men wcic ed each other, aud that both had received the same lights, the one same orders, and proposed the same means ; hitcicourse y a Divhie inspi- to be taken for insuring success. Mr. Olier fiieuds who had formed a company of persons of great piety, brace oue another known by the name of the Company of as though their Our Lady of Montreal, most of them very to contribute, te each other by wealthy, all called by God by

;)oiuiuick and St. their prayers or their donations, to the success of the work. Some time after he assem- •. Olier cougratu- cause of bled all the members, and introduced M. de ) on the la Dauversi^re, who stated, with his wonted X his hands a roll five simplicity, the communications and orders 1 gold [about to he had received from God concerning this : "Sir, I want settlement. hazardous soever such [ know your inten- new How

enterprise appear, of • mmend it to God." an might the words M. ebrated the Holy de la Dauversi^re, although simple and un-

:^.-**CS^i'i*'fVW»:^«i***" Joseph. 24 Legends of St.

in those hearts so the pr€ Btudied, founcl an echo fully convinced of of con well aisposed.' All were opened their purses, island, his mission, and readily being chosen deeming themselves happy in Olid, a execution of a design the ed to contribute to the glory of God and for th( 8o advantageous for the these the good of His Church. took was to secure agreen The first steps they M. de Lauson, who goodiif the island of Montreal. great Canada Com- new d had received it from the on easy terms, and cl pany, made it over to them and making renouncing his first intentions, furthei interests. The and tl a sacrifice of his personal this failed not soon to ratify abroac . royal authority of Providence transfer; so that the action iugs, a human was made manifest, contrary to all nience savage foresight. and dominion In receiving the ownership The Associates pledged them- bound of the island, the therein, and to Josep! selves to found a colony First, a semi- of th( establish three communities: twelve in .num- this I nary of ecclesiastics, ten or ministry of the altar, mal ii ber, destined for the

ri^ >?»Sl^*4£l"»«i'i^!i^"Sv^^ ". iU.%:i.>^. ;7ji^^'--'-^"h'-^-'>' JSEPH. Legends of St. Joseph. 25

work those hearts so the preaching of the Holy Gospel, the of the Uy convinceil of of converting the savage aborigines boys sec- uetl their purses, island, and to keep a school for ; for iu being chosen ond, a community of religious teachers a hospital tiou of a design tlie education of girls ; and, third, of lory of God and for the service of the sick. By means of these measures, say they in their Act through the »k was to secure agreement, the Associates hope, who to see, in a little time, a . de Lauson, goodness of God, purity reat Canada Com- new church, which shall inutate the m on easy terras, and charity >i the primitive Church. They

;ions, and making furthermore hope that in after years they Tlie able to spread il interests. and their successors may be soon to ratify this abroad over the country, to erect new dwell- conve- ion of Providence ings, as much to contribute to public the •ary to all human nience as to facilitate the conversion of

savages. ship and dominion The three communities here mentioned ates pledged them- bound themselves to honor Jesus, Mary, and of the spirit ly therein, and to Joseph, each one to partake semi- patrons, to imbue therewith ies : First, a of their august or twelve in .num- this new Church. From that time the for- to con- nistry of the altar, mal intention of the Associates was

._j^ .^.p69j5f!i.i"««-j^*i"^- 26 Legends of St. Joseph.

future Hospital to fide the direction of the Dauversiore the religious whom M. de la of St. Joseph the would establish in honor ; management of the Seminary to Mr. Olier, of who began, shortly after, the foundation France nnder the Company so well known in and, finally, they the name of St. Sulpice; community of hoped to give in charge the Providence teachers to the person whom This might have chosen for that purpose. destined to was Sister Bourgeoys, specially honored in make the Blessed Virgin Mary was the foun- the colony of Montreal. She Congregation of Our dress, in Canada, of the But yc Lady of Montreal. The; action of Provi- Who does not admire the And 8 various estab- dence in the creation of these lishments? The

^.n'.*Vi-i:=i»*f<*.-~* .fm^j^^^ms^-^^-M^'^^-^mt-^^-'^'^'^'*^ -.f *:^i — ; —

Joseph. .^

iiture Hospital to e la Dauversiore

)f St. Joseph ; the III. lary to Mr. Olier, TEE ROD IN BLOSSOM. the foundation of sacred ark the sons ot n in France under ilROUND the stand, and, finally, they Juda Sending to Heaven above their hum- the community of whom Providence ble, fervent prayer What hath brought unto the temple the young lat purpose. This men of the land, ecially destined to And wherefore in each hand a wither'd branch Mary honored in and bare? She was the foun- iongregation of Our But yester eve, with joyous, hopeful heart. mystic rod They laid upon the altar each dry and ; Provi- the action of And sadly now they gaze, and their fondest hopes these various estab- depart

The branches still are leafless, no change hath

come from God 1

Behold them once again praying the Lord Most High;

But one, before unseen, has join'd their band

4j**«ii«at»-si«»i» ! !

Joseph, 28 Legends of St.

brightly-beaming eye Thine is One in whose calm and That Are imaged virtues heroic and grand. 1 The Lo majestic and serene Lofty is his brow, ; To a dry branch bear, g He, too, doth in his hand hath been the while amazed that he Seeming Favor'd passing rare. to contest a prize so Call'd Brigl Comes lineage high. he is, although of Humble Recc and last. Deeming himself, of all, the least wherefore th' all-see- And matchless pure in heart, ing Eye cast. Hath been on him with special favor

God the high-priest "Joseph, draw nearl" from speaks. down his rod. And Joseph, in his turn, lays soon it breaks Oh, wondrous prodigy ! full praise to God Forth into leaves and flow'rs-all

hail, all hail O Joseph, son of David ! the Virgin thine— Thou art the favor'd one, never pale, name shall . The Virgin whose bright power divine ! Who crushes Satan's head with

"*' ».,, s,v..i3«JCW*<^«*'-4*S«(***«^'-''=-^-^***'''''" ! —

29 Legends of St. Joseph. 08EPH.

spotless dove. that lily fair, that beaming eye Thine is bloouVd for Edcns That fragrant flower that 1 grand. bow'rs, with special love. Lord hath chosen thee, serene The ; earth's flow'rs 1 To guard His fairest one of all Jry brancli beor, bceu he hath thy destined bride, Pavor'd art thou, and lo I rare. pure, passing and more than heavenly Bri.'ht as the stars side with her, and at thy Comer forth, the Lord age high, makes the compact sure. Receives the ring that east and last,

thrice haU I wherefore tli' all-see- of Mary, hail, Hail then, chaste spouse spouse like thee, For Heaven, in giving her a favor cast. will not fail ;ial So pure, so God-like, surely too, to be ! To make thee our Protector, God the high-priest

's down his rod. on it breaks

to God ! •s—all praise

all hail

;he Virgin thine e shall never pale, . with power divine !

lUiW ivWUfeV^i™* IV.

THE FIRST GHUISTMAS NTOHT.

world 4004, on IN the year of the an old the 24th of Decomber, were man and a young woman ui journeying towards the cily The young woraat. Bethlehem, in Judea. conception, and mspmng beautiful beyond and modest look, was virtue by her chaste an ass which the old seated on the back of This old man, whose man led by the bridle. and venerable, turned mien was at once mild his young companion often to see whether the same time, wanted anything, trying, at over the smoothest gi'ound, to lead the animal shock. so as to avoid any urging the beast "I much fear," said he, "I much fear that we to quicken its pace; too late to procure shall reach Bethlehem For me, it is of small lodging for the night.

,_jy5j*^;.-rJ5.a,slt--AiaSfe'->-U*V>'^'- «S;.satl»»«iSSV»^» -'UraKNf^S"'''^''" '

Legends of St. Joseph. 81

so much account; but for theo, who hast >^.' need of rest!" young "Have confidince, father!" h-aid the " God woman ui a tone of meek re8i},'nation, [AS mOHT. old man, to will provide for us." And the give whom these simple words seemed to ,e workl 4004, on went on his way praying. >ecomber, an old now strength, on the shades of evening were falling ang woman were And moon was already shining earth ; and the arcls the cily ui the above, as in mild radiance in the firmament le young woniai, to rest, though to invite the poor pilgrims an, and inspiring reached the gates of the city. modest look, was when they » * * * * ass which the old winter All denoted one of those clear, cold liis old man, whose peo- nights which are so much the harder on 1 venerable, tnrned East, because they are less accus- y«^ung companion ple in the fore- tomed to them. What the old man had at the same time, pass. The inns were full of smoothest ground, seen came to by travellers, brought thither for enrollment Augustus. Nowhere was the beast an edict of Csesar », urging for the last arrivals. much fear that we there place at what door he would, how touch- 30 late to procure Knock he ing soever his prayers and supplications, 3r me, it is of small

J J:-"->ii,-3^.-"*^***"V*''&*'''* Jomru. 32 Legends of St.

and dojoctccl, found himflclf. lionvH aftor. h.ic\ oft.m travcwod, Htm on tho road lio had h.. for his conipanion. aeekinR sholtor, at least

man lamented. And seeing nothinfi, tho old as it were, indif- And his young companion, and refusals thoy had ferent to all the rebnfls raised her eyes and met, with tho Psalmist, mountains. her heart to the holy " Father, bo not dis- onco she said ; All at The whoso hardness of couraged; the people jugged lis not. ... I heart so afflicts you, know tho inl " what has happened, alone am the cause of man, i tho child I bear in my it is for me, and since spouse by tho way. . . . womb, that you tarried on hei about to say. But Listen, now, to what I am with 81 here I remarked, on onr a little way from stable as th< the city, a deserted ; first entering into flight, to which Providenco that may be the shelter thither." The old man calls us; let us go hesitated. "God wiping away a tear, stUl she meekly added. wills it so, my father," • • # * * • ;

Legends of St. .ToHEru. B3 )8Erii.

The stable to wliich thoy retired was id and dnjcctod, roughly hewn out of the rock, and had been ottim travoreod, two animals, an loii^' deserted. That night Ills compftnion. brought ox and an ass, were niieUeri'd theni, » * throng fioni a neighboring inn because of the il man lanionted. fortunate circumstance ill the city. To this [VH it were, indif- iu- the old nuiu and his compaiiicm were rcfnsals tlioy had tlit^y (It'bted for some fresh straw which icd her eyes and found in the cave. taina. * * * * * ither, bo not dis- The moonbeams, penetrating through the ose hardness of lit up jugged cliffs at the entrance, partially ns not. ... I old the interior of the grotto. Whilst the at has happened, man, mindful of the wants of his youthful •hild I bear in my spouse, prepared a couch for her, she fell the way. . . . on her knees, and prayed so silently and ibout to say. But it seemed so little outward motion, tliat remarked, on our with as though lier soul, taking a heavenward ft deserted stable covering. flight, had left there only a mortal which Providence old man ***** r." The But when she had prayed, the young hesitated. " God woman proceeded to unfold some clothes of meekly added. which a coarse texture, but exquisitely clean, "

84 Legends of St. Joseph.

which, with she had brought with her, and in her sweet forethought, she had placed bosom to keep them warm. The old man lool«d on with respectful moment, then, attention, "is the happy this come?" said he at length. "What! in of these ani- lonely stable! la the company mals?" young "Canst thou wonder?" replied the

" is this new abasement for wife. Ah ! what has deigned the Word mmie Flesh, since He in womb Oh, to come down and rest my ! the incomprehensible mystery of the love of dwell with Creator for the creature! To clothe men, God himself did not disdain to in Himself with human nature, and it is because He ^ poverty He chooses to be born, .elevate the comes to ennoble, to save, to zlii poor ! An

became more ] At these words the old man a

dost thou not < collected. "And then, Mary, " lei suffer ? Never has "Suffer, my father? I suffer! Legends of St. Joseph. 36 r. Joseph.

in my of benediction conceived ler, and which, with the fruit work of the Divine had placed in her womb, the mysterious me the least pain. Doubtless L'm. Spirit, caused moment, so long desired, on with respectful He smiles at this humanity is going, by its first ippy moment, then, when His holy begin the work of Eedemp- th. "What! in this sufferings, to mpany of these ani- tion." "He m- "Oh, yes!" she added, rising, already inundated >" replied the young Hames my heart; I am longer live, it delight ; I no is new abasement for with the purest I hvcth in me! He is mine, riuce He has deigned is Jesus who sweet ecstasy takes possession t in my womb! Oh, am His. A heart no longer feels its sry of the love of the of my being. My the prodigy is being ire! To dwell with human life. Kneel! Mother of my God!" not disdain to clothe wrought; I am the nature, and it is in ***** a strong and daz- be born, because He While she spoke thus the stable of Bethlehem. save, to -elevate the zling light filled disappeared for And the Virgin of Isaiah mortal sight. old man became more a moment from adored in si- thou not Joseph, humbly prostrate, 1, Mary, dost lence. I suffer! Never has !

86 Legends of St. Joseph.

and ben The night had reached the middle of its arms Hii course ; the moment of majestic silence iu whc nature, the solemn and ever mysterious hour and tain! marked out by the Prophets for the birth of the promised Deliverer. * * * # * And \ sighi And the light gi'adually faded. by deUghte* And Joseph, in expectation of the great again in prodigy, his heart inflamed with all the ardor of the desires of the Patriarchs and

And \ Prophets, raised his eyes. . . . disappei And the Virgin Mother api^eared in a re- sumcd splendent cloud, surrounded by Angels, hold-

a low : ing out to him the fairest Child that earth immacu had ever seen, the First-Born amongst men, was Jes the Saviour of the world, the Prince of

Peace, the Mighty God—a little Babe Then His heart glowed with faith and love. swaddh And as he bowed down to adore, and con- ished template, in his turn, mute with awe and p Him in admiration, the Child held out His hands And so graciously to him that lie was attracted from 1 towards Him, as it were, in spite of himself -,

-^?)S^^^3ISM^^ss. «Jfef3*w<«» !

Legends of St. Joseph. 37 Joseph.

and bending lovingly down, received in his lie middle of its arms Him whose glory the heavens proclaim, ajestic silence in and whom the whole universe cannot con- I* mysterious hour tain! ets for the birth » » » » And when he had wholly satiated himself sight and by touch, clasping the Babe aded. by delightedly in his arms, Joseph placed Jesus ion of the great again in his Mother's arms. ed with all the « * » * * e Patriarchs and And the cloud vanished. And the Angels • • disappeared. And the Child's abode re- ippeared in a re- heard sumed its former aspect. Then was , by Angels, hold- a low moaning cry. It was Jesus, whose Child that earth immaculate flesh began to feel the cold; it >rn amongst men, was Jesus beginning His Saviour-life. 1, the Prince of » « « * * little Babe Then the Virgin wrapped the Child in faith and love. swaddling-clothes, and when Joseph had fin- ) adore, and con- ished preparing the crib, weeping, they laici ie with awe and Him in it. I out His hands descended And Jesus still cried. An Angel lie was attracted from heaven, bearing a cup, which he put spite of himself j Joseph. ^t:^^ 88 Legends of St.

ChUd, murmuring the to the lips of the name of Gethsemane.

. And the Virgin shuddered. . . brnshing with Then the Angel disappeared, the sleeping animak his wing, as he passed, to the sta- And the shepherds, coming Angels, saw the Child, ble directed by the and the warmed by the breath of the ox submissive to the ass, who were already of Mary and Joseph. caresses her mi

fair ai

of her

them i The ruined

just w

a situ keep

losing

a deal

nion,

famil] ^

OSEPH.

murmuring the

1« • • • V. red, bnislung with sleeping aiiimak DUTY BEFOIiE ALL. ling to the sta- jlFTER great reverses of fortnne Is, saw the Child, and long years of tribulation, ' the ox and the borne with trae maternal cour- mbmissive to the age, Madame C had seen sph. her misfortunes crowned by the loss of two finally, that fair and promising children, and,

of her husband, who, in a little, time, followed them to the grave. The sorrows and privations which had ruined the father's health snatched him away obtaining just when he was on the point of to a situation that would have enabled him keep his family at least above want. In to lament losing him, his widow had not only compa- a dear and constant friend, a faithful of her nion, but also the principal support

family.

ifu^ .^J^*rt»^^^^^i*'^**^^^'^^^*' ^,pa,aBAi««««S31ill»!»«»«»i^«''>*»^ 40 Legends of St. Joseph.

t from r This family, consisting still of four chil- rents a: than dren, hftJ thenceforth no other sui^port but stil two young sons, the eUlest of whom hiul jnst The remunera- reacheil his twentieth year. The vented work was so tion they received for their bad mi relief to small that it promised but little necessa all their the fanjily, and, notwithstanding there m to devotedness, they could not do much cook, i as their father assist their mother, especially unless satisfy the credit- had left some debts. To which very pressing, and ors, some of whom were they hi chil- the necessaries of life for her provide The from sinking like dren, so as to keep them

terest : tasks for the their father, were very difficult her lea endeavored poor widow. She had vainly to find herself and her to procure employment for ; exposii train of mis- health, shattered by this long who hj enabled her to work, even fortunes, scarcely When had it to do. if she found, six- eldest of her daughtei-s was just The beyond she was strong, well formed, discreet, teen ; friends circum- modest, and amiable. The indigent teachii prevented her stances of the family had Legends of St. Josepu. 41 )8EPH.

from receiving a complete education; pa- ill of four chil- rents and friends had, by turns, lent a hand, ler su]iport tliau but still her education was very deficient. [ -whom liiul just The same circumstances which had pre- The reinunera- vented Helen from learning much at school ir work Avas so had made her a good housekeeper, the most t little relief to necessary of all qualities in a woman. Only, amling all their there was little use in her knowing how to lot do much to cook, if there was nothing to be cooked, ly as their father unless it might be stone soup, the story of latisfy the credit- which I ahull not tell my readers, supposing ery pressing, and they have all heard of it. life for her chil- The friends of the family who took an in- froni sinking like terest in Helen urged her mother to have cnlt tasks for the her learn some trade ; but it was not so easy 'ainly endeavored to find an opportunity of doing so without herself; and her exposing the innocence of the young girl, long train of mis- who had never been away from her mother. her to work, even When such an opportunity was at length found, the conditions were such that it was itei-s was jnst six- beyond the reach of Helen's mother and her 1 formed, discreet, friends. The girl's want of instruction put e indigent circum- teaching, the most honorable of all careers, Lul prevented her

.*^(lteWJ-»«%/rt»»^l-*«Mf«l#4(A|arB^._j^j(^-5j3R{^ajBUBW*ai5ir**:**^=>*''**^***w' Joseph. 42 Legends of St.

hand, and. on the other out of the question, was open to apprenticeship to any trade respectable women many objections. Some their own busmesa. offered to teach Helen dress-making Bome flower-making, others but none of them could others plain sewing; that lived so far away lodge her, and they would have had to the young apprentice morning and evening. go through all Paris could not be paid, Moreover, wlien a fee work several years Helen would have had to did not suit a poor without any pay. which need of some famUy that stood in urgent immediate assistance. embarrassment, the In this indescribable the happy thought poor mother conceived patron to St. Joseph, the of having recourse famiUes. Troubled as of and provider for even think of making she was. she did not she Uuo or three tims a Novena to him ; but supplication, gomg addressed him in earnest the hoped-for aid was from the heart-and good situation in a not long in coming. A Legends of St. Joseph. 48 )8ErH.

unexpect- mercantile house was the other hand, respectable with eight hun- offered to her daughter, e was open to edly besides, in a a year, and board ipectable women dred francs mother's house, so not far from her ir own bnsiness, locaUty even- able to go home in the dress- making, that she was 8 and holy had, moreover, Sundays ne of them could ing, and to herself. JO far away that days for so young This unhoped-for position, Id have had to be supposed, person, was accepted, as may ing and evening, a not without anxiety; with great joy, although lid not be paid, Helen would be able it certain that rork several years for was required practice discharge duties that 1 not suit a poor to But does St. Joseph ever need of some and experience? at girl imfinished ? The timid leave his work position her new and strange nbarraosment, the displayed in that could scarcely steadiness and abUity IB happy thought a She made herself equally es- Joseph, the patron be expected. employers, beloved by her Troubled as teemed by her lies. by the clerks companions, and respected 1 think of making in the house. Uvo or three tirms employed been almost too much if this going It would have supplication, stamped beginning had not been hoped-for aid was auspicious had to inaugu- the seal of trialL Helen 'ood situation in a with 44 Legends of St. Joseph. rate her new position by a little sacrifice. The mother of her chief employer, a woman of austere piety, accustomed to see around her only persons of mature age, thought it her duty to object to Helen's way of arrang- ing her hair. Although very plain and simple in Helen's case, yet being in accordance with the prevailing style, it jarred on the habits and notions of the worthy nuitron, who insisted on a change. Those of my readers who have long renounced the world may not appreciate the full value of the sac- girl rifice required of her ; but if any young should read this, or any one who romenibers having been young, they will admit that the

self-forgetfulness which consists in adoi)ting through obedience a fashion that is out of date, or any way ridicidous, is one of the most painful sacrifices that can be imposed on a woman who has not bid adieu to the

illusions of life.

Would you have done it, dear Julia, you who know so well how to arrange your fair or St. Joseph. 4B SEPH. Legends

way most becoming to your little saorifioe. tresses in the Would you have done )loycr, u woman fresh, blooming face? whose brow has at sixteen, Emily, you I to see around it ornament than the white baud age, thought it now no other religious? 3 way of arrang- of the the gay companions with whom ' j>lain anil sim- Amongst on Sunday, more than one said ig in accoi'dance Helen went consent Helen: "It is not I that would ; jiineil on the to fashion. I would worthy matron, to be drilled after that situation than nuike my- Those of my rather give up the you do!" We will not unced the world self so dowdy as to say that Helen did not say iralue of the sac- take upon us but the of the kind to herself, f any young girl something soon regained the mas- wlio romenibers sense of duty very she and St. Joseph helpuig, 1 admit that the tery, and God these tempting suggostions dsts in adopting was able to resist make the required sacrifice. n that is out of and submit to worse us add that she looked none the 3, is one of the Let virginal modesty the fairest can be imposed for it. Is not Adorned, especially, with an ex- bid adieu to the ornament? herself so cellent reputation, Helen made her faithful discharge of her Julia, you remarkable by , dear general conduct, that the rela- arrange your fair duty, and her

^^^l>»tV*»W ^**i^..»*^W«?*«i'i»'**'«'^~*«**********^'^' 46 Leqendb op St. Jobeph.

against her, lives ami frioiulH, long projndiccd advances began to hco their error and make towards the renewal of friendly relations, which wag very agreeable and even advan- very honor- t«g(K)U-. to the family, and sunily succoeded able to the yonng girl, who had and reviving in (overcoming nnjnst prejudices a well-merited interest in her and hers. simple. Had This littlo btory being true, is doubthiss, have been it been fiction, it wonld, more embellished with incidents. May it revered excite incMiased confidence in that ought patronage under which every family

to take shelter. )BEpn. iced against her,

1 muko atlvances ieniUy relations, VI. nd even advan- mily very honor- THE VALVE OF A MASS.

) had Buccoeded [EFOllE going to seek eni])l()yment ices and reviving for the day, a poor working-man ir and hers. named Joseph Willielin, went yv<^- Had , is simple. ularly to say his prayers and hear btloHS, luive been Mass in the neighboring church. One morn- jidents. May it ing he rose earUer than usual, and, contrary revered in that work to his pious custom, went to look for n-y family ought without performing his devotions. He soon found that, with reasonable exer-

tion on his own part, it was better to count on a fatherly Providence than on mere human prudence. Like himself, a crowd of men

of all trades were there waiting for employment; but no one came to offer them work.

"What is to be done?" said he to himself. His heart, in accordance with his faith, dic- tated the answer. He went to church, said

-" '' ^ »t^Jt»i.l!f

a Mass. He did not his prayers, and lieard before passing, wlale kneeling feel the time he returned to the the Tabernacle, and when those who had come to square, the men, and gone. hire them, were all Wilhelm was Sad and dejected, Joseph humble dwelhng, when mo slowly returning to his towards him, with a he perceived coming mien, a well-known em- frank, good-natured Master Barnaby ployer of working-people, Zimmerman. was not precisely This wealthy personage irreligious man; but he what is called an point, and especiaUy had, on more than one and the obliga- on the law of Sunday's rest on that day, notions tion of hearing Mass orthodox. He had that were not altogether without much ap- even been known to say, bad neglected pearance of shame, that be and also, I beheve, his Easter duty that yeais This did not prevent the year previous. of his kind, from him, like many others honest man, and bearing the title of an Legends of St. Joseph. 49 '. Joseph.

the esteem of all his fellow-towns- Mass. He did not enjoying men. liile kneeling before from Joseph made the worthy to the A few words 1 he returned burgher understand the cause of his dejec- se who had come to tion. "I have no work to give you, my good oseph Wilhelm was said he. " I have all the men I want umble dwelhng, when man," present. But where were you while owards him, with a just at for work?" em- the other men were waiting !n, a well-known "I was at Mass." >le, Master Barnaby "At Mass! at Mass! It is, doubtless, very like good to go to Mass. I don't deny but I ge was not precisely man, people must that ; but, nevertheless, my ligious man; but he order to Uve, one must work, especially live; and in I point, and the means of hviug with- obliga- when one hasn't } rest and the out it." on that day, notions "But, master, I work every day, all the er orthodox. He had year round, except Sundays and holy days, lay, without much ap- ' only to-day lat be had neglected "Very good! You love the church and and also, I beUeve, }ais have the Mass, I see that. Well, since you Hiis did not prevent nothing to do, for want of bettor employ- of his kind, from rs pray ment, go to church; hear Mass, and an honest man, and

...^.;it..--^T-v.---^--'i.^i:^v-^-''^^f**^**"'''*^^ of St. Joseph. 60 Legends

objecti time you would have been for me cluring the when evening comes, I wdl pay at work ; and your day's work. you the usual price for What do you think of that?" gi-iititudo," an- "I accept your offer, with low bow. And off swered AVilhelm, with a where he faithfully he went to the church,

fulfilled his engagement. betook hira- Evening being come, Joseph house, where he duly self to the burgher's the usual pay for a received twelve sous, of bread. days work, and also a loaf was retracing his Wilhelm, well pleased, when he homeward way, praying as he went, and majestic mien, met an old man of noble with all the m- who seemed well acquainted back," said he in cidents of the day. "Go voice, "and tell that a grave, commanding you all he owes man that he has not given not add something you; and that if he does given you, it will be more to what he has worse for him." make any The workman did not dare to Legends of St. Joseph »1 osEpn.

and deUvared the authoritative mes- would have been objection, not without great embarrassment. comes, I will pay sage, slight shiver ran, at first, throngh the your day's work. A speedily re- ?" rich man's members. But he covered himself, thinking it was, pei-haps, a th griititudo," an- of the pious Avorkman, in order to w bow. And off stratagem make him open his purse-strings. "Ah ha! here he faithfully my good friend," said he, good humoredly, "the appetite grows with eatmg, I perceive. seph betook him- Did I not give you what I give all my la- se, where he duly borers, twelve good sous and a loaf of bread? UBual pay for a If you keep on in that way, you'll do a I of bread. business." T' <;P, stopping short, he was retracing his thriving ' "^ay be all right. when he muttered to himself; I he went, and He ought to know €. n ) of Masses and majestic mien, prayers better than I cio." ;ed with all the in- counted him oat five sous. he, in And he , back," said possessed of both feel- that Poor Wilhelm was ice, "and tell ing and intelligence, and he understood, with en you all he owes sorrow, that what he did, solely through not add something obedience, was attributed to motives diamet- iven you, it will he rically opposed to his sentiments. His first impulse,—and a very natural one, too,— was dare to make any

(VAaiaWMs-ii* *• Joseph. 52 Legends of St. His the twelve give back to Master Barnaby to impers >vith the five over sous lie had given him, that by giving and above. But he feared he would make way to this natural feeling, and sin himself the worthy burgher angry, charity and humility. against the virtues of So he went away. gone a few paces But, behold! he had only same old man. when he came fuU upon the heart by teU- He was jnst going to ease his but without leaving ing him of his trouble; " Go," said the him time to open his mouth : " that man mysterious personage again, tell you all he owes you, that he has not given will befall him if and that some misfortune pay." he does not give you more laborer may The perplexity of the honest described. " If I do be easier imagined than said he to himself, as the old man bids me," Zimmermann, who, "I offend the honorable good to me this morning, after all, was very than we agreed and has given me more hand, I refuse upon. It, on the other Legends of St. Joseph. W )SEPH.

cut short by an His internal colloquy was naby the twelve unknown, and Wil- imperative look from the the five over th to go back agam hehu had to resign himself that by giving This time, the the strange message. make with he would indefinable terror. burgher was struck with himself and sin hastily thrust in He ran to his money-chest, ity and humility. them out full of both his hands, and drew without counting them, coin, which he gave, gone a few paces grateful laborer. to the surprised and le same old man. appeared to That very night, Christ Jesus his heart by tell- He was seat- Master Barnaby Zimmermann. without leaving it face was exi.iessive ed on his tribunal: His : " said the 11 Go," enu- and ineffable serenity. Ho man of majestic n, "tell that honorable and wor- merated the faults of the all he owes you, reproached him with them thy burglier; He will befall him if to his blood run cold in terms that made 5 pay." "Know," said he, hear. Then continuing: onest laborer may whom you humbled "that if that poor man " If I do iscribed. your intention, it had not heard Mass to himself, said he to with you. Sudden would have been all over who, Zimmermann, you: you were death would have overtaken morning, ) me this you have given damned forever. See, now, if B than we agreed " him all you owe bim." and, I refuse

,,—^>:.i.-*T'-i i^^-a^^-^^'"^^ of St. Joseph. 64 Legends

disappeared. So saying, lio he was no onger When om- burgher awoke, phdoso- somewhat skeptical the cardoss and was covered with before ; he r,her of the day that^,no- death. ^^^ r!::at:and as pale as make- consider prayer as a „,eut he ceased to understood bette.. the Xa; and. above all. value of a Mass. to themselves How many others, unknown of Mass for the success were indebted to the hfe. and in enterprises in tins their material of bliss! the other, an eternity naturally found We thought this story Joseph. Who^^ placeinthe-Legends of St. here mysterious old man indeed, could the the august Fmanc. : question be. if not been given to W-- to whom it has *^^ goods whereof God spiritual and temporal -the spec, 1 made him the dispenser. the regulator of patron, and. consequently, working class; and final- the interests of the Joseph patron of the worthy ly, the particular Wilhelm? —

>SEPU.

longer lie was no ikeptical pliiloso- coveietl with was vn. From that mo- PILOT. prayer as a make- THE UNEXPECTED the i-stootl better more pleasing pERE is no practice the commemo- to St. Joseph than wn to themselves, joys and seven ration of his seven of for the success surer means sorrows; there is no this life, and in de- Q assistance. Tins pious of obtaining his iss! origin from a well-known votion derives its found its laturally the authoi-s who occun-ence related by all Joseph." Who, fol- ;t. Joseph. It is as have written on St. OU8 old man here lows : Financier _ } august Order of St. Francis Two religious of the appraise the 3n to of Flanders; all at were sailing on the Sea whereof God pods tempest so furious that once there arose a special enser,—the up, with all on the vessel was swaUowed regulator of hun- yr, the more than three hoard; that is to say, final- ng class ; and, monks were so for- dred persons. The two Joseph the f the worthy of a fragment of tunate as to get hold of St. Josem. 5e Leoeiidb

cUmg. They wo for „.eck, to wbiol. tUey tbo .inUts oxposd to U„c. .Uy» H.,a Ihroe W.,U a teavM «Kl . ;„,.y ot »i,„ls — t.ul »^d steengtU begm. to «t„,vlio„- Thei. moro oxbm«tea bo, beco„,ing gnuTually boUl ou scarcely keep tlu« eoulJ, at last, At U«s mo.oeot W the pl.u,k of safety. they Joseph, tor whom Vg,i to invoke St 'l"ofo„. On bad a pavtiealar U„d always hem Josepb appeavs to the thirf day, St. nan. a strong, ma,e«t,c under the form of place between them, deigns to take bis He vrbae efforts ..ith tbo,« .„d to unite bis gra- their danger, be sharing, as it o-ere, that V ; sa^^ salutes them, and lusly g«e failing conra^ md seems to revive their soon he ,kes the new strength. Very them brmgs singular craft, and direction of their good to shore The U,em sat. and sound saved Heaven for bav.ng religious first thank tbey beg to the unknown, them, then turning Jo- bis name. "I am „, bim to tell them "I am he whose heart sepb" be replied. Legends of St. Joseph. 67

joys, and torn Thoy wove for was overwhelmed with seven of sorrow. My protection cxi»oscil to the by seven swords those who shall mnko a remem- What a fenvful is sine to all thom on earth. Profit by this ad- ftivn to fail, and brance of do so, likewise. ixhaustea, they vice, and make others on then disappeared, leaving the monks ) their \w\i\ Ho they joy and gratitude. is moment full of

for whom they On \x devotion. appears to them man. g, majestic e between them,

;ith theirs, while danger; he gra- that V ; salute conrat "id give ; soon he .kes the

craft, and brings shore. The good saved n for having unknown, they beg name. "I am Jo- n he whose heart vin.

THE LiailTING OF NAPLES. very long IHEEE lived in Naples, a monk ^vho, by timo ogo, a good indefatigable de- his cluuity and acquired sucb votion to all, bad populace, tbat a vord an influence over the to make tbem do from bin. .as sufficient On account of Ins whatever be ^visbed. no- I^zzaroni called bim small stature, tbe Fatber:" be .vas for thing but "tbe little physician, and magis- them at once 'preacher, Inm and night they found trate, and day them. Hence, he had always ready to sex-ve the city. become a real power in did the city of Naples Now. at tbat time, advantage of having its not yet enjoy the and vicious people of al streets lit by night, darkness to good account sorts turned tbe Legends op St. Joseph. 69

wcU-disposed amongst against the honest and to remedy this state ^j:p the pocplo. In order council, by order of the of tliii.gs, the city principal Govenmient, decided that the three Chiuia, and I'ona, streets of the city, Toledo, Son.o H.xty KArLES. should bo henceforth lighted. prepared for the lamps were accordingly a very long pies, great contentment of Btreets named, to the wlio, by 1 monk rejoiced in being no all honest people, who de- inclefiitigablo of former days. longer exposed to the dangers acquivoil such ,cl Lazzanm. But they counted without the a word iace, that the sworn enemies lu fact, those gentry, them do could > make with their habits of all that interfered his account of themselves deprived of uot peaceably see him no- i called robbing, antl even of their old facility in was for ler;" he sleeping; it was touch- their peculiar way of mngis- sician, and spot. So, waxing fu- ing them on the sore him they found night, all the lamps. rious, they broke, in one Hence, ho had give way to 1. The magistrates, unwiUing to le city. lamps replaced by the rioters, soon had the did ;ity of Naples imprisonment for others, with the threat of of having its But it was age whoever dared to injure them. cious people of all notwithstanding all talking to the deaf, and account J to good o» St. Ooseph. 80 Lmwiim in exec

of two

least ^-'1'" " bettor, Th" I-- Hi :„ Lew no flepU t„o„,.c.vo, tUu. a.t^. ctU,ua,io., wooing Icdo H squiiro

Willi, o ..o„.bc« of tl,o couucl. of tl,o thitii ti tad f ..o !;T,\,,ol,ttloFatl«»oaiao,.l,co.n„toou pictuvt cclamly rictory would • „al,l lu. "tho Tho ««U> an tbootW. ::;«:• 'T.ati,t.W> tho in 1.«lP- T«° «ut tta little rall.or'8 luoreo ..,vo do- eouncil «e.o fo.tUw.th J„bor, of tho from < con.e ^d recuest bhn to ::ted to «o and to loo tbem. Ibc goo over with liiiviuj talk the matter invltatioo, 'ptbcr aceepts the 1*„^ was q and fclb^themJ^ refteets a mon,ent Wh tbat is «a(d, them ont of then- d ffl- he hopes to got place( that en^r- success of thou- and Lure tho Tlio ] IX aet with pcrfeci provided tho, let him Fathe ;i do so, readily promise to fcoodom. Ihoy aud I hope and joy. and separate full of iirouE Father, v-ho had Without delay tho little follov putUng it plan, set about quieklj formed his Legends op St. Joseph. 61 )H£PH. goes inunediately in HOiirch in execution. He icoiul lumiuiuies tho poorest and of two or three painters, ihmX ttltompl them to 8t. Jo- A litvst employed ; ho conducts poor NeiipoUtan at ono end, on To- rtcpli street, which opens, Ivos IhuH dufoat- other on Mtnlina ledo street, and at the ""' fiving '^^'^ before a hi^'h "P Hiiniuo; he stops with them tUo caiiio into it carefully, and ca wall, orders them to whiten couucil. ffl o£ tho length a luuulsomo thtai to paint on it at full only como to ouv pictiiro of St. Joseph. woiikl cevtainly no suspicion of f Tho Lazmroni, who had others; mill all tho for them, and who, tlio innocent snare laid help." Two first icr'8 moreover, are artists by nature, stopped forthwith dc- interest, rcro from curiosity, and afterwards with and to conio little Father was him to look at the painting the The good tho picture , them. hiiviug done, tho more so that listens to all ,tiou, was quite a good one. thorn and tells little Father lent, When all was finished, tho of their diffi- image. n out placed a lamp before St. Joseph's of their euter- that tho good cess Tlie Lazzaroni only concluded with perfect Joseph, am act Father had a special devotion to St. promise to do so, throw laucli light iiud as the lamp did not joy. there. The 5 and around no one minded its being Father, who hod a second le following evening, the Father added it set about putting of St. Joseph. 62 Legends

Lazzarom sceiug ^vlxicU the lamp to the first, discontent, because it began to show some have so much hght ma was a novelty to been so dark. The that had hitherto street Eath. same hour, the little M day, at the arranges lamps, which he arrives with three Then the Lazzarom. inove before the image. previous days, lost al numerous than on the complain loudly. Bu patience, and began to notice o appearing to take no the Father, and returned a fourth tune, their complaints, to the wall. fasten a bright lamp it was to Lazzaroni clearly saw From this step the action was to support the that his intention ami against the mutmeers, of the authorities against honest people rob- take sides .vith he it) word, that he wanted bers ; in a indignation Thereupon, popular to be lit. broken, the lamp was reached its height, mob began to shout: and the whole angry death to all the en.- ..Death to St. Joseph! ndesoiihe Lazzaroni!" com- waited, with much The little Father

--!'-:**»*''-'-' .su

Legends of St. Joseph. 63 It. Joseph.

storm had passed, certain Lazzaroni posure, till the f which the to touch even a hair that no one would dare liscontent, because it much hght in a of his head. , so subsided a little, he The When the tumult had o been so clavk. a moment, and very Father asked to be heard for hour, the little reproaching them or making any which he arranges far from ps, con- as he had a right to do, he Lazzaroni, move complaints, jn the the himself with announcing that on previous clays, lost all tented the day he would preach in one of complain loudly. But following and power public squares, on the greatness take no notice of ; to and of St. Joseph. •ned a fourth time, curiosity and joy At this announcement, ght lamp to the wall. more lively, that the Father saw were all the Lazzaroni clearly on spoke in the open air, and only the action rarely 3 to support emergencies great occasions or great public the mutineers, and linst well received, hence the announcement was against rob- est people ex- every one went away peaceably in the city and lat he wanted pectation of the morrow. indignation on, popular place the dawn of day, not only the broken, From the lamp was were appointed, but all the adjacent streets, to shout: •y mob began the whole population of densely crowded ; for to all the ene- ,h! death news, had eagerly the city having heard the ni! sermon. com thronged to hear the waited, with much :

of St. Joseph. 64 Legends

street Father appears, and Very soon the little others followed ^vith load acclamation, i8 welcomed desert as soon a respectful silence immediately by was li platform from >vhich he is as he ascends the Thi speak. to , , , self V to the hearts zealous preacher spoke The tion \ tonchingly and so beheving people so of that and < he had finished his efficaciously, that when put a persuasive smile, discourse, and, with "Well, children, now this question to them: excellence and the merits that you know the poor taper tell me if one of St. Joseph, our veneration for would suffice to express you were protector: tell me if BO glorious a because I angry with me. right in being with a bright .mp? wished to honor him were, electrified, cried the whole crowd, as it voice with one i, ten!^ , he "What! one lamp! He deserves hundred!... St. Joseph, deserves twenty! a Long Jesus, for ever! ... the guardian of And at the close live the little Father!..." Joseph the whole of St. of the discourse,

.^.waK*'****" '*'*'«~* ^ 65 Legends op St. Joseph. )8EPH.

after a while, with lamps ; street was provided and er nppears, the darkest and most others were placed in imation, followed soon the whole city deserted streets, and silence as soon was lit. from which he is unbehever him- Thanks to Providence, the devo- to acknowledge that self will be forced hearts >ke to the favorable to progress tion to a Saint may be tonchingly and so and civilization. had finished his suasive smile, put rell, children, now ice and the merits taper I one poor

3ur veneration for bU me if you were th me, because I 'vmp?" 1 a bright cried ire, electrified,

he [e deserves ten!

