SOULS ARE SAVED BY SACRIFICE 

 

The boy had to suffer for a soul

 

  Shortly after his First Communion the only son of a widow became seriously ill. The doctor examined him and the diagnosis was of brain-fever.  He told the boy's relations they must expect his death because he could not live. The boy lay continually in a high fever and raved all the time. 

  During this time two devout souls were instant in prayer for the boy, asking God to spare his life.  Kneeling in the open air, they said one Rosary after another. With this intention, too, they offered Holy Masses and Holy Communions. For nine days they lived on bread and water only. 

  Then the boy recovered somewhat, and the priest administered the Sacrament of the dying. After this the boy fell into a sound sleep. Exhausted by the high fever and long wakefulness, he slept so soundly that he did not wake for a day and a night. They even shook him to wake him up, because they feared he might sleep forever. But when he eventually woke up, he demanded  food and from that day he recovered. 

  Our Lord explained that the boy had to suffer for a soul which would otherwise have gone to hell. During this sickness, the Lord wanted to take the boy to Himself, but on account of those tears and acts of penance, He had prolonged his life.- Or those two devout women, who, without the knowledge of the mother, had prayed so much for her son, one was also a widow, whose son was preparing for the priesthood; the other washer unmarried sister, who had at the age of  15 dedicated herself to God. 

(pg. 154-55 Jesus Calls Us Volume 1)