In
1887 she knocked at the door of the novitiate in France, which was close to her
village and the young Breton whose blue eyes revealed her transparent soul to
its depths, was received there.
She worked on the farm, looked after the cows, did
the laundry … Her joy was born of a deep conviction that
"everything is big for one who accomplishes it with a large heart".
Two things sufficed for her: to be intimately united to God and to love
while accomplishing the smallest services of each day …
After her novitiate she was sent to Paris where
poverty was very acute. Marie de Sainte Nathalie accepted it joyfully.
Her sisters called her "Brother Leo" in remembrance of Leo the
beloved companion of Francis of Assisi.
Her first departure was for Carthage in North Africa,
but she fell ill and had to return to Italy. Little by little she
discovered the secret of the cross and she wrote:
… "I am happy to have
to suffer. When one suffers one is detached from the world. God wishes
that I love more than all else; He has been so generous to me and has
done so much for me since I came into this world."
In March 1899 she was destined for the new foundation
of Taiyuanfu. Shortly after her arrival in China, her health became a
great concern for the community. She spent several months in bed with
typhus. She suffered unceasingly with unbelievable patience and finally
recovered some of her strength little by little.
Work was not wanting to her … but on 9th
July, with all her companions, the young Breton with blue eyes was
beheaded.
"Do not be afraid …
Death is only God who is passing by … " she had said several
times … |
