_The edifying Death of St. Jane Frances de Chantal._
It was on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary that this
Saint was attacked by the first serious symptoms of her fatal illness.
On the eve of the feast she was in the refectory, and after the
blessing of the table she knelt down, and with her arms in the form of
a cross repeated twice these words: _O Mater Dei, memento mei_. She
then commented upon these words thus: 'Holy Mother of God, by your
Immaculate Conception, remember me and assist me always, especially at
the hour of my death.' She remained for a long time afterwards in the
same posture, absorbed in profound recollection.
The following day she was confined to her bed to rise no more. Her
illness increasing every hour, she knew that her end approached, and
thought only of preparing herself to appear before God. She received
the last Sacraments with striking fervour, and preserved her calmness
and serenity amidst the tears and sobs of all the community. During
her intense sufferings she was heard to address the following prayer
to the Most Holy Virgin: 'O Mary, Mother of Grace, Mother of Mercy,
defend me from the snares of the infernal enemy, and receive my soul
into your hands at the moment of my death.' She kept a picture of her
Protectress always near her bed; and when her speech failed she made
great efforts to turn her eyes frequently towards this dear picture,
and before she breathed her last asked to kiss it once more, and to
have it buried with her in the tomb.
_Prayer._--O Mary, the purest of Virgins! terrified at my weakness and
at the dangers that surround me, I recommend to thy loving care with
all confidence the chastity of my soul and body. Permit me not, O
Queen of the Angels, to be defiled by the least stain after having
been adorned with purity and innocence, like a vessel of honour and
glory. Banish from my heart all sensual desires, evil thoughts, and
irregular affections. To thy love, O my good Mother, do I confide my
heart; purify it, render it worthy to be offered to thy Beloved Son,
that, having here on earth imitated thee in the most beautiful of thy
virtues, I may enjoy with thee for ever in heaven the happiness
promised to the clean of heart. Amen.
_Ejaculation._--Grant, O my God, that through Mary I may belong
entirely to Jesus!
_Practice._--If you should meet with any contradiction to-day,
preserve your peace of soul.