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CHAPTER VII.
PILGRIMAGE TO MOUNT ALVERNO; ENTRANCE AT CARMEL.
"Direct my steps according to Thy word” — Ps. CXVIII, 133.
The favorable reply of the Mother Prioress of the Carmel of Florence decided definitely the departure of Anna Maria. Her parents earnestly entreated her to make known to them some wish of hers that they might satisfy before making the supreme sacrifice. Faithful to the rule she had imposed on herself never to consult her inclinations, she refused to express what would be agreeable to her. At last, vanquished by the loving importunity of her mother, she asked leave to make a pilgrimage to Mt. Alverno to venerate the spot sanctified by the seraphic Francis of Assisi, whom she had chosen as her special protector.
On the return to Arezzo they made the last preparations for the journey to Florence, which took place towards the end of the month of August, 1764. At the time of her departure her mother was ill. Kneeling beside her bed, Anna Maria asked her pardon for all her faults, begged her maternal blessing, and gave her a last farewell kiss, while her mother allowed free course to her tears without being able to utter a single word. The young girl, however, did not give the least sign of weakness. But, as previously, at the sight of her father's tears, she with great self-possession hid within her heart the sorrow she felt and offered it to God. The Chevalier Redi, who was present at this heart-rending parting between mother and child, was overcome with emotion. He encouraged his wife with words full of faith; and at last gave the signal for departure. "Having taken our places in the carriage" — these are the Chevalier's own words — "without appearing to do so, I closely observed my daughter. For more than an hour she was serious, motionless, and silent; then she recovered her usual cheerfulness, questioned me sweetly, and we continued our journey in the greatest tranquility." The Saints have not a nature different from ours. They feel just as we do, but they differ from ordinary Christians by perfect correspondence to_ grace, which raises them above human weakness. The conduct of Anna Maria was truly remarkable: her silence, her discretion, the change of color which was sometimes remarked on her countenance during a momentary struggle, are proofs of generous efforts of the will in the practice of virtue.
Arrived at Florence, the father and daughter went immediately to Saint Apollonia, where Anna Maria had received her education, had tasted the first joys of the Holy Spirit, and received the incomparable gift of a religious vocation. Two of her young sisters were at that time there at school (later they took the veil at Saint Apollonia). The parting interview of the three loving sisters was most edifying. Anna Maria thanked her former teachers, assuring them of her gratitude to all and each one in particular. The hour for leaving having arrived, she departed, leaving at Saint Apollonia a never-to-be-forgotten memory. Without further delay she presented herself at Carmel, at this monastery of Saint Teresa, which our Venerable one called henceforth the "abode of angels." After showing an emotion which is easy to understand, the father and daughter, aided by the grace which triumphs over the human heart, bade each other a last farewell. |
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