I GAVE HIM COMMUNION DURING THE MASS I CELEBRATED IN THE SMALL PRISON CHAPEL

In 1837 Bishop de Mazenod was in Gap and describes his ministry to a prisoner condemned to death.

My liturgical function on Sunday was wonderful. I did not only administer Confirmation to the poor condemned man, but to sanction by my example the principles I have upheld, I gave him Communion during the Mass I celebrated in the small prison chapel, in the presence of the prisoners, all of whom wept together with the condemned person and the other attendants, at two sermons I saw fit to give, one before Communion and the other after the Confirmation. Father Lagier promised me that he would follow my example, and that on the day the condemned person is to die he would say Mass in the prison and once again give him Holy Communion. May God be blessed! Had I procured only this favour during my trip. I would have compensation enough for my trouble.

Letter to Henri Tempier, 18 July 1837, O.W. IX n. 629

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