I had not been long a veiled nun, before I requested of the Superior
permission to confess to the "Saint Bon Pasteur," (Holy Good Shepherd,)
that is, the mysterious and nameless nun whom I had heard of while a
novice. I knew of several others who had confessed to her at different
times, and of some who had sent their clothes to be touched by her when
they were sick; and I felt a desire to unburden my heart of certain
things, which I was loath to acknowledge to the Superior, or any of the
priests.
The Superior made me wait a little, until she could ascertain whether
the "Saint Bon Pasteur" was ready to admit me; and after a time
returned, and told me to enter the old nuns' room. That apartment has
twelve beds, arranged like the berths of a ship by threes; and as each
is broad enough to receive two persons, twenty-four may be lodged
there, which was about the number of old nuns in the Convent during the
most of my stay in it. Near an opposite corner of the apartment was a
large glass case, with no appearance of a door, or other opening, in
any part of it: and in that case stood the venerable nun, in the dress
of the community, with her thick veil spread over her face, so as to
conceal it entirely. She was standing, for the place did not allow room
for sitting, and moved a little, which was the only sign of life, as
she did not speak. I fell upon my knees before her, and began to
confess some of my imperfections, which lay heavy upon my mind,
imploring her aid and intercession, that I might be delivered from
them. She appeared to listen to me with patience, but still never
returned a word in reply. I became much affected as I went on, and at
length began to weep bitterly; and when I withdrew, was in tears. It
seemed to me that my heart was remarkably relieved after this exercise,
and all the requests I had made, I found, as I believed, strictly
fulfilled. I often, afterward, visited the old nuns' room for the same
purpose, and with similar results, so that my belief in the sanctity of
the nameless nun, and my regard for her intercession were unbounded.
What is remarkable, though I repeatedly was sent into that A room to
dust it, or to put it in order, I remarked that the glass case was
vacant, and no signs were to be found either of the nun or of the way
by which she had left it; so that a solemn conclusion rested upon my
mind, that she had gone on one of her frequent visits to heaven.
A priest would sometimes come in the daytime to teach us to sing, and
this was done with some parade or stir, as if it were considered, or
meant to be considered as a thing of importance.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account