. St. Joseph, ed! . . I'v)ng or ever! . . . ." And at the close hole of St. Joseph Augi

that tl

tht' yo

anc, G IX. aboi!e, BETHLEHEM. abanl SHEPHERDS OF THE Mt temple in fOMULlTS had raised a Ccd '' of Janus^or- Ari Borne in honor god of Peace. shipped as the thrown open in doors were Its Roman enemies of the ,. The time of war to have arms compeUmg them aiwa;y^i^vays neot)le ^ i^ of^f ^^ of this temple 1 A. the doors

up in the

forth. f

""^'^ „»**)we«fc*<"-*' .^t^M0iSvr'f^^*^^^'- U - _»B»<,»«««««'' Legends op St. Joseph. 67

Augustus learned from the oracle of Apollo, to fly before that the demons were forced master of the gods, tlu^ young child of Heber, to their gloomy anc, God himself, to return altars must be abocJe, and that their silent BETHLEHEM. abanloned. gubernans, Mt puer Hcbreus, divos Dcub ipse in temple sub : ^ised a Cedere sebc jubet, tristemquc rcdire

wor- tacitis ftbstedito nostris. r of Janus, Aris ergo dehine god of Peace. j Two hecatombs had obtained this answer thrown open in Roman for him. 3S of the one The Senate, whose members voted as have arms ways to and the in- man, had just decreed him altars temple of of this instead cense reserved for gods. Augustus, the reign ice before acknowledged that of accepting such honors, closed a just been shutting himself he was but a mortal ; and pleased irsaries. It alone with up in a remote room of his palace, born at the to be of her if there the pythoness, he inquired enjoy earth should greater was not to come into the world a man the day of than he. This was precisely on Us then, on Motlier of tottered, Our Lord's nativity. The Virgin obscure that, m an moment on the God appeared to him at that brought virgin had her Divine a summit of the Capitol, holding Joseph. 68 Legends of St.

into Sibyl, seized with p in her arms. The Son ard of her iu lier inspirations, the spirit that moved primogcnUi Deu The b: immediately cried out: Am Halntei first-born of God! the altar of the BohJld himse than thee. He it is That child is greater Nicephorus. as we who must be adored. (Suidas. Jacques de Vonvgme, Vincent de Beauvais. Baronius, and others.) caused a temple to Constantine the Great CorneiUe de very spot, says be built on that m of this event and la Pierre, m memory Son, pure Virgin and her honor of the most and is called by the which temple still exists, altar of heaven. people of Borne Ara C

i() accomplishment of what ^'it was the partial types of the loveliest was prefigured by one brethren, cast sold by his of Jesus-Joseph

„,««fc';,; ^fjf^'-'iiv'^^' Legends of St. Joseph. e» )SEPH.

the stew- into prison, and subsequently made byl, seized with family. ard of Pharaoh, to save the life of his her inspirations, pheaves which he bound in dreams were primogeniti Dei. The saw Halnted by those of his brethren, and ho L-8t-boin of Goil! himself worshipped by the sun and the moon thee. He it is presaged not as well as the stars. Which idas, Nicephorus, of Jacob only his elevation and the humbling lies de Voragine, also the and all his sons before him, but paid glory of Jesus and the homage to be lused a temple to and him by His Mother, His adopted father, says Corneille do in His brethren. his event, and And who were His brethren? All men, igin and her Son, family of Adam. for He had entered the ad is called by the gave them the name of brothers, and altar of heaven. He that is His first-born. Men likewise an God declares He ) >vas Him then, to come to His feet to adore the perfect adora- were, The first invited to pay Him mingled with that in their turn. are poor keepers of sheep, be- from their thrones that tribute of Pastor, and made cause He is to take the title ) tlie Word sheep. will give His life for His were in the same country," says mplishment of what "There " shepherds watching, and keep- loveliest types the Gospel, : the over their flock. And brethren, cast ing the night-watches y his Leoeuds of St. Joseph. 7(y

Btoocl by thorn, I ^f ilifi Lord

not. .or be- to them, Te.- rC« 1 tu o. ^ea P^ oluUg ,ou «ooa tU,i.,p *Hat.U»U.etoa«tcI.op. r^^^^^^^^ 8a^v«n, to JO. a i. bo™ , .^ ^,,„„ Infant ^''^"Jly^. all «..at,,e rp::^:'—.;e,otUe..a«a.U,.a

company oi by a numerouB singing: ^^lory • • fV,fi Tiord and r"r.Se;t,a.apeaceo„ea..tbt„

be -;« rl:tl Wee. had ceased to wrfrous melody echo of their heard,, , the ^^^ ,„„. „addiedawayjbe^'>a , Jig,,, r.r^atXt-'o/the.a.^tthe

their eye seemed as though

((ij^jtj's.Ma-^i***!^-"' ' *- iar*i-*"ft-^W'^' Legends of St. Joseph. 71 8EPH. hoard the vision, and their ears still by thom, bright stoocl remained motion- heavenly harmonies. They round about me crooks, unable to over- less, leaning on their great fear. And come their ecstasy. for bo- ear not, said one Raising themselves, at last, they of great joy, ig8 over to Bethlehem, to the other: "Let ns go For thi3 day ,le. what has come to pass." the and see ,ho is Christ poor They took the best offerings their And this shall fruits, lambs, and dwelliiigs afforded : milk, the Infant xll find journeyed towards by the light of the stars laid in a les, and Moses, of old, at- the little city of David. bush that was tracted by the flames of a Angel was joined 5 the flocks of burning, yet not consumed, left heavenly host, the the voice his father-in-law, and heard "Glory to Jethro, tnging: of announcing to him the deliverance to of God peace on earth the people of Israel. Bethlehem found the be The shepherds of had ceased to bush at the end of their journey. melody true burning wondrous the bright- heart of Mary was a focuS of had van- The mt forms Holy and inex- est and most intense fire. train of ligbt ly a it not, tinguishable, those flames consumed stars, yet the I the it brought forth but made it blossom, and upwards. It azing God, who delivers us from the the the Word of eyes still saw of Sr. .Toseph, • ,j2 Leoe«p8

riuvi-ftoh. AnA He • ..f tin. bliick

from Hi» nolU«-« ™ >, '"Goi„B t...tU ' Uke H,« a,„.oa>o,a .l,i„n.B ,at tl>o Saviour nMn o( Iho .1..,, emorai-g hom Ao 2 to »iaui«W »»s 0U«...ea 3 :: h„:. o. *o .., ana «,e v.,t ^'ZX. tUe eav«„ BetUe,.e,„M It^al the poor cave of M„y seemed o to Joseph and tltioas ch.W aAed not »1.J tl e them u»elc»». They *nlnceatotl,ema,theOh«oftl,eLo,d a samptuous palace not been born in Tad be d,d was not crowned. «.l,y thy hi. brow »p»«e :' ieweU did BO wear purple, why not re «by bi» cradle d.d 1 his elothins. he was not surrounded "„.ble a tbrone. why and ministers? by soldiers know were given them to Tl,e signs that are but atoms whose regard worlds ^ in a manger, swaddling-clothes, a ,ere poor Legends of St. Joseph. 73 SEPH, had Thoy saw all that as they AnA He little straw. i-ftoh. brought them thither. seen the wonders that Vincent Ferrer, an unknown faith was not a surprise ; sliono afar; Their nty, prostrated them- ardor intlaracd thorn. Thoy hev's womb," h« their gifts. Th.m, they selves, and offered shininp like the the words of the related to Mary and Joseph of the dawn, ita which had taken Angels, and the wonders was chaugetl to place. even confirmed all. Ho removed vast Joseph 3ca, and the their eyes by the the slightest clouds from loss won- eplierds he had himself discreet revelation of what Bethlehem. All >t He made known to them how the seemed to seen. Mary the prophecy Angel had dispelled his doubt, not why the child greatness of the Messiah, of Micheas, the of the Lord Christ their con- other facts that strengthened palace, and sumptuous put and increased their devotion, and why he did viction awned, were soon spread on their lips praises that not sparkle els did the glory of abroad through every land for cradle did not rc- God. not surrounded ,vas silent. It was As for Mary, she remained ? make known mysteries of whJch know uot for her to iven them to Modesty the principal instrument. atoms, she was >rlds are but commended that reserve. manger, ft 3thes, a 7 Joseph. 74 Legends of St.

the ind joyful heart on tho Slio mcaitatcd with a tiu'ts hIi nioro tit to ah- giftH of tho Lord. And what i^flists. oxcito unut- hor every thon^ht. and to Borb than th Tho pn.n.is.H terable fcM.linRs within her? fi)r the tho propheeies of of the Arcliun^el ClaV)ri(>l, iu its e Hanctification of Za.-hary and Elizabeth, the tliat K of St. ihe Baptist, the enlightening Jolui tlianks whoHe uncertainty was for ever dis- Joseph, roturnr maternity, tho desti- pelled, her own virginal sweet, His poverty, tution of her Son, 11 in weakness. tho ev Shepherds-what an in- tho adoration of the aud fr Might not exhaustible source of reflection! Tra( and particidar fact, or tho connection each Jiiys keep g comparison between one and tho otlier, tion ol What happy her in a continual ecstasy? of Je! from these she afterwards saw flow effects Bothh rash and fatal te- events! Men who, in their ceivetl like unto God, merity, had thought to become made became now gods, the Divinity being ChrisH, caro Maricr, flesh of her flesh : Caro the glory of God all things were repaired, and extended. would be more known and more her memory This contemplation imprinted on Leqendh of St. Joskph. 76 FoHEPn.

of all tho divine tho indolil)lo reuuiiihraiu'O yful heart on the to confide to tho Kvuu- tiictrt Hho waa ou.^ day it more tit to nh- ofToct on the nhtpherds t^ilistH. It had more unut- (1 to oxcito imposHil)lo amn tho words of Jo8ei)h. It was r? Tho proiiiisiH hapi)inoHs ho elo(iuent lor them to rcHist a tho proiihopios of therefore, did not leave ill its silence. Tliey, Hiiiu'tification of roturuing new tliat Hac-iod place without of St. iili^liti'iiing once they had thiinks to God; and when ever dis- was for nothing so roturned to their flocks there was atornity, tho desti- us to toll over sweet, so enjoyable to them, kiiesa, His poverty, to their families the events of the holy night lionls—what an iu- ftud friends. L'ction ! Might not Tradition has transniitted even to our own connection and lio the Adora- days gnicoful facts which followed the other, keep uid the piosenco tion of the SlH^diortls, ultesting sy? What happy the neighborhood of of Jesus and Mary in w flow from these Bethlehem, and which have ever been re- te- ir rash and fatal ceived with respect. ^ unto God, ronio Uko at One day, Mary chanced to find herself being made >iviuity the shep- the entrance of the village where Maricr, Chrisfi, caro her herds dwelt. She wanted to quench glory of God ind the but the water thirst and that of the Child ; md more extended, were was far down in the well, and those who inted on her memory of St. Joseph. 76 Legends

to her aid. Scai'ce y there refused to come edge of the well, had she leaned over the rose up to her. when the water, of itself, Mary's Well. That was henceforth Bethlehem is the Two hundred paces. from The Yirgin Mother Grotto of Mary's Milk. suckle her Son. some having gone in there to milk, falling on the drops of her virginal a virtue which con- ground, gave the place Pilgrims go there to pray, tinues even yet. own land a wlnte and take back to their the rock, under .h« water that springs from Milk. name of the Virgin's uC and Jerusa- Midway between Bethlehem Tree. Mary and Jo- lem was also Mary's branch- I 1 shade. Its seph were resting in its magnificent together, formed a es, springing of Jesus, as though crown over tae head

i I , His God of nature and doing homage to the be admired evenl^e. \ Mothex*.-xx fL- Itit mightmigai august | ^^^ hundred years o« ^xist-l now, after eighteen pro- P^c been destroyed by the ence. had it not pretence adjoining field, under prietor of an

*- "^«^«Wa*A;^^^3ei* : V-'B^'.a^-*'s»a«at«»*^******'*-'"*^**'**''^''''*^*^*^^ Legends of St. Joseph. 77 r. Joseph.

trampled that his harvest was constantly her aid. Scai'cely His under foot by Christians and pilgrims. of the well, le edge alter, incredulity was punished, a short time her. self, rose up to by a miserable death. Well, ary's of the brave Finally, it is related that one is the rom Bethlehem marvelous Arab tribes, on hearing of the Mother The Yirgin Bethlehem, things which had come to pass at her Son, some suckle to descended from its mountains, and came milk, faUiiig on the What swear fidelity to Jesus, in His cradle. virtue which con- J a Mary, holding is certain is, that the image of ims go there to pray, her Divine Son on her knee, was painted on land a white sir own or sacred a pillar of the Kaaba, their temple under thfi m the rock, placed house, and that Jesus and Mary were Vlilk. amongst their three hundred and sixty deities. lethlehem and Jerusa- They prostrated themselves before them to Mary and Jo- , Tree. ask them for favorable winds and seasons. branch- its shade. Its History even assures us that after the Mas- magnificent •, formed a the Innocents, they rose up, with though sacre ci 1 of Jesus, as of blood and death, to avenge His fierce cries God of nature and Jesus and Mary, and that they dared to admired even might he the attack Herod, defended by his army and hundred years of exist- Bomaus. n destroyed by the pro- pretence ing field, under

^,^^^5,-5C.^^/,^»i^*#**»^>--*^>-^ X. THE CHRISTMAS DINNER.

lEPITA, my good Pepita," a good to burgher of Valencia ventured turn- say to his housekeeper, after seven times (l^ ing his tongue at least decided on speaking; the in his mouth before he you to prepare "Pepita, I would like to ask Christmas Day." a real good dinner for indicated the fear At this begmning, which master, Pepita wherewith she inspired her in all her move- knit her brows, and showed which the worthy ments, the contradiction expected. Spanish burgher might have me, master," "You are very late in telling "we are at the 8he replied in a sharp tone; day after next will 23d of December, and the be Christmas.'" ver ; !

79 Legends of St. Joseph.

than twenty -four "But you have more preparations " hours to make your master? It is easy ..Are you jesting, of the hav'nt the least idea seen that you gives! Are not trouble that housekeeping oyed hours more than emp those twenty-four furni- J DINNER. not to pohsh the already? Have I clean up the the windows, and ,d Pepita," a good ture, wash every great fes- as I do before lencia ventured to ,vhole house, iekeeper, after turn- tival?" week or so. put that off for a at least seven times "You can to be," clean as it needs 3cided on speaking the house is as know no- « plainly that you ask you to prepare One can see And then, my conscience •istmas Day." thing about it. are good it, too? You indicated the fear nmst I not clean ii yourself that no one but her master, Pepita n^aster; it seems If work out their salvation red in all her move- has a right to communion on Christmas which the worthy you want to go to you want me to do the lave expected. night, why don't worth as that my soul is not telling me, master," same? Is it

)ne; "we are at the much as yours?" you know I am will good Pepita; le day after next "No. no, my such thoughts as that. very far from having

;.Ai' .,»a«»a»F.««"-*"«"~' „.g*aWB*i»*»*w^*^*^***'"* '. ««*i..iiS**»»*«»=« Joseph. 80 Legends of St.

make you merit On the contrary, I want to " heaven You exercise it "By patience, is it not? don't know what remarkably well, master ! I my days m a keeps me from going to end least, make -y convent, where I might, at devotions in peace." What "Oh, do not leave me, Pepita! your care? would become of me without retire to a convent; you Wait till I. die to paying some- wUl then have the means of thing for your board." the "Why do you speak of death?" said either real housekeeper, wiping away a tear, hve a long time yet, gnes or pretended; "you wiU care of you." who please God! I take such good all I owe to "I know, my good Pepita. could you not your care and attention ; but getting me up a nice add to the obligation by Day?" Uttle dinner on Christmas people!" "Provided you don't have many family— man, a "I will only have one a woman, and a child." '

81 Legends of St. Joseph. Joseph.

and a roast would think an olla podrida* to make you merit «I be enough for that." these are people whom "Undoubtedly ; but ? You exercise it possible respect; so treat with all I don't know what I want to of pheasants, roast be a good pair end my days in a let the some nice pastry, Try with truffles; then at least, make stuffed sweet dishes you make and some of those perfection, Pepita." ne, Pepita! What in such distinction, thought are people of nthout your care? "If they maybe, give me housekeeper, «'they will, to a convent; you the to do." present, as it is customary QS of paying some- a accorduigly, with She prepared everything, great was her disappoint- good will ; but of death?" said the riKht the expected she discovered in tear, either real uTent when ,y a humble condition poor neighbors of Uve a long time yet, guests the greatest master received with good care of you." whom her and even affection. Pepita, all I owe to cordiality, the worst pos- waited upon them in but could you not She ; best to which the host did his getting me up a nice Bible temper, a sort of las Day?" through Spain. It i« . favorite di.h all A .ent^ various other ,ngre many people!" of fowl and have ...t.w" made up "..^.a' .s to Spaniards what the ae family—a man, a T,ri.

iir&.'AtiJ«^i*»»'^*'''' --^^tie'K^-i'--^^ Legends op St. Joseph.

table in disguise by doing the honors of his wines the best way he could, causing the best abundance. of his cellar to be served in Never had those good people enjoyed so comfortable a meal. The year following, there was the sama cir- cumlocution on the part of the master, the same objections on the part of the servant a ridicu- to lend her aid in what she called this lous whim. It is easily understood that woman exaggerated her trouble and the merit continued of her interested services ; she had cares were to persuade her master that her indispensable to him, and singularly abused assume. the authority he had allowed her to had The friends and relatives of the old man been long since estranged from him by the wo- opposition and disagreeable ways of this man. selfish persons Such is often the fate of and who, desirous of avoiding the trouble old age, expense of marriage, fall, in their who under the tyrannical yoke of a servant St. Joseph. 88 FOSEPH. Legends of

deficient in education, if not in 1-8 of his table in is, at least, ig the best wines good principles. precisely the case with the i in abundance. This was not was a widower, and )ople enjoyed so hero of this legend, wlio who, had reason to regret his departed wife, what they might, had was the sama cir- be her imperfections his his life so wearisome as did E the master, the never made rt of the servant liousfekoeper. although he usually allowed Pepita to le called a ridicu- But time stoutly resisted. ierstood that this lead him at will, he this entertain beggars jigain!" ible and the merit "So you want to she iiad continued said she. " Pepita, I have made a vow, at her cares were Come now, Let us see, you singularly abused and I must accomplish it. you never been trou- ed her to assume. who have religion, have thinking of the rebuffs the Holy Family I the old man had bled you not regret from him by the met in Bethlehem, ai^d do there to give a kind wel- e ways of this wo- that you were not guests? come to such holy and venerable not in the way of doing of selfish persons Well, what we were not exist, we can do now, » the trouble and then, since we did their stead the poor who in their old age, by welcoming in represent them in our regard. i of a servant who

£.^,*^-:''-'**-'^* ^f/vc«i**fc**^'^^^ r^^teSf. .TM*fcii^'----''^-'^-"*^'-«c;waWi-^^^»^^-"^''^'* of St. Joseph. 84 Lkgends

temper, Pepita Notwithstanding her bad piety, and thxsappoa had some ^.utimentB of So t was not made in vam. to her heart Pepita, is contagious. that true charity is tt^ her master's guests therefore, welcomed after tieat- kindness, and ever time vitli more when Christmas Day ed them hospitably ob- placing any further came round, ^vithout entertainment. of their stacle in the way rnan assisted the old Henceforth, she even and. although of his alms ; in the distribution getting help him a little m .he ne^ver failed to with him she thus went over his purgatory, I of Paradise. to the very gate advanced age. the| Having reached an saw his end approach- worthy burgher at last charit- his pure and in.. Notwithstanding holy to promise him a seemed | able life, which he judged hnnself se- and a happy death, light of eternity. verely by the dawning not having been He reproached himself for enough; and, above all,| fervent, or mortified given more alms. for not having ;

Joseph. 86 Joseph. Legends of St.

"will that money I ad temper, Pepita "What good," said he, appeal care of be to me now, when ety, and this have taken such '' it it with me? ido in vain. So I can take uoiif of " some little of it ontagioua. Pepita, It is true I have poured to be- this ; but if I were master's guests into the lap of the poor the things of this and ever after treat- gin my life again, judging Day would have been much len Christmas world as I now do, I oh- jing any further less sparing of it."" turn this disposition to their entertainment, The devil strove to man into despair, and agisted the old account by throwing him althougli terror, which the voice of ; and, inspire him with , alms could not calm him a little in getting Pepita, still somewhat sharp, him of the priest, who thus went with indeed, it was only that last helps of religion, that idise. brought him the advanced age, the gave him any comfort. jaw his end approach- His agony was just beginning. charit- sick-room, from his pure and All at once the door of the holy excluded, opened of it- to promise him a which all strangers were himself se- visitors presented them- le judged self, and three august the dying man. of , light of eternity, selves at the bedside been and Mary, the hope and elf for not having They were Jesus above all, dying, and Joseph, the patron nough ; and, salvation of the dore alms. of a good death 1

'" ,rfc?t*;-~"^i^-- f.:-.>-Sj-^^ja*ia:»>S:£#*^^'-'**^'^"^"'"'''"' " Joseph. LBOF.SDB or St. gg havo brisht- The y. V ^IfiiirT^l^'M

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seated v., at tMtaUc '"';.C;:i:,t rotten thatitisonlyinstftat-*"*'™""'""' a seat at ours. to invite tlieo to '^;;„„iivine.yco„»,le.UUesick™a,U-.ol« the Lor 1, peace and joy of 1,1. soul in the plaee at the heave* "Jd CoTto taUe i.is

mir^«lo„s ^tor, 'IL a««.e.tieity of this Ferrer. Pope ™„anteed by St. Vincent i„ example the touching Piu^ VII. consecrated by granhng burgher ol Valencia, riven by the and as man rLl^ence of seven years, ,„„ntiuestoa,.pe,^ns.h„sh^ .j;^« memoi;y to eat, in tioor persons they bave tr,« S^;,'and Joseph, provided THs .ndulgencc be- Itrition tor their sins. author e on that day, the Tome, plenary, if, recervd has confessed and this good work Legends of St. Joseph. 87

OSEPH. communion. As for the members of the fam- pres- m\A liavo brifiht- ily who contribute, were it only by tlunr man, of the ajing ence, to that hospitable net, and the servants

when ho its pcrfornuince, they each gain 3 Hwellea who assist in consol- VII., iths these an hundred days' indulgence, (rius 1815.) ed us at thy tabic, houia como at last

>i iirs. yieldctl 10 sick man Lord, id joy of the heavenly 36 at the

story 8 miraculous Pope cent Ferrer. example e touching granting Valencia, by many years, and as shall give three , who memory of Jesus, t true ided they have This indulgence be- author oi at day, the infessed and received

l^^V*;S^---*Vi^*** -T^.* j^***v*.tA**»»«>^»^-"i *''^ XI. THE PARIS DRESSMAKER.

been seen iu all Htates, I VINTS have least aii.l professions that sooin the compatible wiili an evaiigolioal life,

have iu heavtv> their rei)reseiita- mnch the more tives, rvhose works are so in the meritoric'-M that they were exercised favorable to salva- midst of el.;mi iita the least this truth, and yet it tion. Kvory one knows surprise when we find is no sr.if,ll subject of sanctity, living as in a di '^Hsnmkor the truest a capital called, with she f'".' in the bosom of gooa reason, the modern Babylon. wheresoever it It is that "the Spirit blows it pleases. will," and chooses its elect wherever, The person of whom we are about to speak had been tried in her earliest years by the selfishness and harshness of a mother who SSMAKEli. n seen iu all states, that Hcem the least

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3 be Legends of St. Joseph. 89 had made her suffer severely. Having thus been exercised in abnegation from her most

• tender j'ears, she early contracted the salutar habit of a very uncommon submissiveness and self-denial, of which she was to have great need all her life through. She referred to God all her actions and all her sacrifices, and often invoked Mary and Joseph, in whom she felt a most filial confidence, — a confidence that often brought her to the foot of their altar, and made her there find her sweetest consolation. Reverses of fortune were her lightest griefs. Sought in marriage by an estimable man who had noticed her from her childhood, she saw

all her hopes of domestic happiness over- thrown by her mother, who compelled her to contract a marriage against her will. In this

position, which would serve as an excuse for many a young woman, temptations were not wanting to that poor, thwarted heart. The former lover died of grief; but she who had been his betrothed found in the sense of duty

«^!«^ jj-*j(xti«.. .--.i^Wit^' J vifciVift' . ,1^^ wVi^c*S*«*»'*nrf'i»«»*Mi^'!Siiair«ifc^ 90 Legends of St. Joseph.

courage to live ; and yet that duty was made very bitter to her by the unworthy husband whom her fiUal submission had forced her to accept. Addicted to idleness and love of jjlea-

sure, he found it convenient to leave all the burden of household expenses on his wife, and also his own support. Every employment was too laborious for him, but nothing was good enough or fine enough for his personal wants. To excuse this conduct, as well as his odious brutality, he published calumnies concerning

his wife, which no one believed, so evident was her virtue. After long years of such trials, patiently endured by the meek ^'ictim, her tormentor having at last found a situation to

his liliing, he thought fit to enjoy it alone, and

quitted his wife's home, carrying off from it everything he could, leaving the poor woman only empty rooms, the charge of four children,

and for all indemnity, only the benefit of his absence.

Be it understood that bread was dear just

then, and the little earnings of the poor mo- 91 Joseph. Legends of St. Joseph.-

were often insufficient for the wants of the at duty was made ther wife went to some mwoithy husband family. Then the deserted to prostrate herself before the Blessed had forced her to church, Virgm's altar, and there, addressing the au- 3 and love of plea- gust spouses of Nazareth, who had lived, like it to leave all the their toil, she told them of her es on his wife, and her, by own distress, with trusting simplicity,— and never y employment was prayer in vain. nothing was good was her On one of these occasions she was returning lis personal wants, joyful, especially on account well as his odious home, serene and her holy protec- amnies concerning of the evident assistance of tors, having just received a small sum of moved, so evident was ney, her first use of which was the purchase ars of such trials, of a large loaf of bread, and some trimmings meek ^'ictim, her she perceived that Dund a situation to for her work. All at once she lost the pocket-book containing her enjoy it alone, and had treasure. no means alarmed, she goes arrying off from it By back to the church, where she had prayed ig the poor woman and, addressing ge of four children, successfully some time before, herself to Joseph and Mary, she reminds them r the benefit of his that it is to them she is indebted for her small not to allow her read was dear just means, and beseeches them to lose the fruit of their benefit. "Tou are 358 of the poor mo-

.««i,*ieB»w»a«ie*«iM-iSffl*w«3^ss

m Legends of St. Joseph.

(this was my father and mother," she added have her usual form of expression). "You would you, accustomed me to count on you ; you will then, have assisted me in vain? No, betrayed, not suffer my hopes to be so cruelly and you can easily restore to me what I owe well is to your goodness, and what you know

! so necessary to me And calm and smiling she went back home with her slender store of provisions. She asked the woman who opened the door if anything had been brought for her. "Are you expecting anything?" asked the woman, envious, like most of her class, and glad of a pretext for entering into conversation. "Ah! I have lost my pocket-book," the dressmaker repUed, " and I expect that some

one will bring it back." "How simple you are, madam, to suppose that any one who has got so good a chance again What will be so ready to give it up ! fear you is good to take is good to keep. 1 may make a cross of it." Legends of St. Joseph. 93 Joseph.

" Pardon me, I expect to get my money he added (this was l)iick," said the dressmaker, " for I placed the sion). "You have in the hands of the Blessed Virgin and n you; would you, affair St. Joseph. They know I have need of it, and irain? No, you will they have never yet left me in trouble without so cruelly betrayed, help." 3 to me what I owe The woman of the house burst out laughing, it you know well is whilst her tenant, no wise disturbed, went up

stairs to prepare the humble family meal. he went back home Arrived at the landing-place, there was of provisions. She another obstacle, of which she had not before ned the door if any- gone in the thought : the key of her room was r her. lost pocket-book. To call in the services of a hing?" asked the wo- locksmith, without any means of paying him t her class, and glad whatever he might charge, was not to be ato conversation. time thought of ! But our dressmaker had no the J pocket-book," for reflection as to what she should do. She 1 1 expect that some had scarcely reached her own door when she heard the woman below calling to her that a to suppose , madam, gentleman wished to speak to her. ot so good a chance That gentleman was the bearer of the it up again! What pocket-book, so confidently expected ; having to keep. 1 fear you found it, and ascertained the address of the

n!'5S?W»«*"' j«(SiiSS«C»(»«*"»Ai«'rai's^iJIS^^T,MB«:ri2H7a;i«w<^w«^"^^»**^^ 94 Legends of St. Joseph.

owner, he had lost no time in returning it, (cr supposing that it would be anxiously looked for.

'* Well, no, sir, I was not very anxious," the dressmaker said, after thanking him, " I knew

some one would bring it back." "Your confidence surprises me, madam," said the obliging individual. "In restoring

tliat which belongs to you, I have only done the simplest and most natural thing in the might world ; but you know your pocket-book have fallen into bad hands. I see you are quite a philosopher, and set little value on money. Doubtless your position enables you to do so." "On the contrary, sir, this money is all I have in the world; and I am far from de-

spising it, for I need it to give bread to my matter to family ; but I had commended the the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph. They are never aban- my Father and Mother ; they have doned me; nud now you see the proof that my hope in them has never been in vain." ;

Joseph. Legends of St. Joseph. 95

me. I am imo iu roturning it, " Truly, that is what confounds be- anxiously looked and, as such, would never be ft Protestnnt; invoking the saints liove in the efficacy of me very forcibly, ot very anxious," the but here is a fact that strikes " with a wish to inking him, I knew and would almost inspire me )ack." become a Catholic." of the house, prises me, madam," "And I," cried the woman "CathoUo iual. " In restoring who had been an attentive listener, think that I must 3U, I have only done as I am, this makes me have been." natural thing in the become a better Christian than I salutary desires may ar pocket-book might Let us hope that these nds. I see you are Bot have been in vain 1

1 set little value on position enables you

this money is all I ,

I I am far from de- to give bread to my aended the matter to

5t. Joseph. They are they have never aban- u see the proof that irer been in vain."

;ja«:^?^':a!^i£-7^s«pHV.S*«s:i' ,=^.«w-»«HK«nffle»««*»i-'>WK««H«'»»**''=^ XII. A MEETING.

lORTY days have passed since the night of the miraculous birth, and tho the moment has come when Virgin Mother is to go up to the the Child Temple of the Lord to present Holy Family in Jesus. Before following the to Jerusalem, let us this mysterious journey and ponder pause a moment in Bethlehem, on the mysteries with loving, docile hearts about to be accomplished. typo of theo- The law of Moses, the perfect already have con- cratic government, must people of their Ktantly reminded the Hebrew Creator. Shut up entire dependence on the earth, that privi- in a small portion of the there the sacred leged nation was to keep disfigured by deposit of the primitive truths, Lf.oends of St. Joseph. 97

philosophical tho fabulous cosmogonies and ahcnations of the pagans. With a similar to pass oiul in view, Moses could not allow

unnoticed, in tho life of the Jo\vi.sh woman,

tho benefit of tho blessing given to her womb. posterity riNO. The honor of having a flouviHliiiig WHS too great for her not to testify her grati- ave passed since the other hand, tude to the Lord ; and, on the miraculous birth, and the the belief in the original stain caused has come when tho mother of the new-born child to be defiled BT is to go up to the with a legal impurity. Hence the two sacri- to present the Child expiation, imposed fices of holocaust and of the Holy Family in 5 forth. ou the woman who had newly brought to Jerusalem, let us A second Divine command declared all tho thlehem, and ponder pre- first-born tho property of the Lord, and on the mysteries rts price scribed the way to redeem them. The ed. of the sanc- of this ransom was five hiickels, B perfect typo of theo- far- tuary weight, equal to about twenty st already have con- tiiiugs. [ebrew people of their Mary, a daughter of Israel, had brought Creator. Shut up ;he doubtless, forth; Jesus was her first-born; earth, that privi- tho re- such a child-bearing, such a new-burn, :eep there the sacred quhed not the accomplishment of the Jewish e truths, disfigured by

Cf'^'f^f^'^ ?,C3'"S'S'W0C "3 4-j»0iWt«^i%'-ia«««3aER^VBiaCT«E«SW»5W,'^^^'^' St. Jobeph. 98 Legends of

was there between the law What connection chaste SpouHO of the Bp„u8CH of men and the conception of her Holy Ghost, a Virgin in the chiUl-beanng, Son a Virgin in her ineffable more pure after bearuig ever r^^'e. ^"^ still bringing into the world the i„ her womb, and the If she considered (led of all HolineHS? who deigned to he Bublime quality of Him majesty of the Creator ho born of her, that Sovereign Arbiter of the Prince of Peace, the think that such a Son universe, how could she of the ransom, was subject to the humiliation ? like the veriest slave humblest of women; But Mary was the her duties as a daughter of Bhe remembered neglected her prerog- Sion and to fulfil them of God. The Virgin ative's as the Mother derogatory to the honor of 1 did not think it glorious merit of her own her Son, nor to the seek an external purifica- purity, to eome to no need. Thus, at the tion of which she had to present m the appointed time, she set out modest offering- temple her Child and her ;

Legends op St. Joseph, 99

L\ JOBEPH.

innocent birds, typifying, first, chastity and there between the sim- as fidelity; and secondly, innocence and Spouse of the chaste plicity. of her the concoptiou What an admirable journey was that of chihl-bearing, to offable Miiry and Joseph going from Bethlehem e pure after bearing carries the humblo Jorusalem ! The old man into the world the shekels, tho ag offering of two doves and five consiclerecl the Divino [{ she ransom of tho first-bom son. The deigned to he I arms I Avho Child reposes gently in His Mother's the Creator, the all the way on ly of slie presses Him to her heart Arbiter of the earth, all vereign that auspicious journey. Heaven, such a Son presence think that nature, are sanctified by the benign of the ransom, amongst illation of their merciful Creator. The men her whom that Mother passes along with women; humblest of tender Infant regard her, some with indiffer- daughter of one of ttties as a ence, others with interest; but no her prerog- mystery which is to 1 neglected them yet penetrates the The Virgin' of God. save them all.

honor of 1 Family ;atory to the At length, that holy and sublime of her own Bethle- lious merit has entered Jerusalem. Jerusalem, external purifica- the names of these k an hem, Nazareth ! Do not Thus, at the mortal life no need. three places, associated with the present in the their magnificent )t out to of the Redeemer, recall, in her modest offering-

^,iia»H jiiKtr-e^jtii-'jis^-c* Joseph 100 Legends of St.

marvels ef progression, the most striking Saviour of tho power and goodness? The Nazareth, which signi- world is conceived in the is, as He says in fies the floiccr, for He flower of the mysterious Canticle of love, the the valley, and Hia fields and the lily of is born at Divine odor delights us. He in order to be Bethlehem, the house of h-ead, precious germ our nourishment, our life, the a sacred immortality. Near Jerusalem, . of our signifies vision of peace, He city whose name on the cross, and by is offered in sacrifice between heaven His blood He restores peace men, peace in our and earth, peace amongst peace which surpasses souls, that ravishing

all understanding. crossing the threshold On this solemn day, about to give the earn- of the temple. He is unknown, unutterable est of that Divine, concourse of sacrifi- peace. Amongst ihat that crowd of the chil- cers, in the midst of throngs the several pre- dren of Israel that many are looking for cincts of the temple, Legends of St. Joseph. 101 >F St. Joseph

hour of His the Deliverer, and know that the striking marvels cf )8t none of them manifestation is at hand ; but Saviour of tho s? The expected know that at that very moment the n Naziu-etli, which signi- Messiah has just entered into the house of in the le is, as He says the God. of love, the flower of Meanwhile, the humble daughter of the the valley, and His of bearing her Di- tribe of Juda, the living ark, us. He is born at ^ts of the holy vine burden, ascends the steps h-ead, in order to be 2 of of place; she comes, like the other women the precious germ ar life, purification, Israel, to offer the sacrifice of Jerusalem, a sacred Near had con- for the birth of the Son whom she gnifies vision of peact; He the Holy Ghost, but who was to be and by ceived by ice on the cross, presented in the temple as the Son of Mary, between heaven res peace the spouse of Joseph. Tlie slight offering of mongst men, peace in our daughter of kings Avas accepted, in consider- which surpasses ng peace the ation of her extreme poverty. Perchance man m the purple cloak and gilt sandals, crossing the threshold lay, fall within the sacred enclosure, may have let the earn- is about to give some contemptuous words, or cast a disdain- unknown, unutterable ae, brought to the ful glance on the couple who concourse of sacrifi- that poor. And altar only the two doves of the that crowd of the chil- of simple, so ob- yet, that couple, so timid, so the several pre- it throngs pre- scure, present another offering, far more looking for iple, many are

;«t.--*:i?,-i:-r^'l >fifat,v!tK»3»w«^,sr-?- ;

102 Legends of St. Joseph.

rich cious than that of the haughty and the without spot, it is the Infant God, the Lamb of the •who bears in His veins the blood world's redemption. Father, But Jesus is specially offered to His although the price of His ransom has been and paid, us being one day to be the Priest perfect in tlie Victim of a new sacrifice, more all those of itself and more efficacious than to the old Law. Thus, the synagogue began the give place to the Church, bright with thus, Christian- hope of a resplendent future ; and of hu- ity, the law of love, of meekness, and mility, came to deliver the old Jewish pagan society from servile fear as from the pride of sages, and to enter upon an immense career of progress and of regeneration. The shades and figures wherein was enveloped the second temple, whose future glory was announced by the prophet Aggeus to the Jews returned from exile, were opening to the rays

of the Sun of justice and of truth. The

tiara of the high priest was losing its last ;

Legends of St. Joseph. 103 . Joseph.

gem; the precious stones of his "rational" ughty and the rich shedding their last rays. The society Lamb without spot, were, ho was the head was soon to be, in of the of which , the blood regard to Jesus Christ, but an old and cruel stepmother, drunk with wrath and envy. ffered to His Father, The Holy Family was about to leave the 8 ransom has been sacred enclosure wherein so many incompre- be the Priest and hensible mysteries were accomplished, and lice, more perfect in retrace the way to their humble dwelling, us than all those of when the spirit of the prophets, the last sub- synagogue began to lime power of the Mosaic legislation, came, ch, bright with the in the person of Simeon and Anna, to bear ure ; thus, Christian- its testimony, too, to the future King of leekness, and of hu- Israel. the old Jewish and Simeon, a just and God-fearing man, spent ile fear as from the his days in expectation of the Desired of iter upon an immense nations; and, as the price of his hope, the )f regeneration. The Holy Ghost, whose voice never deceives when )in was enveloped the it speaks, had told him thailns eyes should future glory was an- not close in death until he had seen the t Aggeus to the Jews Christ. At the moment when Mary and Jo- •e opening to the rays seph were ascending the steps of the sac- and of truth. The red enclosure, the pious old man feels him- ,t was losing its last Joseph. 104 Legends of St.

the irresistible force self moved interiorlyby from Spirit; he goes forth of the Divine directs his tottering steps his dwelling, he by the ardor towards the temple, sustained the threshold of God's of his desires. On mothers who are there house, amongst the eyes infants, his inspired in crowds with their fruitful Virgin fore- have soon recognized the his heart flies to the new- told by Isaiah, and her arms. Mary, born Babe she holds in Holy Spirit, allows instructed by the same she places m his the old man to approach; of her love. trembhng arms the dear object ancient Happy Simeon, livmg image of the expectation, and ready world, grown old in he received the sweet to fall: scarcely has youth is renewed like Fruit of Life, when his is accomplished that of the eagle. In him which is to be the marvelous transformation when once Cath- wrought in the human race, for the ancient idolatry. - olicity is substituted old man es- From the blessed lips of the ' thanksgiving: cape that beautiful hymn of Legends op St. Joseph. 105 Joseph.

