Course 3, Chapter 27: Christianity preserved and propagated. — St. John the Almoner continued. — Tne true Cross restored. Seventh Century

1. Continue the life of St. John the Almoner.

St. John was as ready to forgive injuries as to distribute alms. One day, a senator named Nicetas wished to take possession of a piece of property which belonged to the church and to the poor of Alexandria. The saint opposed it, which made the senator very angry. The saint had no sooner returned home, than he sent two ecclesiastics to say to Nicetas: •• My brother, the sun is about to set." The senator under stood, and went immediately to the holy patriarch. both knelt down and prayed together, they ein-

298 CATECUJ8M Ob' PERSEVERANCE.

braced each other, and thenceforward they remained ever united in sincere friendship.

2. What was the resignation of the holy patriarch?

At the moment when he most needed all his resources, he learned that thirteen vessels, laden with corn and valuable merchandise, belonging to the church of Alexandria, had been shipwrecked. He received this dispensation of Providence with all the resignation of the holy man Job, and like him was he rewarded.

3. What was his spirit of poverty?

He occupied a small cell, and slept on a poor bed, which had but a single cover, made of wool, old and torn in many places. A rich citizen of Alexan dria purchased a new one, and begged him to make use of it, for his sake. The saint with much reluctance consented to use it.

4. What happened afterwards?

He was unable to sleep the whole night. He was heard constantly saying: " Who would think that the humble John has on him a covering that cost thirtysix pieces of silver? How many poor are there who have only a reed-mat to lie on? God be praised, it is the first and last time I use this covering." Early in the morning he had it sold.

5. Where did St. John the Almoner die?

St. John the Almoner, having lived to a very old age, died in the island of Cyprus, leaving the following will: " I, John, who am only a poor sinner, return thanks to God. that at the hour of death my whole wealth consists of but a single piece of money. As I have heretofore given all I had to God, so I now give him this also, by giving it to the poor."

6. How did God punish the Persians for having laid waste Jerusalem V

God, who had raised up St. John the Almoner to succor the Christians of Palestine and Syria, did not tail to punish the Persians for the crimes and profa-

nations which they had committed. The emperor He/aclius gave the'first death blow to their empire, by a ujreat victory obtained over them; after which their king Chosroes, who had taken Jerusalem and carried away the true cross, was assassinated by his own son.

7. What became of the true cross?

The true cross was restored, still enclosed in its case and sealed with the seal of the patriarch of Jerusalem and was carried back in triumph to the holy citv.