Chapter LI

Of the holy Brother Jacques of Fallerone; and how after his death, he appeared unto Brother John of Alvernia

Of the holy Brother Jacques of Fa /krone; and how after his deathy he appeared unto Brother John of Alvernia

At the time when Brother Jacques of Fallerone, a man of great sanctity, was grievously sick in the House of Moliano in the Custody of Fermo, Brother John of Alvernia, who was then abiding in the House of La Massa, came to hear of his sickness, and sith he loved him as he were his own dear father, set himself to pray for him, devoutly beseeching God in his heart to grant unto the said Brother Jacques health of body, if so be that it was for the good of his soul. And as he thus devoutly prayed, he was rapt in ecstasy, and saw in the air above his cell, that was in the wood, a great host of Angels and Saints, shining with such splendour, that all the country round was lit up therewith: and in the midst of these angels he beheld that sick Brother Jacques, for whom he prayed, all resplendent in white robes. Among them likewise he beheld the blessed Father S. Francis; adorned with the holy Stigmata of Christ and with much glory. Moreover he saw and recognised the holy Brother Lucido, and Brother Matthew Antico of Monte Rubbiano, and many other brothers, the which in this life he had never seen or known. And as Brother John was thus gazing with great joy upon this blessed company of Saints, it was revealed to him that of a surety the soul of the said sick brother would be saved, and of that sickness he must die; but that he would not go to Paradise straightway after his death, but he needs must be a little purified in Purgatory. At this revelation did Brother John feel so great joy, by reason of the salvation of the soul, that for the death of the body he gave no thought at all; but with much sweetness of spirit he called him, saying within himself: "Brother Jacques, sweet father mine; Brother Jacques, sweet my brother; Brother I50 THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF

Jacques, most faithful servant and friend of God; Brother Jacques, companion of the Angels, in fellowship with the blessed." And so in this certitude and joy he returned to himself again; and straightway he departed from the House and went to visit the said Brother Jacques at Mollano: and finding him so weighed down with sickness that he scarce could speak, he announced to him the death of the body, and the salvation and glory of the soul, according to the certitude that he had thereof, by divine revelation; so that Brother Jacques, full of joy in heart and face, received him with great gladness and with merry laughter, giving him thanks for the glad tidings that he brought, and commending himself devoutly unto him. Then Brother John besought him tenderly that after his death he would come back to him and tell him of his state; and Brother Jacques promised him so to do, if so it were pleasing unto God. And said these words, as the hour of his departure drew near. Brother Jacques began devoutly to recite the verse of the Psalm: "In pace in idipsum dormiam et requiescam," that is to say: ” In peace shall I sleep and rest in the life eternal: ” and said this verse, with joyful and glad countenance he passed away from this life. And after that he was buried. Brother John returned to the House of La Massa, and waited for the promise of Brother Jacques that he would return to him on the day that he had said. But on the said day, as he was praying, Christ appeared unto him with a great company of Angels and Saints, and Brother Jacques was not among them; whereat Brother John, greatly marvelling, commended him devoutly unto Christ. On the following day, as Brother John was praying in the wood, there appeared unto him Brother Jacques, all glorious and glad, accompanied by the Angels, and Brother John said unto him: "O father most dear, wherefore didst thou not return to me on the day thou didst promise me? " Replied Brother Jacques: ” Because I had need of some purifying; but in that same hour that Christ appeared to thee and thou didst commend me unto Him, Christ heard thee and set me free from all pain. And then I appeared unto Brother Jacques of La Massa, a holy lay-brother; the which was serving the Mass and saw the consecrated Host, what time the priest elevated it, changed and transformed in the likeness of a most beautiful living child; and to him I said: * This day am I going with this child unto the kingdom of eternal life, unto the which none may go without him.” And said these words. Brother Jacques vanished out of sight; and he went up into heaven with all that blessed company of Angels; and Brother John remained much comforted. The said Brother Jacques of Fallerone died on the vigil of S. James the Apostle, in the month of July, in the aforesaid House of Moliano; wherein after his death many miracles were wrought through his merits by the divine goodness.