"Now, Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, e irresistible force word, in peace. Be- from Lord, according to Thy ) goes forth cause my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which iiis tottering steps Thou hast prepared before the face of all lined by the ardor of the Gen- peoples : a light to the revelation threshold of God's Israel." tiles, and the glory of Thy people, ers who are there words, he restores to the arras of eyes After these ;s, his inspired is about tlie Most Pure Mother the Son she fruitful Virgin fore- to oflfer to the Lord, blesses the spouses, and art flies to the new- the inspiration that animates him, he fore- arms. Mary, in , her sees the bloody expiation of the Golgotha. Holy Spirit, allows child," he exclaims, after a grave and his "This l; she places in mournful silence, "is come for the ruin and object of her love, the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a nage of the ancient sign that shall be contradicted. Thine own )ectation, and ready soul, O Mary, a sword shall pierce, that out received the sweet of many hearts thoughts may be revealed," i^outh is renewed like adds the old man; and very soon his soul, him is accomplished disengaged from the bonds of the body, goes lation which is to be forth to bear to the elect who repose in Abra- •ace, when once Cath- ham's bosom the news of the peace that is the ancient idolatry. appearing on earth and will soon throw hea- es- 3 of the old man ven open to them. mn of thanksgiving: Joseph. 106 Legends of St.

a prophetess There was also in Jerusalem Phanuel, of the named Anna, daughter of widow, illustrious by her tribe of Aser. This her to all the people by piety, and venerable constantly in the temple, gi-eat age, dwelt fasts to God night offering her prayers and the Can- and, when she had heard and day ; she also set about celebra- ticle of Simeon, coming of the Child o! ting the auspicious ever Virgin, pressmg Promise. And Mary, Divme Emmanuel, and ac to her heart the descended companied by her faithful spouse, temple, and in silence re- tJxe steps of the she dwelt. gained the village where , Joseph. salem a prophetess jf Pbanuel, of the w, illustrious by her people by her 11 the XIII. ntly in the temple, THE PALM GROVE. to God night . fasts Can- had heard the [HE holy old man Simeon had.^as celebra- the lo set about we have related, foretold to ing of the Child o! Virgin Mary that a sword of sor- iver Virgin, pressing row should pierce her heart; and Emmanuel, and ac- in heaven that these words it was written descended ful spouse, were soon to be accomplished. in silence re- of February when e, and It was about the middle dwelt. broke by night on the I she the voice of Jehovah these were the peaceful sleep of Joseph, and take the Child words he heard: "Arise, and Egypt; and be and his Mother, and fly into For it will come there until I shall tell thee. . seek the Child to de- to pass that Herod will

stroy Him." revelation was The echo of the mysterious ears, when, going still soundmg in Joseph's holy Spouse's room, hastily to the door of his

M-«->—-wr-"»"-r 108 Legends of St. Joseph.

" voice : Mary, arise he sftid, in a trembling prepare quickly, take Jesus in tliino arms, and journey."- to set out on a long and perilous Mary, who was by the side of her Son's for her cradle, went quickly to open the door husband. "To leave Nazareth!" said the Virgin. "•Whither, then, would the Lord have us bend our steps?" "Into Egypt; so God commands. Herod put Him is seeking for the Child, that he may

to death." • Mary groans pitoously, and, bending over and her Son's cradle, embraces Him fondly, clasps Him to her bosom, as if to shield Him from the murderous dagger. The Divine Child awoke, giving His dis- mayed Mother an angelic smile; that smile, quieted the like the sunbeam after the storm, holy Virgin's troubled mind. Turning to her spouse, she says: "Joseph, fear nothing; Jesus smiles, and His smile is like the evening rainbow dispelling the stormy clouds," Legends op St. Joseph. 109 , Joseph.

" " us to do what I have told wee : Mary, ariao God commands

arras, and prepare thee," answered tho patriarch. jrilous journey."' " Let us go, then," added Mary, with holy Son's "and may Jehovah, from the 1 side of her resignation, " on tlio door for her highest heavens, watch over us ! The spoitses quickly prepared what was " alas they were said tho Virgin, needful for the journey ; but, ! ready. the Lord have us 80 poor, that in a few moments all was The earthly Trinity set out from Nazareth, commands. Herod with tearful eyes and sorrowing hearts, when lat he may put Him the star of night was mid-way on its mystic

* course. over announced to Joseph a great , and, bending The Angel had les Him fondly, and danger, but he had not told hun how he should as if to shield Him avoid it. a dis- ar. From Nazareth to Egypt there was oke, giving His distance of one hundred and sixty leagues. How made ? new ic smile ; that smile, was that long journey to be A e storm, quieted the obstacle presented itself. How were they to

Turning to her holy cross the sandy plains of the desert with no iseph, fear nothing; other conveyance than a poor ass? How ile is like the evening could they avoid the bands of Arabs whom ormy clouds." even the best-armed caravans could not re- 10 of St. Joseph. 110 Legends

tears travellers will have only siBt? Our poor to oppose the and suppUcations wherewith weapons of the enemy. to dawn, ' The day was already beginning who were yet no farther and the fugitives, lest they the tribe of Zabulon.-fearh.g than clui by the soldiers of Herod, xnight bo discovered a grove of palms, the concealed themselves in «haxie of which promised Bolitudo and dense hours of day. The them shelter during the neighboring stream, „,„rmur of the waters of a breeze amid the branches, the sighing of the cooing of the turtle. together with the tender the sparrow, charm- and the measured song of echoes the sojourn of ed with their melodious hospitable vale. I the fugitives in that child, the tran- The smile of the innocent balmy air of the fields, sparent sky. and the anguish of Mary s were beginning to calm the who was busy preparmg heart, when Joseph, stopped short all at once, their simple repast, anxious ear, then stood listening with an and " Mary? : " not hear, said Didst thou

^;#*,*6>.*B««*l*-^** Leqknds op St. Joseph. Ill r. Joseph.

The young Virgin listened a moment, sud- liiive only tears 1 will clasped her denly turned pale, and instantly with to oppose the beloved Son to her heart. The Child smiled no more, the cooing of the beginning to dawn, of the doves was no longer hoard, and the song were y«t no farther had ceased. At this moment a dark they birds ,ii^_ fearing lest cloud obscured the sun's radiant disc. ;he soldiers of Herod, voice, " I hear," murmured Maiy, in a low a grovo of palms, the Uke the clash of arms and the promised "a sound le of which the opposite extremity The tramping of horses, at i hours of day. of this valley." a neighboring stream, "Yes, on the mountain side, towards the e amid the branches, road that leads to Uspies. But it is turtle, Roman r cooing of the doubtless some merchants from Ptolemaide or of the sparrow, charm- Tyre, retracing their homeward way." echoes the sojourn of 1 with " If they were Herodians " said Mary, ipitable vale, shrinking dread. aocent child, the tran- " Have no fear," said Joseph, " this vale is ,almy air of the fields, far from the high road." anguish of Mary's I the A few moments and the tramping of horses ho was busy preparing was heard distinctly. Mary hid Jesus in the )pped short all at once, loose cloak, and raised her then folds of her large th an anxious ear, supplicating eyes to heaven. hear, Mary?" Joseph. 112 Legends of St.

and motioii- JoHoph, on his side, stood-muto towards tho placo whonco lesH, l....kii.K sadly alarmed him sceu.od to tho Homuls that so proceed. was soon heard sinR- A clear, manly voice, notes of which ing a martial air, the rin«iiiK where they reached the ears of the fugitives, palm-trees. sat beneath tho lofty Joseph. "They are llomans," murmured their words." " I cannot understand her Divine Mary remained silent, pressing Son to her bosom. came, and Nearer and nearer the voices ears of tho Holy soon the breeze bore to the song. A mo- Family the words of a Koinan The steps of the ment after, the voice ceased. the thicket. The horses were heard quite near

fugitives hardly breathed. helmets and the The glitter of the Boman seen through the soldiers' arras were now seized with fear, and thick foliage. Mary was upward, she said, m turning her mild eyes " palm-tree, that piteous tones : Oh ! beautiful

'ii^e-^ifip;^**'!'^'^^****' Legenpb of St. Joseph. 113 Joseph.

top to heaven, thou who motioii- roarcBt thy mighty xl-muto and • than thin poor Moth.^r, whonco sat nearer Jehovah [h tho place '• Child not to abandon my innocent ! uod liim sceiDud to tell Him bent down to the At this moment the tree green large leaves of its broad as Hoon luuinl siiip- ground, the Family. whicli crown covering the Holy if^iiif? notes of close by the Hohliers of Herod passed fugitives, where they The seeing those protecting palm-tree without in-tvees. foliage concealed. niunmired Joseph, whom its thick was a fountain Some thirty paces distant oir words." and limpid waters oflferod refresh- pressing her Divine whose clear whilst they were ment to the soldiers. But about the their thirst and chatting he voices canio, and quenching to the Holy their journey, God sent the ears of tho Holy object of order refreshing sleep, doubtless in Koinan song. A uio- Family a might not hear the that the afflicted Mother ised. The steps of the of her Child's persecutors. near the thicket. The conversation d. )man helmets and the >«Q1 ow seen through the and IS seized with fear, she said, in 1 upward, eautiful palm-tree, that • ^

XIV. THE GOOD THIEF.

RAVING enjoyed a sweet, refreshing of the hospita- sleep in the shade Mary and Joseph ble palm-tree, silvery rays awoke, just when the rested penetrating the foliage, of the moon, on the brow of Jesus. i,» calm beauty tenderness played A smile of inexpressible Holy Child, and a loving on the lips of the His Mother renewed glance directed towards all the the Nazarene Vu'gm in the heart of con- required in order to courage her soul journey. tinue that painful her said she, pressmg "Is this a dream?" Life of « He who is the Sou to h.r heart. goodness His ! God of ^- life still lives nxy His have not, then, shed pious persecutors precious blood!"

> ••^^ C ire^tV^jL^***^ -'-J ' !

Legends of St. Joseph. 115

Joseph, "the "Yes, Mary, yes," answered danger to us, and Angels of God announce the Lord makes us avoid the mighty hand of the night will But time is precious, and XIV. it. have reached the . protect our march till we THIEF. shall we begin OOB frontiers of Syria; then only refreshing in safety." ajoyed a sweet, to be Virgin arose, and hospita- these words, the poor the shade of the At courage only pos- Joseph arming herself with that n-tree, Mary and the life of their chU- silvery rays sessed by mothers when just when the quitted the hospitable rested dren is in danger, she trating the foUage, with the res- wood, and foUowed her spouse he brow of Jesus, tenderness played ignation of a martyr. ressible what painful voyage, what troubles, Holy Child, and a loving In this what mortifications awaited the mrds His Mother renewed bitterness, all the Holy Spouses e Nazarene Virgin were rav- con- that period, bands of robbers required in order to At hatred of Palestine, profiting by the journey. aging the Eoman soldiers; every day m?"said she, pressing her the Jews for robberies, horri- of committed scandalous "He who is the Life they neigh- im- murders, and the traders of the God of goodness. His ble* armed His countries could only travel weU have not, then, shed boring and in caravans. OF St. Joseph. 116 Legends

the Family took refuge in By day, the Holy for the s^ad. seLed caves, waiting Jl In this continue their journey. of night, to the con. after many perils, Ja^the; reached, lier

fines of Samaria. thus cold the weathor Now, one nigM, -hen "^ the Dm™ Holy Spouses, «ith J v«W.«« looelj .leep and 7L, we travelling .lo»g a walking in tront, was tt;,wUen St. Joseph, i,npe.ious jo.ce, saymg. stopped by a harsh, are dead. "Halt there, or yon the *ought that to Mary, frightened at her ClnW man was going to '"ke barbarous he Him in the folds of away from her. hid I

" since leaving was the second time, T^' had mysterions journey Nazareth, that her men. Be^ I by the voice of been interrupted traveUers had trme to the unfortunate tee then, danger that threatened think of the surrounded by a crow saw themselves Z amongst the] came out from of men who ravine. Dag- tlwld and brambles of the

j*^" t ii,».»«=«Btaiwv»a«w« irinim.*"^'"*— Legends of St. Joseph. 117 c. Joseph.

their heads, gers were already flashing above refuge in the ily took mild en- when St. Joseph said, in tones of for the shades liting ,| treaty : journey. In this eir "What harm have this poor Mother and perils, the con- many you, that you lier innocent Child done to

thus raise your arms against them?" cold the weather was "Old man, thou art right," said a strong with the Divine ,use8, " will not injure masculine voice ; these men ong a deep and lonely will swear it, and I am voa in any way ; they walking in front, was , keep their oath." . sure they will iperious voice, saying: He who thus spoke was named Dim as. In e dead!" practice of vir- his youth he had known the thought that this the committed through paternal tue ; but a crime Child ,ing to take her love threw him into the way of crime, and, her im in the folds of on account of his courage, he had been chosen as captain by this band of robbers. time, since leaving ad no sooner spoken than a passage had He had aysterious journey opened through his companions, and ap- Be- the voice of men. proaching Joseph, who was mute and motion- had time to travellers said less with surprise, he again ; threatened them, that wiiite hairs " Fear nothing, old man ; thy surrounded by a crowd security. And as for that poor wo- the are thy out from amongst clasps her child so tenderly, fearful Dag- man who bles of the ravine. St. Joseph. 118 Legends of

from her, thou mayest r: that he may be taken no danger from us. reassure her: she is in dagger to harm her, our If anv one dared the night deal out justice. But '.ii,. would soon f: the poor young woman is is cold, and I see doak rain: here, put n.y suffering from the Dimas, taking off the around her." And covered his shoul- goafs skin garment that

ders, gave it to Joseph. compassionate "Oh. thanks, thanks, kind, thpe as thou man! May Jehovah reward of thy death." And deservest, at the hour of gratitude, co^M3red Joseph, shedding tears Son with the robbers his spouse and her

cloak. .,, ,, me with thy "Now, good old man, foUow 1 is close by, and spouse. My stronghold the hospitality I offer hope thou wilt accept has roaring above our heads till the tempest somewhat subsided." the captains an( The holy travellers accepted m- moments after they were offer, and some chi of the rude fortress. stalled in the kitchen

aXiStralWMKi"**"****"*' .,iMSa*»iSS»il**Sffl*»«P*'"" "ewtassisrwiiS^s^isftiJfe^-- -'' : ;

Legends of St. Joseph. 119 r. Joseph

made, so as to where Dimas had a large fire •om her, tho\i mayest their drenched garments! danger from us. dry no with robber chief treated his guests our dagger The arm her, had a utmost care and attention. He But the night tlie stice. and with his plentiful meal served to them, poor young woman is with cloaks own hands prepared two beds here, put my rloak ; rest after the and skins, so that they might limas, taking off the journey. shoul- fatigue of their at covered his if she Before retirmg, he asked the Mother to kiss her little Child; and compassionate would allow him I, kind, Mary presented her Son, saying reward thpe as thou "Kiss my Son, since thou dost protect of thy death." And gratitude, covered Him." 1 of Dimas kissed the Babe and withdrew. 3on with the robber's When once more alone with his comrades, know not what I felt with thy he told them: "I in, follow me lips touched that Child 1 within me when my Id is close by, and I breathe since, it seems to me that hospitality I offei but, ; the blood has been has more freely, and that aU my ig above our heads while after, purified by His touch. A little were asleep within the castle. accepted the captains and all the Next morning, when Dimas entered- after they were in- ents him with chamber of his guests, they received n of the rude fortress. 1 of St. Joseph. 120 Legends Qr.^^^^rô.vî.h\e brigand suîle of a requent. meal prepared, and had the morning take the to go out and ed the Holy Family the castle. air in front of " come with me, he ; » The day is fine," said pure mountain her Son may breathe the that your -- Joseph followed Djma^ air. Mary and for kindness of heart. A „,iring the robber's the look so fascinated by The latter, he was eyes a could not keep his of Jesus, that he moment from his face. court-yard. Dimas they reached the When Him arms, and, sho^ving took Jesus in his some flocks that ^re CIS through the loop-holes moat, he said to Him grazing near the castle :— in a kindly tone that are grazmg "Seest Thou those sheep They of these walls. quietly in the shadow mo- lamb, white as its are ours, and that little it to Thee tha : I give ther's milk, is Thine hospitality offered] Thou mayst recall the mountains of Sa- Thee by the brigand of the maria."

S4-»i»«"«»8*«*«*****" Leqends of St. Joseph. 121 Joseph.

understood these Jesus smiled as if he hospitable brigand stroked down the words, and His tiny hands pared, and requeat- silently wept bandit's hair. The tender Virgin out and take the > contemplating this tears of gratitude, while to the way of crime, who treated " with me, man bound he ; come mountain her Son so kindly. ie the pure The Holv Family remained in the castle till followed Dimas, ad- their stay tliey were con- for sunset. During css of heart. As with the utmost stantly treated by the captain scinated by the look of kindness and attention. But the moment not keep his eyes a departure came at last. to place Whilst St. Joseph assisted Mary court-yard, Dimas he held the herself on the peaceful ass, Dimas and, showing Him 3, He would Child in his arms. Jesus, as though 3ome flocks that were reward him who had received Him so kindly, moat, he said to Him bandit's neck. put His little arms around the Then Dimas heard a sweet, melodious voice, heep that are grazing an ^olian harp when the They Uke the sound of of these walls. strings, and it said :— mo- night wind stirs its lamb, white as its shall be glorious, and Thou that "Thy death I give it to Thee, shalt die with Me." he hospitality offered Dimas was struck dumb—astounded by such mountains of Sa- E the mysterious la prodigy. Whence came those

SiVil*-s(te*«M>*^*"*'- "

122 Leqends of St. Joseph. ^-^ accents? Who had spoken those words? The months Child in his arms was scarcely four

old. and Feeling that his strength was failing, should fall fearing lest the mysterious Child again in from his arms, Dimas placed Him with those of His Mother, who received Him a loving smile. Then the Holy Family, after thanking their host, quitted the castle. Dimas stood motionless, his eyes fixed on from the holy personages who were receding behind his view, till at last they disappeared out his the mountains. At length, stretching arms in the direction they had taken, he cried, with an indefinable feeling :— " O Thou, the fairest of the children of men, day and blessed above all, if Thou canst one remember me, let me hear a word of mercy, ^1 and be mindful of my hospitality!" Two-and-thirty years after, Christ on the Cross rewarded the charitable hospitaUty of day the good thief by these words: "This ! thou shalt be with Me in Paradise "

, Joseph.

I those words ? The sarcely four months

;th was failing, and XV.

IS Child should fall THE CARAVAN. aced Him again in with lAZA, a maritime city of the East, I received Him the precious gem of the Philis- 3 Holy Family, after tines, whose walls are perpetually id the castle. washed by the waves of the sea, IS, his eyes fixed on were receding from was, from time immemorial, the meeting-place disappeared behind of caravans trading with Egypt. Near this arrived one morning at h, stretching out his city the Holy Family

cried, dawn, after travelling for several days. The r had taken, he

• travellers J — suflferings endured by our Galilean 3 of men, during the journey were very severe. : the children Thou canst one day Their usual refuge during the day hours nercy, remember me, were lonely grottoes, gloomy caverns, damp 3pitaUty!" ravines, or wild woods. But if they had great dangers avoid, difficulties less after, Christ on the to they had no

of great to overcome. Joseph stopped by a syca- ritable hospitaUty I more tree, and, having assisted his spouse to e words: "This day] alight, placed her sitting the foot the Paradise 1 he at of 124 Legends of St. Joseph.

tree. Ho then freed the ass from its light burden, the little baggage that formed the sole patrimony of the Holy Family. Dimas had kept his word, for a little white lamb began to jump around Mary, who, with fond, motherly care, showed her Sou the robber's gift. "Mary," said Joseph, after finishing his work, " God has vouchsafed to guide and protect us to the borders of the desert. He will bring us forth safe and sound from amid the awful solitudes we are soon to traverse." " In God abideth all power ; from Him are

all that mortals admire of great and wonder-

ful," meekly replied the august Virgin. "Thy resignation doth comfo/t me much, Mary; but I am about to leave thee for a short space. We must sell a part of our

effects, so that the journey may be less pain-

ful. We are poor; but I hope we may still have the sum required to pay our passage

in the first caravan bound for Egypt." Thereupon Joseph, taking with him his op St. Joseph, 126 [•. Joseph. Legends

directed his steps towards the 3 ass from its light humble beast, that formed tho sole city of Gaza, whose walls arose some three imily. hundred paces from there. ord, for a little white Mary remained alone, with her Adorable ind Mary, who, with Son, sitting at the foot of tho sycamore. A ed her Sou the rob- tear moistened her eyelids. That tear was the Virgin's mute and sad farewell to the

after finishing hie peaceful animal which had done her such fed to guide and pro- good service during her journey, and with

the desert. He will which she was now parting for ever, since lOund from amid the her spouse was taking him to Oaza with the on to traverse." intention of selling him. Having wiped away her tears, she spread }ower ; from Him are of great and wonder- a skin on the smooth sward, and laid her Son lugust Virgin. upon it. Then she went to work to arrange palm-leaf the materials for their ti comfo/t me much, on a large to leave thee for a frugal repast, so that her spouse might find

sell a part of our it Teady on his return. not ley may be less pain- Intent on her occupations, Mary had of I hope we may still perceived that within a short distance the

to pay our passage tree that served her and hers as a shelter or md for Egypt." arose two Arab tents, around which ten laking with him his twelve dromedaries were lying. Neither had

«*^«ii»'*-"** 126 Lkoendb op St. Joheph. she roinaikod that Home men wero going to a neighboiiiiK fountain, unci filling largn leath- ern bottU'8, which thoy then caiufnily placed on the niched back of tlieir dionxjdavy. slig Amongst these men there wuk an Arab I advanc(!d in ycarH, and who appeared to bo the chief of all the others, for he gave them his

ical attention on the part of the Arab. At length the silent observer of the Virgin, with that peculiar motion of the head which indi- Joseph. fOfiEPH. Leoends of St. 127

after some moments on woro going to oates a resolution taken indecision, advanced towards the tree that filling largi! lonth- of shaded Jesus and Mary. tt cnvufnlly placed "Wonuvn, peace be with thee!" he said, r tlronuuliivy. slightly bending his head. sre wiiH an Arab propitious to appeared to bo "Arab, may Heaven be he gavo them his thee!" quietly answered the Virgin. " if question appear indis- ut taking any part Forgive nio, my

cre((t ; but, judging from thy features, I deem lis companions. h folded arms, by thee of Galilee." " Nazareth is home." far as the spring, my not thy Son Kkewiso born in that isted on the syca- "Was Virgin and her city, the flower of Galilee?" " was born." rab was disturbed, In Bethlehem of Juda He " thou art Mary, the blessed Mother ;ed in her a person Then then remained a whom Abraham's Angels saluted, and to whom the Eastern Kings did homage?" B still fixed on the " It was my Son to whom such honor Avas due." 1 on her Son, had " Pardon me if I ask yet another question. , the object of crit- For dost thou wait here, so far from of the Arab. At whom thine own land? Whither art thou journey- of the Virgin, with ing?" B head which indi-

?M.^«i-i iA^«ae«?,!jfifci^.'fl*i«»'iWiiJAV-«'j. :

128 Legends op St. Joseph.

to Egypt." " I await my spouse ; I am going "To Egypt!" cried the Arab, in surprise; but I see no camels, nor any guide to conduct thee!"

"God is great and merciful! Who may read His designs? I only know that I am going to Egypt." The mysterious words of Mary, the sweet and modest dignity of her accents, moved the aged Arab, who immediately replied " Favored woman, to whom kings pay their homage whilst thou abidest in a stable, thou

art preparing to enter into the immense deserts of Etham and Pharaam, on foot and without a guide. I venerate thee, although I cannot comprehend thee. Say to thy spouse, when he returns from the city, that Hassaf, the Arab whom he saw at the fountain of Bethlehem, sets out to-day for the City of journey the Sun, whence he will afterwards his to Alexandria, and that he offers him he accept, friendship and his camels ; should I await thee in my tent." ;

Legends of St. Joseph. 129 St. Joseph.

An hour after Joseph returned from Gaza, I am going to Egypt." and rejoined his spouse, his face sad and the Arab, in surprise; careworn. Mary received him with a smile, nor any guide to con- and asked him the cause of his dejection. " aileth thee, my dear husband?" she' merciful! Who may What sweetly said. only know that I am " We must make the journey alone, without a guide to show us the unknown way ds of Mary, the sweet through the desert, without a camel to short- her accents, moved the en, for us, the immense solitudes we have to [lately replied traverse." > whom kings pay their doth not forget His own," replied aidest in a stable, thou "God " the Virgin ; whilst thou wert seeking a car- ber into the immense would receive us for a small sum Pharaam, on foot and avan that of money, God sent us a charitable merchant, snerate thee, although I who offers to conduct us to Heliopolis." lee. Say to thy spouse, " God be praised ! " cried Joseph, joyfully. Q the city, that Hassaf, " Look I " resumed the Virgin. "Seest thou 3aw at the fountain of that old man who walks with folded arms, be- to-day for the City of fore his tents ? Well, that is the chief of the will afterwards journey caravan which is encamped near the ruins. that he offers him his He stts out to-day for the City of the Sun, mels ; should he accept, and he has offered to convey us thither." it."

<« «i<^»3teMM».*. r**»«ia6»**» 130 Legends of St. Joseph.

With a joyful heart Joseph went to meet the Arab, and the latter, with his rude frank- ness, offered him a camel for his wife and Son, without any remuneration. "Jew," said Hassaf, "I offer thee but one camel, because I have no more to spare. All those that thou seest lying around belong to me, but they are all hired out to merchants of Gaza bound for HeliopoUs, Cairo, or Alexan-

dria. It grieves me, therefore, that thou must make the journey on foot with my servants."

" It matters Uttle about me," said Joseph,

joyfully, "if only my wife and Son journey without fatigue." The patriarch forgot the grievous troubles that awaited him in the desert. Mary and Jesus had a camel for the jom-ney — that was his sole desire. He at once loaded the camel

lent him by the Arab with his few effects, amongst which were his carpenter's tools;

for, in Egypt, he was to have no other means

of support than that which gave him and Joseph. Legends op St. Joseph. 131

3ph went to meet his a living at Nazareth, the labor of his th his rude frank- hands. little while and all was ready. The traders r bis wife and Son, A from Gaza joined others from Egypt, and his tents taken up, gave offer thee but one Hassaf, having had aore to spare. All the signal for departure. around belong to ;

)ut to merchants of i, Cairo, or Alexan- srefore, that thou

I foot with my ser-

me," said Joseph,

) and Son journey

e grievous troubles desert. Mary and jom-ney — that was se loaded the camel ith his few effects, carpenter's tools; ave no other means lich gave him and

, vWiSuflhikftlW*^"'' «!i-*^S«**«^ XVI. THE DESERT.

Gaza, the lAVING left tlie suV-mbs of caravan took the way to Matarah, camels' and, some hours after, the feotwere treacling the barren fields stretched before the eyes of Syria. Then lay boundless plains they had of the travellers the to the distant horizon to cross. Far away a scorch- and sand ; nothing was seen but sky of a fiery furnace, ing wind, like the breath produced a stifling heat. his breast, The Arab, crossing his arms on dromedary's back, closed and his feet on his as though seeking to his eyes and meditated, of space. That lose sight of the immensity those sohtudes as child of the desert regards strong as his imagi- his country. His body is the perils to which nation is fanciful; he knows !

Legends of St. Joseph. 133

bears he iri exposed, and, nevertheless, he them with the courage of a child of nature. Bnt the tender Virgin, the delicate flower of

Galilee, what must she not liave suffered dur-

ing that first journey? What must have been her anxiety for her beloved Son whom she

bore in her arms ? How long those first hours iV.ui'bs of Gaza, the must have seemod to her maternal heart .e way to Matarah, MeanAvhile, the intense heat of the fiery sun 3 after, the camels' inflamed the atmosphere, and numerous flies ig the barren fields annoyed the little Infant Jesus, whilst He ed before the eyes slept in His Mother's arms. Forgetting her ess plains they had fatigues and sufferings, to think only of those le distant horizon of her Divine Son, and unable to keep off that nd sand ; a scorch- swarm of troublesome flies, Mary raised her of a fiery furnace, eyes to heaven and breathed a fervent prayer. At that moment, the Infant God awoke, and irms on his breast, gave His Mother one of those divine looks idary's back, closed that made her forget all her pains and toils.

} though seeking to He then stretched forth His little hands. Im- ity of space. That mediately the flies were changed into little 3 those sohtudes as birds with sparkluig wings of the richest hues. strong as his imagi- And this bright-winged flock, flying joyously rs the perils to which 12

t'.vK'^;^^ ,.tBcs#T»w*'4*>s*«*«:i;;**-»«.vi 134 Legends op St. Joseph. around the Holy Family, charmed them by the splendor of their plumage, and the merry music of their warbling notes. Night came on, and the intolerable heat of the burning sun at length ceased. The moon's silvery disc shone bright over those imposing solitudes, and the Arabs came to a halt. dri- The merchants put up their tents ; the vers unloaded the camels, and, having fastened them in a cirolo to stakes driven far down into the sand, they silently commenced their modest supper, composed of dates and dried wheaten cakes. The Holy Family spread upon the sand a palm-tree cloth, which was to be their only couch. Their only tent was the starry dome of heaven glittering far above their heads. Poor, deserted, more destitute than the lowest servants of the caravan, they were offering to God the prayer of their hearts, when the old Arab, who had been their protector since their leaving Gaza, approached them with a cup in his hand. Legends op St. Joseph. 135 Joseph.

" he to Mary, " the Arab in* charmed them by Galilean," said the desert is sober through necessity, but ho ige, and the merry loves children, respects mothers, and is hos- 3S. daily pitable. Take this ; it is a share of my intolerable heat of allowance of camel's milk. To-morrow I may eased. The moon's not be able to offer thee a single drop of (ver those imposing water." me to a halt. And without waiting for thanks, the Arab ;heir tents ; the dri- his companions. Mary accepted md, having fastened went to rejoin the old man's delicate offer, penetrated with Jriven far down into gratitude for his generosity. namenced their mo- All that night the Galilean Virgin could not if dates and dried close her eyes. The vicinity of hungry and ferocious beasts filled her heart with ceaseless id upon the sand a terror; their savage cries, their constant howl- IS to be their only for ing, reached her ears, and made her fear vas the starry dome the safety of her adorable Son. above their heads, How many bitter pains and troubles, what tute than the lowest anguish of mind and body must the Holy hey were offering to Family have suffered during that long and learts, when the old perilous crossing of the desert, with the heat protector since their of a fiery sun, the scorchipg gusts of wind, I them with a cup in and the cruel deception of the mirage, show-

H « -"«»r« «S=^-. » trf*aVi»»<* 136 Legends op St. Joseph.

ing them in the distance a lake suiTonnded by fresh shade, ever receding, and vanishing sustained our Hi)ly Trav- at List ! Faith alone

ellers under the trials and privations of that long journey. At length, after much suffering and fatigue, the Holy Family perceived afar off the plains Pyramids of Giseh, amid which arose the

like vast giants. Danger had disappeared. Heliopolis, the its City of the Sun, with its graceful obelisks, of tapering minarets, and the steel cupolas sight. its pagan temples, was in the After a short rest, the caravan entered passed under city. Wlien the Holy Travellers gate of the granite arches of the principal tem- Heliopolis, all the idols of a neighboring saluting, from their ple fell flat on the ground, profane pedestals, the true and only God, who came, a fugitive, to seek hospitaUty from the idolatrous Egyptians. Meanwhile, the J)ivine Travellers avoided must the populous Heliopolis, where living

h - Legends of St. Joseph. 137 38EPH.

be too dear, and continued their journey to lake suiToiinded Matarieh, a charming little village in that g, and vanishiug vicinity, which possesses the only fountain d our Holy Tiav- of fresh water that there is in Egpyt. The jiivationa of that Galilean fugitives stopped some two hundred paces from the village. A shady sycamore ring and fatigue, served them as a tent during that first night far off the plains in Egypt. 36 the Pyramids Some hours after, the Holy Family were lodged in an humble cottage, which they owed Heliopolis, the to the charity of a colony of Jews who had iceful obelisks, its settled m that country some years before, and steel cupolas of there the virtuous Gahlean and her worthy ;ht. . - Spouse breathed in peace, far from the ter- ravan entered the rible Herod, the inhuman persecutor of the Uers passed under Infant Jesus. principal gate of tem- I, neighboring aluting, from their e and only God, ik hospitality from

Travellers avoided where living must

^r.',. w.-mtt-?. »* --^-- XVII. THE BET URN TO- NAZARETH. the BET us transport ourselves to thought, age of Augustus, and, in pic- passing over time and space, 0C( val- ture to ourselves the fertile ley of the Nile. setting sun were gild- The last rays of the the Egyptian village ing with their faint light eastei-n extremity of of Matarieh. At the roup from the small p the village, and not far is composed, a little of houses of which it be seen. Some straw -roofed cottage may sycamore spreads paces from its lowly door, a as though it would shelter its leafy branches, beneath its protecting that poor dove's nest shade. serene look, A young woman, with a calm, and affable exterior, a chaste brow, a mild "

Legends of St. Joseph. 189

of that tree. Her cos- is Heated at the foot confined tume consisted of a woolen tunic, girdle, and a short linen at the waist by a in fabricating that veil. She was engaged by the daughters Syrian lace so much sought time to time she raises her UZARETH. of Israel. From a glance towards eyes from her work, casts ourselves to the as if expecting the village, pauses a moment, in thought, ?, and, resumes her some one, and then, with a sigh, ne and space, pic- occupation. vai- es the fertile receding be- The light of day was already and still the young fore the shades of night, ling sun were gild- evening woman continues her work. The village le Egyptian the branches breeze begins to sigh through extremity of stern small birds sing fare- above her head ; the small proup m the the bloating flocks well to the departing sun ; composed, a little mountains come down from the neighboring be seen. Some 'J nigl^ingales usher in to their fold, and the spreads a sycamore song. the night by their melodious igh it would shelter The young woman looks once more towards leath its protecting smile is on her rosy Ups. Matarieh ; a loving "they "Ahl" she exclaims in a joyous tone, look, 1 calm, serene ! come, at last nd affable exterior, 140 Legends of St. Jobeph.

And graceful us tho young pnlm-tree ol she rises Yemen, Htately hh Quoou Esther, Cluld up and moveff towards tho villaRo. A a vouorablo old of Hix or seven years and which leads man are coming along the path carries a heavy to the cottage. The old man of wood. The axe, tho Child a little bundle youDg woman goes to meet them, and they \WUi. cordially salute each other. and Thou die takes the Child by tho hand The old takes Him towards the cottage. man, who follows them, raises his eyes to countenance heaven, and on his venerable emotions of his heart. is depicted the sweet tunic The lovely Child is clad in a simple falls gracefully on of a dark color ; His hair radiant His shoulders, and His glauco is as set within as the day. A small deal table is but peace the cottage. The repast is frugal, humble roof. and love dweU beneath that a patri- The old man blesses the table with begun. archal air, and the meal is "How thou workest, Joseph!" says the IjEoends op St. Joseph. 141 )8ErH.

young woium, pliioing a dinh of herbs before ng palm-tree of the patriarch. isthor, hUo rises " Lot us blcHS God, who wills it ho, Miiry," nllftRo. A Cliild " troubles me most is rt'plit^H Joseph ; what a vonerablo old this tender Child." n\i\\ which leads "Work never tires mo; I am happy in u carries a heavy Klmriiig your poverty," says the Child in His e of wood. The has a sweet echo that Uun ; and His voice them, and they penetrates the very sonl. "Son of my heart!" cries Mary, fondly by the hand and kissing His forehead, " the bread of exile is attage. The old of bitter. O Thou, soul of my soul, light my UHfis his eyes to Jehovah, life, sacred deposit given me by able countenance Thou, fair Child, who hast ou Thy brow the ons of his heart, majesty of Israel's kings, on Thy mouth the in a simple tunio smile of Angels, and in Thy look the splendor [alls gracefully on of the invisible God of Moses, Thou endurest mco is as radiant the hardship of our poverty without a mur- table is set within mur of complaint escaping Thy lips!" but peace I frugal, " Mother," gravely replies the Child, " God, khat humble roof, my Father, so ordained it. Let us adore His table with a patri- decrees, and await the hour fixed in His eter-

) begun, nal designs." oseph!" says the OF St.Joseph. 142 toEBM

&"«"<* '"^^ The Holy ^w7h^™g

the hym Jerusalem, and sang

chamber-, Jesus v™ . , I rest..I in Vrlie" littleu> tired to .„j patriarch mats, an* '""the I"" 1 HU bed ol pared His ^^^j limbs on in gtrotched Ms »eary

-"«"'" the '"'""ntn t«o, then three; the cabin were ^"^°"\P"rl"':;^UMnand all wt „igUt »as dark ;rbtrsectroirandsnpernat„. r.rr'c:me:or.r:rr,r

. rj»--"'-rrro:ratr

mien las man of majestic fair-haired young obewaswhiteasthatofthevir^sofSuiu and a ray on his bro«, a star glittered his azure eyes. light shone in dirine vath messenger moves . The heavenly

..,.»—.,.—»> :

Legends of St. Joseph. 143 3t. Joseph.

the cabin; the door stately step towards finislied their tiaving approaching the pa- towards opens before him, and, dr tearful eyes thanksgiv- triarch, he says le hy^n of the chosen envoy of the Then Joseph "I am Gabriel, prayer. Joseph, to arise, Lord. I come to tell thee, dwelling; Mary re- jir and His Mother, and return Jesus pre- take the Child le chamber; for they are dead who patriarch to the land of Israel; ,ats, and the sought the Child's Ufe." the straw that ,mbs on bowed his Having ceased to speak, Gabriel a. and remained beauteous head on his bosom, entwo,then three; the humble posture. Then were some moments in that within the cabin aU around, he left the might the cloud wrapping him just. Then i the in the air. dwellings of men and disappeared and supernatural cdrous to Mary Joseph arose and communicated shining as the iite and messenger. The the orders of the celestial from heaven, and ,e down quitted the hospit- that following day the exiles branches of the tree ra- able village of Matarieh. The sides of that a there came forth , and mien; his Ian of majestic of Sion; hat of the virgins and a ray o! I his brow, n his azure eyes. with a messenger moves XVIII. THE HAWTHORN BUSH-

IT the entraiuce of the desert, Jo- seph's brow darkened, and Mary's

eyes filled with tears. But Jesus encouraged them with a look. way Ihrough Our travellers journeyed a long yellow sand, with- those immense wastes of grass^without out tree, or bush, or blade of. of the sun even a drop of dew. The rays they made the were so hot and glaring that gold. The yellow sands burn and shine like from Holy Virgin and St. Joseph suffered resigned hunger and from heat; but they and, themselves through love for their Child, prayed instead of full of confidence, they murmuring. refused to All at once the ass stopped and the des- go on; they were about midway in

s,5:»EW:*ae*^^"'"' :

Legends op St. Joseph. 145

ert and in the heat of the day. St. Joseph looked anxiously at the Virgin, who was tenderly regarding her Son. " My Child," said Mary, " what wilt Thou that we do?" Jesus answered by a sweet 7 BUSH.. smile and stretched out His hand. Then the i the desert, Jo- travellers beheld, only a few paces from them, kened, and Mary's a little stunted withered bush, which they tears. But Jesus had not before observed. n with a look, St. Joseph assisted the Holy Virgin to iloog waylhrough alight, and Mary spread her cloak under the jrellow sand, with- bush, so that her Divine Son might rest. But grass^-without in ^ad of the poor of. behold ! when they arose,

sun it, haw- 5 rays of the withered shrub, they saw ense iiat they made the thorn bush, covered with .c.,y, fragiant gold. The a verdant ne Uke flowers ; in its shade had sprung up eph suffered from sward, from amid which flowed a crystal but they resigned spring, and, whilst they were thanking God, or their Child, and, legions of Angels, with white robes and gold- prayed instead of en wings, came, bearing delicious fruits to reUeve their hunger and thirst. And white. aped and refused to Joseph and the Holy Virgin marveled at this midway in the des- prodigy, the Child-God said to His Mother 18

.-..J_

....VS^JV-Sfl-^"^ OS St. toraH. 146 Leobsm

this ..My Mother, even a. ^i<-^^f ^^shril «.aer th, »hite ve.l, so h»th blossomed court dl those souls^ho for my eieroa. bLm a pkdge ia thy heart. As .hall seek a shelter »ai that th» bush, ".this promise, it is my aagels shall ea^^ seeds o. whieh my L blossom ever mo^ teoughoat the earth, may that *all >« " hereafter in the month '*^ flo«r, to thee, and its times consecrated men regenerated by .dom the altars ..herever image. And now. „y Wood shall place thine my Heavenly Father sends J ns go whither word may be Mailed. w so that His took up her now Then the Blessed Virgto the Child Jesus h^ perfumed clo^ whereon whilst *e travellers wn Lken His rest ; and the the land of Israel, on their way towards blessed the branches of the Angels, dividmg parts of the to the several tree, carried them praises of God. world, singing the after, our traveUers At sunset, three days Egypt. The, had now cached the conSnes of of to enter the land only to cross Idomea

• t^M^mJimVi.^ ^si9*i •srst'-- S.r5«W«BtKStS5E«'*«»!WfSfi.r^ Legends of St. Joseph. 147 BEPH.

