in the last years of her life...
the Italian mystic Osanna de Mantua adopted
as a spiritual son, conceived in the Blood of Christ...
In 1498, when Osanna was 49...
Father Jerome introduced himself to her.
He had long observed her praying in Church, and had been profoundly impressed by her total absorption in contemplation. In fact it was this inspiration that had let to his own monastic vocation.
Between them, there grew up a deep relationship. She saw in him, as she frequently repeats in her letters, a spiritual son 'conceived in the Blood of Christ,' who in the last years of her life provided her with an understanding friendship which she had never known, and which at last made it possible for her to speak of her experiences to someone whom she could fully trust to understand her.
On his part as a monk, still young but very much occupied in the business of his reformed Order and often traveling, he found her a much needed encouragement to his own spiritual growth.
[bron]
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten