Just at the turn of the century, there was a woman married in Paris, just a good, ordinary Catholic girl to an athiest doctor, Dr. Felix LaSeur. He attempted to break down the faith of his wife who reacted by studying her faith. In 1905 she was taken ill and tossed on a bed of constant pain until August, 1914. When she was dying, she said to her husband, "Felix, when I am dead, you will become a Catholic and a Dominican priest."
"Elizabeth, you know my sentiments. I've sworn hatred of God, I shall live in the hatred and I shall die in it." She repeated her words and passed away.
Rummaging through her papers he found her will. "In 1905 I asked almighty God to send me sufficient sufferings to purchase your soul. On the day that I die, the price will have been paid. Greater love than this no woman has than she who lay down her life for her husband."
Dr. LaSeur dismissed it as the fancies of a pious woman. He went to Lourdes to write a book against Our Lady, but as he looked up into the face of the statue, he received the great gift of faith. So total, so complete was it, that he never had to go through the process of juxtaposition and say, 'how will I answer this or that difficulty?' He saw it all. At once.
Summoned to Rome by Pope Benedict XV, Dr. LaSeur recounted his conversion and said he wanted to become a Dominican priest. At first, the Holy Father refused, and said he must stay in the world to repair the harm he had done. After speaking to Fr. Jon Vinnea who accompanied Dr. LaSeur, the Holy Father changed his mind.
Lent, 1924. I made my retreat in the Dominican monastery in Belgium, where four times each day, and 45 minutes each time I listened to Father Felix LaSeur, Catholic Dominican and priest, who told me this story.
Reprinted with permission from Witness Ministries, a lay apostolate dedicated to renewing appreciation for the Mass as the greatest gift which God has given to His beloved spouse, the Church. Their mission is to show how, in the Eucharistic Liturgy, Jesus renews and transforms us–and the world–in His life and love. Their published titles include:
· My Daily Eucharist
· My Daily Eucharist II
· The Mass
· Eucharist God Among Us
· Feast of Faith
· Dying to Live
Witness Ministries
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Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045
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