Joseph remarked with surprise that withered shrub Juda. the great wastes of sand seemed to disappear lite veil, so shall their feet. It was a miracle of Divine those souls who beneath pledge power. irt. As ft and Joseph regarded with worshipping that this bush, Mary love the Divine Child who was, in His turn, tels shall carry guide through the desert. lossom ever more their ihall be in future and its flowers m regenerated by mage. And now, enly Father sends

, fulfilled." took up her now had le Child Jesus the travellers went land of Israel, the hes of the blessed everal parts of the

)f God. after, our travellers ypt. They had now the land of , enter XIX. Dim THE SECOND MEETING.

just set IEANWHILE, the sun had out our Holy behind the horizon, and live refuge «) Travellers had to seek a saw a cavern for the night. They fatig a Jesus entered first, and T] a little way off. on its gloomy interior. grou mysterious light shone than their poor gar- Fane There, without other bed on the bare stone, repo ments, their -heads resting took their rest. (t I the Holy Travellers presented them- About midnight, two men paui one of them the cave : settl selves at the mouth of from the land of came from Egypt, the other

Juda. . tone of m- " Dimas?" said the former, in a

quiry. " Gestas ! " rejoined the other. thou seest." " I have been punctual,

x»ssv»ss^^si t*s^^aBiwaf=*«®«'W*^**'»*'^**'*''** liEaENDs OF St. Joseph. U9

"And I no less so." "Shall we go in?" The other assented, and both entered the cavern.

"Wilt thou that we strike a light?" asked

^TING. Dimas. " Wherefore ? We can speak together with- set lun had just out that; we are birds of night, destined to Holy >n, aud our live in darkness." a refuge " seek Thou savest well. Let us sit down ; I am iiey saw a cavern fatigued." ived first, and a The two men seated themselves on the interior, 1 gloomy ground. Whilst they conversed thus, the Holy ku their poor gar- Family continued to enjoy the sweets of calm stone, 1 the bare repose.

,r rest. " Thy messenger," said Dimas, after a short them- presented pause, " informed me that it is thy pui'pose to them ave : one of settle in Samaria with thy people." of from the land " Yes," answered Gestas, " the desert is lit-

tle frequented, and my soldiers, attracted by of in- ir, in a tone the hope of booty, are tu-ed of waiting whole days in vain, under the scorching sun, in the ther. deserts of Etham and Paraham. They want aou seest." —

Joseph. 150 Legends of St.

thou art the Samaria ; as me to lead them into I would fain know chief of these mountains, hospitality, or. ra- whether thou wilt give us us allow thy castle to serve ther, if thou wilt share our booty with as a refuge, and we will thee as good friends." to him "I have never refused hospitality door. There is my who asked it at my hand." out to him, say- Gestas shook the hand held

ing: "It is, then, agreed?" come when thou "Even so. Thou mayst have no arms against Ge wilt; my soldiers shall ] thine." " Ge " The treaty is made ? pie " I never break my word." was heard i va oul At these words, a deep sigh Gestas put his hu^d < the depth of the cavern. his knife, and said in a low del to his belt to seize

voice : " There is some one here." answered Dimas. * " I believe there is," « a light." tui "Wait ; let us strike

^**«»a&s«s^^iM*©*E*4««ai""^ "

8EPH. Leoends of St. Joseph. 151

art the Gestas drew forth a sulphurated cord which ; a3 thou voulcl fain know he carried rolled up in his belt, and, going out

)8pitality, or, ra- of the cavern, he sought two stones, which he istle to serve us rubbed hard together, till the cord took fire,

5 our booty with shedding a yellowish light and a suffocating smell. jspitality to him Provided with this torch he entered the

is my cave, both commenced their search. . There and Di-

mas was the first who saw the Holy Travel- d out to him, say- lers asleep, and he started as though he had recognized them. come when thou "Ha! there is ah unexpected chance!" said against Gestas. moving towards them. 5 no arms Dimas seized him by the arm. " Hark thee, Gestas," said he, " looking at these poor peo-

ple, I felt my heart beating as if it would go gh was heard 1 m out of my breast." " ! lestas put his hu^d Bah " said Gestas, shrugging his shoul- said in a low ders. , and

" I tell thee truly 1 " " Well ! what would'st thou ?

* " ivered Dimas. That we respect the sleep of these unfor- ght; tunates."

i^g^<«i«fc(i»tii*!«ii»*«a*<^ " "

St. Joseph. 162 Legends op

opportunity to "I allow no such favorable will do the same by escape me. The Eomans me when they catch me." thee what is dearest to « I beseech thee, by their sleep." in the world, respect world is money. » What I love most in this and I give thee "Well! touch them not, twenty drachms." ! " It is very little thee this copper girdle, "I will further give and this Damascus knife." Dimas, see- Gestas examined the objects. added :— ing him hesitate, -i * mine oflfer, I swear "If thou wilt not accept people ! I will defend these These reasons decided Gestas. " I agree," said he. the articles Dimas gave him the money and heard a voice from specified. Just then was :— within the cave, saying with me: "Dimas! Gestas! you shaU die the other on my left/' one on my right hand, be fulfiUed. These words were, one day, to :

>8EFH. LEiKNDs OF St. Joseph. 153

e opportunity to Let us transport ourselves, in thought, of Golgotha, 1 do the same by twenty-five years later, to the top at the solemn moment when Jesus consum- rob- L8 dearest to thee mated His sacrifice on the cross. Two

;ep. bers were fastened on either side of Him. world is money." One, hardened in crime, joined his insults to and I give thee those of the multitude: it was Gostas, the merciless robber; the other, to the right of

Jesus, testified his faith and his repentance, the words ihis copper girdle, and had the happiness of hearing " To-day thou shalt be with me in Paradise." ects, Dimas, see- It was Dimas, who, in the flight into Egypt, had saved the Infant God from the dagger of mine offer, I swear lis comrades. II But let us return to our Holy Travellers, estas. whom we left near the mountain of Thabord. Their eyes had already caught sight of the ley and the articles verdant plains of Nazareth. Who could tell heard a voice from their happiness ? The time of exile was ended, their fatigue forgotten. They entered the town

of all the shall die with me: of Nazareth, amid the feUcitations other on my left." inhabitants, who hastened to testify their joy return. lay, to be fulfilled. at this unlooked-for IH Legends of St. Joseph. ft doar abode Joseph and Mary found thoir in profound pence, again. Thoy dwelt there day, in ago, in Boeing JcHUS grow from day to marked out wisdom, and in grace, till the time Gospel. for the preaching of the Holy

Thoi

In Ami

Hen El Tl

A m

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OHEPH.

their tloar abode peiico, I prof«)uml to clay, in ago, in

3 time marked out XX. y Gospel. OLD-TIMI<: WINDOWS.

OW I lovo tho old MisHals, with pictures

so (|iiiiint,

And tlic simple designs of tlio windows

tif old,

They quicken my heart, and I pause to behold

The artlesH portrayal of Martyr and Saint.

Though stiff the position, and dry each detail,

The coloring harsh, and too slender the fiorra,

In the eyes beams a tender light, mystical, warm,

And faith, hope, and love in each aspect prevail.

Here the aged man is crowu'd with a halo of light,

' Erect, rapt in spirit, and with clasped hands. The Virgin bows down, and Our Lord smiling

stands,

A martyr kneels here, there an Archangel bright. ——

of St. Joseph. 156 Legends

gold them in tunics of How I love to behold of the soft living hgh^ hoods, as it were, With and soul seen, all radmnt Through their face is the bright old 1 fair visions of Once more we look on ye,

and Ruth. " Jesse," near Booz Here the Sucker of the Magi behold- Here Judas, his soldiers, mark, heart proud Our Lord, 'neath His cross,

and cold ; _ sooth. Egypt most charms me, m But the FUght into

'neath a fiery sun. Slowly paces the ass along. hand, praying, journeys The spouse, staff in patient and strong. Leading the animal, One. down on her fair sleepmg While the Virgin smiles

thine Babe, closely clasp'd in Young Mother, that

arms. , of the thou fearest the length 'Tis for Him that way ray- and the sun's scorchmg The hunger, the thirst, alarms 1 thou feclest a thousand Tis for Him that ! —— —

Legends op St. Joseph. 157 St. Joseph.

What fearest thou. Virgin ? Though eastvirard be- tunics of gold, m in low the soft living light— of vainly furaetli, at bay A fierce, cruel king ; radiant and soul seen, all le And, though Egypt be far in the blue mist away,

The Lord is still with thee. His power to show. old I fair visions of dry. Everywhere the bare plain : to the horizon " near Booz and Ruth, Be Nought, nought but the, desert's dread sameness ifl the Magi behold— rs, seen ; mark, heart proud , cross, No tree intercepts, in its foliage green.

The fierce rays that fall from a tropical sky. in sooth. ^pt most charms me, takes delight, The fair, spotless Child, in whom God Heaves a sigh in His infantile slumber, and 11. wakes, a fiery sun, sath green meadows hasten 1 those fields, those along, But, hand, praying, journeys and lakes, patient and strong, waste-weary sight 1 One. Illusions too fair of the on her fair sleeping 1 down

sand flies in the air The ground, it is smoking ; thine closely clasp'd in Babe, before and behind The steaming waste stretching ; Like the dreadful simoom is the breath of the of the thou fearest the length wind Mother For her Infant sore grieved is that young scorching ray— st, and the sun's fair. thousand alarms a feclest a U

S.:^i,«W«.:i*«K.«ia»»K»:sW8»iaS-««*S=«»'> ——!

168 Legends of St. Joseph.

accent of woe : She says to her spouse, with an

the Child ! " Oh, had we but water and shade for in this desert so We must sinlc 'neath our pains

wild. comfort bestow." If Our Merciful Lord will not

of thy prayer 1 O Virgin, the Lord hears the voice plumy and green ! A tree is before thee, all faint sound where its shadow is And hark 1 that seen

on the air ! Tis the trickling of water that sounds

strange to tree, all laden with fruit— Lo 1 a palm

tell! fresh, and And a blue, limpid spring, looking cool, In bright because oP But the fruits—who can reach them,

their height. Or draw the cool water from out of the well ?

behold 1 The sweet Jesus opens His eyes, and,

relief ' O travellers blessed, ye find some ; « of wonders the The tree bends its branches —

chief

and cold ! And the water uprises, clear, sparkling, ; ! ;

Legends op St. Joseph. 169 . Joseph.

Behold, now the wayfarers sit in the shade, n accent of woe : ass browzes near on the fresh, new-sprung ! The i shade for the Child grass; pains in this desert so Fear is gone, and the Angels pass and repass,

In attendance on Jesus and the fair Mother-maid. ; comfort bestow."

But a drop of the water the Babe Divine drank, voice of thy prayer 1 fruit he was eating — both fell to the umy and greeu And a ground. ind where its shadow is When the fresh herbage, upspringing around, Made that resting-place sacred — a green, flow'ry it sounds on the air !

' bank 1 with fruit—strange to m. looking cool, fresh, and In those days lived, in hope of the Saviour to come. reach them, because of* Whose reign was to bring back the glories of old, A man who expected, ere yet he went home. I out of the well ? That promised Redeemer his eyes might behold. yes, and, behold 1 A leper he was, and his plague-stricken form id some relief Was an object of fear and disgust unto all nches — of wonders the He wander'd alone through the sunshine and storm, All calm and resign'd ta whate'er might befall. I •, sparkling, and cold

.,camtiimjimtcMfi'<-aifiitisxa!>i'V naii^ieanaiiiiBW »!>"•«•«'' ; ;

160 Legends of St. Joseph.

The shade was his shelter. Yet, shunn'd and ab-

horr'd, kiud, loving heart For all creatures he still had a He was merciful, e'en as the Merciful Lord, impart. To the sufFring he fain would some comfort

" The One who hath come may look kindly on me," shepherds had Was oft-times his thought ; for the

told How the Angels came down, Christ's glad heralds to be. And the Wonderful Infant their eyes did behold.

from He himself had once seen the good Kings

afar, Who came with rich presents to lay at His

feet

they journey'd, ler. on by a star, . To whose presence That Babe of the Grotto, so fai- and so sweet.

When wakeful one night, in the depth of his woe, He saw — as God will'd it, to cheer his lone heartr^— When warn'd by the Angel to Egypt to go, ..'-* depart. The three Holy Travellers sadly : ; —"

Legends ot St. Joseph. 161

, Joseph.

aspect so I" he, "conld I see but that ' "Ah thought 1 Yet, shunn'd and ab- \ mildl

Might I touch but His garment, my woes would J a kiud, loving heart soon cease 1 Lord, lerciful and While I breathe the same air with that Mother id some comfort impart. Child,

1 can live upon hope, I can journey in peace y look kindly on me," I

for the shepherds had •'id

If I follow wherever the Infant may go, : hear mercy, perchance He may ; I, Christ's glad heralds Beseeching His

He may listen with pity, j^nd mercy bestow. birth-place so their eyes did behold, Who was laid upon straw in a

drear I" . • , . ii the good Kings from

Far away, far away through the mists of the dawn. lay at His resents to Was a motionless speck on the horizon dim,

From it were the leper's eyes never withdrawn, ler. on by a star, ley'd, 'Twas the Virgin and Joseph, and the ass that bore so fai' and so sweet. Him I .... _ . .;. .:,; ,,-1 the depth of his woe, day On the promise divine and the long-promised i it, to cheer his lono Of the coming Messiah, he ponder'd and pray'd,—

sweet, soothing hope, chasing sadness away, *. to Egypt to go, * A Still onward he went, of no danger afraid. ' f.K 1 sadly depart. : ;"!

Joseph. 162 Lkqends of St.

Travellers blest, While he saw in the distance the fresh ardor to go The sight cheer'd him on with eyes could but rest But they vanish'd at last, and his and low. On the dreary horizon, so level

him round, Already the desert was circling

him with dread ; Its gloomy immensity fill'd | life-speaking sound, He listened in vain for one halls of the dead. AH was silent and lone as the

began to endure, Then the torment of thirst he throat parch'd and His limbs they were failing, his dry " of mercy I'm sure,— " Saviour ! " he cried, Thy Thee,—wretched am 1 1 I love Thee, I hope in

with fever's wild pain, What sees he? though burning spring and a stately palm-tree He runs—lo ! a vain,— sweet succor to him comes in But alas 1 the he only can see ! The high fruit and low water

in sUence awaits He falls by the well, and myst'ry sublime t— The death he feels coming—O the earth a ftesh air animates As it were from strength of his prime I His Umbs with the vigor and ; ;——"! — ——— "

of St. Joseph. 163 Joseph. Legends

All fainting he came to that thrice-hallow'd place, e Travellers blest, Where Thou, Divine Infant, had'st tarried a while I 1 fresh ardor to go

grace. A 1 rest And purified, now, as by baptismal lis eyes could but bright The leper goes forth with glad heart and el and low, , smile. IT. him round, Months had pass'd. In a Judean village away, im with dread A matron stood list'ning at close of the day, i?peaking sound, To the tale that a dust-cover'd traveller told e halls of the dead. 'Twus the leper and holy Elizabeth old !

)egan to endure, He spoke of the long-promised Christ, who was born parch'd and his throat Of Mary, at Bethlehem, poor and forlorn, These things did the Saint in her deep heart record, I'm sure, " Lord ! 'hy mercy And she cried, in an ecstasy, Praise to the 1 wretched am 1 - ) ^ — r.

pain, g with fever's wild O windows of the olden days, a stately palm-treo What hallow'd legends ye recall, in vain, dreamily I stand and gaze I him comes While

fall. er he only can see ! Where your bright-tinted shadows

In the deep arch's shade I stand. ilence awaits Leaning against a column high, -O myst'ry sublime t Musing on your old pictures grand, tesh air animates While hours roll all unheeded by ! id strength of his prime I

-,.««-i*'-^ ! .

Joseph. 164 Legends of St.

Saints of old, I ponder'd on those gave forth his rays, When lo ! the sun gold And pour'd a Bood of radiant days From oat those forms of other

ye ever to my soul 1 Ah 1 speak flame .'A Enkindle in my heart the goal— "'A That gvudes us to our heavenly proclaim Ye works which lively faith I

own. When our belief we scarce dare glow, On When faith has lost its ancient pride are shown, When man's frail works with

below 1 And earthly hopes rule here

remains An Tells us, eloquent by, Of pious ages long gone ,. ,, ,. Ai What prodigies earth yet retains

cannot die ! Of faith-taught art that ,

And now, when in discussions vain,

:i Our modern Babel strives, : ; of heavenly things agam, Oh ! speak Of old-time hallow'd lives 1 :i — — !

Joseph.

' ' of old, • forth his rays, ant gold

other days 1 r XXI.

soul 1 THE SNAKE. le flame - JIHAT long caravan through the desert ?euly goal plods on, raith proclaim I All Heaven looking down with a

wond'ring delight ? 1:1 B dare own, would say 'twas a beam o'er the bleak sands that ancient glow, One shone, irith pride are shown, And the hosts of the Angels are round it in might 5 here below I

I delicate child, lins An old man, a young woman, a to look on His face So fair that it charms one ; leby, , , •> Eastern women, whose eyes, dark and wild. b retains And

veil'd by their tears with a sorrowful grace ! it cannot die t , j- Are ssions vain, And children, with glad, sun-brown'd faces, are there, " • '«;' life's chilling fears 'ives, I Unshadow'd by grief, or by ; things agam, >; They chase the bright butterflies, pluck flow'rets rare. sorrows, *[ lives! , -\k And sport as though earth had nor nor

tears.

-f-. ^} " :

166 Legends of St. Joseph.

Then round the fair Infant they come iA their glee,

To offer Him flowers, the fairest of all,

Their frolicRorae play, all so blithesome and free, laugh RonsinR flocks of bright birdlings, with loud

and call.

heart And the women all said, in their sadness of " leave ub, in far climes to Ah ! must ye, then,

roam ?

Though the great God of Israel bids ye depart, O Mary and Joseph, again will ye come ?

known, "That thrice-holy God whom to us ye made this sorrowful day Doth punish us now, on ;

too little kindness we've shown, Ah 1 it may be that That we did not do more to make happy your

stay !

But she who by Mary s sweet name they address'd, Look'd upward and pointed to Heaven's blue dome, the west,— And said, in a voice like soft winds from home!" " We shall meet once again in our only true : —

Leqends of St. Joseph. 167 Joseph.

loud cries But hark I what come iA their glee, Are heard close at hand, •est of oil, That, in wildest surprise, ;he8omc and free, Tlic poor mothers all stand ? llings, with loud laagh With the echoes' lament And the wind's hollow moan, The sad cry, now blent,

O'er the desert is sent ir sadness of heart In a faint dying groan ! e UB, in far climes to the mothers all run, To their woll-beloved children i[l eyes: sight meets their fear-stricken il bids ye depart, A heart-rending ones, terrified, shmi will ye come ? All the late-smiling little

lies I A playmate, who, pale and inanimate to us ye made known, like a ring a black snake is seen coil'd, Round his head ;^

I sorrowful day bloom 1 ; the child's smiling Its poison has blighted kindness we've shown, dart struck, on the wing, Like the bird by the fatal your ! to make happy cold in the tomb I nic sweet victim Ues as though

he holds the bright garlands U his hands he still Ml name they address'd, twined, grace in their beauty and ; The flo\f ers yet fresh i to Heaven's blue dome, wreaths bhid the Indians with floral winds from the west, Like the children tomb of their race. Ere they're laid in the serial I in our only true home!" ! "

Joseph. 168 Leqbndb op St.

Mnry Ih there 1 • »ut Hcart-rciiding tho Hccno i«. . .

ChiUl iit her knee She whispers a word to the ; advances to where Ami the Hwect Jesus, sinihnK, of sorrow to see ! Tlie dead infant lies-si«ht

and quickly unwinds The snake feels His presence, drooping head His murderous folds from the fair ; The Master of Nature uU plainly he finds to raise np tho dead. In the Child who approaches

" causcst such woe, " reptile 1 " said Jesus, who this infant to kill? Say, who hath cmpower'd thee that thou thereby may'st For this deed thou shalt die, know

Almighty Will I The justice and power of the

ground, O wonder !—tho vile reptile rolls on tho agonized pain,— And dies, on the instant, in the rose-tints soon And the child I—on his cheek are found

agaip I He opens his eyes, and is smiling

he speaks, And kneeling before the Child Jesus, his voice :— The spirit of prophecy guiding —— " —

of St. Johepii. 169 Joseph. Legends

" honor'd be Thou whom the weary sonl Mary is there ! Prals'd and . But

litT knco seeks, MM ivt ; the guilty, makest sad ones rejoice ! iilvancoH to where Thou judgest f sorrow to see ! on this 'The snake's deadly sting Thou hust heal'd nd quickly unwinds day, shalt save from a more cruel lieiul But one day Thou I! fair drooping ; doom ily he finds wonderful way. dead. The condemn'd race of man, in a a to raise np the sleep of the And raise all the dead from the

causcat such woe, tombP liee this infant to kill ? iiat thou thereby may'st

! e Almighty Will

oils on the ground,

1 agonized poin, k are the rose-tints soon

miling agaiu I d Jesus, he speaks, X.i : ling his voice *: 15

ii XXII. THE PANTHER. •

[HE scene of the favor here to be related, and the place where it was asked, are very far apart. The prayer was offered up in favor was France, and— in Cochin China the of leaguec obtained. But what are thousands Joseph acted, to the Saints? Om' great St. with greater de- in this case, very promptly— operator. It spatch thaii even the telegraph telegraphy Uke prayer, is that there is no to which ascends in a moment from earth graces. heaven, and bringf down celestial

Here is the story:-- expedition to Cochin It was during the last ot French troops lay encamped China ; a body 1 for some days I on the outskirts of a forest, and had dis- men, having rashly ventured too far,

I- Legends of St. Joseph. 171

appeared. The footprints of a wild beast had been seen iu the vicinity of the camp, and it was suspected that the unfortunate men had been devomed. A courageous young soldier resolved to prevent the recurrence of such

PANTHER. accidents, and went to ask leave of his com-

officer to go into the forest and beat of the favor here to be manding enemy's quarters. The officer tried to and the place where it up the convince him of the danger attending such an Lcd, are very far apart, vain— the young man ayer was offered up in enterprise; but aU in in his design. Permission was >chin China the favor was still persisted brought leaguec last given him, on condition that he ,t are thousands of at with him. But so great was u' great St. Joseph acted, some twenty men

it was impossible to find the •romptl}'—with greater de- the danger that brave* soldier, no he telegraph operator. It twenty men required. Our returns to the charge, and lO telegraphy like prayer, wise disheartened, to let him go with a moment from earth to prevails on his commander rf down celestial graces. six men only. for an It was not easy even to find six men perilous. Our young man uses e last expedition to Cochin adventure so goes privately and speaks French troops lay encamped some address : he knows to be the bravest, a forest, and for some days to those whom he them ashamed ventured too far, had dis- animates their oourf^e, makes r^ Y Joseph. 172 Legends op St. r

each obtains the consent of to refuse, and so requisite number is com- individually ; the band sets out on its pleted, and the little traces of the animal, march. Guided by the part of the forest which they at length reach a .hey tie be- near his lair : they suppose to be which they had tween two trees a sheep, and retire some dis- brought for the purpose, huntsmen post themselves tance. There our they may; but some of in ambush, as best fearful, they allow them being still a little the most advantageous their leader to take himself some paces in ad- position, and place vance. fixed on the - They wait thus, their eyes muskets in the mark, trying to place their and for the night is falling, proper direction ; to fire through the they will probably have and yet they hear darkness. Night closes in, comes a sound: it would no noise. All at once animal bounding: the seem to be that of an the spot where the noise increases, approaches more was heard been placed ; nothing , bait had

'^1

4 Legends op St. Joseph. 173 Joseph.

except a faint bleating, indicating that the consent of eacb victim. e fierce beast must have reached its corn- number is The young man instantly discharges his mus- its el sets out on fire after him, ket, with steady aim : the others of the animal, ces but with less caution, and less confidence. forest which of the The shots are followed by a profound stillness.

: .hey tie be- is lair Our huntsmen remain some time motionless, they had ,, which listening attentively, but they hear no further retire some dis- tid noise. They then advance cautiously, through themselves en post the gloom, in the direction of the bait, and but some of may; find the sheep stretched Ufeless on the giound, they allow fearful, torn by the claws and teeth of the ferocious most advantageous is dark, they cannot animal ; and as the night paces in ad- If some possibly continue their search. They return,

therefore, to the camp, knowing only that the fixed on the eyes animal had fled, abandoning his prey, but muskets in the leir ignorant whether he was wounded or merely falling, and night is frightened by the shots. Next morning, when to fire through the search, and at it was light, they resumed their and yet they hear of n, last discovered, in a thick brake, the body

sound : it would les a an enormous panther. The beast, mortally

bounding : the nimal wounded, had dragged himself to this brake,

spot where the v es the and there expired. thing more was heard of St. Joseph. 174: Legends

astonishment of the hunt- At this sight, the their joy. The panther ers was not less thon that is to say, ^as wounded in the shoulder; the wound could be in the unly spot where that marvellous shot ? mortal. Who had fired no doubt! It was, Of that there could be the band, who, posted evidently, the leader of with others, had alone fired in advance of the aim. But how did a sure hand and a steady had as the night was, he it happen that, dark point? This was a just struck the vulnerable kept talking of a mystery, and his comrades you man himself shot so remarkable. The .g about it. When, on thought nothing more they told the story, their return to the camp, I' amazed; but finally aU their comrades were very convenient was attributed to chance. A P is only one objec- 3 explanation, to which there that is no sense in it, and tion, viz., that there are quite whatever ! We it explains nothing remembering the sure that many a soldier, the Christian mother, referred I lessons of a shot where it was honor of this marvellous 1

Leoends op St. Joseph. 176 Joseph.

due, and gave thanks to Providence : of that ament of the hunt- number must have been our young hero. In joy. The panther he well knew who to thank : but let to say, after days ier ; that is be us not anticipate the sequel of our narrative. te wound could The expedition over, the young soldier re- it marvellous shot?

; a mother and sis- was, turned to France he had lo doubt 1 It to pay them a posted ter at home, and hastened ) band, who, visit. After the first heart-warm greetings, lad alone fired with the first thing he did was to relate his adven- aim. But how did all interest ture ; it was listened to with the e night was, he had that a mother and sister would naturally take point? This was a recital. he spoke of his of a in such a When 3S kept talking wonderful shot and the general surprise it you ig man himself .had excited, an idea appeared suddenly to bout it. When, on strike his mother, and she quickly asked they told the story, the occurrence took place : the young all when azed ; but finally man mentioned the exact time. A very convenient " " That's it," cried the mother ; that's just re is only one objec-

! our good Ht. Joseph did that, and that it It was ) sense in it, and

no other : let us thank him together." ever! We are quite And as the astonished face of the young er, remembering the man seemed to ask for an explanation, his mother, referred the mother hastened to give it. it was IS shot where

1 Leoends of St. Joseph. 9 ^6

-a son, since I r " It was a long time, my dear eye had heard anything of you," said she, " and it; one day, with hai I was very uneasy ; so I went, Jo- vour sister, to the altar of our good St. mc his seph, and we got a taper burned before die venerated statue, begging of him to watch gri over you and bring you home to us safe and ev( sound. Judge now whether our prayer was pr the very heard and was of use to you : it was night after we had done this (it might have of been at the very moment, on account the difference in time between Cochin China and France) that your courage and devotion brought you into such great danger, from which you had such a wonderful escape! St. Jo- There is no doubt about it: it was seph himself, to whom we had been praying, and, perhaps, were praying then, that directed the shot; it was by his all-powerful protection that your ball went straight to its mark, through the darkness, and killed that

' i-'««M^m«« frightful panther!" : The fact was too evident to faith-illumined !

Joseph. Legends op St.. Joseph. 177 y dear son, since I eyes for the young man to think of disputing so, and he u," said she, "and it ; but he had no wish to do

«rent, one day, with hastened to join his thanks to those of his a time )f our good St. Jo- mother and sister. Many and many burned before his did that happy family repeat, with love and of him to watch gratitude, the name of St. Joseph, who was Lome to us safe and ever after considered its powerful and kind lier our prayer was protector. ,,; ou : it was the very this (it might have mt, on account of bween Cochin China >urage and devotion great danger, from wonderful escape

t it: it was St. Jo-

3 had been praying, ying then, that di- by his all-powerful to its I went straight less, and killed that

ent to faith-illumined

y-.*j>.iM-ifw^^M iQjCPjj r^ j— " XXIII. THE UBSULINES OF QUEBEC

HIBTOBY.) (A PAOB raOM TIIEIB ,

VOW made to St. Joseph having obtained for our Monastery its dear and holy foundress, it was very natural that from the estab- should be lishment of that house St. Joseph regarded as its first and principal guardian. Thenceforward, in every class-room, over placed an image all the principal dooi-s, was highest of that good Father who, from the the cross of heavens, protects his children ; the praise of the old steeple* bore on high his tall, majestic his venerated name, whilst

for the erection of * It was in 1830 that., to make room was found necessiny to take St. Ureuia'8 clasB-rooms, it given, for more than one down this old steeple, which had St. Augus- hundred and ninety years so monastic an air to tine's wing. Legends of St. Joseph. 179

figure, above the portal, kept watch over the

lioly place. But go back in thought, dear readers, to the interior of the cloister, on the day (the 19th of March)'on which tL^i church

(ind the altar were adorned with their richest OF QUEBEC. ornaments in honor of their holy patron. Almost the whole day is spent before his I HIBTOBY.) , to St. iiltiirs ; nuns and pupils are tendering Joseph having St. Joseph the homage of their gratitude for the our Monastery its past, of their love for the present, of their foundress, it was y hopes and wishes for the future. Is it not hat from the estab- true that his face then appears still more it. Joseph should be radiant? for/ie loves to be charged with com- rincipal guardian, missions and requests for the sweet and ry class-room, over » Divine Child whom he holds in his arms. .' placed an image ras When that day of grace is drawing to a lo, from the highest close, the religious family assembles anew to ildren; the cross of salute its glorious protector. They repair to

I high the praise of the places over which St. Joseph has watched list his tall, majestic all the year long. Instead of the bonfires of ce room for the erection of former times, the pictures and statues of the B found nccessaiy to take patron are surrounded with lights id given, for more than one beloved St. Augoa- onaatic an air to and flowers. Here, it is St. Joseph of money.

*art#WV»««M«9SW5*vrt»*. 180 Legends of St. Joseph.

rob- who guards the stores and keeps away great staircase lead- bers; at the I. |) of the Joseph wheat, ing to the granary is St. of with their charged with providing his children kitchen, it is St. Joseph daily bread ; in the two hundred years, the of tvork, blessing, for Lord, humble labors of the servants of the the de- and thence extending his care over economy. But let us tails of the out-door with a pause before the infirmary to salute guards its en- 8tiU sweeter song him who reserves his most gracious trance ; St. Joseph to con- smile for us 'there, pledging hijpself our death sole us in sickness and to make

joyful. Let Here we are now in the holy place. where he US gather round the Uttle altar with the guards the reUcs of our mothers work. This same fideUty as he guarded their the sweetest to greeting is the last, as it is there is in those the heart. What a charm hymns whose fervor and devotion are their the Angels, doubt- oliief harmony, and which

lic.fitjftmiiffiwMfAiMe-'tfwa Leoends of St. Joseph. 181 Joseph.

gather up to bear them to him rob- less, haste to [ keeps away and who shares their functions as guardian eat staircase lead- gu'de. Joseph wheal, of minor The great festival being over, other children with their piety ones come in their turn to keep up fiUal m, it is St. Joseph towards the holy spouse of Mary Immacu- hundred years, the in prose and in late, homage is still paid him vants of the Lord, one knows verse,* and, on all occasions, each care over the de- their peti- to apply to, in order to have nomy. But let us who Eternal. tions laid kt the feet of the :y to salute with a But we must not leave this subject without irho guards its en- Joseph." speaking of the "Treasury of St. )s his most gracious Our readers may say: "And what treasury ing hijjQself to con- in the number is that? Is it a trifling bauble to make our death that tremury of visible things?" Yes, truly, especially to of St. Joseph's is quite visible, he holy place. Let drawing those who have the consolation of ttle altar where he from it. Let us explain. mothers with the T the About the time of the profession of ed their work. This Barr6, de Bou- first novices, the Demoiselles the sweetest to it is Incar- logne, de Lauzon, and Bourdon, Mother rm there is in those or, in nation, wishing to secvire the temporal, d devotion are their • See pjvge 184. Angels, doubt- h the 16 St. Joseph. 182 Legends of

the maien^'' interests the langiiage of our age, depos- conceived the idc.«. of '4 of the Monastery, money apart from the other I iting in a cash-box. as portiou^ of the rehgious, of the house, the wise for board. This well as the payment was so blessed by forethought of our Mother never failed to provide God that the cash-box something for the poor, the community witli mischuues and re- notwithstanding all the years. verses of two hundred cash-box of bene- Well, dear vender, the therein is now placed diction still eri 48, and annual revenue that may that portion of the others. Accord- be di-^posed of on bd.alf of this treasury has never ing to our au.ak, ought not to work ; but we & failed for any g-od wo know that it be surpri-oa at this, since venerable Mother con- i waP to Si. Joseph our fidodthekey. the ancient There yet remains to be noticed which some of our niche in the garden, to pilgrimage of love. i; readers have made many a Joseph watches ever his There it is that St.

"' "^ fc,iia**«^**«*'«*^***^' Joseph.

e maU'.in'! interests i the idea, of depos- om the other money of the religious, as board. This wise by r was so blessed rer failed to provide ething for the poor, misch.uufls and re- ars. cash-box of bene- I lierein is now placed al revenue that may Accord- [ of others. treasury has never not to ; but we ought nee wo know that it enerable Mother con- be noticed the ancient of our ) which some of love, y a pilgrimage ieph watches ever his

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ft 183 LEGianos of St. Joseph.

while presiding whole domain of the cloister, his daughters. This over the recreation of sacred spot where for statue, marking the mortal remams of the ten years reposed the has special at- Blessed Mother St. Joseph, of the cloister, who tractions for the inmates their summer walk, never fail, in commencing an "Ave, Joseph," the to go and salute with sweet and giacious imi^e. from the mod- The following stanzas, stolen will doubtless remind est muse of the cloister, hours they them- some of our readers of the the precincts of a selves have spent within memories of convent, sweet and touching school-days long since past.

.!vT' —" —

XXIV.

AVE, JOSEPH!

Ave, Joseph ! fill David, justi

Vir Marise, di qua natus est Jesus I

LOVE that "Ave, Joseph!" 'tia an old and hallow'd prayer, lakes, And with it comes the voice of

of hills, and valleys fair, of woodlands stretching Of rivers grandly flowing, wide, one o'erwhelming These mingle in that "Ave," in

tide I

mantled all the »Twaa heard amid the forests that

land, his crucifix in hand Where trod the holy misaioner, ; compact seaM— Twas heard when Heaven the "Joseph, the guardian thou, France has made by public I ratify the choice New

vow 1 — — — : ; "

Leqends op St. Joseph. 185

blessings rife in Joseph's Oh 1 'twas a thought with hands to place the Indian race The youthful colony set down amid ; Yes, 'twas a deed of wisdom, such patron high to gain EPH! Where Jesus reigns, and Mary pleads, Joseph prayg

not in vain. .. , »vid, justi ^ gener- fttus est JesuB 1 Soon, hither bound, as sent by Heaven, when

ous souls appear, r ¥' i v r ' ve, Joseph!*^ 'tis an old martyr'd Fearless Brebceuf, I see thee, with thy 'd prayer,

brethren near 1 jmes the voice of lakes, the sac- I see the Red Man sudden pause, and bless id valleys fair, red Rood, of woodlands stretching And ranks of Saints rejoicing, ready to give their blood. 3," in one o'erwhelming your Ye hosts of fervent Christians, speak, and tell deeds of love sts that mantled all the I Tell us the secret of your strength—me Mnks hear ye say in hand ler, his crucifix ; sake of "Yes, ladles fair, who chose these wilds for the compact seal'd n Him above, in thou, T^was Joseph lull'd the winds and waves, aad public ance has made by 1 cheer'd us on the way

r*:'>tfM«a«MMB(MWil XXV. THE MYSTERIOUS HOSTS. Oa- lATHEE Jerome of Pistoia, a ApostoUo, puohin, and Missionary the Sove- was sent one day by Venice, where reign Pontiff to Oandia, with a comp«.- he was to embark for on foot. order. Jonmeying ion of his own two Fathers, wandenng ihe Apostles, the Uke Having day. lost their way. at the close of time without foidrngjt walked on for some obliged to ^^V,Jot ih'l again, they were hunger and fatjg^. were e^austed with Mary, knees, invoking Jesus. Ealling on their Three, who are ever Joseph, the August and known traveUers, ha^ the protectors of experienced their dangers. their needs and happiness, and the Prayer always brings found that tiieirs was two rehgious soon ;

Legends of St. Joseph. 187

once perceived a hght heard, for they aU at They arrived at a smaU at a Uttle distance. of three persons, house inhabited by a family young woman, and a -an elderly man, a J. was so exquisitely chad All in the house did one good to see it lOUS HOSTS. neat and clean that it on the wall mdi- although the tools hung of Pistoia, a Oa- and me mechanic, there was cated the dwelling of a Missionary Apostolic, distinguished, although something refined and day by the Sove- ne manners and appear- extremely simple, in the to Venice, where 1 iff family. The features ance of the head of the 3andia, with a compaa- woman were wonderfuUy sweet on foot, of the young Jonmeying soft and ; her voice was fair to look upon Fathers, wandering and 5WO mien was characterized by Having melodious, and her )st their way. dignity. As of candor, grace, and finding it a mixture time without one would chUd asleep in the cradle, for they for the iged to stop, throne. The him for the heir of a fatigue. have taken hunger and kind hos- were received with such Jesus, Mary, traveUers B, invoking filled with the that their hearts were who are ever pitaUty ist Three, but plentiful gratitude. A simple having known Uveliest ayellers, and, after return- meal was served to them; ienced their dangers, Heaven, they slept a refreshmg the ing thanks to ngs happiness, and were much in need. deep, of which they found that theirs was

ii|WHHIII»«l'M'i»««W«HII«l' 188 Lbqbnds of St. Joseth.

