The Life of Blessed Bernard of Tiron life of Blessed Bernard of Tiron

CHAPTER 13 Final Preparation for Death. Revelations, Death, Burial

CHAPTER 13 Final Preparation for Death. Revelations, Death, Burial n6. With some of them crying out and others lying halfdead on the ground in spasms, the man, who always did good works, was constrained to be oftwo minds about his preferences, for he did not want to leave his desolate flock or to be kept any longer from the presence of the Supreme Good. 0 how the man was torn between great compassion and hope of Heaven! Amid those who were carrying candles uplifted in their hands, he said: "Oh God, fairest maker of everything (Ecd n:5) that is fair, all my desire, and from whom my sighing is not hidden (Ps 38:9), you know how ardently my soul longs to see you and how it languishes in weary exile for love of you. Nonetheless, if you order me to keep on fighting in order to protect your followers, I will not refuse, and I will endure the toil and sweat as long as it pleases you." As he committed himselfin all things to what God's will commanded, he longed incessantly for the joy and bliss that were so dose. n7. Two days! before the man of God went to Heaven, a matron named Mary (who was an extremely dose friend because of the good works to which she devoted herself) lit a candle with 1. Sunday, April 23, m6. 121 her usual reverence before the relics of many saints, which were kept then in the tower of the castle of Nogent-le-Rotrou, and lay prostrate in prayer before them. Her daughter was a virgin, whom the servant of God had asked the mother to entrust to him so she could be consecrated to Christ. As we said previously , while she was praying, the relics, which were kept in a cist,2 emitted a loud noise and terrified her. Then she had a vision that a multitude of monks dressed in white were processing from our monastery toward that very tower, which was less than three fur10ngs3 away, proceeding like a procession and preceding the man of God, who was distinguished by his priestly vestments. While she waited trembling for the strange vision to end, suddenly the tower shone from the inside as if the sun's rays were enclosed within it. As the splendor gradually increased, Bernard, confessor of the Lord, appeared to the terrified matron, and his presence completely dispelled her terror. He said to her: "Tomorrow hurry to me and bring your daughter with you, for on the next day 1shall depart from this world. You may be sure, dearest, that unless you make haste, you will not see me any more." Having said that, the man who had appeared with company in splendor disappeared. 118. When she returned home, she remained speechless for two hours, to the utmost amazement of the neighbors. Since they wanted to know whether some misfortune had befallen her, she finally related the entire vision point by point. On the following day, as the holy man had instructed, she hurried to him as quickly as possible, accompanied by her daughter. They found him among his own. "I came in obedience to your instructions, Father; 1brought my daughter with me as you ordered." "Good," the elder replied, "for ifyou had delayed the least bit, dearly be2 . A cist is a box or chest for sacred utensils. 3. Six hundred meters (1,980 feet, or .38 mile). The vision shortens the distance between Tiron Abbey and the castle of Saint-John in Nogent-le-Rotrou, which is 12.8 kilometers (7.7 miles). 122 FINAL PREPARATION FOR DEATH loved, you would certainly have returned home without my greeting. I want you to entrust your daughter to me unhesitatingly , which you have put off doing thus far." The mother said, "Most willingly, I grant whatever pleases you, Father." Then, while all those standing around were astonished, he took the girl in his hands. After he had blessed them both, he sent each to her own home. After a few days had passed the immaculate girl was at rest and undoubtedly joined the choir of virgins. Nonetheless , by the merits of the holy man, she exchanged the light of the world for everlasting light. 0, you were buried in glory and have better than life! What was snatched from earth was sent to Heaven. Truly, I consider it more a...