Alvira: The Heroine of VesuviusO'Reilly, A. J. (Augustine J.)
ReligionChristian
Alvira: The Heroine of Vesuvius
O'Reilly, A. J. (Augustine J.)
Christian saints; Women and religion
Long and interesting were her conversations with her brother Louis.
Her history as known to herself must have been replete with many
striking events besides those we have caught up from a scanty tradition
and a brief pamphlet biography. How the secrets of her rambles in
disguise must have brought the smile and the blush to the countenance
of her simple-minded and sainted brother!
In deep and natural fraternal affection, which is more powerful when
mellowed by virtue, Pere Augustin saw the hand of death making each
day new traces on the frame of Alvira. The hectic flush, the frequent
faintings, and the cold, icy grasp of her hand told the energy of
the poison that gnawed at the vital cords. Sweet and gentle words
of encouragement ever flowed from his lips. With eye and finger ever
turning towards heaven, whither his own soul yearned, he calmed the
anxious and penitent spirit of Alvira, who still feared her repentance
was incomplete.
She received Holy Communion every day from the hands of her brother.
What ecstasies of grateful love filled her breast when preparing for
those blissful moments of union with our Blessed Lord! Deep and
eloquent the mysterious breathings of the pure, loving heart. It has
a language known and understood only by angels. As the sun melts the
rocky iceberg, the coldest heart melts under the loving, burning
Sun of the most Holy Eucharist.
At length the bark is anchored in the port of rest; Alvira is summoned
to her crown.
The midnight of July 16, 1717, finds her in her agony; the blest candle
is lighted; the faithful brother priest is kneeling by her bed; the
solemn wail of the privileged few of the grateful poor is carried in
mournful cadence from the chamber of death.
Yet the bell has not tolled the third stroke of consolation. Could
she have misunderstood the prophetic voice of her sainted Father
Francis, who knew the secrets of God in her behalf? But no; the favor
will come--the last crowning, ineffable favor will come; it is at hand.
Alvira has opened her eyes. She calls her brother near; with a smile,
the sweetest that ever lit up those expressive features, she told him
what the favor would be. Father Francis and the Blessed Virgin would
see her before she should die.
Pere Augustin believes the shock of approaching dissolution has weakened
her reasoning faculty; he gently chides her, whispers some sweet
thought of humility, and breathes the holy name that banishes
temptation.
But, lo! Alvira's features have changed; a glow of ecstatic beauty
has suffused around her; the light of another land is shed on her
couch. Recognition is read on her looks.
Pere Augustin, whose innocence and virtue entitled him to understand
the privileges of the saints, saw the splendor of a heavenly light
that filled the room, and heard from Alvira's lips expressions that
left no doubt on his mind of the promised visit of celestial beings.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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