Awaking next morning at the dawn of desire of renewing day, animated with the entertainers, their thanks to their charitable themselves in the they were surprised to find trace of the house open fields, and to see no They then wherein they had spent the night. hosts whose perceived that the mysterious were no other hospitality they had received, Humbling them- than the Holy Family itself. the divine selves profoundly, and admiring of thanksgiv- goodness, they chanted a hymn way rejoicing, con- ing, and went on then- of Jesus, Mary, tinually blessing the names

and Joseph. > St. Joseth. ning at the dawn of he desire of renewing charitable entertainers,

3 find themselves in the e no trace of the house XXVI. it the night. They then aysterious hosts whose AN EXTRAORDINARY VOCATION. received, were no other the numerous monuments itself. Humbling them- IMONGST that strike the eye of the traveller id admiring the divine Montreal for the first d a hymn of thanksgiv- who visits there exists one which is at leu- way rejoicing, con- time, and its vast pro- names of Jesus, Mary, once remarkable for its site establishment, portions. This magnificent seated popularly known as the Hotel Dieu, is and commands on the slope of Mount Eoyal, inhabited by a a view of the whole city. It is to the congregation of virgins, much devoted the name of "Hos- glorious Patriarch : hence which they took at pital Nuns of St. Joseph," Institute. The the very beginning of their that this reader must, however, bear in mind very heart house was originally founded in the

jrfMIMiyMjM'WlWltW Leobnbs of St. Joseph.

ancient church of of the city, close by the for over two Notre Dame. There it was that, Daughters of St. JoHeph centuries, the generous charity and devotion. carried on their work of wo are about to There, too, occurred the fact it as it is related in the relate. We will give history of this institution. when the The record states that at the time the house Reverend Mother C^loron directed of St. Joseph, in Mon- of the Hospital Nuns to His Sanctuary, by treal, the Lord conducted American Pro- most marvellous ways, a young the bosom of heresy, testant. Brought up in she revived in and converted to CathoUcity, example and the apos- that house the edifying in Sisterîlver. We tolic zeal formerly admired of the American speak of Miss Allen, daughter born in the State of Ver- officer, Ethan Allen, Montr^sor, hav- mont. Her mother, Franôise when her daughter ing lost her heroic husband had married, as her âs still very young, Miss Allen, second husband, Dr. Penniman., penetratmg endowed with a precocious and «'!3

Lboends of St. JosRpn. 191 Jt. Joseph. >

mind, early applied herself to reading. But be ancient church of having only under her hand romances, or was that, for over two works written by Deists, she became an un- )aughter8 of St. Joseph believer, even before knowing religion. Never- charity and tlevotion. theless, the natural rectitude of her judgment 'i abont to 3 fact wo are made her suspect that the truth could not be as it is related in the found in such works, and she often had con- n. ferences with her mother, trying to discern the the ,t at the time when true from the false. Having heard people on directed the house speak of Catholics, who were described to her of St. Joseph, in Mon- in the most unfavorable colors, she wished to jd to His Sanctuary, by make a journey to Montreal, to see for herself a young American Pro- whethov wlia,t wus said of them was time. She heresy, 1 the bosom of foresaw that her step-father, who was tenderly loUcity, she revived in attached to her, would hardly consent to her example and the apos- 5 going, in the fear that she might embrace the iredinSister^ilver. We Catholic religion. lughter of the American Without disclosing, then, the real motive of orn in the State of Ver- her journey, she gave as a reason her wish to •an§oise Montr^sor, hav- learn the French language, and Dr. Penniman band when her daughter yielded to her entreaties. Nevertheless, before had married, as her , her departure, her parents insisted that she Allen, Penniman. , Miss should receive baptism. She long resisted 30ciou8 and penetrating

ttmlitmi Joseph. 192 Leoends op St.

to please her mother, she their will ; at length, Being then an complied with their wishes. but laugh during unbeliever, she did nothing reason the Presby- the ceremony, for which could not help tevian minister. Mr. Barber, She was then giving her a severe reprimand. about twenty-one. at tho In Montreal, she presented herself the Congre- boarding-school of the Sisters of whatever inconve- gation of Our Lady; and in admitting a nience there might have been they wil- young Protestant into that house, that while learning lingly received her, hoping would gain the still the French tongue, she faith. more precious knowledge of the true adherence She was soon remarked for a fixed only on the most to her own opinions. It was the views indisputable proof that she adopted from her teach- of others, and never concealed of religion. ers her incredulity in matters an impulse One day, one of the Sisters, by inspira- which must be attributed to Divine she would not take tion, asked Miss Allen if :

Legends of St. Joseph. 193 '. Joseph.

Blessed Sacrament re- ease her mother, she to the altar where the of flowers which had been given 168. Being then an posed, a vase same time, she recommended her ng but laugh during her : at the the sanctuary. reason the Presby- to adore Our Lord on entering went off laughing, resolved to rber, could not help The young lady Having reached the nand. She was then do nothing of the kind. suddenly feels railing, she opens the door, and and without power tp go far- jented herself at tho herself stopped, at an obstruction so extra- Jisters of the Oongre- ther. Surprised makes three several attempts to nd whatever inconve- ordinary, she she on; at length, struck and overcome, 9 been in admitting a go knees, and, in the sincerity of her that house, they wil- falls on her adores Jesus Christ, of whose presence ing that while learning .heart, convinced. She the still she is that very moment I would gain retires to the lower end of the Ige of the true faith. immediately church, where, bursting into tears, she says I for a fixed adherence such a miracle, I must give myself up t was only on the most "After she adopted the views to my Saviour." said nothing to her teachers of icealed from her teach- Still, she to be in- occurred ; only, she asked latters of religion. what had soon after consented to go to Sisters, by an impulse structed, and srfficiently instructed, she ited to Divine inspira- confession. When her solemn abjuration, and was baptised if she would not take made 17

.1^' Joseph. 194 Legends of St.

time Vicar of by Mr. Le Saulnier, at that baptism having been Montreal, her former want of consent on her null by reason of the her first communion, part. Finally, she made moment, to embrace and resolved, from that the rehgious life. the Mrs. Penniman, informed of Mr. and ^ very much dis- change, arrived in Montreal, daughter home. There pleased, and took their during which she had she sp^nt six months, her stepfather, much to suffer, especially fi'om the CathoUc re- who was bitterly opposed to she rigorously ob- ligion. Lent being come, abstmence, and carried served the fast and she injured her her austerities so far that deUcate. Disregarding health, naturally very she declared to her parents . all family ties, the religious life, and that she would embrace Her mother, had made her final decision. only her who loved her tenderly, and desired gave her con- daughter's happiness, at length her to Montreal in the sent, and accompanied following Spring. :

Legends of St. Joseph. 195 OF St. Joseph.

As yet. Miss Allen thought of no community Vicar of )r, at that time particular, her only desire being to conse- been in ler baptism having crate herself to God by a religious life. With he want of consent on her a view to know her vocation, she visited the made her first communion, churches of Ville-Marie, and amongst others that moment, to embrace that of the Hotel Dieu. Scarcely had she cast her eyes on the picture over the high 'enniman, informed of the altar, representing the Holy Family, and fixed Montreal, very much dis- them on the face of St. Joseph, than she heir daughter home. There aloud to her mother had cried iths, during which she "That is just his portrait. You see, my )ecially from her stepfather, dear mother, St. Joseph wants me here. He apposed to the Catholic re- it was who saved my hfe, by delivering, me come, she rigorously ob- ig from the monster that was going to devour carried ,nd abstinence, and me. that she injured her ) far She then reminded her mother of a mem- very delicate. Disregarding orable fact that had taken place when she he declared to her parents was about twelve years old. Walking on the nbrace the religious life, and banks of a river, and turning her attention Inal decision. Her mother, to the water, which was in violent motion, nderly, and desired only her she saw coming up out of it a huge animal con- oess, at length gave her of monstrous form, who, coming towards her, anied her to Montreal in the made her terribly afraid. What increase^ s.WWj ,i»v»i- I

m ini Mi ll n' wiTHW"^ 196 Legends op St. Joseph. her terror was that it seemed as though she could not take her eyes from off this monster, and could not make even the slightest at- tempt to fly. In this fearful emergency, she thought she perceived near her a bald old man, clad in a brown cloak, and with a staff in his hand, who took her by the arm and enabled her to move, saying: "Little girl, what dost thou here? Fly." Wliich she quickly did. When at the old a little way off, she turned to look man, but there was nothing to be seen. As soon, as she reached home, her mother, seeing her so scared and bewildered, understood that something unusual had occurred to her. The child related, as well as she could, tjxe cause of her fright, and the assistance she had received from the unknown old man. Her mother immediately sent a servant in search of the old man, in order to testify her gratitude. After a most diligent search, no traces of him being found, no one ever knew what had become of him. Lkqends op St. Joseph. 197 T. Joseph.

of St. Recognizing, then, in the features emed as though she Holy Family, Joseph, in the picture of the rom off this monster, she owed the face of that old man, to whom ren the slightest at- more confirmed her Ufe, Miss Allen felt herself the reli- than ever in her wish to embrace incy, she thought she that she was to gious Ufe, and was convinced Id old man, clad in a matters become a daughter of St. Joseph. It a staff in his hand, and that old man little whether that monster n and enabled her to and cor- showed themselves to her in a real girl, -what dost thou sight was but poral manner, or whether that le quickly did. When In what- an impression made on her mind. led to look at the old Miss Allen re- ever way it had occurred. hing to be seen. As had pre- mained convinced that the old man Dme, her mother, see- remembrance served her from death, and the )ewildered, understood on her mind, of his features was so stamped to her. [ had occurred thirteen years after, that, as we have said, veil as she could, t^e picture in when she cast her eyes upon the ad the assistance she with the iden- the Hotel Dieu, she was struch ) unknown old man. costume, and could tity of that face and that ely sent a servant in aloud. That not help expressing her surprise in order to testify her not fly, and animal, whose approach she could diligent search, no )st who was ready to devour her, was, doubtless, and, no one ever kne'W cruel monster of a figure of the still more m. o> St. Jostoh. 198 liEOifflM «n^«^^-\St. Joseph heresy .nd

' OS a safe refuge. InsUtute the Miss Allen entered Some months later, of 8t Jos^h of the daughters no^Tate elev took place u. the her death, ..hich rai rdag.on,»h, ehtering into Lh year after her her zeal, her justifted, by ^^ the'

' .i

entered the [iss Allen Joseph. xxvn. iters of St. the elev- CABIN-BOY. ,ok place in THE LITTLE reUgion, she )ring into FBIGATE, homeward bound from and all ler regularity, nearing the China, was already which the the hopes the night French coast. Although such ved of her after run- was advanced, and the sea prevailed on board. ning high, gaiety others, was amusmg A cabin-boy, amongst unsuccessful attempts to the crew by various seemed to have come, catch a Uttle bird that in the ship's riggmg, less to seek an asylum the acrobatic exer- than to play his part in cabin-boy. At times he cises of the Uttle and hopped smging even seemed fatigued, almost asleep, till the on to a yard, waiting, cat. and suspending urchin, climbing Uke a had got within some himself like a monkey, when the cabm-boy paces of him. And Joseph. aoo Legends of St.

seize him, the mis- reacl.od out his arm to wing, and went to chievous little bird took perch farther away. poop alone, The captain was walliing on his unnoticed by the smiling, between whiles, agility between the others, at this trial of seemed as though he child and the bird. It going on. took an interest in what was feats, had The cabin-boy, in one of his- the main-mast. oUmbed to the highest yard of a rope, when He was clinging by one hand to lurch, his feet shd the frigate gave a sudden and he hung poised m off the slippery yard, on the net- let go his hold, fell the air ; then a ball, and was thrown ting, rebounded like into the sea. through the vessel. A. cry resounded runs to his The captam, beside himself, his knees, his head cabin, throws himseU on to sob aloud. in his hands, and begins and at the He was a father to his crew, old French same time a man full of faith-of starts up. Two steps, faith. All at once he " " —

3t. Joseph. Legends op St. Joseph. 201

seize him, the mis- and he is before an image of St. Joseph, which and went to )k wing, he had placed in a Uttle framed niche, at the entrance of his dressing-room. He opens the on his poop alone, dng door which conceals it from stranger eyes. unnoticed by the es, "St. Joseph!" he cries, with tearful eyes and between the ,£ agility hands stretched towards the image, "St. Jo- he t seemed as though seph, they say you are so powerful. . . . Well, on. ,t was going if you save this child, I promise you that—you of his 'feats, had ! one shall be pleased with me main-mast, yard of the The brave and worthy captain, notwith- to a rope, when e hand standing his sailor-Uke devotion, knew not well lurch, his feet slid [den how to put his promise in words. He sits poised in he hung : and down, his head still in his hands fell on the net- lis hold, "Poor child! poor child!—and his mother!" was thrown 1 ball, and And he continued to weep like a real father. More than a quarter of an hour passed thus. L'ough the vessel. is lieu- Some one knocks at the door : it the himself, runs to his ie tenant. his knees, his head : on "Commander," said he, "I hope they will

sob aloud. ! ins to save him and at the " bo his crew, " What do you say ? Who ? faith— of old French of "The little cabin-boy. They are trying to starts up. Two steps, e fish him up agaiit" " "

202 Legends of St. Josefh.

The commander starts up, almost in a pas-

sion. " don't think Unhappy that you are ! You daikness One of it !—with that sea, and in !

misfortune is enough, without making five or

six more." " Have no fear, commander." " I don't want—do you hear?—I don't want

—^poor child I " " But, commander,

"There is no but!— I don't want — poor mother!"

! " Commander, it is already done "What?" were getting w) "Well, commander, whilst they out a boat with five men in it, life-preservers were thrown out, and — hold! I'm sure they ! for will bring him up " And without waiting an answer, the lieutenant goes out. "You are mad !—poor child !" says the cap- fro. tain, beginning to pace his cabin to and save "Oh, St. Joseph!— if you will only " him ! " " " " "

St. Joseph. 208 St. Josefh. Legends op

to hasten after the lieutenant, ts up, almost in a pas- He was going when the latter returns, his face beaming with are! You don't think joy- *' " I ind in daikness! One Saved ! commander, saved " vithout making five or Come, no jesting I " No, commander ; all the men are aboard, up ! aander." and they have brought him "What's to be done? They must throw ou hear?—^I don't want him in again !—yet, no—stay, we will give him

! to his mother. Poor woman —Oh ! what need high ! —I don't want— poor had he of cUrabing so "Commander, if they give him to his mo-

! alive ! The doctor Iready done ther, they will give him says it is nothing."

" ! you do go on whilst they were getting It is nothing How doctor has made him throw up the len in it, life-preservers "The and he says there is — hold! I'm sure they water he had swallowed, the water And without waiting for nothing serious. The coldness of the cerebral congestion that his fall int goes out. prevented and he was able to take or child !" says the cap- would have produced, hold himself of the cord that was thrown to ) his cabin to and fro. is almost quite conscious now. To- —if you will only save him. He morrow he will be on his feet." "

Joseph. 204 Legends of St.

shall see." « That is easily said. We ! " Come and see now, commander And the next day the It was true enough. and able to land cabin-boy was on his feet, and go to see his mother. to his men, "Boys," said the commander Mother a big .. owes the Good if the cabm-boy don't know Joseph-tf^ih ! 1 taper. I owe St. pleased with what-but I told him he should be this to tell you St. me!... Boys, I have only : aU the Samts. It is to Joseph is the first of have recourse. We must him that we must gave him his power, believe that the good God our poor little cabin-boy. that he might save understood that St. Joseph is So now let it be To-morrow let us all go patron of the ship. a golden heart in the . wUl offer to Mass. . . I name of the whole crew." broke in the "Your pardon, commander," us, we will all con- Ueutenant, "if you allow you, purpose. What say tribute for that friends?" 1 "Ay, ay, sir." it* " "

Lboends of St. Joseph. 205 Bt. Joseph. us offer the ••Well, as you all wish it, let Bee." We shall to the rest." (The together 1 I will see ! heart commander magnificent chandeUers for rest was a pair of the next day the And church of ). St. Joseph's altar, in the land ! feet, and able to " Come, boys, St. Joseph for ever 9r. live the com- " St. Joseph for ever !—Long )mmander to his men, who mander!" shouted the three hundred men the Good Mother a big a formed the crew of the frigate. —faith! 1 don't know with he should be pleaded you St. anly this to tell : aU the Saints. It is to must ive recourse. We God gave him his power, cabin-boy. >ur poor Uttle is irstood that St. Joseph To-morrow let us all go in the tor a golden heart ew." •mmander," broke in the lUow us, we will all oon- you, irpose. What say

__^'r^^ i*i»** XXVIII. TEE PEARL LOST AND FOUND.

IHE weather has been fine during which the Feast of the Azymes, fami- has just taken place. The leaving Jeru- lies of pilgrims are to take their home- salem, each one hastening GaUlee there is a ward way. On the road to an army compressed crowd of people, like These are the people into a mountain gorge. banks of the Jor- from the seashore, and the and Oana, and Capha^ dan, and from Nairn, same district, naum, who, dwelling in the homeward journey. group together for the passed on the road, if If the night must be takes place, it any unlooked-for occurrence for all to travel in will be more convenient company. Leoendb of St. Jobbph. 207

already The beauty of the spring was was in bud abroad on the land; the fig-tree date-trees flour- and blossom; almond and there; the scent of rosemary nn. ifllied here.and warbling of on the air, and the AND FOUND. was wafted ST side. And man, birds was heard on every spring-time his heart [. too, is changed in the ; the love more pious, more disposed to has been fine during seems of God. of the Azymes, which reach that fair AprU As far as the eye can jiken place. The fami- along, groups are to be seen journeying grims are leaving Jeru- day, the old and glee. Of a suddeu take their home- full of gaiety tiing to be commence aloud: "Alleluia! blessed )ad to Galilee there is a men 1" Farther on, Thou, O God of Abraham e an army compressed the prayer, word by people maid and matron repeat I. These are the thoughts their hearts, and, although the banks of the Jor- word, in id charac- according to the divei-sity of and Oana, and Caphaj> vary , woman, notwithstanding district, ters, nevertheless, ^ in the same more apt to praise God, for homeward journey. her weakness, is the over more. Men of mature age talk passed on the road, if she loves B on their gossip of the day, animadvert takes place, it the scurrence and curse governor, the rapacious Roman, for all to travel in aient young men ap- those uninvited guests. The Joseph. 208 Legends of St.

hearts, sing and chat plaud, and, with ligbt children, oh the about the young girls. The ! skim around like children laugh merrily, and there the asses under swallows. Here and the meadows, as if m their charge bray in answer. \ beguiled: a So the tedium of the road is soon passed. By league, two leagues, are several leagues. nightfall they have journeyed just in time to A grove of olive-trees appears night; water is not give a shelter for the stream winds wantmg, for a fresh, limpid wood. along tLe outskirt of the tents. Each The tribe at length pitches its the evening famUy busies itself preparing of their remain- meal. Wallets are emptied sUces of cooked lamb and ing contents ; some than enough for. bread, some dried fish—more people are not hard the simple meal. The or abroad, they are con- to please ; at home vegetables, a fig or tent with Uttle. Some that is quite two, a vurtcous companion— enough for a journey. ;

209 Legends of St. Joseph, OP St. Joseph. and left, some The young people run rigVi wood hearts, sing and chat fetch water and ght near, some far, to to seek children, oh ! the neighboring cottages :1s. The some go to the skim around like and the women are all at rily, and salt and vessels, asses under meal. People there- nd there the work preparing the if in are graz- meadows, as hospitable ; flocks in the abouts are very with the children jump ing aU around, and are sure road is beguiled: a camp-fires, for they of the joy around the approaches are soon passed. By MeanwhUe, night es, of having milk. leagues, the weary birds several to prevail ; ) journeyed and sUence begins in appears just in time to and. nature reposes •ees drop into their nests, night; water is not r the twilight calm. resh, limpid stream winds n. b of the wood. tents. Each appeared, and soon igth pitches its Here and there a star evening of gUttering self preparing the vault was full the calm, azure golden emptied of their remain- of little fish, with re Ughts. like a shoal and ether le slices of cooked lamb the cahu. Umpid scales, bathing in more than enough for was soon ended; night I fish— The frugal supper rus- people are not hard curtain over all; the The spread its gloomy abroad, they are con- and the hum of human me or thng of the trees vegetables, a fig or in prayer to Him who Some voices ascend together companion— that is quite heights of His eternal in the inaccessible imey. 210 Legends of St. Jo8bpi=i.

marvels. dwelUng-place, worketh so many works He seems to praise Himself in His love and before our world, that men may revere Him. full, had set, After the moon, then at the mild the night was dark and still, deliciously to sleep. And the pil- . and balmy, disposing there might giims slept, although here and sighs of sorrow, still be heard, at times, some bome watchers there were, who, considering held com- face to face the ineffable mysteries, munion with the unseen world beneath that the dazzling dome of gold and jewels. Oh! her love; child, by his faith; the virgin, by unceasingly the old man, by his hope, tend weeping towards their Father, and raise their so soon weigh eyes to heaven ; sleep does not down their eyelids. Suddenly a noise resounds through the* a clapping of hands wood ; a wailing voice and dis- are confusedly heard. Louder and more soon tinctly comes the sound to the ear, and the hills. Those it awakens all the echoes of

'«''»fi«r ; ' ;

Legends of St. Joseph. 211 8t. Josbpf..

heads and who are still awake first raise their a so many marvels, one who is lost : they are seeking some limself in His works listen mournful and the sweet accents of a touchingly b men may love voice are heard unceasingly. "our " It is our Mary," said the Nazarenes, a at the full, had set, holy, our beloved sister, Mary. Alasl it is d still, deliciously mild not once been seen too true ; her Child has 3 sleep. And the pil- since the journey began. Poor Mary! how here and there might ! be her sufferings " And they all of sorrow, acute must , some sighs hasten towards her, through the thickly-falling were, who, considering dew. At the same time the name of Jesus, lie mysteries, held com- " ! " is everywhere heard, and O Jesus ! Jesus len world beneath that camp that all over the so-lately slumbering and jewels. Oh ! the sweet name is being repeated. le virgin, by her love the heaviest The entire tribe is in motion ; hope, tend unceasingly their turn, sleepers waking with a start, are, in and raise their weeping touched by the misfortune of their does not so soon weigh deeply in neighbor. The old men, as usual, indulge resounds through the recollection. "Yea, blessed," they say, "were that family and a clapping of hands Mary, and the Child Jesus! This Louder and more dis- —Joseph, flourished triple branch of the house of David nd to the ear, and soon sweetly before visibly before our eyes, smelling loes of the hills. Those Joseph. ai2 Legends of St.

is their protector. the Lord. And Jehovah do not the Our eyes liave seen miracles. And was to be prophecies say that in Bethlehem of God, for His bom that herald, that Messiah not Jesus bom in people Israel? And was star that was Bethlehem ? And that beautiful those wise men, seen above His crib! And countries! Was ever those kings from far eyes as there such sweetness seen in a child's is ? And His face, why it is in those of Jesus prophet! Tmly, in like unto that of a holy something extraordinary. all this God conceals our old friend; As to Joseph, ye know he is looks a queen." but this Mary, she truly voice now re-echoes A strong, but broken undoubtedly Joseph, through the wood. It is to his spouse, worn out with fatigue, caUing Very soon and advising her to seek repose. dies away, and aU is the noise of the sdarch from the sleeping again silent. Far away of mourning, crowd might be heard the voice and words of consolation. was heaid "Peace be with thee, Mary!" one

MMH 4

Legends of St. iTosEPH. 218 r. Joseph.

thus? say. "Wherefore dost thou weep li is their protector, to hath befallen, nor can befall, the sles. And do not the No harm our heads are numbered, Jethlehem was to be Child. The hairs of steps, which Angels guard. If assiah of God, for His how much His His guardian, and thou His mother, it is ts not Jesus bom in I am special favor of the Almighty. Ta )eautiful star that was only by a wiU may be done, He is And those wise men, the' end that His holy us the servants of His Son. jountri^s! Was ever pleased to make aU his power, as there What harm hath Herod,*with ft child's eyes then, to do Him? Cahn thy fears, jid His face, why it is been able The Child and too tender mother ! prophet ! Ti-uly, in young y en- far off. Perchance, He may be [nething extraordinary. cannot be His wonted delight in solitary prayer, he is our old friend; joying To-morrow thou queen." somewhere in the desert. r looks a what hath to-day caused thee so a voice now re-echoes wilt forget suffering, and we shall easily find Him, is undoubtedly Joseph, much even in the city." calling to his spouse, perhaps where counsels of Joseph were wise ; but jek repose. Very soon The mother that can overcome her emo- h dies away, and all is is the whose heart does not sink within her ray from the sleeping tions?— bare possibiUty of danger to her child? the voice of mourning, at the she too, must have her disquietude; on. Mary, and troubles was heard must be accustomed to the trials >, Mary I" one

-gj! ;|.>te*S.-iAf^BH 214 Legends of St. Joseph.

that even now a sad of a mother. It may be warning foreboding strikes her soul from afar, endure. her of what she is one day to heaven And she wept burning tears. AU compassionated her sorrow The Archangels sent to wait upon of the heavenly court were their own then- immaculate Queen. With which her hands they supported the couch on her moistened head rested. They gently closed That ra- eyeUds, and soothed her to sleep. the earth to diant, but silent court, motioned It dared not silence, and the earth was still. breath. disturb the sleeper, even by a

but, through the All was dark and silent ; the darkness and the silence, the lights of appointed firmament rolled on and on in their regulates and course. The Lord himself and watches over their motions. He folds leaves. re-folds worlds at will, like so many The moon was about to set behind the moun- ramparts, and shed- tains, resting on the rocky

WMIWWIWilW ;

216 Leobnds of St. Joseph. 9t. Joseph.

here and there. East- its drowsy light e that even now a sad ding spreads its rosy vault of heaven oul from afar, warning ward the stars are pahng right and left. The lay to endure. curtains appears aU radiant at her fair fresh dawn Jig tears. All heaven the cheering rays pouring forth her first rrow The Archangels window, and eyelids of lovingly on the brow ifere sent to wait upon resting from a heavenly and, Uke a twin sister sen. "With their own Mary; her with a fond embrace he couch on which her couch, greets morning dawn of The Blessed Virgin, that ;ly closed her moistened her eyes. Oh how earth, at length opens ! to sleep. That ra- our ler brightness of her was she ! The motioned the earth to fair and fresh and more cheering even face was stUl clearer was still. It dared not must have been a of the dawn. It m by a breath. than that charmed away her sor- delicious dream that a the evening previous; n. row and trouble of her Ups. sweet smUe plays around but, through the ^^ lilent; said itis «Arise,Joseph!" she graciously ; ence, the lights of the Jerusalem. Tester- to set out. He is in on in their appointed time nd complaints; I was troubled thee with my regulates and day I himself but truly I myself, and I was wrong, notions. He folds and beside not help it." BO many leaves. could ill, like azure di»- extremity of the vast behind the moun- At either to set moon setting, was the sun rising and the ocky ramparts, and shed- tence JosEPn. 216 Legends of St.

each meeting in mid- the reflected light of glorious arch. The heaven, and forming a were, thrown open. firmament appeared, as it blue depths. The The stars retired into the kneeling hills woods were sleeping, and the distinctly in their were seen more and more matinal splendor. forms and colors, in that heard the distant From time to time was awaking the slum- cheery caU of chanticleer, bering earth to renewed life.

IV.

on, had al- Joseph and Mary, journeying hUl. The ass ready ascended the third of the morn- moved briskly in the freshness Ughtly. The air was ing bearing his burden birds were everywhere instinct with life: in the solemn and ohaiiting their matin song his couch rose holy hour. Like a king from his curtains of crim- the sun, throwing aside • higher rose the son and gold. Louder and flowers gave forth song of the birds. The perfumes. And more freely their fragrant

r— ""«—«« mxntamtrammgr— Legends of St. Joseph. 217 St. JosESTi.

yielded a more fervent devo- each meeting in mid- man, likewise, pure, fiesh morning arch. The tion to his Maker in that ft glorious prayer for thrown open, hour. Every voice was raised in » it were, daily bread. the blue depths. The the and Mary sang by tui-ns, joining, and the kneeling hills Joseph and voice, in that terrestrial cho- nore distinctly in their with heart praise. They, at the same time, hur- that matinal splendor, rus of few pil- distant ried on towards the city. Now a uras heard the way, slum- grims, now many, met them on their leer, awaking the for all appeared to be from Nazareth, id life. and

" Joseph 1 hail, still the greeting was : Hail,

IV. Mary!" road long ; but even on the journeying on, had al- The day was soul, Uke a dove on the wing, third hUl. The ass the prayerful fatigued. So the holy couple freshness of the morn- is not easily by turns repeating the psalms that en lightly. The air was went on, into their mind, and thinking of their with life: birds were came The different objects along the song in the solemn and holy ward. quickly left behind, and the sub- ing from his couch rose road were of the city were at length gained. The ide his curtains of crim- urbs street are passed ; the noise of the der and higher rose the city gates Joseph lays down before- The flowers gave forth is already heard. " Well, Mary," plan of the search : ragrant perfumes. And hand the 19

" ^-^!tW*i6.^fea,i<3&>»A*>''>*''^*^'^-^'*' "" m Legends of St. Joseph.

the house of said he, "we shall repair to to stay. Zacliavy, where we are accustomed There we shall have rest and refreshment. Then we shall go in search of the Child. We must endeavor to leave the city this evening before the gates are closed." brays loudly The ass, heated and panting, abode: as they approach the well-known attends he, too, needs rest. So Joseph first hay and to his wants, providing him with

oats. Mary has aheady knocked at the door: said; "Peace to the house," she sweetly "Hosan- "peace to my beloved in God!" nah!" replied a voice from the adjoining so chamber. It is the aged Eh;.!! jeth who quits her cordially returns her greeting. She her work, her eyes sparkling with joy, for are. In heart tells her who the new-comers Mary's her humility, she does not dare to kiss the cheek; but, as her servant, she kisses Mary embraces her f fold of her garment. -i'- three tenderly. Joseph soon appears, and all I' ;

Legends of St. Joseph. 219 Jr. Joseph.

which is rejoice with the purest joy, the joy bouse of )air to the sweet a only known to holy souls. Oh, how accustomed to stay. peace reigned there I •est and refreshment. rch of the Child. We T. the city this evening Elizabeth first bows down before the Mo- led." dbout ther, and then whispers some details panting, brays loudly hor Son. Mary's face, but lately so sad, 5 well -known abode: brightens with joy. She says, in a low voice Joseph first attends " then, in the Temple, or at the house hay and He is, ig him with He of Veronica ? Ever amongst tho learned continued: "My is sure to be." Elizabeth knocked at the door: husband dwelling is empty and silent ; my old B," she sweetly said; John is is, since yesterday, in Jericho. My 1 in God!" "Hosan- vain. I as a stranger. All my efforts are 9 from the adjoining know not whither he goeth. His childhood ged EU^Lf: jeth who so fasting and in is passed in the desert, in reeting. She quits her friends, what things prayer. Oh ! my dearest ling with joy, for her he speaks of the shame and ignominy of le new-comers are. In he is the precursor of Him who I men! And not dare to kiss Mary's cometh. Oh! yes, He cometh, He cometh, aerrant, she kisses the breath from on that Saviour of the world ; a Mary embraces her inhale it, like High seems to announce it ; we n appears, and aU three 220 Lgoendr of St. Joseph. incense, into our bosoms. The Lonl, the Re- deemer, is even now almost in oiir midst. (Mary greedily drank in these words.) Jchus, hard- thy JoHUH, is, indeed, my Lord. The ened Souls of the Pharisees are already soft- ened, and begin to feel compunction. Yea,

they will give glory to the Almighty, although, as yet, Jesus appeareth but as an unfledged bird." Mary listened attentively and with mo- were therly interest. Her heart and soul moved. She raised her eyes and her hands, these and, falling on her knees, murmured " magnify the words of grace : My soul doth Lord. My spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Saviour. He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden. Behold, from henceforth,

all generations shall call me blessed." EUzabeth and Joseph, seraph-like, joined in " that these praises with heart and voice : He

is mighty hath done great things. His mercy them is from generation to generation unto that fear Him. He hath showed strength Legends of Bi. Josura. 221 St. Joseph.

scattered the proud with His arm ; He hath 18. The Loril, the Re- heart. He hath in the imagination of their almost in oiir inidHt. and put down the mighty from their seat, a these words.) Jchus, hath exalted the humble." hnrd- my Lord. The the The triple harmony resounded like risecs are already soft- music of a lyre, bringing back again the an- Yea, lel compunction. Jeremiah cient and splendid prophecies of the Ahnighty, although, and Ezekiel. tb but as an unfledged

intively and with mo- The sun had well nigh reached his meri- heuit and soul were dian height. The great square of the city er eyes and her hands, together. The was full of people discoursing cnees, murmured these motley crowd rolled away noiselessly, hither ' doth magnify the soul when and thither, like the waves of the sea b rejoiced in God, my their tossed by the wind. The poor went to garded the lowliness of frivolous amuse- daily toil, the idle to their ahold, from henceforth, ments. Each one spoke of what concerned call me blessed." himself. )h, seraph-like, joined in heard one thing, now another; " Now was krt and voice : He that now a joyous word, now a sad one, accord- Teat things. His mercy speakers: ing to the mood of the several > generation unto them "To-day our governor gives his festival. hath showed strength 222 Legends op St. Joseph.

even than They, say it will be more splendid in Borne." won- A building of vast proportions, and of drous beauty, strikes the eye, astonishing all It strangers by its magnificent colonnades. it is the is the Temple, the House of God ; into thought of Solomon the Wise converted a stone, and shining out for generations. On the nearer view, the majestic proportions of chiselled great edifice are lost sight of in the trans- leaves and flowers, intertwming, like a unto parent texture, light as the wind, like of kings. the veil of some chaste daughter porch are All along the steps and in the sweet-smelling seen pillars, flowers, and divers of toys herbs. The stalls and booths are full and dainties. young peo- The air is mild. Children and on the ple linger around, feasting their eyes tempting wares, the venders of which rejoice youth rein the hope of gain. Youth, ah! like a swarm of joices even now ; it hovers, sense- bees around its hive, and, humming its p

Legends op St. Joseph. 223 } OF St. Joseph.

with its voice the glad tid- 3 more splendid even than less song, drowns amongst ings that run from mouth to mouth st proportions, and of won- the people.

Child is found ; and [es the eye, astonishing all Amongst the Doctors a amazed at His lagnificent colonnades. It the Doctors themselves" are of God with more e House of God; it is the knowledge. He discourses than ever did the on the Wise converted into zeal and more confidence a thousand times out for generations. On a Masters themselves, and them. A couple majestic proportions of the better than any amongst their way through ost sight of in the chiselled pass unnoticed, and make trans- the vestibule. One is an aged 8, intertwining, like a the crowd m in stature, and ght as the wind, like unto man, with a snowy beard, tall his side is a woman chaste daughter of kings, of grave demeanor. By size, modest, eps and in the porch are of the rarest beauty, of medium and then, beneath rs, and divers sweet-smelling deUcate, virginal. Now veil, her features and her 3 and booths are full of toys the folds of her is Jo- dove-Uke eyes are caught sight of. It young peo- . Children and seph and Mary. the l, feasting their eyes on vn. he venders of which rejoice of a small silver bell was ain. Youth, ah! youth re- Like the tinkhng faint but like a swarm of the voice of a child, echoing ; it hovers, heard gigantic white arches. live, and, humming its sense- clear beneath those 224 Lboends op St. Joseph.

gracious, This dove-like voice, sweet and other dove, the makes itself heard by that hopes. Anx- soul, speaking to it of merciful should not be ious that their Heavenly Guest to each disturbed, people make frequent signs frozen by old other to keep silence. Hearts new hatreds are melted by the rays of this contrite gi-ace-giving sun. Here and there and solemn souls fall on thek knees. A deep side, the Vir- silence reigns. On the women's eyes and light gin, full of grace, with tearful Temple. step, advances farther into the Before the Ark, in which are kept the Ten Commandments, flickers a cheermg flame, by peacock's the rays of the sun made like to a Doctors are seated, in tail. There the amazed stands a semi-circle. On a carpeted elevation speaks the Child, clad in a blue tunic. He at every slowly; pauses from time to time; pause the crowd breaks forth into loud accla- are fixed on the face of the mations ; aU eyes seems to Child, where the shade of thought an admiring rest Uke a light cloud, and many

toiB^V^. of St. Joseph. 225 St. Joseph. Legends

beautiful fair hair, falling Hweet and gracious, glance is cast on His over His shoulders. ' that other dove, the gracefully a sign with His hand, He merciful hopes. Anx- At length, making what language can convey His ly Guest should not be resumes; but Eternity cannot embrace frequent signs to each words? Oh! all beginning," said He, Hearts frozen by old their import! "In the with God, the Word. The Word was r the rays of this new "was was God." He continued, with re and there contrite and the Word was the light stronger voice: "This Word 8. A deep and solemn ft this Word was made flesh. the Vir- the life ; and ) women's side, and known the Incarnate." tearful eyes and light But men have not prodigy after prodigy, not into the Temple, Thus spoke He, a doctor commenting on yhich are kept the Ten in the dignity of from in the plenitude of power rs a cheering flame, by Scripture, but and as Lord, before whom, aade like to a peacock's on High, as Master an eye, heaven and earth d Doctors are seated, in in the twinkling of And to make Himself arpeted elevation stands must fall in adoration. a to the simple. He unfolded blue tunic. He speaks more intelligible ti'ansparent tissue of parables, time to time; at every luminous and surface of water, veil au the ks forth into loud accla- which, like the seen by of our soul. Truly it is fixed on the face of the secret places gestures of tiie multitude that de of thought seems to the expressive their minds. truth is sinking deep into I, and many an admiring the 226 Legends of St. Jobepe.

The old Doctors rack their brains to explain para- the meaning of these heaven-breathing themselves. Each bles : they discuss amongst with one is moved according to the humility priestly which he is penetrated, or the pride of " if learning that puflfs him up. Let us try we cannot argue him down " say they. But Jesus ends soon with a prayer, which He oflfers up

alike for the learned and the unlearned. The Child, leaving His place, had only a sweet smile on His Ups. Suddenly He meets His Mother's anxious eye amongst the crowd, and, like a fish to the line,'He bounds towards not but her. Joseph, in heart, blamed Him ; the Mother, true to her Mother's nature, said us? to Him: "Why hast Thou done so to We have sought Thee, sorrowing." " Mother, beloved Mother, soul of my soul I have I not made known to thine that I must " look after the business of my Father? This reason was sufficient for the fond Mother. :

St. Joseph. 227 Jt. J08EPE. Lboends of

their brains to explain VIII. saven-breathing para- went forth from gst themselves. Each Jesus, Mary, and Joseph followed : the rumor to the humility with the Temple hand in hand ; and old whispered )r the pride of priestly them everywhere. Young It is " comes 1 Tea, it is He ! ap. " Let us try if we Lo ! here He the Lord, His " say they. But Jesus the Prophet who cometh from Stirred by the spiri- r, which He oflfers up wonderful Preacher!" they had just heard, all those of I the unlearned. tual teaching humble in heart kissed lis place, had only a the crowd who were 11 Mother's gar- Suddenly He meets the folds of the Son's and the virgins offered fragrant flowers. ire amongst the crowd, ments. The saluted His people with a ae. He bounds towards Jesus accepted and hand. Li the far-stretching blamed Him not ; but motion of His near the steps, Mother's nature, said shadow of the tower, and increasing. Thou done so to us? a group of men was continually other: "Who or what sorrowing." They kept asking each cometh He?" "Whatl other, soul of my soul I is He?" "Whence neighborhood of Naza- n to thine that I must that Child from the Who ever heard of a of my Father?" reth? Impossible! in Nazareth? Yea, yea, uffioieut for the foud prophet appearing Simeon,—yea, Nathaniel! From the tax-office follow and fiom your fishing-barks many vfiU Legends of St. Jostjph.

