Eugene continues to share with Henri Tempier, his confidant, the aguish he was living as he assisted his niece at her deathbed.<\/p>\n
\nSo I confirmed, by a superhuman effort which upset my whole being, the vague understanding which she had that her end was close; she wished me to administer her the last sacraments; what a duty to fulfil!<\/strong><\/h5>\n
I have necessarily to remain beside her; our Rules prescribe that we go, several times a day if necessary, to the sick persons in our care who are in danger; I stay right at my post and perform my ministry, but am very much in need of God\u2019s assistance. I expressly bid you to let the Capuchin Sisters know my niece\u2019s condition, so that they may pray and obtain for her the graces which she needs in this terrible moment; strength, courage, confidence in God.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
As for me, I will need resignation when the fatal moment arrives, but for the moment, a surpassing strength in order to act with freedom of spirit and seeming serenity when my soul is in utmost desolation. Our sick girl is ever a model of patience which she exerts to the point of heroism.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 28 October 1829, EO VII n 339<\/em><\/p>\n
Nathalie died a couple of weeks later on November 14 at the age of 19.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Eugene continues to share with Henri Tempier, his confidant, the aguish he was living as he assisted his niece at her deathbed. So I confirmed, by a superhuman effort which upset my whole being, the vague understanding which she had … Continue reading