Some time passed while he was so engaged. One day, he took with
him some students he had brought up, and crossing the lake, entered
a deserted place which adjoined the lakeshore. He went all the way
to the Swiss Alps[6] and came to the village of Chama to do some
fishing-and to find a place for a hermitage.
So they came to a certain river which flowed down in that
solitude. And there the blessed man engaged his companions in
fishing, while he on the other hand wandered about, alone with
himself, contemplating the solitude. For he was very much on fire
with love for this solitary place.
After pasturing his mind for a long time on this thought, he
returned to his comrades and found them weighed down with no small
catch of fish. And he said to them: "Thanks be to God, who in his
generosity has mercifully enriched us with his gifts. Now my sons,
if you please, we must return and look after our home." They went
back and came down to the village located not far from the
shore.
 |
| St. Meinrad seeks the help of a
woman. |
There they entered the inn of a certain woman, rested a little
while, and refreshed themselves with food and drink. But the man of
God, discerning that this woman was God-fearing and very ready to
look after guests, opened to her the secret desire of his mind.
And he began in these words: "O woman dear to Christ, did you
want to hear it, I would tell you the secret of my heart. But
before I do, I ask you to keep my will and words hidden, until you
see whether the work can be accomplished which I think myself to
have conceived with a devout mind. Living in this lonely place
delights me beyond all riches, and if I found someone who wanted to
supply my bodily necessities out of the love of God, I would want
even now to put my cabin here, so that I could be free to pray more
frequently. But since I am denied this consolation at present, I
ask that in the meantime what I desire be hidden."
Inspired by God (as I believe), the woman replied: "I will
reveal your secret to no one as long as it is against your wish,
but you should know that if you decide to persist in your
undertaking, I will supply your necessities for the sake of God,
and help you in your vow as much as I can."
Footnotes
- 6 In the text, the Penine
Alps, but which as named today would be too distant from Lake
Zurich. Return to text.