Him," said Levi, Csesar's publican. The grain seemed to take root in good soil. Jesus, His Mother, and their guardian, as yet in sight, gradually disappeared, as does the bow in the clouds. All was silent and vacant where lately was the bustling crowd. The old betook themselves to the windows of imperial their houses, for it was the day of an festival. The young seemed to be attracted outside the city. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph walked slowly towards the dwelling of Eliza- beth. They were already approaching her cottage, distinguished by its whiteness ; from its chimney a column of smoke was ascending. The court in front was covered with fresh green sward; the paths were smooth and clean; and the vestibule matted. The aged Elizabeth, gracious hostess that she was, stood

at the door, surrounded by her kinsfolk, awaiting her guests. Jesus, as soon as He caught sight of them,

joyfully saluted EUzabeth, together with Vero-

nica, Martha, and, Salome. Having reached Joseph. 229 )P St. Jostjph. Legends of St.

embraces His young lar's publican. The grain the door, He tenderly as a fair and n good soil. relatives. He is caressed by all too, is warmly and t, and their guardian, as winning child; His Mother, honor due to her ex- ,lly disappeared, as does kindly gieeted, with tlie Joseph likewise ids. All was silent and alted dignity. The venerable guests at was the bustling crowd, receives his share of honor. The interior of which mselves to tlie windows of length enter the house, the tastefully adorned. The as the day of an imperial is handsomely and

attracted set, and abundantly furnished ; seemed to be table is already snow-white Unen Fesus, Mary, and Joseph with refreshments. The housewifery of ds the dwelling of Eliza- bears witness to the excellent in through already approaching her Elizabeth. The sunlight streaming modest furniture. d by its whiteness; from several windows, gild the gayety reign in a of smoke was ascending, Freshness, grace, beauty, and are there in pro- was covered with fresh the favored dwelling : flowers likes the flowers paths were smooth and fusion. The Child Jesus the sweetness of their per- tibule matted. The aged much : He enjoys stood of their colors pleases Him. lostess that she was, fume ; the variety wreathes )unded by her kinsfolk, So He chooses some of the loveliest, to His Mo- a virginal crown, and whispering crowned," He places He caught sight of them, ther: "Thou Shalt be well blush, like the first faint iabeth, together with Vero- it on her brow. A face of Salome. Having reached crimson of the dawn, suffuses the fair Lbqends of St. JoaBPH.

Mary, hearing these words, and receiving the caresses of her Ohild.

IX.

Crowned thus, as Queen and Mother, she i ^ * takes the first place at table, beside her Son and her beloved. The other guests remam of standing, lower down, waiting till the gifts God are blessed by the aged Joseph. Oh! the age and sanctity of a man find as much favor on High as priesthood. Joseph, therefore, repeated the usual prayer for a blessing on the broke gifts. Jesus, in the capacity of Sacrificer, Veronica hand- the bread and blessed it ; and Elizabeth ed it round to the guests. The aged

superintended all, and saw that each of her guests was duly cared for. The meats were simple, but well seasoned I ; and palatable. It must be understood that Jesus prohibited His own kinsfolk from ab- staining from flesh, wishmg that all should table rejoice while He was on earth. The pigeons. abounded with good things : a lamb, :

OF St. Jo'aEPU. Legends of St. Joseph. 231

words, and receiving the dried fruits. There was also a little wine for but the guests took only just I. refreshment; what nourishment the body required, in order

IX. to obey the dictates of the soul. Mother, she Another festival engaged their attention; , Queen and ii^ another, and it was not of this world. B at table, beside her Son yes, words The other guests remain All the guests listened intently to the reUshed them as the celestial n, waiting till the gifts of of the Child, and bread as food that could satisfy the hunger the aged Joseph. Oh ! the — Thus did Jesus a man find as much favor of their souls for all eternity. in good soil. With a od. Joseph, therefore, re- scatter seed abundantly glanced through the abyss •ayer for a blessing on the prophetic eye He questioned Martha sapacity of Sacrificer, broke of time, and in a whisper on the chalice. ,ed it ; and Veronica hand- of the holy mysteries of that uests. The aged Elizabeth He then spoke to men to Emd saw that each of her chalice, saying that He was given offering, and that He would still ed for. make the Law. He also simple, but well seasoned make it according to the New must be understood that gave some explanations as to Melchisedeck " of the Lord, who, in old lis own kinsfolk from ab- It was the Angel went about the earth, under a human 1, wishing that all should times, praise and was on earth. The table form, everywhere teaching men to glorify God. Little by little the nations have >d things : a lamb, pigeons. ;

282 Leqends of St. Jo8epr.

turned away from the truth : they soon wor-

ship the golden calf. Nevertheless, some drops

of this living water yet remain here and there, at times purer than that of the Temple. These

drops shall grow still larger, and spread into a living spring, for the Son of God takes the human form, and is made flesh." The face of the Child, as the Emmanuel so long desired, beamed with all its splendor scarce could mortal eye endure the sight. So, " with heads bowed low, they chanted : Ho-

sannah I glory ! glory ! glory to God through-

! out all eternity " Their hearts were ravished with a mysterious wonder. The miracles they like dream. i saw before them appeared a , I-

, 1 Passing fair was that vision of Paradise. Smiling, then, as a beloved and loving

child, Jesus changes His divine countenance

into that of a mere mortal. He admonishes and then consoles His female hearers, but does not forbid them innocent joys. At length, Joseph announces the hour of depart-

full of affection for their ure ; but the hosts, ;

p St. Joseph. Legends of St. Joseph.

without accom- B fcruth : they soon wor- visitors, will not let them go

(^evertheless, some drops panying them to the high road. t remain here nud there, lat of the Temple. These

larger, nud spread into The city breaks forth into rejoicing. Terp- e Son of God takes the sichore everywhere proclaims the Emperor's lade flesh." festival. A joyous tumult reigns amongst ild, as the Emmanuel so the richly -ottired, many-colored crowd. The

I with all its splendor arras and armor of the Boman soldiery glit- ye endure the sight. So, tered wherever the eye could reach. A " w, they chanted : Ho- swarm of profligate, effeminate-looking patri-

! glory to God through- cians strut along in the lion skins they wear iieir hearts were ravished on their shoulders. Pagans and Jewish lords, nder. The miracles they covered with gold and pearls, follow, step by ppeared like a dream, step, on horseback, in full state. Bread and vision of Paradise. fine sights are gratuitously and in profusion

a beloved and loving given to the people. Dust and noise there His divine countenance are in abundance. mortal. He admonishes The Jupiter of Bome is known to be lavish

Sis female hearers, but of his gifts. Joy, in a word ; and what joy I innocent joys. At the soul knows not em . . . But the soul! Ohl is inces the hour of depart- whether it exists. The shade of Tiberius affection for their phantom, Full of still abroad on the earth : that dark :

284 Leobmds ov St. Jobbph.

crowned with imperial laurels, soonrges unceasingly with both hands: while one rains rods, from the other falls the axe. Tlie governor, that true Roman courtier of that day, ) I that monster of cruelty, is known as Publius. Ask twenty years hence, and no one will bo

able to tell you what was the great man's name. The divine group, pressed on its way by the crowd, glides timidly hither and thither,

like birds in a storm. They try to get away. They hear only the noise of the pagan fes-

tival, surging louder and louder amongst the crowd. One relates the exploits of a gladiator " With one blow of his fist he felled a bull." "And killed him?" "Yea, he killed him;" and the answer was repeated on every side.

"What gigantic strength have •• these people from the Euxine!" And no one deigns to oast a look on the Child to whom all nations are subject, and the footstool of whose glory

is the whole earth. Yonder the Kedron winds along, in its Leo'icnds of 8t. Joseph. 286 f St. Josspr.

nearer, a brightness, through the meadows; %\ laurels, scourges un- Hunlight. pond lies, glittering in the hands: while one rains smooth and White flocks are grazmg on its banks, falls the axe. Tlie gov- prattling children are there washing an courtier of that day, many gay young their lambs. Sportive mfiidens and ty, is known as Publius. bright brides cast their garlands into the nee, and no one will bo Laugh- water, singiug glad songs the while. lat was the great man's thither, ing and chatting, they run hither and chasing each other in girlish glee. pressed on its way by lidly hither and thither, XI. They try to get away, to halt here, for, soon, the noise of the pagan fes- Jesus proposes part company, and the and louder amongst the friends will have to proceed alone on their journey. le exploits of a gladiator: travellers of the place pleases Him, for all lis fist he felled a bull." The aspect ;" of the country. Scarcely " Yea, he killed him around breathes group seated on the sward, repeated on every side, are the holy here, a girl there, is seen to ap- ngth have --these people when, a boy sparrows, beginning with the And no one deigns to proach, like the following the other; and soon hild to whom all nations boldest, one seen a crowd of children, who, footstool of whose glory there may bo motionless ever easily put to flight, now stand Jesus caresses them with His hands. on winds along, in its around.

li^ 286 Legends of St. Joseph.

Surprise is painted on every face. Jesus seems to them an old acquaintance; somewhere, not long since, they thought they had fluttered with Him over flowers. servant-maid A little farther away, a young was trying in vain to soothe the child she carried in her arms; do what she would, she be silent, could not succeed. " Be silent, oh ! repeating; but my little Stephen," she kept the child would not be pacified. Suddenly lb the Uttle hand of Jesus is laid on its head. he Stephen stretches his arms towards Him ; twines his tiny fingers in His waving hair, and clings to His neck, like a bird under its moth-

er's wings. Jesus kisses the little one ten-

derly. And it is for that kiss—yea, even for that kiss—that Stephen shall one day shed his blood, and be the first to open the way for the martyrs. This scene of marvellous love touched all beholders. The aged friends of the travellers took their leave of them. And Joseph's ass

! t trotted briskly on. Jesus and Mary wew LEOEin)s OF St. Joseph. 237 s OF St. Joseph.

mounted together on another. They waved ,ed on every face. Jesus a parting salute to the kind friends they left ,n old acquaintance ; some- behind, and set forward on the road to Gali- ince, they thought they had lee. Jesus cast His eyes far along the road, 1 over flowers. messenger of glad tidmgs. His thoughts away, a young servant-maid as a were in heaven above. All at once, as if to soothe the child she car- a fold of His would, she some one had pulled Him by ; do what she to the " garment, He turned His animated eyes . Be silent, oh ! be silent, right. There lies the silent Garden of Olives, 1," she kept repeating; but

Golgotha ! Thence it is that the not be pacified. Suddenly the gloomy world's redemption by the cross shall come. >f Jesus is laid on its head. At the idea of the cross, Jesus bows humbly Him ; he I his arms towards before the will of His Father. His tears, like igers in His waving hair, and dew, moisten the earth. But soon, with His i, like a bu-d under its moth- usual calmness, He raises His head heaven- is kisses the little one ten- mirror of His eyes many ^yea, even for ward. In the 1 for that kiss— are reflected. Stephen shall one day shed thoughts

first to open the way e the xn.

"Mother," He said, "in an evil manner do marvellous love touched all spend the days of their pilgrimage here aged friends of the travellers men below. They surround themselves with trou- of them. And Joseph's ass ble and with weariness ; and yet muracles are on. Jesus and Mary were

1^ !

288 Legends of St. Jobsph.

not strewn all along their way, but they deign II to cast a look upon them. They will not con-

sider who it is that clothes this tree with ver- given the birds their dure ; who it is that hath many-colored plumage, and provideth for them ! ;" food. Verily, these sportive birds sow not, neither do they reap. Behold, fairest Mother,

! With what ma- i the Hly, white as the snow vile jesty it raiseth its head, even from the dust of the earth, out of which it groweth Neither Solomon in all his glory, nor the spouse of any king, hath been so splendidly : adorned. And yet it is but a flower; fair

though it be to look upon, it is only perishable

dust. Man alone, by his soul or spirit, weighs something in the balance before the Divine

Spirit. He alone is surrounded by a very special care and protection. But he himself extinguishes the spark of light within him. He allows his reason and his heart to be carried away by his will. By his unbridled wick- edness he heaps up, from day to day, sin on evil ways. sin, and liveth in the darkness of his

..^ iiMiiilrfiiWi :

Leoends op St. Joseph 239 St. Jossph.

that the Heavenly Father hath way, but they deign not Hence it is him off for ever. Nevertheless, there are em. They will not con- cast remedies promises ; there are all-powerful othes this tree with ver- yet of the Innocent One." His voice was ath given the birds their the blood choked with sobs. A long silence followed. i, and provideth for them " art a star began anew : Mother, thou gportive birds sow not, Jesus the court of the elect ; surrounded by Behold, fairest Mother, amongst upon this ipy angels, thou shalt shed light show ! With what ma- as the sole mediatrix of divine grace. lead, even from the vile world, depths shall rejoice vfiih. the rays of thy at of which it groweth! The

all his glory, nor the glory." remained clasped in a sweet but hath been so splendidly Long they mute embrace. The prophetic words are again it is but a flower; fair in with The holy M..-.; ? gathers them ipon, it is only perishable heard.

' in her hides ^ ^-ep down his soul or spirit, weighs delight, and

t to her but as long jour. ', ; emed ilance before the Divine heart. The a moment's length. I surrounded by a very was now declining, and several itection. But he himself The sun already traversed. An olive xrk of light within him. leagues were with a clear stieam and his heart to be car- grove is seen not far off, the Holy Family runmng close by ; and there . By his unbridled wick- setting behmd sin on stop for the night. The sun is , from day to day, yet gUds Mount Thabor darkness of his evil ways. crimson clouds, but he 240 Legends of St. JosEi-H. and the neighboring hill- tops with his roseate beams. The castle of Magdala is seen, with added splendor, in that flood of fiery light which overspreads the landscape, its bright hues made richer still by the gorgeous crimson of the far-famed vines of the country. Eising from amid those clustering vines a lofty palm- tree casts its shadow far down athwart the plain, and from forth their sheltering leaves the young Samaritan girl slowly and timidly not cast moves away with her lamb ; she dares a look behind, for she is accursed in Israel. An old, old feud, dating from the times of the Babylonish captivity, but existing yet in all

its ancient strength and bitterness 1 Jesus followed the fugitive with His eyes. He pondered deeply in His heart. At length He opens His mouth, and proclaims that love of the new law, that love abounding in the purest delight, which, from the highest heaven,

is to descend as a magic chain to our clouded

earth, and bind together all mankind, recon-

ciled with Qod, its Creator. 241 St. JosEi-H. Legends op St. Joseph.

Samaritan," said He, "is poor ill- tops with hia roseate "Ah! yonder father to Mogdala is seen, with Humanity, burning inwardly from weight of that tat flood of fiery light son, and suflfering under the it shall arise e landscape, its bright ancient condemnation. But

yea, it shall arise in love, in faith, in oy the gorgeous crimson again ; new of the country. Eising hope, for the time is at hand when the iring vines a lofty palm- covenant shall embrace all eternity.". Jesus, revived far down athwart the The silver-haired guardian of the divine their sheltering leaves by the dews of grace falling from with delight, girl slowly and timidly lips of his foster-Son, listened to tears. Filled with compunc- amb ; she dares not cast moved even

his knees ; Jesus, e is accursed in Israel, tion, he bows his head on to him the heavenly ig from the times of the in a low voice, repeats be the but existing yet in all promise: "Besting on Me thou shalt of souls, and in thy name I will mul- d bitterness 1 guardian fugitive with His eyes, tiply thee in the new covenant." shades and its n His heart. At length The night came on, with its and proclaims that love silence. Here and there a star was seen in love abounding in the the blue expanse of heaven. The Holy Fam- Jesus begins in a [rom the highest heaven, ily fall on their knees, and " art in ^c chain to our clouded clear, sweet voice : Our Father, who ..." prayed for His beloved, ;her all mankind, recon- Heaven, He at length, the Holy sator. and for Himself. When, 21 T4"

242 Leoends of St. Joseph.

Family slept, bright peaceful dreams hovered around, reflecting their mysteries. The stars come out by thousands. The guardian sun and the guardian moon are absent, keeping their watch far away in another hemisphere. The whole firmament, rolling on in its un- ending motion, appears to sing in ceaseless " harmony : Blessed for ever be Thou, O Son ofManI"

f 1:

• I t

' mvmnwK A [ mMi. i |i|MiwwPI!glWBB ; — ; :

9 St. Joseph.

teacefol dreams hovered ir mysteries. The stars ids. The guardian sun son are absent, keeping

in another hemisphere, XXIX. t, rolling on in its nn- SCENES IN NAZARETH. ars to sing in ceaseless lEAR spouse, it is late, and our evening for ever be Thon, O i9on repast

Is not ready, nor have I a morsel of bread

This morning I gave our sweet Jesus the last,

And He may be hungry — 'tis that which I dread."

Thus speaks gentle Mary, and Joseph, who hears, To heaven looks up with his calm, trusting eyes

" Help will come to us, Mary, have thou no fears,

Our God will provide for His Son in some wise.

" See, here is some work, I am finishing now A box I have fashion'd with all my best skill

It is for the lord of yon palace below,

That rises so grand at the foot of the iiUI.

J^ raaRTEa?CE3«<^^'SSf'**V'^^'';'3HiJSi»M ;

244 Leqendb of St. Joseph.

will bo done,— " In less than an hour the work and be paid Onr dear Jesus shall carry it home, ; your well-bcloved Then you shall have bread for Son, as I've said." And Heaven will thus send us help,

fresh courage he goes. To his hard, ceaseless toil, with brow that Nor heeds the big drops from his hot fall,— laborer knows What are labor and sweat when the nourish the Saviour of all? He is working to

" My Son, The work being finish'd, said Joseph : J castle down Wilt Thou carry this box to the there?" patient labo ath won Yea, and, Joseph, thy hard, to tl share I Such guerdon aa never hath fall'n

the Saviour now stands, At the door of the mansion the portal's deep shade Full humbly he knocks in a menial de- "What brings thee, ChUd, hither?"

mands : master my father l»th "Lol this box for thy made."

- iiiijw'"""'!' . i f « fin u -•*-j-)kV»XK»Hi?WJt--e*1t«i.-ia6wr»tfgfirijJ'iiMi. ni ..'<'* iMii wrww — ; ; : " !

Legends of St. Joseph. 246 St. Joseph.

hast Quoth the lackey, in scorn: "Small chance work will bo done, paid thou now ry it home, and be ; back." Of seeing my master—to-morrow come sad for your well-beloved cloud on His brow " I will wait," said young Jesus, a ; parents well the Child knows what His dear 3nd ns help, as I've said." Full lack.

fresh courage he goes, with in fear All trembling He lingers, in hope and his hot brow that ps from "This work is well At length comes the master : done; the laborer knows i when Miriam dear— It must needs please my lady, my all? ih the Savioarof Joseph's son." I wUl soon see thy father, if thou'rt

" Son, the Child,— aid Joseph : My A blush overspreads the fair face of to the castle down pride. He is humble of I box Not from shame or from heart ath wou words sweet and rd, patient labo But He thinks of His parents—in

share I hath fall'u to tl mild. a part. He asks to receive of the payment ion the Saviour now stands, " get thee away deep shade the master, in anger, Go, 1 in the portal's Cried scarce de- like these, their work is iQd, hither?" a menial With low people done, thou art call'd on the very same day, thy master my father l»th When, forsooth, ! To pay what thou owest before set of sun ——

246 Legends of St. Joseph.

from the door, Then Jesas, all sorrowful, turns go without And thinks how His parente must bread ' Miriam, stepping before, When lo ! gentle on His head. With a pitying smile, lays her hand

" gentle Child " O blame not my husband," she said, ; to-morrow, thou'lt see, His cares they are many— and sweetly she smiled, He will pay thee the better," displeasing to "For the words that are now so

thee.

to take— " Meanwhile, I pray thee this bauble in the town Tis a ring which thy father may sell ; give for thy sake, The help it will bring thee I send thee home with a I would not, dear Child, frown."

Child The lady was gone, and the beautiful thoughts had He Stood musing a moment ; what

then f and they were, f* he looked up Ah I gracious smiled, found amongst There were mercy and goodness stUl

men 1 ;

Legends of St. Joseph. 247 p St. Josiph.

parents He quickly the jewel convey'd— turns from the door, To His , time bread now," he said, "for a long most go without "Wo have I parents

to come ; sweet lady had said. And Ho told them of all the I, stepping before, their And how kindly she sent Him with joy to lays her hand on His head. home. " gentle Child nd," she said, from Mary a prayer, « A blessing from Joseph, see, iny—to-morrow, thou'lt done, Rewarded the lady for what she had sweetly she smiled, ;ter," and own God-like air, And Jesus said low, with His displeasing to t are now so Miriam my heaven hath "By her goodness, fair won!" % le this bauble to take- father may sell in the town ; lee I give for thy sake, a )hild, send thee home with

Child I the beautiful had aent ; what thoughts He

and irerc, f(fir he looked up

id goodness still found amongst 1T«'"

! I

XXX.

TffiS? SAW.

INE day in Nn/areth, under a scoroh-^ ing sun, a luau was painfully saw- ing a long plank. This man was

St. Joseph, the foster-father of Josus, a simple working man, whose sublime

epitaph is thus found in the Gospel : A jtut man. The sweat was streaming from his brow, for the plank was broad and the teeth of the saw

straight, as they were then made (says the le-

gend), with difficulty catching the wood, at the

third cut.

Twenty times did St. Joseph wipe /his fore-

head, his face, his beard, and resume his work, without a murmur, or the least sign of im-

patience, doubtless o£fering up his toil and fatigue to God.

'SJ Leqendb of St. Jobbpu. m

At length the saw gave its last silvery sound, workman, who, to the great satisfaction of the brightening this timo, manifested his joy by a face. up of hirt fine and venerable KX. said Mid-day n')j(/«.—The Amjelm was not their souls SAW. then, but tlie fervent Jews raised laying himself to God. Joseph did so, and a^.areth, under a scoroh-^ down on a bed of chips, he soon slept what is man was painfully saw- uptly called the sleep of the just. plauk. This man was Now, Satan had been watching for some 1, the foster-father of had time at the door of the workshop. He Dg man, \rhose sublime and, with- first seen a man hard at work; in the Gospel : A jtiat "There out knowing who he was, he said: But the is nothing to be done here I "... kming from his brow, for was workman had laid down his saw, and tnd the teeth of the saw asleep. then made (says the le- of Then Satan, Uttle suspecting the quality atching the wood, at the to play a the dwellers in that house, resolved breath- trick on the slumberer, whose heavy t. Joseph wipe /his fore- fast ing already assured Satan that he was :d, and resume his work, asleep. r the least sign of im- Taking, then, a visible form, he began by fferiug up his toil and examining the tools, one after another: chisels, If 250 Legends of St. Joskph.

hammers, planes, pincers. None of these seemed to give him the desired opportunity oi doing mischief. There remained the saw, which he angril] i"U laid hold of. The saw of that tiine, the straigh teeth of which, standing in line, gave him th<

drollest means of doing what he desired, eithe by breaking, or bending them, so as to plac( them farther apart, one from the other. B ohose the latter, as the surest means of mya

tifying the artisan. But the devil, it would seem, was no mor of a mechanician than the Jews of that day and he little thought that he was thus givin

St. Joseph the secret of the real teething of saw. So far from that was he, that when hi work was finished, his face expressed a mal cious pleasure that looked almost like jo; Then quitting his assumed form, he awaitc the awaking of the blessed sleeper. He had not to wait long. Joseph aros and, with eyes still dim and misty from slee he mechanically took up the saw, which 1

SHM ;

Ds OF St. Joseph. Legends of St. Joseph. 261

custom, i, pincers. None of these according to his tried on a plank, the desired opportunity of anything. im before he commenced cutting surprise, when, in- I leave you to guess his the saw, which he angrily in its going and id stead of a faint cut, the tool, the straight with unwonted 3 saw of that tiine, coming, slipped over the wood in line, gave him the great disappoint- tanding ease, and cut deep, to the he desired, either flight, and never E doing what ment of the devil, who took place bending them, so as to went there again. holy man art, one from the other. He The poor devil knew not that the of mys- that God watches as the surest means had prayed to God, and who invoke Him, m. over the interests of those it would seem, was no more or awake. , whether they are asleep Q than the Jews of that day )ught that he was thus giving ecret of the real teething of a m that was he, that when his ed, his face expressed a mali- that looked almost like joy. his assumed form, he awaited the blessed sleeper, to wait long. Joseph arose, still dim and misty from sleep, y took up the saw, which he

»Tiiiii1r'1iiyniiiM MHim—'Twi — ;

XXXI. THE CHOICE OF A KING.

IBA, truly, this day we will choose us a

ruler,

Unto whom we shall all of ns sub-

ject be. master, We shall honor him duly as lord and as As kmg Archelaus mleth, so shall he. So long as he remaineth Wise, prudent, patient, kind, A true and faithful follower In each one of us he shall find.''

Twas Simon thus spoke, of the children the eldest—

In their games and their frolics he led the rest Like a juTenile prophet, well noted wefe all his say-

ings,

And so free and fttink he was that his comrades loved him the best. — ; — —" —

253 Lboetob of St. Joseph.

he; "Little John, come «Let us now begin," said

hither 1

will be thy choice ; Speak low, and tell me who who shall be the names-now, tell me I will inscribe XXI. master them hear thy Ha! beware that none of KING. 'E OF A yoice 1 is day we will choose us a casting his blue eyes down- Timidly John drew nigh, ward. m we shall all of ns snb- light and waving his as an Angel he was, e. Fair

as lord and as master, hair; so sweet and gentle only six years old, but eth, so shall be. He was nature. laiaeth his his voice in tha'- children all would have patient, kind, That the grand affair. 'ul follower would like to with a heavenly smUe, "I us he shall find." Said John, have Jesus." but me, I like children the eldest oldest among us ; , the of He is not the eir frolics he led the rest Him the best judgment well noted weye all his say- to be our kmg." " Thy , I would wish Him Simon, is good," quoth smiling his comrades beaming approval, he uk he was that And, his dark eyes St. tum'd to the rest. 22 1 ; — ; ;

pi:||

Jo^bph. •251 Leoends op St.

Thoa art ever "Mathias! what sayest thou? thoughtful and loving." pale and delicate Pensively smiled Mathias, a

child times by hU stur- Shunn'd and neglected he was at

dier comrades, join in their Too grave and retiring was he to gambols wild. Mathias, But One there was, who loved and pitied the name of And at once from his pale lips fell

this generous friend. will have none but « Jesus," he whisper'd low; "I Jesus comfort, or do- No one Uke Him can pity, or

fend.

takes care of me, weeps with "He is the One that

i 1 me when I am sorrowfu' there is none so I would have Him for our king ;

fitting as He." thou art, littie •Mathias, thou speakest well—wise comrade thy Now, Andrew, brother of mine, say, who will " choice be ?

Mmmmr'immminsmft ;— — ;

Legends of St. Joseph. 256 F St. Joseph.

that ought to be art ever Andrew: "Tis Mary's Son it thou? Thoa Said ruler (ving." our our king. delicate I pray thee, see that he shall be thias, a pale and Simon, good, so loving, so kkd I There is none of us half so

stur- patient he was at times by his 80 ever in trouble but comfort He's Oh ! no one is ng was he to join in sure to bring. to our mother when she • I know how kind He was

pitied Mathian, was nflSicted, 1 loved and and left her of our father was taken away, is pale lips fell the name When lonely and sad end. ; husbands and but told her of heaven, where low ; " I will have none Our Jesus wives dwell united. almost her look again as if she were »n pity, or comfort, or de- Till he made glad."

no one bo is troe, O Andrew ; takes care of me, weeps with "What thou sayest kind as Jesus lorrowfu' ; all of the very same so it seems to me wc are [pr our king ; there is none So far, mind. come hither, I pray, and who thott est well—wise thou art, little Fair Matthew, wilt choose now tell me maI^-art thou to a ruler will thy soon thou wiK be a lier of mine, say, who Full inclined?" ' —

266 Leoenss of St. Joseph.

" Yea, and 'tis Jesus I choose," gravely and slowly

said Matthew.

"Who else is so fitted to rule—so generous, wise,

and jost 1

Moreover, He looks a king ; noble His face is and

royal.

If a ruler we fain would have, Jesus it shall be, and must."

'' ''- li '

"Tis well, 'tis well I I see that justice prevails," qnoth Simon.

" Come hither. Lord Jesus, I pray thee, and listen

to what I say.

Be not surprised to hear that Thou for our king art chosen isHs Each one of us here is promised thine orders to obey"

Was He of earth, that Child, before whom they bent \ % all lowly ? * I- Or was He a heavenly spirit conccal'd in mortal guise?

Ab ! truly He, and He only, merited all the honor, For the light of Heaven's deep glory beam'd ftom

His wondrous eyes.

I ill •

,?. Lbobkds of St. Joseph. m or St. Joseph.

and sees, and Mother is there who hears, I choose," gravely and slowly But a ponders

every word and action of the Child— ted to mle—so generons, irise, On Jo- " sweet I Look now, Fjw fair He is 1 how

seph 1 king ; noble His face is and 1 " and she smiled. How fit He is to rule them power. " great one day shall be His royal ironld have, Jeinis it shall be, How nations range I When 'neath His bamiers all the sceptre it is, be then His ; Oh ! light as now I see that justice preTails," wondrous change 1" But great, indeed, shall be the

thee, listen sword of I Jesus, I pray and " indeed 1 But yet a Said Joseph : Great, sorrow ear that Thou for our king art joy shall yet be Shall pierce thy heart. But

thine, re is promised thine orders to of Man's B«deemer, And'overflow thy soul : Mother one day, shine l" With Him, in glory, thou shalt,

k Child, before whom they bent and comfort Thus did St. Joseph gently soothe words and sweet, His blessed spouse, with loving enly spirit conccal'd in mortal Foreshewing Jesus in resplendent glory. were all to meet In that bright heaven where they e only, merited all the honor, iaven's deep glory beam'd from eyes.

Tr;-^i'^^;K\T;v-!>^"'^^S^V>:',nii?'SS^Si5i'a>; —

xxxn. AN APPARITION.

|T happened once that on the Feast TJr- of All Saints there died, in an sulme Convent, a good religious, named Gabriella of the Incarna- lifetime, a model tion, who had been, in her appeared, after her death, of all vbtues. She Angela, who since to her Superior, Mother who related died in the odor of sanctity, and foUowing terms, What to her director, in the had taken place : between "On the 6th of November, 1660, morning, after three and four o'clock in the preparing to write saying my prayers, I was I felt found it impossible : gome letters ; but I God myseU strongly impeUed to beg that Mother Incar- would show mercy to the good to grant if were not in glory, nation ; and, she ;

Legends of St. Joseph.

merits of Jesus Christ, it to her through the His Divine Son, and by the intercession of she the Blessed Virgin, whose holy scapular had worn. The reason why I felt bound to :xn. long I ask this request was, that all night dear >ARITION. could not keep from thinking of that often since her death, although once that on the Feast mother ; and could fain have persuaded myself that she its there died, in an Ur- I heart began to beat when- Qvent, a good religious, enjoyed God, my thought of her. At last, I felt it incum- ibriella of the Incarna- ever I on me to ask Our Lord, that if it were in her lifetime, a model bent the welfare of souls. He ppeared, after her death, for His glory and known to us the state of that ther Angela, who since would make religious. ianctity, and who related good little while after, she appeared before le following terms, ifrhat "A me with a very mild aspect, looking more although I saw well November, 1660, between humbled than suflfering, much. At first, when I saw ok in the morning, after that she suffered frightened to write her so near me, I was very much L was preparing appearance felt as there was nothing in her jund it impossible : I but afraid, I soon got over my fear. jelled to beg that God to make me made the sign of the cross on myself, J the good Mother Incar- Having Our Lord that I might not be de- rere not in glory, to grant I besought IPs

ot St. Joskpb. 2J0 Leoeubs

-"«" Guardian. After lootogly "-^^ "j^ a.ked her speak to her, mi 1 re»olv«a to lhTlteehe»a,in.aBd.heiher«ecodd She repUed lUat she t Tender her .»y service. ineiiee.nP3'°^, eatisCing the Divine las kept her to teU me »hat Mi I begged of her "" °" there -il Go* ?«"'"«* " Tfn.e: sigh, and told She heaved a deep tn aetsotneg- on ao«nnto. several Tan. there Me, routine of religions uLee in the ordinary ..sentln-ents too pnr^ in giving in aCity above the religions; but, human in regard to smaU things for my TL a habit of keeping * nse,anddisposmgofthemaceord,ngto I natural .nchnaUons. „y wants, or to my you had perm»sion. replied: '-Why, ^^ • or presum^ ^Ltimes I had,' she answered, enough before God. but that is not Had- reh- the obligation of ot poverty and Thetw de- a very d-ffe^nt ^ous perfeottou denfand sees things w.th ve^ strictness. God !:« of soub what we do, and J Silerent eyes from Leobnm of St. Joseph. an

J" St. Joseph. wrong they do to only knew, during life, the to my Angel ided myself aiming at per- and to themselves by not at her, God kingly attentively and how much they must suffer m asked her fection, to her, and their cow- order to expiate their weaknesses, whether we could in, and self-gratification, ardly compliances, and their replied that she je. She overcome themselves they would more easily justice in purgatory. ivine faithfully the light in this Ufe, and foUow more what kept her , tell me His grace.' our instruc- of aiitted it for our commu- " I besought her to tell me how sigh, and told me: i deep this evil. She re- nity and I could remedy acts of neg- unt of several wtot of submis- plied: 'There is generally a of religious life; „.y routine recollection, of charity Bion of mind, of interior sentiments too purely in to neighbor, and of subjec- in bearing with the religious; but, above , the so with myself in tion to obedience: it was things for my eeping smaU particular, you lifetime. As for you, in according to my jsing of them blindly, and must be careful not to grant inclinations.' I av notural every little through natural condescension, permission. les, m had should labor gratification to the senses. You 'or presumed she answered, partiality, and to destroy all tendency to before God. to is not enough spirit of sim- estabUsh in the community the obligation of reh- by and the to you docility. I recommend de- pUcity and a very different iedand to me; they often de- very those who are related God sees things with part from the ways of God.' and if soulB *m what we do,

""''''' i- ^Mfe'^^^*^'**^'^"-''- 11,

Joseph. 262 LEamros of St.

I asked lior if " At the end of the discourse way. She an- we could serve her in any see and possess swered: 'I ardently desire to His justice God, but I am content to satisfy I asked her if her as long as He pleases.' be inconceivable,' pain was great. 'It would feel it.' I ' do not she said, to those who advocate with God, besought her to be our one person in par- and recommended to her said she, 'is truly de- ticular. 'That soul.' pray for me, and you voted to God: let her approached my face, also.' Saying this, she seemed to me as of me : it as if to take leave burned me, although though a coal of fire had mine, and my arm hav- her face did not touch against ber sleeve, was ing rubbed a little severely. At the burned so that it pained me same moment she disappeared. continued "The whole of my left cheek on my arm, right at very sore, and the bum a crown piece, and the wrist, is larger than very painful. and nine m "The same day, between eight Leqkndb of St. Joseph. 268 iP St. Joseph.

Angel appeared to me the morning, my holy discourse I asked hor i! I had retired. (Her in my room, to which in any way. She an- appeared to her.) I Augel Guardian often to see and possess lesire had had in the asked him if the vision I satisfy His justice mt to was the soul moruiug was real, and if it I asked her if her J6S.' Incarnation. mother, Gabriella of the be inconceivable,' of my would abundance of He replied: 'Yes, it is an who do not feel it.' I to you all, to that God has vouchsafed odvocate with God, grace our people you know that the faults which o her one person in par- let suppose. This are greater than they • truly de- commit ; said she, is profit by her ex. you soul was of good wiU; ier pray for me, and ample.' she approached my face, " between the 29th and 30th to me as On the. night if me : it seemed month, being St. Andrew's day, burned me, although of the same a had and gave mother again appeared to me, ch mine, and my arm hav- this that she was putting in a sleeve, was mo to understand 5 against her our midst, that she the part of her purgatory in lined me severely. At on the Feast hoped to enter on eternal rest lisappeared. Conception, and that tho of the Immaculate my left cheek continued Joseph, to Mother of Jesus, and St. bum on my arm, right at amiable very devout, had ob- piece, and whom she had been r than a crown her purgatory tained mercy for her; that been long, without their assiot- eight and nine in would have , between

i--s

KjTio.:s«ISiii*«sfc.>«s«J**^'' 264 Legends of St. Joseph.

ance. She told me that most religious had much to satisfy for in the other life, beoau8( they did not make a dirt:.f application to th< ordinary acts of religion, and that many o habil the actions of life are done through and have, therefore, little efficacy before God that very often they neglect to enter into th true light of grace, to avoid domg violence t without light t nature ; that no soul is left as exect know the designs of God ; but that, tion requires constraint, and a subjection ( nature and our own spirit, few persons wis to penetrate that light, and follow it in the

it is that few sou conduct ; for which reason ill' correspond with the designs of God, and thi the that is one of the principal causes of pu gatory of religious. I asked her what it is thi 'Tl the soul suffers, ahe answered me: ardent desii soul feels withy i itself an

fire, impels it to which, like a devouring j and be united to its God, and it sees it8( bound and detained by a thousand little nt and cords, which are but very slowly co 266 Lbigends of St. Joseph. IDS OF &r. Joseph. T of the fire. Its under- me that most religious had I sumed by the activity by a light which shows > illumined for in the other life, because I standing is of breaking these cords 1 means it had £6 a dirt-.^f application to the I it the reproaches of its con- ofE Ufe, and the I religion, and that many .luring I quit- known to it that it basely life are done through habit, science make way of grace, to follow that ore, little efficacy before God; ted the straight it con- the senses ; wherefore, they neglect to enter into the of nature and of God, and itself. It sees the ways ice, to avoid doing violence to demns upon it, with the light to designs He had formed ) soul is left without the them, correspondence it had brought to 8 of God ; but that, as execu- little be- to it a great torment, )nstraint, and a subjection of ,md that sight is immense goodness it knows in own spirit, few persons wish cause of the jus- it is itself obliged to at light, and follow it in their God, whose ways lich reason it is that few souls tify.' 8th of December, 1660, between 1 the designs of God, and that "On the the evening, my good he principal causes of the pur- five and six o'clock in I~ Incarnation appeared to me, •us. I asked her what it is that Mother of the and, having come near, said to •s. ohe answered me; 'The all shining, of God permits me to hiji itself an ardent desire, me: 'The goodness gomg to enjoy Him. evouring fire, impels it to go teU you that I am now mother! Work for eter- to its God, and it sees itself FareweU, my dear and assure men ained by a thousand little nets nity, to which you aspire, done, said, or suffered lich are but very slowly con- that whatsoever is not 23 % 266 Legends ov St. JoBiS*H.

< I-- for Gk)d, results but in pain and torment. There are many souls abused in their prac-

tices.' I begged that she would be our advocate with God. She assured me she would, and that she would pray for us. I recommended to her certain persons who had requested me to do so. She sfc>=!med to receive my request kindly ond graciously, but with-

out saying any^injj .v,ry distinctly in reply; and, approaching the window that overlooks

the altar, where the Blessed Sacrament is, she made a profound genuflexion. After that, my holy Angel, who was with her, took her,

as it were, by the hand, and both ascending upwards, vanished from my sight, leaving a sweet perfume in ray chamber, and my heart

full of joy for the happiness of that dear mother.

" It is because of the burn on my arm that I have not been able to write with mine own

hand all this little narrative, but I have told

all truly, as far as I could remember. I may simply say, that for a whole month I seem to F St. Jobjsfh. LEaEKDS OF St. Joseph. 267

good mother's r in pain and torment. have Buffered a part of that Is abused in their prac- purgatory, that she haunted me continually, advo- from the pain of 1 she would be our and that I suffered severely assured me she would, my burns. That state enables me to con- pray for us. I recom- ceive the great purity of mind in whi^-h one in persons who had re- must live in order to appear before God." She sfcamed to receive nd graciously, but with-

.v,ry distinctly in reply;

B window that overlooks

Blessed Sacrament is, she

[enuflexion. After that, was with her, took her, and, and both ascending irom my sight, leaving a y chamber, and my heart happiness of that dear bbe burn on my arm that

Q to write with mine own narrative, but I have told could remember. I may a whole month I seem to

MM iMtW>«-: ~]/X u^'-tl.

xxxin. THE LOST CHILDREN.

(Fbou Fabke's "Talks op th« Amoiui.")

|IGH! sigh! sigh! said the midnight

wind, as it swept over the great Brazilian forest. And the tall palms trembled, and waved their

green fans, tp get all the sea's coolness, which feathery domes came in the breeze ; and th air swung to and fro, like ships rocking at an- chor. "Lililpa, death must be very beautiful!" said Oniato, " for death is God's night." " replied Lililpa, "but Ught is Ah ! Oniato," more beautiful than darkness." " Dearest sister, you must not say so," an- " beautiful swered Oniato ; darkness is more dark- than light. We see God better in the

>• ness. 269 Legends of St. Joseph.

so often have your thoughts been «Why ?'' dearest brother wandering on God lately, my beautiful God! it is a said Lililpa. "God! heart. makes a strange stir in my nn. word, and is God?" Where is God? Who when things make CHILDREN. "I know not, Lililpa; but things. hearts they must be real us or THi Amoiu") a stir in our though perhaps His There must be a God, sigh! said the midnight name is not God." over the great dark- t swept " see why you love the Ah ! Oniato, I forest. And the tall makes you think more less. It is because it their nbled, and waved darkness! it feels Uke a of God. Beautiful be sea's coolness, which home." nd thair feathery domes when I have Us- "Oh! yes, Lililpa; and ^e ships rocking at an- reasoning with -ny tened to the missionaries thought that Ught father, I have sometimes ist be very beautiful!" darkness really light, was really darkness, and th is God's night." agreed to look like and that they had only ied Lililpa, "but light is looking like their own each other, instead of arkness." selves." ... t. lu must not say so," an- beautiful ]ust such a Indeed, the night was ; beautiful rkness is more to make children talk night as would be Ukely God better in the dark- how much they under- Uke angels. I wonder 270 Leqends of St. Joseph.

Btcod of what they were saying to each other.

We are all of us bom poets, but only a few cf us find it out. They wandered On. They were lost in the forest. The boughs met above their heads like the roof of a cathedral. They heard the wild beasts arguing with each other, com- plainingly rather than savi^ely. Occasionally there were silences, and they thought they heard the earth breathe; but just as they were going to make certain of it, some night- bird from a lofty branch would suddenly pour forth gushes of clear song into the ear of the ancient night. ,Why is night ancient?—why

should it be more ancient than day? Nobody knows, yet everybody says it is so, and feels

that it is so. Every now and then they saw the stars

fighting in the sky. So Lililpa thought ; but

it was only the tossing of the branches, which kept showing and hiding the stars. There were many sights and many sounds in that wood, which the children did not understand. ! "

Lbgendb of St. Joseph. 271 ! St. Joseph.

somehow, when But they felt them all ; and ire saying to each other, to themselves, they felt them, they whispered poets, but only a few cf We " 1 " enjoy the day-time. God ! God We God sees the night-time. In the day-time They were lost in the feel earth, In the night-time we see God. On met above their heads us. Him. Feeling is to see God means to feel dedral. They heard the the best kind of seeing. other, com- mostly with each They had these children left home? savs^ely. Occasionally Why of the World never return to it. The End and they thought they will they shall die in the will come in an hour, and lathe; but just as they been really water^ of the wood; and, having ;ertain of it, some night- aUve by dead before, will make themselves ich would suddenly pour Wood! Oh, Blessed Waters of the song into the ear of the dying. wood in them Blessed all waters, which have is night ancient? —why ^the wood of the Cross 5ient than day? Nobody this very solemn ? Hark I O Lililpa ! is not says it is so, and feels f has a voice Uke how the wmd murmurs 1 It LUilpa, of our dead pale-faced mother. hen they saw the stars that when I sleep. I sometimes see my mother So Lililpa thought ; but sings as if it was But Usten to the wind 1 It ig of the branches, which ! god unhappy. Perhaps the wind is a liding the stars. There Oniato, it r/ould not "But if it was a god, ad many sounds in that be unhappy!" dren did not understand.

îîlfe''3î^îSKS;^^'^"^* 872 Lboends of St. Joseph.

who is "O Lililpa! more and more I ask are not like the God ? We have no God. We come to Christians with white faces, such as kings in this us, and such as they say were have a land thousands of years ago. They God whom they love. How grand the ruins mother was white- of their churches are ! Our too. had a God, and faced, they say ; and she, God, if it loved Him. Lililpa! I must have a love." is only to have something to Lililpa burst into tears. " Dearest LUUpa," said Oniato, "you know know what I mean." I love you ; you " " replied LiUlpa ; I am Oh ! yes, brother," mean, for I not unhappy. I do know what you I love you, oh so feel the same myself ; and yet ! sometimes!" much, so much, it hurts my heart and And Oniato threw his arms round her, to-night!" And a said : "We will find God tearful eyes. Oh! star shone into LiUlpa's speak by sometimes the stars seem almost to

their shining. would not " ! wish our father Ah ! Oniato I •w

LBaENDB OF St. Joseph. 27d )t. Joseph.

the fires of hum those white-faced priests in I ask who is d more now it seems to me the snake-temples. Even like the [. are not those We full of the sound of as if the wind was come to ices, such as they make in the sighs and murmurs which ay were kings in this have a fire." fs ago. They not Uke the "And yet, Lililpa, they are How grand the ruins murmurs of pain or anger." Our mother was white- " is the strange thing." No ! that and ,e, too, had a God, in my father's "Lililpa, I cannot breathe must have a God, if it you here on purpose. palace. I have enticed ng to love." us live in the Let UB find God. If not, let re. Let us seek and die here, like flowers. " know forest, lid Oniato, you God whom my father the white-faced man of what I mean." to-day to die of hanger, drove into the forest I am replied Lililpa;" wUd beasts. I have or to be eaten by the for I m what you mean, clothes to take hidden a flask of wine in my love you, oh ! so ud yet I him." to him, if we can find sometimes!" } my heart dear stars to "Oniato, shall we ask those is arms round her, and lead us to him?" lod to-night!" And a know best where " No, Lililpa; his God will tearful eyes. Oh! )a's the eyes of the stars seem he is To be sure, almost to speak by jem I think we had better to be everywhere. But pray to his God instead." sh our father would not ! "

874 Leqends of St. Joueph.

" Oniato I see ! the earth is on fire I

"No, I-Hilpa; it is only the fire-flies. Let us follow them. They are the living stars of the wood. Pefhaps God has sent them to lead us."

So they followed the fire-flies.

Sigh ! sigh ! sigh ! sang the wind ; for it was very tired, as it had been all round the earth. And the fire-flies played round the heads of the children, like glories round the heads of Saints in pictures. Some swung like globe- shaped lamps in front of them, and seemed to lead the way. Many wild beasts were prowl- ing round. The flame-colored eyes of the pumas looked at the children as they passed.

But they dared not touch them ; for the beasts saw three Angels with the children, whom the children did not see. Two were the Guardian Angels of the children, and the third was the Angel of the Sacrament of Baptism.

What a silence ! Deep, deep, deep silence I

Silence above 1 Silence below! Silence all round Legends of St. Joseph. 275 r St. Joueph.

like said Lililpa, " sUence is more earth is on fire!" "Oniato," I wind." only the fire-flies. Let a god than the near midnight. Tn the heart of r are the living stars of It was flower slowly opened out, and Qod has sent them to wood a huge with a most blossomed, and fiUed the forest

3 fire-flies. exquisite perfume. Flower! Lililpa! there is the Midnight ing the wind ; for it was "O to be a Midnight Flower, •een all round the earth, Ho>v I should like see me blossom, nobody to red round the heads of with nobody to except God! 1 suppose ies round the heads of smeU my fragrance, of the flowers for us, but ome swung like globe- He made the rest Himself. He keeps its sweetness of them, and seemed to that one for lonely darkness. It smells ivild beasts were prowl- for Himself in the the white-faced priests in the le-colored eyes of the like the flesh of The smell of it sometimes hildren as they passed, fires, so sweet! It al- into my window from the wood. ich them ; for the beasts comes think of God." the children, whom the ways makes me too, were truly Mid- Two were the Guardian Dear children ! They, blooming Flowers, and the hour of tiieir i, and the third was the night t of Baptism. was at hand. is Oniato! what beautiful soft thunder )ep, deep, deep silence i "O

00 below! Silence all that!" under dark They had come near a waterfaU,

/ Joseph. 276 Lkoends of St.

fiash under the cedars. They saw the loam dark branches. me Kke "Oniatol that watorfaU speaks to the voice of a God." God, except "Perhaps, Lililvi, there is no white-faced priests that Christ who makes the smell sweetly in the fire." "Hush! hush! Oniato,- li.ok at the globe tbere is the Chris- of fire-flies under the palm

the river 1 His tian priest sitting on a rock by tree." back is rt>,-ilng against the under their At thaf raoment it thundered creaked, and the feet. The forest rocked and a ship when gTor.nd quivered, like the sail of

the wi.if'. siftokenB, seemed They vcat up to the priest. He so. He had fainted aslet IK But it was not beautiful. from hunger. His face was very it was the When the fire-flies disappeared, very marvel- color of moonhght, and shone a soft shining. lously in the dark night, with " the light " Oniato," whispered LiUlpa, it is face." of his God shining upon his

iU. F St. Joseph. be loam iiash under the

orfall speakB to me like

there is no God, except es the white-faced priests fire." aiato,— li'ok at the globe

tlisre is the Chris- ) palm

a rock by the river 1 His ist the tree." their it thundered under eked and creaked, and the te the sail of a ship when

the priest. He seemed fainted i not so. He had very beautiful. 1 face was the 3 disappeared, it was very marvel- ;, and shone light, with a soft shining.

Bred LiUlpa," it is the light upon his face." —

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^ Legends of St. Joseph. 277 t

u. It thundered again under their feet. They looked up. Green, and purple, and crimson n meteors were rushing about the sky, and I" crackling in the air. Strange children! they were not afraid. They fear nothing who are seeking God. 3! They went up to the priest, and poured Bome wine down his throat, and he i>evived, and opened his eyes, and looked at them. " " My children, who are you? " We are the king's children. We want to ,,.,.,„*- know about your God." < He smiled, and blessed them, saymg, "You

! '- ^k\4 shall be king's children, indeed n their feet, Then it thundered again under and the and it thundered over their heads, trees moaned, and the meteors crackled. And he told them about Bethlehem. They heard a hissing noise. A great dark mountain was opposite to them on the oUier solid side qt the river, and behold I a broad, the black flash of violet-colored lightning split mountain in two. Suddenly there was silence. ?* 278 Legends of St. Joseph.

And he told them about Nazareth. A distant roar was heard. On came the whirlwind. It rooted up all the trees, and carried them miles into the air. The black mountain sank into the earth with a loud rumbUng. But they were not hurt. Then once more the rushing of the river was heard in the silent night. It wanted only a few minutes to midnight. And he told them about Calvary. And they clasped their heads and wept.

Behold ! ten thousand wild beasts, howling and moaning, rushed past them, pursued by a great yellow fire, which had broken like a river out of the earth. It did not hurt the priest or the children. And he told them of the Mount of Olives, and the Ascension, and the coming again to Judgment. And Liillpa took hold of Oniata's hand, and they both looked up to heaven, and said, "Jesus! Jesus!" And the priest smiled, and wept. " " :

Legends of St. Joseph. 279

I OF St. Joseph.

And a venerable white-haired old man sud- a about Nazareth. denly appeared at the other side of the river, was heard. On came the ! and said, " It is time (ted up all the trees, and " And the priest said : Blessed St. Joseph, s into the air. The black I obey." . to the earth with a loud And he led the children to the edg^of the ley were not hurt. Then " rock, and said : You have given me wine liing of the river was heard I will give you water,—water with the blood it. It wanted only a few of Jesus hidden in it." ht. And he explained Baptism ; and they oa about Calvary. begged to be baptized. cl their heads and wept. a fierce with • And the heavens opened, ft >usand wild beasts, howling glory, like a white light ; and a huge round ed past them, pursued by a sunrise, was seen coming swiftly up fiom the like river hich had broken a ,Vi'\ east. It did not hurt the priest or And the priest said: "It is the Lord." And he baptised the children. And when em of the Mount of Olives, they were baptized they said, " Come, sweet a, and the coming again to Jesus ! And the earthquake shook the rock on ok hold of Oniata's hand, which, they stood, and it rolled over into the ked up to heaven, and said, deep, foamy water; and, as they fell, the

priest's arm was round them; and they saw smiled, and wept.

m !

S60 Legends of St. Joseph.

and he pointed St. Joseph smiling at them ; dressed upwards, where a heavenly Lady, all

in golden light, was waiting for them. their mother. At first they thought it was their But the Lady was more beautiful than to say mother? and, though it seems strange love than their so, her face was more full of mother's was. Yet everybody, who sees that her heavenly Lady for the first time, thinks beauty is so like his mother, because her motherly. Then they kissed each other, and said: "The Angels are whispering in our hearts and they that it is Mary of Bethlehem;" three sank cried, "Dear Mary!" And all

it thundered louder into the cold waters ; and their ears, than ever, and the water gurgled in it was and they clung closer together, and ears were painful for a moment. Then their they opened full of the sound of harps ; and turned into their eyes, and the water was

light, and it was heaven children, and And those two were the last ! : !

Leoekds 01? St. Joseph. 281 OF St. Joseph.

it a beautiful BO the world ended. Oh ! was at them ; and he pointed midnight to Oniato and Lililpal It is day- eavenly Lady, all dressed time with them now, eternal day-time. O, waiting for them, happy children! who belong to Jesus, and aght it was their mother, have been saved by His Precious Blood more beautiful than their r ' 1 ti it seems strange to say

)re full of love than their everybody, who sees that the first time, thinks her lecause her beauty is so d each other, and said whispering in our hearts

>f Bethlehem;" and they

•y!" And all three sank louder 3 ; and it thundered water gurgled in their ears, loser together, and it was ent. Then their ears were opened of harps ; and they he water was turned into saven were the last children, and XXXIV. TKE BIRD OF PARADISE AND THE HUMMING-BIRD.

IHE days were accomplished. The great promise of the Messiah was about to be fulfilled. God, in His wisdom, had made choice of the privileged creature whom He would give as Mother to His Divine Son becoming incarnate for the salvation of men. And soon the nativity of the August Virgin Mary came to gladden the whole world. By another decree of His admirable Providence, God prepared for the future Queen of Heaven a spouse worthy of her greatness and her vir-

tues. ':'' --' '^^ ••" In a city of Juda, in a family, descending from David, but reduced, by the vicissitudes of fortune, to the humble rank of working people, a child came into the world: it was Legends op St. Joseph.

the young Joseph. Whilst the Angels sur- • the new-born babe, and rounded the cradle of 1' celebrated his arrival in the world, a Bird of XXIV. Paradise appeared in the vicinity of the lowly tones " Be- ^ARADTSE AND THE dwelling, and sang, in melodious : IINQ-BIRD. hold the child of benediction, the chosen of '' ivere accomplished. The the Lord!" up, progressing more and omise of the Messiah was Joseph grew the ways of perfection, like the sun be fulfilled. God, in His more in towards his meridian, and assum- had made choice of the advaiicii)g action of grace, a whom He would give as ing every day, under the the august companion ine Son becoming incar- new resemblance to m he was reserved. Mary, on her n of men. And soon the for whom the shade of the Sanctuary, ust Virgin Mary came to side, grew in maidens brought up with- world. By another de- amongst the young precincts of the Temple of Jerusalem. ,ble Providence, God pre- in the had come when, according to the iire Queen of Heaven a The day the Jewish people, Mary was to ler greatness and her vir- custom of be betrothed. The high priest, ignorant of designs of God upon the August Vii^in, ia, in a family, descending the Divine inspiration, had placed iduced, by the vicissitudes but moved by a walking-sticks of the several humble rank of working in the Ark the a miracle of God's almighty ae into the world: it was candidates. By i»i

'^jit^- "

284 Lkobndb of St. Joseph,

the sticka power, when, on the third day, Joseph was were taken from the Ark, that of moment, covered with flowers. At the same the Temple there appeared mysteriously in on his emerald the Bird of Paradise, bearing "Joseph is wings the message from heaven:

! the chosen of the Lord on the The heavens had dropped down dew rained the Just earth, and the clouds had by the One expected by the world. Warned the sanguinnry Angel, during his sleep, of Joseph had projects of the cruel Herod, Mother, promptly taken the Child and His during the and fled into Egypt. One day, the Holy painful journey through the desert, palm- Family had stopped in the shade of a down to offer tree, which immediately bent

Holy Travellers. ' its fruit to our ^ with Meanwhile, the air seemed ^11 on fire sun, and number- the scorching rays of the little Infant Jesus, less flies disturbed the arms. For- whilst He slept in His Mother's fatigue, and getting her own suffermg and "I

Legends of St. Joseph. 286 t St. Joseph.

thinking only of her Divine Son, Mary, un- B third day, the sticks able to drive away tliis swarm of troublesome Joseph was Ark, that of put up a flies, raised her eyes to heaven, and At the same moment, fervent prayer. The Infant God at this mo- teriously in the Temple ment awoke, and gave His Mother one of bearing on his emerald , those Divine looks which penetrated the soul :H "Joseph is rom heaven: consola- of the August Virgin with heavenly .rd!" hands. tion. He then stretched out His little Iropped down dew on the Immediately the flies were changed into tiny Just ds had rained the most birds, sparkling with the colors of the e world. Warned by the precious stones. They began to fly around ileep, of the sangiiiunry the 1i the Holy Family, delighting them with had uel Herod, Joseph plu- brilliant splendor of their many-tinted His Mother, . Child and mage. the >t. One day, during Whilst this flock of winged rubies circled )Ugh the desert, the Holy around, doing homage to the King of Nature, I in the shade of a palm- appeared in their midst the Bird of Paradise, ately bent down to offer ti and, resting on Joseph's head, he said by his

' ' Travellers. " chose to song : Behold him whom the Lord lir seemed £^11 on fire with be the head, the protector, and the guide of of the sun, and number- His family!" M i the little Infant Jesus, Joseph had fulfilled his great mission upon His Mother's arms. For- earth. He was going to rejoin his fathers in sufferbg and fatigue, and

ti'- ! —

286 Leoensb of St. Joseph. the dwelling of hope, and to bring them the happy tidings of their approaching deliverance. Around his death-bed, Jesua and Mary min-

istered to the wants of the dying Just Man and soothed him with their loving care. Sud- denly there appeared at the window of the humble cottage in Nazareth, the Bird of Para- the dise. Spreading its beautiful wings before joyous eyes of Joseph, it warbled forth, in

strain : Soon " Courage, good and faithful servant ! in Shalt thou be with thy Son and thy God, Paradise 1" )F St. Joseph. ^4^.^^5^ J, and to bring them the eir approaclnug deliver-

l)ed, Jesua and Mary min- XXXV. Just Man 9 of the dying THE LAST MOMENTS OF ST. JOSEPH. h their loving care. Sud- (FbOM "TiIB MYiTIOAl CiTT Of GOD.") id at the window of the azareth, the Bird of Para- BUIIING eight years St. Joseph had beautiful wings before the been exercised by pains and suffer- warbled forth, in joyous ings, and his generous spirit was ever more and more purified in divine love. With nd faithful servant ! Soon the crucible of patience and strength thy Son and thy God, in years his tortures increased, his diminished. The inevitable term of life, to which we pay the universal tribute of death, approached. His Blessed Spouse increased with her devotion and her cares, to serve him inviolable fidelity. her This most holy Lady, knowing, through hour of her infused science, that the last exile was very chaste bpouse in this place of and said near, went to find her Adorable Son, " the time for to Him : My Lord and my God, or St. Jomph. 288 LB5H1M Thon .errant Joseph yhich the death of thy near at an eternal .,11 « h.sl determmed by nfi- Thee, Lord, by Thme. hand. I beseech l,„odness,toa,sisthtainth^hou.so Thee as may be as preaous to that his death my agreeable. Bemember, his Uie has been slthelce^^dthehnmilityolThyservan he has *tues, and the pa.ns _his merits, his mme. preserve Tliy We and takentftKeu to11* F her. ^, myJ, Mother, Sarioor replied to Oar the pleasmg to me, and ,„„r requests are thoughts. I wrU Joseph are m my Cits of emmen I «m give him so assist him, and Z. my peo^e, that r^aoe among the princes of admiration for the An- be a subject of itliU to praises to them and JeU and a motive for that whrch • nation S». I win not do for an_y Spouse." I will do for your thanis to her ^ August Lady returned inostswcetSonforthisprom.se. the days that preceded During the nine Son and H.e Mother of St. Joseph, ae d^th soar- and night. They watched by him day 289 Legends of St. Joseph. jr St. Jo&fiPH. or the other was always ranged it that one which Thou nine days, the Angels rvant Joseph, with him. Paring these at will, is near day, by the Lord's an eternal chanted three iimes each Thine infi- the holy patient. hee, Lord, by command, celestial music for hour, so to the in this of canticles of praise jsist him It was composed to Thee as for the Saint be as precious Most High, and of benedictions my fragrance Remember, besides, so deUcious a agreeable. himself ; and, of Thy servant habitation, that not lie humility pervaded aU that poor the pains he has fortiBed and cheered tues, and only the man of God was life and mine." persons outside. 'hy by it, but many "My Mother, all inflamed with lied to her: A day before his death, to me, and the benefits, he was ele- pleasing divine love for so many thoughts. I will which continued ire in my vated into a sublime ecstasy, him so eminent Lord preserving his i I will give twenty-four hours, the that of my people, a miraculous mterpo- princes strength and life by admiration for the An- b of sition. ij J.V to them and to he clearly beheld the for praises In this ecstatic state nation that which discovered in it, without lo for any Divine Essence, and faith, spouse." he had beUeved by a veil, that which her returned thanks to incomprehensible Divinity, or m xdy either in the promise, Incarnation and Eedemp- jr this the mysteries of the that preceded the and the Sacraments ne days tion-^the Church Militant Son and the Mother The Holy Trinity ,ph, the with which she is enriched. dayandiiight. They so ar- 25

iMniinn'i i i i i i iiii i a ii « i L . i Jos^-ph. 290 Legends of St.

precursor of Our Sa- destined him to be the Saints ^vho were m viour Jesus Christ to the announce to Limbo, and commanded him to and to prepare them anew their redemption, same Lord was to them for the visit which tlie to eternal feUcity. make them to conduct them from this ecstasy radiant St. Joseph returned divinised from the view of in beauty, his soul addressed himself to the being of God. He requested her benediction; his spouse, and most holy Son to give it, but she prayed her was pleased to do. which His Divine Majesty besought St. Our Blessed Lady, having knelt, her spouse and head. Joseph to bless her, as a divine impulse, The man of God, not without his beloved spouse be- gave his benediction to She afterwards kissed fore their separation. he had blessed her, and the hand with which her the Saints m requested him to salute for heaven. wishing to close . Joseph, 3i; The most liumble pardon of humility, asked his life by the seal he for the faults which of his holy spouse 291 Legends of St. Joseph. f St. Jo8^-ph.

a committed in her service, as precursor of Our Sa- might have ae entreated of earthly mould. He the Saints who were in feeble man last hour, and to in- to to assist him in this led him to announce her above all, his for him. He testified, Binption, and to prepare tercede Saviour, for the to Our Adorable ch the same Lord was to gratitude from His most that he had received them to eternal felicity, benefits t and particu- hand, during all his life, "rom this ecstasy radiant hberal leave of sickness. Then taking from the view of larly in this ivinised "You are Spouse, he said to her : He addressed himself to his blessed women, and chosen above her benediction; blessed among all [uested you. Let angels and men praise most holy Son to give it, all creatures. know and exalt your dignity. was pleased to do. Let all nations Eijesty High through you St. name of the Most laving knelt, besought Let the I glorified in all future head, adored, and as her spouse and be known, the blessed eternally praised by all without a divine impulse, ages, and b you so pleasing in be- for having created to his beloved spouse spirts, ;n. meet you in the heavenly kissed His eyes. I trust to a. She afterwards her, and 1 he had blessed ^^ of God addressed Our in After this, the man alute for her the Saints wishing to speak to Lord Jesus Christ ; and, he made with profound respect, wishing to close His Majesty e Joseph, But the kneel on the ground. asked pardon every effort to of humility, His approaching, received him in faults which he sweet Jesus ) for the —

292 Lbobndb of St. Joseph.

arms, and the Saint, resting his head upon

His shoulder, said : " My Lord and my God, Son of the Eternal Father, Creator and Eedeemer of the world, give Thine eternal benediction to Thy servant,

who is the work of Thy hands. Pardon the

faults I have committed in Thy service and in Thy company. I confess Thee, I glorify Thee, I render to Thee, with a contrite and humble heart, eternal thanks for having chosen me, by Thine ineffable goodness, from among men, to be the Spouse of Thine own Mother. Grant, Lord, that Thine own glory may be the theme of my gratitude through all eter-

nity." .

I ? St. Joseph.

resting his head upon XXXVI. God, Son of the Eternal HOLY HOUSE. Redeemer of the world, THE whose lediction to Thy servant, [HERE are men to be found Pardon the man here rhy hands. limited view sees, for in well-being; ;ed in Thy service and below, only material every senti- fess Thee, I glorify Thee, their heart is dead to Uttle in li a contrite and humble order. How ment of a more elevated for having chosen me, nobility of our ori- keeping that is with the for i'-i': jdness, from among men, then, no consolation gin' And is there, eter- 3f Thine own Mother, in helping to merit this transitory life 'hine own glory may be much better Religion nal years? Oh! how ititude through all eter- true friend of na- knows our nature 1 The bemg insensible to their tions, she is far from she favors them rather physical prosperity; laws. But she knows m by the wisdom of her o of men are the wants that the first wants equal factories are not of their souls. No, Worth far more is the value with temples! eyes are raised to house of prayer, where of hard labor, where heaven, than the house

^J*^

p.j»6!aES'*?ir!3r?-^ ;

294 Legends op St. Joseph.

they are kept bent on the ground. A temple, and especially a shrine, is a common centre, to- a spot where all may unite and mingle gether—those who are widely separated by distance or by fortune, those whose interests dissimilar it is and inclinations are the most ; the paternal roof, under which all the members of the great family, assembled round the same table, and storing up the same memo- same ries, feel themselves children of the abode of poor and father : it is the beloved

faithful nations. A chapel of pilgrimage is a refuge for an afflicted soul, which has nothmg more to hope from men for relief to its pains heart disen- it is a heavenly asylum for a chanted of the world, and feeling the want of God. At the foot of a lonely altar, one more easily lends an ear to the voice that speaks to world the soul, and far from the tumult of the the peace of God makes itself better felt. Hence, the devotion of pilgrimage is con- nected with a feeling natural to the heart of I man, and may be said to be as ancient as the

•^ i ;

295 St. Joseph. Legends of St. Joseph.

the confusion the ground. A temple, heart of man. Discouraged by of Noah and their chil- le, is a common centre, of tongues, the sons to- for their dwelling-place the tops r unite and mingle dren chose mountains, to preserve them- •e widely separated by of the highest and a new deluge ; B, those whose interests selves, if possible, from into the plains when pas- le most dissimilar ; it is they only descended and the soil ler which all the mem- turage for their flocks failed, gi-ain necessary for ly, assembled round the refused to produce the Thence ng up the same memo- the support of their rising colonies. Orientals for their children of the same comes the respect of the which they testify ived abode of poor and sacred mounts, a respect vows, offer- hapel of pilgrimage is a by annual visits, accompanied by soul, which has nothing ings, and prayers. of nations was en for relief to its pains Veneration for the cradle wto made 'lum for a heart disen- afterwards transferred to men deeds, and feeling the want of themselves illustrious by heroic , and memories, noble a lonely altar, one more sites which recalled great that the the voice that speaks to labors, lofty virtues. Thus it is people preserves from 1 the tumult of the world gratitude of the Jewish and Mardochai, kes itself better felt, age to age the tomb of Esther throughout jn of pilgrimage is oon- to which the Hebrews spread thou- the heart of gone on pilgrimage for two 5 natural to Asia have that the tomb of d to be as ancient as the sand years. Strange it is !

Joseph. 296 Legends op St.

the gratitude of some two exiles, raised by great Assyrian em- captives, has survived the oblivion the rums pire, and alone saved from

of Ecbatana must be supported Man is like the ivy ; he may have cour- by something in order that he neither sympathy age to live. When he finds fellow-beings, ho in- If nor comfort amongst his of a better stinctively invokes the inhabitants that help which world, and demands of them i powerless to grant society either refuses or is well understands him. Catholicity, which so inclinations of and knows how to sanctify the from her wor- our heart, has not retrenched pilgrimages; and, from ship the 'devotion of Church, faithful Chris- the first ages of the the places sancti- tians were seen kneeling in of Jesus Christ, or made fied by the suflferings through the in- famous by mkacles obtained si for Protestant- tercession of Mary. It was pulverizes all xt ism, which discolors and from the brow touches, to snatch this crown forbidding its secta- of Jesus and of Mary, by of St. Joseph. 297 p St. Joseph. Legends

are so useful to the gratitude of some ries those pious visits which his Assyrian em- he finds therein consolation in I the great man, since relief in the ruins support in his weakness, and i from oblivion woes, his miseries. by the supported illustrious Robertson, unblinded r ; he must be The of his sect, openly acknow- r that he may have cour- narrow prejudices in- benefits for which Europe is le finds neither sympathy ledges the the ho in- to foreign pilgrimages. First, L his fellow-beings, debted communes, the creation of 10 inhabitants of a better freedom of the navy, the propagation of of them that help which commerce and the the improvement of agriculture. 3 or is powerless to grant intelligence, emancipation of the serfs to hieh so well understands Then, it is the contributed more than any- janctify the inclinations of which pilgrimages for the feudal lord, who mingled, retrenched from her wor- thing else ; from pilgrims of all conditions, un- f pilgrimages; and, barefoot, with humility easily, in his hours of le Church, faithful Chris- derstood more these despised slaves were eling in the places sancti- and penance, that and when he or made brethren before God ; ;s of Jesus Christ, yet his he went to seek, in obtained through the in- had obtained the grace his own Protestant- ancient shrme far away from . It was for some to free it often came to him >rs and pulverizes all castle, the thought of of his vassals m honor this crown from the brow a certain number the enemy of slavery, and of iry, by forbiddmg its secta- Christ, the '

298 Legends of St. Joseph.

sweetuesB Blessed Virgin Mary, who is all and mercy. Peter's at After the Holy Sepulchre and St. Chvisten- Eome, there is no pilgrimage in all dom more famous than that of the most holy of Naza- House of Loretto. The holy house

even in the . reth was venerated by Christians, Helena built life-time of the Apostles, and St. received the name a temple around it, which rule of the Ara- of St. Mary's. Under the pilgrims bian caliphs, a multitude of French in that went to adore Jesus and honor Mary for poor and lowly dwelling, where they, led, and such a long space of time, a laborious Turkish Seljou- hidden life. But when the masters, the cides had enslaved their former into Sy- pilgrims from Europe who ventured Nazareth, were ria, to visit Jerusalem and roused to fury so barbarously treated that it on Asia. the entire West, which threw itself When Godfrey de Bouillon had been pro- Jerusalem, Tancred was i claimed king of named governor of Galilee. That prince,

• Stf!.V»iWi^i**-^«t -*^ Leoends op St. JosEPn. 299 P St. Jobeph. Mary, proved it who had a great devotion to who is all sweetuesB offerings wherewith he en- , by the sumptuous Nazareth. After the riched the church of Petov's at corner of the ulchre and St. expedition of St. Louis, that in all Cluisten- of Christianity, Igiiniage earth, regarded as the cradle most holy Knights of in that of the was defended, foot by foot, by the house of Naza- warriors shed rhe holy the Temple. Those valiant Christians, even in the at sight of the holy y tears of rage and giief St. Helena built Saracens. Sometimes, ties, and places profaned by the received the name that separates the ivhich forgetting the distance rule of the Ara- they carried their ler the creature from the Creator, of French pilgrims vexed with Him who itude rash zeal so far as to be honor Mary in tliat affairs, and re- and guides the course of human they, led, for with the victo- lUing, where proached the God of Armies of time, a laborious and ries of their enemies. Turkish Seljou- the bones of the hen the Galilee, whitened with former masters, the Mahometan. God their Latin warriors, had become ventured into Sy- House of Mary should pe who willing not that the Holy Nazareth, were profanation of the lem and remain exposed to the that it roused to fury by Angels to Scla- bed Infidels, had it transported threw itself on Asia. mountain called hich vonia or Dalmatia, to a little Bouillon had been pro- every day wrought in Tei-sato. The miracles Jerusalem, Tancred was investigation which that house, the judicial prince, f Galilee. That 1 Joskph. 800 Leqendh op St.

wont to Nazareth dcputicH from that country establish tlie fact of its to make, in order to Dalmatia; finally, the universal !i removal to Sis all i i came from porsniusiou of the nations, who ttf be incontostible parts to venerate it, seemed to It pleased proofs of the truth of the prodigy. whereof God, nevertheless, to give yet onother, were in some sort the all Italy and Dalmatia seven months, witness. After three years and across the the Holy House was transported Recanati, in Adriatic Sea, to the territory of midst of a wood the March of Ancona, in the widow, named belonging to a pious and noble relates that, Lauretta. An ancient tradition House, the great on the arrival of the Holy down in to- trees of the Italian forest bowed the winds, ken of respect, and so remained till the ground. the axe, or i^e laid them on people of This new removal grieved the scarcely Dalmatia so much that they could themselves, they built, • survive it. To console to the on the very spot, a church consecrated the Fran- Mother of God, since in charge of Johki'H. St. Leqendh )F St. Joseph. 301

to Nazareth untry wont ciscans, and on the door of wliirh was placed establish tlie fact of its sncra this inscription : Hie vnt lot'im /» (jm J'uit finally, the universal ; domuH NdXiirnitt, qiKr nunc I'n Efvlwtl jmrt'ilms ions, who came from all even colli II r. Many inhabitants of Dulinutia bo incontostible omed to caitio to Italy to fix their dwelling near the plo-ised the prodigy. It Holy House, and established there the com- whereof ^ive yet another, pany of Corpus -Chnstl, so called by the Scla- in some sort the % were voniaiiH, till the pontificate of Panl III. months, years and seven The event was so noised about in Christen- across the , transported dom, that there came from almost all Europe Becanati, in territory of an innumerable multitude of pilgrims to Ro- the midst of a wood ,, in canati, in order to honor the Holy House of widow, named • m and noble Loretto, as it was called. To establish more relates that, lit tradition and more the truth of this miracle, the inhabi- the great e Holy House, tants of the province sent to Dalmatia, and in to- forest bowed down afterwards to Nazareth, sixteen persons the the winds, lo remained till best qualified for the task, who made a new ground, ihem on the investigation in those places. But God Him- the people of d grieved self vouchsafed to make it manifest beyond could scarcely that they all doubt, by suddenly renewing, twice in suc- they built, • ole themselves, cession, the prodigy of the removal in the very to the shurch consecrated territory of Recanati. For, at the end of eight the Fran- ce in chaise of months, the forest of Loretto, being infested Joseph. 302 Legends op St.

the House by brigands who stopped pilgrims, away, and was transported a thousand miles belonging to two placed on a little height Antici and finally, brothers of the family of ; arms one against the latter having taken up of the pil- the other, to divide the offerings transported to i gi-iras, the Holy House was lis high road, where place farther off, and on the the town called Lorett< it remained, and where 11 was afterwards built. magnifi The church of Loretto has been Pontiffs, wh cently adorned by the Sovereign on pil have themselves often gone thither bronze giv grimage. Three doors of chased the centre ( entrance to the holy temple, in

garb . which stands the Holy House, in its hassi-rdiei t white marble, adorned with superb carved The miraculous statue of Mary is magnificent draper I* cedar wood, covered with with pi 1 and placed on an altar resplendent occupies is lin cious stones. The niche it massive sih with plates of gold, and lamps of they burn night and day before it. May !

Legends of St. Joseph. 303 as OP St. Joseph.

the image of our lasting love for the Divine stopped pilgrims, the House Mother of the Saviour a thousand miles away, and With the intention of thanking God for the to two ,le height belonging great benefit He was pleased to confer ou finally, family of Antici ; and Western Christendom,—when, to compensate taken up arms one against 5 for the loss of the Holy Sepulchre, He caused ide the offerings of the pil- to be transported to a Catholic land the hum- House was transported to a ble yet august house wherein the Virgin Mary and on the high road, where received the Angel's message, and where, by where the town called Loretto the consent of that Amiable Mother of God, )uilt. the Word was made flesh and began to dwell Loretto has been magnifi- )f with us,—the Church instituted a feast, under who oy the Sovereign Pontiffs, the name of the translation of, the Holy House pil- s often gone thither on of Loretto,—a feast which is celebrated during bronze give 3 doors of chased the holy time of Advent. Hitherto it has holy temple, in the centre of not been one of obligation in the Universal House, in its garb of he Holy in all the Church ; but it is kept at Eome and domed with superb bassi-relievi. Pontifical States, in Tuscany, in the Kiugdom is carved in i statue of Mary of Naples, in Spain, in Belgium, and also in rered with magnificent drapery, most of the religious Orders. pre- an altar resplendent with Benedict XIV., of immortal memory, the lined The niche it occupies is Bollandists, a hundred Pontifical Bulls, estab- silver rold, and lamps of massive lish as a fact worthy of faith, that the Sane- they be d day before it. May n

Legends op St. Joseph.

tuary of Our Lady of Loretto, venerated by sacred he use in all Catholic nations, is the which the Word of God was conceived. Transported by Angels to the banks of the Adriatic, that poor house, more rich, more magnificent in the eyes of faith than the Tem-

ple of Solomon, has been visited for six hundred years, by all that the Church has produced greatest in the order of sanctity. St. Philip de Neri, St. Ignatius, St. Charles Bor- de romeo, St. Francis de Sales, St. Yincent Paul, and St. Alphonso Liguori, went to medi- which, for tate, in the shadow of the walls thirty-three years, sheltered Jesus and Mary, on the great mystery of eternal love. Sovereign Pontiffs,—powerful monarchs,— rich illustrious princesses,—men of genius,— and poor,—went also on pilgrimage to this Holy House, where, for nearly twenty cen- the turies, the Creator of the world and Queen of Heaven have dwelt. Humble abode, become, by the Incarnation

of the Word, the hoUest place on earth, thy —

Lkoends of St. Joseph. 805 OP St. Joseph.

with blessed walls must have melted away venerated by of Loretto, touched wonder, when they felt themselves the sacred htuse in 1, is they by the hand of the Infant God, when was conceived. of God of had the glory of protecting the existence 5els to the banks of the His August Mother, when they were witness house, more rich, more Divine love. of the highest manifestation of than the Tem- f'es of faith monu- Let other nations boast their gigantic been visited for six hun- propose for ad- ments, let Home and Greece the Church has pro- ;hat por- miration their temples of marble and of he order of sanctity. St. glory, as much as they will, phyry ; let them Ignatius, St. Charles Bor- with gold and iu their palaces, all glittering de Sales, St. Yincent de Nazareth, jewels: thou alone, O House of nso Liguori, went to medi- the King hast the proud boast of containing r of the viralls which, for Judge of the of kings, the Lord of lords, the Jesus and Mary, sheltered under universe. Yes, sacred dwelling, it is of eternal love, y power,^ thy modest roof that infinite wisdom, fa,—^powerful monarchs, .•J and goodness have fully revealed themselves t es, men of genius,—rich — truths by the Incarnation. Ohl how these Iso on pilgrimage to this mako my heart beat! how they expand my for nearly twenty cen- e, for sentiments of admiration and of gratitude f of the world and the Jesus and His Divine Mother I lave dwelt. become, by the Incarnation hoUest place on earth, thy — ——

XXXVII.

THE ADVOCATE OF HOPELESS CASES.

the keys of heaven's . PETER holds

gate, ,4 Kind, but severe he is, old legends

state ; For the poorest comer he finds a place,

If he lived t^pd died in the Lord's sweet grace.

But if any one comes who spent his days Far from God and His blessed ways. Neither crowu nor sceptre could favor win,

Nor the Pope himself might enter in.

Who knocks so ?—^"Tis a mighty lord.

Was his life a good one to record? Did he keep God's precepts night and day ?

