‘Pains of Purgatory — Blessed Quinziani — The Emperor Maurice. …’ – ‘Purgatory’ by Rev. Shouppe;…
“CHAPTER XVII ~ Pains of Purgatory — Blessed Quinziani — The Emperor Maurice.
In the Life of Blessed Stephana Quinziani, a Dominican nun, mention is made of a sister named Paula, who died at the convent of Mantua, after a long life of eminent virtue. The body was carried to the church and placed uncovered in the choir among the Religious. During the recitation of the Office, Blessed Quinziani knelt near the bier, recommending to God the deceased Religious, who had been very dear to her. Suddenly the latter let fall the crucifix, which had been placed between her hands, extended the left arm, seized the right hand of Blessed Quinziani, and pressed it tightly, as a poor patient in the burning heat of fever would ask the assistance of a friend. She held it for a considerable time, and then, withdrawing her arm, sank back lifeless into the coffin. The Religious, astonished at this prodigy, asked an explanation of the Blessed Sister.
She replied that, whilst the deceased pressed her hand,…More
" Help me, dear sister, succour me in the frightful torture which I endure. Oh ! if you knew the severity of the Judge who desires all our love, what atonement He demands for the least faults before admitting us to the reward ! If you knew how pure we must be to see the face of God ! Pray ! pray, and do penance for me, who can no longer help myself."
"He was taken, together with his wife, five of his sons, and three daughters — that is to say, his entire family with the exception of his eldest son, whom he bad already caused to be crowned Emperor, and who, thus far, had escaped the tyrant. Maurice and his five sons were unmercifully slaughtered near Chalcedon. The carnage began with the youngest of the princes, who was put to death before the eyes of the unfortunate father, without uttering a word of complaint."