Life of St John Vianney.pdf - the Catholic Kingdom!

BIS FIRST FLIGHT. 18*?**It was in the night between the 1 1th and 12th of September that M. Vianney tried to carry into execution thethought which had so long tormented him of retiring fromhis charge to prepare himself for death by penitential exercises. He had spoken to no one of his design until theevening before, when he impartedit to us in his house ofLa Providence^ under the strictest injunctions of secrecy.By the permission of God, he was overheard by a personwithout, who lost no time in spreading the report all overthe village. Great was the consternation ;persons carnefrom all parts to inquire of us as to the truth of the report.They determined, at all events, to be on their guard, andwatch all night. Suddenly, between one and two o clock,a light was seen, and M. le Cure issued from the presbytery by a side-door; he was not walking slowly. A troopof people, who were waiting round the church till the doorshould be opened, began to run. M. le Cure ran too ;they ran after him. Some wanted to speak to him, othersto get him to bless objects of devotion ; he continued hiscourse without noticing them. He carried a bundle underhis arm, containing some linen wrapped up in a pockethandkerchief,and his little purse. He gave this packetto the young man who insisted on accompanying him, butwho, being in his working-dress, wished to return homefirst for his Sunday clothes, so that he did not join M. leCure till he had reached the place of his destination.was replaced by the faithful Pertinant went all theTheyway on foot to the house of Francois Viaimoy at Dardilly.M. Vianney had taken the precaution of avoiding thebeaten track for fear of pursuit, and had therefore goneconsiderably out of his way. When he arrived his feetwere torn and bleeding, and he was so unwell as to beobliged to goto bed."He