No.—^No heaven for him. Away ! away 1

And who is this other ?—A miser.—Go I No lover of money will Jesus know. — —— —

Legends op St. Joseph. 307

Nay, And the third ?—A clever attorney.— No conscienceless lawyer admit I may.— hath he to show ? This other one ! What Some eloquent writings. Let him go. hath he done.— IXXVII. And this artist ?—Great things Here by good works alone is glory won.— OF HOPELESS CASES. ?— soldier 1 how died he Ha ! this valiant tarnish'd be, He fought, lest his honor should > L holds the keys of heaven's once said, And so was slain.—But Our Lord hall was led, When He to Caiaphas' , it severe he is, old legends say : And cruelly struck, as the Scriptures " From him who strikes turn not away." ler he finds a place, so fine ?— Now, who is this lady, in robes I in the Lord's sweet grace. » On earth, her beauty was call'd divine. Bs who spent his days So ample her robes, it took folding-doors, ways, His blessed "'-' To open her way to her marble floors.— * sceptre could favor win, is Our Lord hath made ; Ah I narrow the way slf might enter in. The brood way she chose, I am sore afraid. The flowery path leads down to hell. 'Tis a mighty lord. The thorny to heaven, as sages tell. record? I one to way. If heaven were gain'd by the easy precepts night and day ? pray? What need were there, then, to fast and away 1 •rhim. Away! in vain, The just would have vigils and tears her ? miser. Go 1 —A — the pain. And sinners the profit, without . will Jesus know. E ,

308 Leoendb of St. Joseph.

In Naples, a story like this is told, A simple tale of the ages old, ' From which may be taken both bad and good,

According to what is the hearer's mood.

i f By people in health it is oft abused, ^^ And by the dying with profit used. 'Mongfit the Lazzaroni it, then, occurr'd. -

And the tale full many a heart hath stirr'd.

Since Peter first kept watch and ward,

been oflf guard A moment he had not ; Yet sinners so many had found their way

f ' Into heaven, he knew not what to say. .'1 " If those people are happy now," said he,

" 'Tis not my fault, as all may see; . If For, as to me, I take good care That no such persons shall enter there."

The beloved Apostle went that way : " " What aileth thee, Peter ? he stopped to say. ?"— " Is anything wrong with the Church below

fear for the Church up here."—"How so?" 11)1 "No, I " Say, hast thou not mark'd some faces here

That little fitted for heaven appear ? —• ;;

Lboends of St. Joseph. 309 OF St. Joseph.

They needs must have led bad lives below ke this is told, You have but to look at them to know ages old, That heaven has cost them less to buy, taken both bad and good, Ay, an hundred-fold, than yon or I." 8 the hearer's mood. " not to blame, _" 'Tis true," said John, but you're it is oft abused, The keys of heaven you kept the same." ith profit used. " " now, you see, ' I know," said Peter, but oni it, then, occurr'd. for me. 'Tis Joseph makes all this trouble my a heart hath stirr'd. Let people on earth be what they may, way, Though they spend their lives in the very worst pt watch and ward, near, If they call upon him when death draws lot been off guard ; cry ' MeSi culpa,' he brings them here. found their way And f had How he gets them in, wliy, I cannot tell sw not what to say. , • full well. 'tis not by my gate, I know 5' But e happy now," said he, i know." *uv Now, John, we must let the Master as all may see; wtis ^-" try," said John, " but before you go, '> You may ke good care ' - small chance I tell you that Peter has but ns shall enter there." Should Joseph to plead his cause advance." Then Peter bethought him 'twere well to take ^ le went that way : Advice, and of John a guide to make. Peter ? " he stopped to say. , " now " " Dear Apostle," said he, I remember g with the Church below ? him of the gentle brow : "How so?" Hpw the Lord loved I Church up here."— When at the supper he told us all )t mark'd some faces here shall fall,' • Into treachery one of you twelve ir heaven appear ? — —

810 Legends of St. Joseph.

I, like the others, was stupified, And dared not ask 'How shall this woe betide?' How you on the Master's bosom lay, And were not afraid such words to say.

So then I made you a sign to speak, And He turn'd to you with aspect meek,

"When tve all shrank from His searching eye,

And, of all, was none more afraid than I. Now, come with me, John, and I will not fear." seek the Master dear —Together they ; Peter looking a little confused, And John, as though he were much amused.

Full soon they saw the Saviour stand ' With Mary and Joseph on either hand.

" What would'st thou, Peter ? " the Master said.

" I am troubled, dear Lord," and he rais'd his head;

"John will tell Thee why I grieve,

It is that, without let or leave.

All sorts of people Joseph lets in.

their life la sia Even those who have spent ;

If, at their death on him they call.

Why, into heaven he brings them all ;

Indeed, good Lord, it is hardly fair

To those who serve thee well down there." — — ;

811 s OF St. Joseph. Lboends op St. Joseph.

his sins, was stupified, —" Bat, Peter, if I forgive wins,— ; 'How shall this woe betide?' A heavenly crown the sinner [aster's bosom lay, Joseph brought No soul to heaven hath sought." id such words to say. Who had not first ray mercy " to die in grace lu a sign to speak, _" I know," said Peter, face you with aspect meek, to see Thy ; Is all that is needed got entrance here, >k from His searching eye, 'Twas thus the good thief clear,- I. be yet, that's one more afraid than And such cases there may Church below, »e, John, and I will not fear." well for the But, methinks 'tis not eek the Master dear Joseph's to heaven go : ; That these elect of ;tle confused, should come to hear If people on earth ]gh he were much amused. an entrance here, That such sinners may find vain J the Saviour stand forth in My successors may thunder oseph on either hand, the endless pain. The terrible judgments, ' Peter ? " the Master said, the grave, thou, Awaiting the sinner beyond to save." ear Lord," and he rais'd his head; not his soul . Who, in life, seeketh lee why I grieve, but yet, I pray, _" Peter, 'tis true ;

; leave, nay ? let or How could I say my father

) Joseph lets in, let none in For thee, friend Peter, their sin." ave spent their life in sia Who cannot show pardon for way, on him they call, goes on in this singular __" But if Joseph he brings them all ; keeping watch, I say ? What use is in my scale, 1, it is hardly fair but the walls they I close the gate, '6 thee well down there." the tale. I'm sorry to have to tell : — :

812 Legends of St. Joseph.

sny Now here is John who can safely That heaven growa worse from day to day, or so, By letting in, every week / A good thufov two, as we all of us know. \l\ were rare, I would not complain if the thing I declare." But heaven is full of them now,

Far different was the Saviour's care. He who once died hif:h raised in air. Praying for mercy on His foes. dread throes, And feeling, more tlian death's 15 The cruel thought that His suff 'rings dire Would not save all men from hell's fierce fire. smiled. So, hearing St. Peter's complaint. He And His look was so very sweet and miH the day, H 1 Thd Teeter thought he had carried And was henceforth to have his rightful way. " Now Peter," the sweet Lord Jesus said, The Apostle, list'ning. bow'd his head,—

" We will settle this matter once for all You want none here but my chosen few. service tme And would have heaven gain'd by ; shalt see, Now, I give it for love, as thou

And the fuller it is, the more pleasing to me

m —: — :

Legends of St. Joseph. 813 8 OF St. Joseph.

redeem mankind have suffer'd so much to who can safely say I well inclined save them all I am ; to That to I worse from day day, agree. this, then, Joseph and I so, In y week or i displeases thee. And if our mercy TO, as we all of us know, Go choose a company of thine own, ain if the thing were rare, thyself alone jAnd make it to suit ; of them now, I declare." But Mary and Joseph and I, all three, Will have a heaven so fair and free the Saviour's care, That every sinner who contrite dies hif;!i raised in air, Shall there in endless glory rise." ou His foes, think yea —"Friend Peter," said John, "What than death's dread throes, now?" sufif 'rings dire ; that His bow." • —Said Peter, "Lord, to Thy will I II men from hell's fierce fire, eter's complaint, He smiled,

8 so very sweet and miH ht he had carried the day,

•th to have his rightful way. e sweet Lord Jesus said, ning. bow'd his head,

;hi8 matter once for all lere but my chosen few, true heaven gain'd by service ; r love, as thou shalt see, is, the more pleasing to me f-:

if is n

^5 .

'4' -5S!S33SSRrr' APPENDIX.

8T. JOSEPH'S NAME.

son of Jacob TnB eighth day after hla birth, the and was called was circimciRed, according to law, which signifies abun- Joseph. That blessed name, announced the trea- dance and increwe, because it wherewith his soul was to sures of grace and of merit the sweetest of all be enriched, is the noblest and Mory. According names, after those of Jesus and Damascene, it contained to St. Anselm and St. John of the new-born an epitome of the whole history was to grow up that In- child. Under his auspices sterility of the anathe- fant God, who, visiting the abroad over it the matized earth, was to spread He him- abundance of His graces and His benefits. God from humiliation and self, raised. up by that !

316 Appendix.

men and angels, an oblivion, was to acquire, before

increase of honor and glory. to the let- The name of Joseph realizes, therefore, signification. Everywhere there r.l ter, its etymological congregations, and Christians, are towns, religions designated, in who honor him by bearing it. It has bishops, even many princes. history, many saints, many

and it is to be hoped that it Nor is its reign ended ; and a sacred seal, on shall be placed, as a perftime this age, and that this the brow of the children of active, after the generation will grow up, pure and

image of St. Joseph.

i'.i ¥4 B. AD BEATISSIMVM JOSEPH.

IMVOCATIO.

Marise, n% J esn nutritor pater, conjnxque decor O sidus radians, Coelicolumque sub limine lethi, S is tu nostra salus tetro

mori 1 E t nobis liceat, te recreante, solare tuorum P rotector mentes miseras ^ H ymnos da aeternos mox ut ad astra canant 1 Appendix. 317 ^PENDIX.

(TIUVKStATION.J ire, before men and angels, an glory. INVOCATION TO THE BLESSED ST. JOSEPH. let- ih realizes, therefore, to the Foster father of Jesus, chaste spouse of Mary, Everywhere there ig'nification. of the bright star of heaven, the glory and honor congregations, and Christians, that sorrowful hour Saints, ah 1 be our safeguard at designated, in iaring it. It has Grant when we cross the threshold of our eternity. even many princes. nany bishops, thy blessed us the favor of expiring gently under and it is to be hoped that it i ; earth, the eyesl Powerful Protector, comfort, on a sacred seal, on perfume and that they sorrowful soul of thy servants, and grant dren of this age, and that this may one day go to chant in heaven the never-ceasing ' up, pure and active, after the hymn of eternal felicity 1

% BAPTISM OF THE FIRST SA VAGE AT MONTREAL.

VTISSIMUM JOSEPH. married before the The first savage baptized and IMVOCATIO. • of Joseph and Church received in baptism the name ; bear the -?nt Father Vimont, to make him *' that, says iter, conjuxque Marise, presented by the of the head of the first family Coelicolumque decor 1 name savages and of Montreal as the model of the lus tetro sub limine lethi, clergy the patron of the country. te recreante, mori 1 js miseras solare tuorum ^ rnos mox ut ad astra canant 1 818 Appendix.

8T. JOSEPH'S MARRIAGE RING.

Benedict XIV., in his Treatise on the Beaiijka- Hon and Canonization of Saintn, represents, as worthy of veneration, the pious belief held by the inhab- ring itants of Perngia, that they possess that same which Joseph put on Mary's finger at the moment of

their union.

Pius IX., in the journey which he made in 1851, through the States of the Church, amidst the acclam-

ations of his subjects, when celebrating the holy that this Mass in the cathedral of Perugia, requested vene- famous relic should be exposed on the altar,

it to be kissed rated it with great devotion, then gave come, by the young Archduke of Tuscany, who had

in the name of his family, to pay him homage.

' B. AFPARITION OF THE HOLY FAMILY TO MR. DE LA DAUVERSIERE.

M. de la Dauversiere having one day gone into the church of Notre Dame, in Paris, and having there

received Holy Communion with his usual fervor,

lil. Appendix. 319 lPPENDIX.

near the statue whilst making his thanksgiving alone D. hi God, was rar of Mary, and profoundly recollected the Holy 'S MARRIAGE RING. vished out of himself, and saw distinctly he contem- Family— Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. As his Treatise on the Beaiijka- Our Lord plated these august personages, he heard n of SaintK, represents, as wor- Most Holy Virgin: say these words three times to the pious belief held by the inh8,b- " that " Where can I find a faithful servant ? and saw it they possess that same ring the hand, pre- the Divine Mother, taking himself by Mary's finger at the moment of "Behold, Lord, sented him to her Divine Son, saying: Lord received this faithful servant." That then Our jurney which he made in 1857, shalt henceforth be my him kindly, and said : "Thou the Church, amidst the acclam- with wisdom and faithful servant. I will clothe thee ts, when celebrating the holy Guardian with strength; thou shalt have thine Angel requested that this I of Perugia, work; my grace for a guide. Labor earnestly at my be exposed on the altar, vene- it shall not be wanting to is sufficient for thee, and ivotion, then gave it to be kissed in his hand a thee." Whereupon the Lord placed jke of Tuscany, who had come, Mary, Josqah, ring engraved with the names of Jesus, mily, to pay him homage. all the young girls telling him to give such another to Family, who should consec ite themselves to the Holy to establish. in the congregation he was going HE HOLY FAMILY TO MR. DE DAUVERSIERE. siere having one day gone into

Dame, in Paris, and having there imunion with his usual fervor, 820 Appendix.

THE HOLY HOUSE.

under the dome of the The Holy House is placed inclosed. Its form is ob- basilica iu which it is now to west, according to the long, running from east churches so that the eastern usual direction of large ; the church," and the west- wall looks on the chancel of conformable to em on the nave. The walls, little without support, on architectural rules, are placed so that any one may sat- ground shifting and uneven ; spaces his hands through the isfy himself, by passing on no the w.»lls. that they rest left by accidmts to

IbundatioD. ; ^^ House, now converted The interior of the Holy feet inches feet 8 inches long; 12 8 » into a chapel, is 29 the north side, feet 3 inches high. On wide ; and 13 seen an ancient about the middle of the chapel, is Midway in the mural door, with its deal lintel. wmdow. with a bronze west wall there is a small the chapel, by a wooden grating, surmounted, within as in height. This cross, cross, the same in breadth Holy House, bears brought from Nazareth with the canvas which covers an image of Christ, painted on a PEMDEC Appendix.

wood. To the left of this cross, towards the angle F. the formed by the two walls, is a little cupboard, in which 'OLY HOUSE. are kept two small cups, believed to have been for- dome of the placed under the merly used by the Holy Family; in the lower part of Its form is ob- now inclosed. the eastern wall may be seen an ancient fire-place, to the 3t to west, according 4 feet 3 inches high; 2 feet 4 inches wide; and 6 inches that the eastern churches ; so deep. This fire-place, as was usual amongst the an- church,' and the west- el of the cients, has no vent for the smoke ; it merely indicates conformable to e walls, little the place for the fire, which was sometimes made in without support, on ! placed the centre of a room, the smoke escaping through a that any one may sat- sven ; so window, or some other opening, made in the upper spaces his hands through the part of the wall. Above the fire-place, a niche, placed rest on no le w^Us, that they at equal distances from the two side walls, contains f. the ancient statue of the Virgin, also brought from converted Holy House, now Nazareth with the Holy House, and which an ancient feet 8 inches 8 inches long; 12 tradition attributes to St. Luke. This statue, of cedar the north side, iches high. On wood, rudely carved, is 2 feet 8 inches, and the Infant seen an ancient the chapel, is Jesus, which it bears in its arms, is 1 foot 2 inches in in the deal lintel. Midway height. The altar, placed at a distance of some feet a bronze small wmdow, with from the eastern wall, leaves at the bottom an empty by a wooden ffithin the chapel, space, which is called the Holy Chimney, because it This cross, ;adth as in height. contains the fireplace already referred to. The ancient House, bears th with the Holy altar is inclosed within another ; it is of stone, and covera linted on a canvas which was brought from Nazareth with the Holy House.

JJ m

Appendix. 322

^tajblished tradition, it was ] According to an ancient celebrated the holy who . by the ApoBtles themselves, upon it. mysteries , , , ..u i:* stndded with W level, and The ceiling was formerly in the sixteenth It was replaced, tie golden sta... a stone vault, supported by century, by an elegant htt^ ground being divided mto comicT. the sky-blue the walls are gilt stars. On squares studded with partly effaced by t^e^ very ancient paintings, L V.rg represent the Blessed Most of these paintings reason to and there is every and some other Saints; date of he are anterior to the believe that they a« the of the Holy House, miraculous transportation as al- to these paintings most ancient accounte refer ready existing.

WORKSHOP. ST. JOSEPH'S

which stfll an ancient custom, In accordvce with of the Arabs and in great part exists amongst the different locahty at his trade in a East, Joseph worked workshop, where Mary lived. His from that in which ten or tweWe wrought, was a low room Jesus Himself (Orsini. Ufe of th. as many long. feet wide and PENDIX. Appendix. 828

established it was viii.)—The same author cites, in t tradition, Mother of Ood, ch. the holy Father de Geramb: ives, who celebrated a note, the following passage from

"This house of Joseph is an hundred and thirty, or studded with lit- srly level, and an hundred and forty paces firom that of St. Anne. in the sixteenth ras replaced, The place is still pointed out as St. Joseph's workshop. stone supported by a good-sized church; the , vault, This shop was converted into a divided into little round being Turks destroyed a portion of it, but there remains a the walls are daily gilt stars. On chapel wherein the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is effaced by time. itings, partly celebrated."—Baron de Geramb's Pilgrimage to Jeru- Blessed Virgin Mislin 8 represent the salem.) These details are confirmed by Mgr. reason to there is every ,; and (Les Saints-Lieux, ch. xxxvi.) to the date of the .. anterior House, as the Aon of the Holy these paintings as al- , refer to THE SAVIOUR'S CRIB. I distinguish between the crib, properly so G. We must called (proBsgnwwi, as the Gospel says),—a sort of JPff'S WORKSWP. hollow cut in the solid rock of the cave,—and the holy custom, which still by St. I an ancient cradle {Santa cvlla) formed of boards, made great part of the Lrabs and in Joseph, to carry the Divine Infant more conveniently different locaUty at his trade in a into exile. workshop, where lary lived. His These two holy relics are generally confounded: H i room, ten or twelve concermng ht, was a low is necessary, therefore, to say a word (Orsini, Life of the aany long. e%ch. APPETiDIX. 824

the Savour called, in which The Crib, properly so straw, is st.ll birth, on a little was luid after His the Nativity in the grotto of preserved at Bethlehem, hollowed ma part It is a place the primitive stable. luch tak. nowou a marble pillarw of the rock, resting given to certa. stones of the Crib the place of several considerable size these stones, of a churches. One of even in o« and is venerated, was conveyed to Rome, on h of St. Mary Major, own days, in the basilica the crypt of th into the altar in Esquiline; it is fitted In th the Holy Sacrament. „.,gnificent chapel of been made, wherem is m Jious stone a hollow has Jesus laid on straw tl Lesented the holy Infant Joseph kneeling in the attita< Blessed Virgin and St.

of contemplation. preserve the Crib frc At Bethlehem, in order to has been cover of the pilgrims, it the pious ravages four f the form of a cradle, with white marble, in year, the Reve« wide. Once a long by two feet in the Church o PranciLn Fathers, who minister marble covering, and, wit! Nativity, take off this Uttle fragm, then distribute the brash, remove, and detached from it. that are naturally cuUa) wa« transported f The holy cradle {Santa Appendix. 825 AppeiJdix.

642. It is cora- Land to Rome, in the year the Saviour the Holy 80 called, in which , the largest of which ap poscd of five small boards, straw, is still birth, on a little breadth. length by 5 inches iu pears to be 24 feet iu of the Nativity, in the grotto placed ,em, blackened by time, they arc part Worn away and place hollowed in a It is a together by sealed rib- one over another and bound marble pillar which takes aowon a in the form of a and arc under sheets of crystal, given to certain bons, stones of the Crib The upper which are supported by angels. considerable size, cradle, these stones, of a bed, wherein is seen' a straw part forms a little dome, venerated, even in our orae, and is the Divine Jesus. reposes a silver statue of Mary Major, on the on which .asilica of St. si)lendid replaced in a beautiful and of the The whole is altar in the crypt 5cl into the the pedes- about six feet high. On In this liquary, seemingly the Holy Sacrament. of the Adoration of the Magi, whereon is represented made, wherein is seen tal How has been Angel to the Shep- may be read those words of the laid on straw, the oly Infant Jesus " in the highest," &c. herds : Glory to God kneeling in the attitude 1 St. Joseph seen on Christmas Eve This holy relic can only be exposed at diffe- Day, when it remains Crib from and Christmas to preserve the ia order rest of the time, the parts of the Church. The has been covered rent of the pilgrims, it under the shut up in the superb crypt, four feet holy cradle is the form of a cradle, ,e, iu constructed at the expense high altar of the basilica, year, the Reverend wide. Once a magnificence; IX. It is of unequalled Church of the of Pope Pius who minister in the .rs, most precious stones, are there the finest marbles, the covering, and, with a I this marble by His Holiness on combined. It was consecrated the Uttle fragments id then distribute the nth of April, 1864. fifom it. ly detached of the Blessed Sar the crypt, under the chapel was transported from In Je {Santa cuM) 28 326 Appendix.

arc preserved some of the cramcnt, already mentioned Saviour was wrapped, 8waddli..g-clothe8 wherein the lie lay. The cloak with and some of the hay on which Him to save Him from the which St. Joseph covered and the church of St. Anastasia, cold, is v....eratfd in Cross in Jerusalem has the the basilica of the Holy of the hair of the holy privilege of possessing some

Infant Jesus. Aix-la-Chapelle there is like, In the cathedral of of those same swaddling- wise preserved a portion Helena. clothes given by St.

' TOE GROTTO OF THE NATIVITY.

one Greek, one Arme- Three convents-one Latin, Bethlehem, the pr«. nian-guard the rich treasure of the grotto in wliich th< cious jewel of Christendom, by a Constantinian bas. Saviour was born, protected Th( a descent of sixteen steps. lica. It is reached by the stable and the maugci grotto incloses the site of five i twelve yards in length, by It measures nearly It is entirely covere width, and three in height the staircase leading t with marble. To the left of Appendix. m

semiH^ircnlar eastern side, is a the manger, on the Chnst of the where Our Lord Jesus iioncci urc preserved some excavation. This is

the Saviour wns wrapped, - •rein was born. , . p.Uars.,i with by two little marble „ whicii He lay. The cloak An altar, supported mosaic of from the In the centre of a rich i-rcd Him to save Him rises on this spot. round a sdver AnaHtasin, and is read, engraved ;hc church of St. j„s,...r nnd porphyry, Christus has the de Virgine Maria Je.u. loly Crosfl in Jerusalem star the words : Hie place is found the hair of the holy little farther down ,g some of the „aln. ed* A the holy It is known that which the Crib occupied. and is now vene- is like, conveyed to Rome, of Aix-la-Chapelle there cradle has been magn.hcent swaddling- Major's, hiclosed in a irtion of those same rated in St. Mary re- marble, and precious stones, Helena. monument, of bronze, the Jerusalem. In front of presenting the Temple of belonging to the Lati.«. dis- Crib rises a small altar ' I. . of the which is the property tinct from the first, THE NATIVITY. W OF Greeks. one Arme- K)ne Latin, one Greek, J. Bethlehem, the pro- ch treasure of ENIGMA. which the stcndora, the grotto in of old, basi- In the classic days protected by a Constantiuian warrior bold The I was the name of ; by a descent of sixteen steps. name breathes only peace, the manger, But now my site of the stable and charms can never cease; five That peace whose twelve yards in length, by m Virgin Mary.- entirely covered wa. bom of the iu height It is . ..Here Jesus Christ leading to the left of the staircase 328 Appendix.

Each day to penance summon I, And men'H conHcienco purify;

frost and snow, I sweep away the , Beneath my feet fresh flowrcts grow; smile of hope, I bring back Spring, and the ope; To the poor tlie portals of plenty "With a great Saint's honor I om allied,

identified; My name with his is ,

I usher in the festal time prtme; When Christ firom the dead rose in glory's glad and free It is to make hearts more That my predecessor gives place to me.

THE SEPULCHRE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN AND THAT OF ST. JOSEPH.

beyond the hill of At the foot of Mount Olivet, the Kedron, stands the church built on the site of was taken up Virgin's tomb, whence her sacred body with fine stones, to heaven. A square place, paved wise remarkable, serves as a court. The entrance is no of but you descend to the sanctuary by a fine flight arch, the echoes flay steps, covered by a sounding Appendix. 829 LPFENDIX.

chant of the pilgrims who of which repeat the pious |)cnancc Bummon I, and hymns. Thin go down thither singing Litanies oiiHcicHco purify; from the receives no other light than that Hnow, holy i)liice I froHt and j the steps, and a narrow door, wliich is at the top of fresh flowretB grow; This gloom inspires nponing behind the Sepulchre. ing, and tho Hmile of hope, becomes accn*. rccoUoction and respect, the eye soon [lortalK of plenty ope; the Tomb where the Divine tomcd to it, and discovers int'H honor I am allied, death. Motiier of the Saviour triumphed over JH if) identified; "was, oecord- "The Virgin," says Chateaubriand, ital time .1 the Fathers, miraculously ing to the opinion of many of n the dead rose in glory's prime; Apostles. Euthymius buried at Gethsemane by the arts more glad ond free marvellous obsequies. St. relates the history of these !88or gives place to me. nothing Thomas having caused the coffin to be opened, the poor and was found therein save a virginal robe, of Glory, who had been simple garment of the Queen F TUB BLESSED VIRGIN AND carried by Angels to heaven." arch which covers the ' OF ST. JOSEl'II. Thick walls support an narrow that monument, and forms a small chapel, so lount Olivet, beyond the hill of three or four persons at a time. it can only contain church built on the site of the and Mass is celebrated This Tomb is now an altar, ice her sacred body was taken up body reposed. The on the very spot where Mary's re place, paved with fine stones, marble, and a great number monument is covered with be entrance is no wise remarkable, above the altar. All of lamps are kept burning the sanctuary by a fine flight of the Holy Sacrifice Christian nations desired to have by a sounding arch, the echoes Appendix.

the Sepnl Sanctuary consecrated by offered up in the fulfilled be of God. Thus are chre of the Mother words of th. Mary the prophetic fore the Tomb of blessedJ generations shall call me Magnificat: "All placed behind the Tomb The altar of the Greeks is near the western entrance that of the Armenians is gran at the foot of the that of the Georgians is the na, that of the Copts is in southern staircase ; this alU the sepulchre. Before itself in front of the of excellent water, which p there is a fountain The Latin Cathol. grims drink with devotion. very Tomb of the Virgi have for their altar the before keep the lamps burning and it is they who

night and day. would have in 1 The Mahometans themselves of Jesus, a place of pray sanctuary of the Mother the south wall, and tl They hollowed a niche in

turn towards it to pray. considered the f The Emperor Theodosius is which was destroyed by CI founder of this church,

the I the Crusaders. During roes, and rebuilt by part Jerusalem, heaped in this agci the rums of the Toml ' had covered the Valley of Jehosophat, Virgin. . the Blessed Appendix. 831 Appendix.

tradition preserved by was. according'to a the Sepnl- There it mctuary consecrated by after appeared to the disciples Greeks, that Mary are fulfilled be- the r of God. Thus sacred body the last duties to her thev had performed prophetic words of the and Mary the usual light repast just finished the blessed." Th;y had reneratioiw shall call me "Glory be to words : returning thanks in these behind the Tomb; were reeks is placed glory be to the be to Thee ; God 1 glory western entrance; Thee. O ians is near the Ghost 1 Son. and to the Holy Father, and to the foot of the grand lians is at the Trinity Lord name of the 1 ' great is the the nave Oh how that of the Copts is in before ; 1" Virgin appeared Christ, help us The this altar Jesus the sepulchre. Before transports splendor, and in the them, surrounded with water, which the pil- I of excellent adjuva " Panagia 1 cried : Panagia ! Catholics of their joy. they devotion. The Latin you ; "I shall be with !"* The Virgin replied : the Virgin, nos tar the very Tomb of ' ^ • "^ . always." . lamps burning before it f. 9 keep the the grand stmrs, after When the pilgrims reascend step, they stop to the twenty-second the havin-r reached themselves would have in ans Joseph's burial-place. venerlte the chapel of St. Jesus, a place of prayer, Mother of Father Nau. "the cousm- great Saint," says and they ..That niche in the south wall, Virgms, spouse of the Queen of german. and virginal who pray. nephew of St. Anne, Mother of God. and considered the first L Theodosius is and who was, fur- of his father, Jacob, by Choa- was the, sister hurch, which was destroyed father of the Son of God>e thermore. the adopted Crusaders. During the first Him- , the by and the fosterer of God Saviour of the world, heaped in this part of of Jerusalem, fulfil the obligafona had como to Jerusalem, to covered the Tomb of self, jhosophat, had us!" o «'0 Holiest! Holiest! help jin. 832 Appendix.

of the law, and had the consolation of dying there in the practice of that obedience which he rendered to his Creator."

He died in the arras of Jesus and Mary, both of whom assisted at his obsequies. According to tra> dition, Jesns Himself laid him with His own hands in this sepulchre, which was to be so near that of Hia

;; -•;•' > • :',; Mother. --> :• ,

r; The date of St. Joseph's death is uncertain. Some authors tiiink tliat he died soon after having found

Jesus in the Temple among the doctors ; but this opinion is not confirmed by any text. According to another opinion, Joseph died about the beginning of

Our Saviour's public ministry. The body of St. Jo- seph did not long remain in the sepulchre ; he was

amongst the Saints who went forth alive from their

graves after the Resurrection of the Son of God,

and who appeared to a great number of persons in

Jerusalem. Father Nau makes, in this connection, a " touching reflection : Can it be thought that he who

supported the Son of God by the swieat of his brow

for thirty years, was left dead iu his sepulchre ? And

if God had left him there, would he have left big

«acred remains uuhonored? . . . This Saint is in Appendix. LPPENDIX.

ascended thither at the leaven, body and soul He le consolation of dying there in who were raised up to heaven head of all the Saints bedience which he rendered td ascension and, day of His ; with Jesus Christ on the name and quality of he docs not lose there the ns of Jesus and Mary, both of as proportionate glory and a power father, he possesses a obsequies. According to tra- ineffable name." to that great and aid him with His own hands in the right hand side The chapel of St. Joseph is on ras to be so near that of Hia from the as one goes up the steps of the grand stairs, or other side, in a chapel two sanctuary. On the sph's death is uncertain. Some the Tombs of St. Joachim three steps higher, is found i died soon after having found in the too, Mass is celebrated and St. Anne. Here, among the doctors ; but this of holy sepulchres. The tomb chapel right over the ed by any text. According to Anne the east, and that of St. St. Joachim is facing •h died about the beginning of

t'i • north. ministry. The body of St. Jo- Christian piety vene- Thus, in the same sanctuary. nain in the sepulchre ; he was amongst of this Holy Family, rates all the members ho went forth alive from their to be born. whom the Son of God vouchsafed urrection of the Son of God,

a great number of persons in au makes, in this connection, a

Can it be thought that he who

God by the ewieat of his brow ift dead in his sepulchre ? And

there, would he have left his

Qored? . . . This Saint is in 831 Appenddc.

'# - .'l

DESCRirriny of ttie site ciiosEff for st. jo- IIOL V ZAND. >: V SEl'irS STATUE IN TUB

stands, The group of hills ainongat which Nazareth in front Ptole- rises in the plain of Esdralon, having Cape Blauc mais. overlooking Carmel on the left, and This on the right. Tl»e Cison flows at their feet. battles- pluie has been made memorable by a hundred fouud Cuba, Tibe- On the otiier side of the group are far from Nazareth. rias, and Thabor. Chef-Amar is not eminences that the Now. it was on one of these Holy House of Joseph and Mary rested during its beautiful site transportation to Loretto. A more to raise the could not possibly be imagined whereon person the Old Statue of the Holy Patriarch in whose be when and New Law were bound together. It will that those oonntrico, he shall rule in his native land, favor with desolated by Islamism, shall again find era of mercj God, and, for the Holy Land, the new

shall have replaced that of justice. Appendix. m Alppendix.

;,>iir..'^ M. FOR THE FIRST L. ;; ^:y\.u. ST JOSEPH SOLEMNLY TAKEN PATRON OF CANADA. UE SITE CHOSEN FOR ST. JO- TUE UOL Y LAND. Canada, the Associates,* VE IN In taking possession of consecrate the thought" that they could ainongat which Nazareth stands, rejoicing in that the entirely to God, and knowing Esdralon, liaving in front Ptole- themselves under the, Fathers had placed themselves rmcl on the left, and Cape Blauc Rccollet image in relievo of St. Joseph, sent an Cison flows at their feet. This patronage of which was placed over the altar of memorable by a hundred battles- this holy patron, de liecou- of llecovcry, {Notre-Dame the group are fouud Cuba, Tibt- Our Lady Joseph for the But, as the adoption of St. lef-Amar is not far from Nazareth. vrance.) been made with all patron of Canada had not )nc of these eminences that the first Calvinists were m conditions, while the eph and Mary rested during its the requisite the solemni- was resolved to renew it with all joretto. A more beautiful site power it law. It was, therefore, the required by ecclesiastical le imagined wliereon to raise ties in concert the magistrates and people, Patriarch in whose person the Old decreed that most solemn should ratify it in the bound together. It will be when with the clergy, be desired that nothing which might native land, that those oonntrico, manner; and, Pontiff. Urban wanting, the Sovereign ism, shall again find favor with should be a plenary this choice by granting loly Laud, the new era of mercy VIII sanctioned Patron. On the Feast of this Holy that of justice. indulgence on their Ass.K:ia- numl>cred one hundred ; '"The AssoclateB F-oe, had of the Company of New tion^^^ndcr the name _ Canada. of a French colony in in view the formation ;

836 Appe^tdix.

the bonner the eve of that festival, in the year 1637, next was raised and cannon fired, announcing tlic night came, such brilliant day's solemnity ; and, when in that fireworks were sent off as had never been seen planned country. M. Jean Bourdon, geometrician, and executed the architectural part, and the fireworks were the composition of Sicur de Beaulieu. two To express allegorically the object of the feast, piece of wood small buildings were erected, each on a New France, sufficiently elevated. One represented flanked under the form of a square crenellated castle, surmounted by a at its angles by four turrets, each variegated with divers flag, all well proportioned and

colors. crown On the roof of this castle rose a sort of over all a over that again a revolving wheel, and extremities, by cross, terminated, at each of its three appeared orna- as many large Jleurs de lis, which on a mented with brilliants. This castle, carried angles by platform, was defended at each of its four circumference 80 many revolving wheels, and, its whole four great by sixteen jets of fire, without speaking of the trunks from which were to go forth and rise into (or serpentine) air more than two hundred snake Appendix. 887 Appendix.

France, Near this castle, symbolical of New banner rockets. il, in the year 1637, the carried on a piece of wood. the other little edifice was ion fired, announcing tlic next principal front appeared This last was oblong ; on its wlien night came, such brilliant .loseph, in transparency the glorious name of St. that in a f as had never been seen in from this name were to lArgc Roman letters ; and Bourdon, geometrician, planned now in arches, in the urise rockets, now iierpendicular, chitectural part, and the fire- stars, or of fire. midst of ft shower of ipositiou of Sicur de Beaulieu. thus arranged, the Sieur de Montmagny, two All being illy the object of the feast, the gentlemen of with his lieutenant, M. Dclisle, and erected, each on a piece of wood fort, and placed them- their suite, came out of the One represented New France, buildings had been selves near the church where these crenellated castle, flanked square France who erected. All the inhabitants of New turrets, each surmounted by a r share in this were near Quebec had gone thither to oned and variegated with divers and, in the presence of all these public rejoicing -f fireworks, the people, the governor himself lit the castle rose a sort of crown ; ills savages, and sudden splendor of which amazed the revolving wheel, and over all a particularly the Hurons. three extremities, by each of its church The next day, the Feast of St. Joseph, the appeared orna- irs de lis, which would was more crowded than usual, as much so as it This castle, carried on a nta. God for hav- be on Easter Sunday, each one blessing led at each of its four angles by the very guardian ing given as patron to New France heels, and, its whole circumference the glorious St of His Divine Son, in the person of •e, without speaking of four great Joseph. fere to go forth and rise into the (or serpentine) hundred snake 29 888 Appendix.

DECREE OF HIS HOLINESS, PTUS IX., DECLAR- ING ST. JOSEPU PATRON OF THE UNIVERSAL

• CUURCU.

(Translation.)

dbcbeb: to thbcitt and ih« wobld, (unnis bt okdis.)

Even as God established Joseph, son of the patri-

arch Jacob, as governor of all Egypt, to preserve to

the people the wheat necessary for their subsistence, to send so, at the time appointed by the Eternal on earth His only Son, to redeem the world, Hfl chose another Joseph, of whom the first was a type. He made him roaster of his goods and of His house- trear hold. He ap nted him guardian of His chief Virgin Bures. And )seph espoused the Immaculate

Mary, of whi,^, by the power of the Holy Ghost, was born Our Lord Jesus Christ, who deigned to be reputed by men the son of Joseph, and to be subject prophets to him. And He whom so many kings and con- had desired to see, Joseph not only saw, but

versed with, held Him in his arms with paternal affec- with the tion, covered Him with kisses, and watched

greatest solicitude over the maintenance of Him h Appendix. 889 LPFENDIX.

whom the faithful people were to receive as the N. Bread como down from heaven, and the food of eter- yLLVESS, PIUS IX., DECLABr nal life. PATRON OF THE UNIVERSAL On accoant of that Rnblime dignity which God con-

ferred upon His faithful servant, the Church had ever rranslation.) paid the blessed Joseph the highest honor after the

and glorified LND IH« WOBLD, (unniS BT OKBW.) Most Holy Virgin, his spouse, praised him, and had recourse to him in her greatest afflic- dished Joseph, son of the patri- tions. And as, in these sad times, the Church, as- lor of all Egypt, to preserve to sailed on every side, is oppressed with such calamities necessary for* their subsistence, that the impious already persuade themselves that the ointed by the Eternal to send time is come at last when the gates of hell shall pre- Son, to redeem the world, Ha vail against her, the venerable bishops of the whole a type, I, of whom the first was Catholic world have humbly besought the Sovereign of his goods and of His house- PontifT, in their name and that of the faithful con- lim guardian of His chief treap fided to their care, to vouchsafe to declare St. Joseph espoused the Immaculate Virgin Patron of the Catholic Church. the power of the Holy Ghost, These prayere having been renewed more earnestly Fesus Christ, who deigned to be and more urgently during the holy (Ecumenical Coun- ion of Joseph, and to be subject cil of the Vatican, our Holy Father, Pius IX., pro- lom so many kings and prophets foundly touched by the recent deplorable events, de- Joseph not only saw, but con- siring to place himself and all the faithful in a special m in his arms with paternal affec- manner under the most powerful patronage of the ith kisses, and watched with the holy patriarch Joseph, has deigned to accede to the over the maintenance of Him Appbndix. 840

is bishop«. Wherefore it wishes of the venerable or declared St. Joseph Patron that he ha« solemnly feast ami has decreed that the THK Catholic Chubch, henceforth ob- 19th of Ma^eh, be of the Saint, the «n first class, without as a Double of the served He account of being in Lent. Octave, however, on Declaration made ordained that the has. moreover, Congregation of of the Holy by the present decree to the Im- on the day consecrated Ui,.s, be published of the of God, and spouse „.aculate Virgin, Mother Whatever ordinance to the con- ,„08t chaste Joseph.

trary notwithstanding.

Dkcgmber 8, 1810.

constantinb, ^ Velletrl r7 Bishop of Ostia and j Cardinal Patrizi, Cong, of Rites. Prefect of the Sacr. D. Baktolini, Secretary.

lOS

"i^f-^iiiam^'j-'T^-'v*^-"" 5^,-*. ^1 ,;^,f ;

PKNDIX.

Wherefore it i» D bishops. Patron or ticlared St. Joseph the feast iml has decreed that ob- of Manjh, be henceforth without nn f the first clasfl, Lent. He iconnt of being in Declaration made id that the Congregation of of the Holy to the Im- the day consecrated spouse of the uer of God, ond the con- SV'hatever ordinance to

CONSTANTINB, Velletrl Bishop of Ostia and Cardinal Patrizi, of Bites. t of the Sacr. Cong, D. Bartolini, Becretar;. mmmeawmmîmismm^s^^î^S^'îWM- ~"