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CHAPTER III.
STAY AT SAINT APOLLONIA — FAVOR SHE RECEIVED THERE FROM MARY.
"O God, Thou art my God, I will seek Thee from the break of day." — Ps. LXII, 1.
Anna Maria commenced even now to experience the need of a director, but not wishing to appear singular she remained at confession, after the example of her companions, only the time necessary for the sacrament; she would have feared attracting attention by asking of him a longer interview. A ray of light came to dispel her anxiety: yes, her own pious father would himself be hence-forth the father of her soul, as he was of her body. What a favor Our Lord granted this just man by inspiring this blessed child with such a resolution. It was the fruit of the Christian education given to his daughter; it was a choice gift, the value of which he alone could appreciate. The Chevalier Redi had afterwards one great regret and we share it with him. It is that in obedience to his dear child he burned the confidential letters which he received from her, "all filled with the most exalted sentiments towards God, and yearnings for the highest Christian perfection;" these are his words. Rev. Father Peter Pellegrine, having been named confessor of the Monastery of Saint Apollonia, it is probable that the Chevalier Redi counseled his daughter to make known her soul to him, without, however, interrupting the spiritual relations which he held with her. This wise and experienced director saw then the depths of this candid soul; at the first glance he understood it. Like a prudent pilot he only encouraged her yielding to the favoring breath of the Holy Spirit, which led her to divine love by the way of great simplicity. He gave her instructions regarding prayer, and authorized her to continue the penances which she had imposed upon herself from her early childhood.
At this time the protection of the Queen of Heaven was visibly shown to this privileged child, who would soon choose Carmel for her home, that holy mountain of Mary. Here is a remarkable fact: Anna Maria whilst carrying a foot-warmer full of hot coals, fell from the top of the staircase to the bottom. In the midst of her danger she called upon Mary and reached the foot of the staircase quite unharmed. A picture of the Holy Virgin was hanging in this place.
One can easily understand that on account of her admirable qualities, her sweet humility, her amiability, the docility of her character, her modest manner, she was the delight of St. Apollonia's, where she had gained all hearts. The directress, esteeming her at her just value, sometimes confided to her the care of her companions, who venerated her as an angel. Far from nourishing any feeling of jealousy towards her, they rather rejoiced at the preference shown her by their mistress. From the beginning of her school life a great love of humility and deep contempt for self was observed shining in this beautiful soul. The words of Our Lord: "I am come not to be served, but to serve," were ever present to her mind. Anna Maria put them in practice, lending herself on all occasions to the services of her neighbor. She was seen even to relieve the servants of their heavy burdens, all so naturally and graciously that one would think it a pleasure to her rather than an effort, as indeed was the case.
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