The Messenger of Providence (I)

In 1837, Fr. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo left his lodgings one morning around 11 o’clock and returned home half an hour later, very pale and withdrawn. Sister Gabriela, the gatekeeper, seeing him return so quickly and so defeated, asked him if he was suffering from some ailment and in need of help. “No,” he answered her. “I simply need some rest. Please don’t let anyone disturb me.” The nun nevertheless brought him a medicinal cordial and returned to her post. Moments later, a lady presented herself at the gate and asked to speak to Father Cottolengo. Sister Gabriela had never seen this person before. The lady carefully explained to the nun, in a lovely tone of voice, that her visit would please the priest and cause him absolutely no displeasure. Then the lady asked the sister to disregard the order that the priest had given her and tell him that she was there to see him. The sister was dumbfounded by hearing these sweet words and she raised her eyes and looked directly in the face of the anonymous caller. She found her face so noble and her eyes so bright that she was seized with admiration and respect, to the point being unable to look at her any longer. So she ran to warn Father Cottolengo and told him about the extremely distinguished and impressive lady who was waiting to see him.