Monday, November 21, 2016

At Nevers a boat was ready to convey the little band of exiles down the Loire to the sea-coast. During the embarkation, a soldier struck one of the monks, Lua by name, a most saintly man, with an oar, because he was not brisk enough about climbing into the boat. This act of wanton cruelty aroused the indignation of Columban, “Miserable wretch,” he said to the ruffian, “why do you increase our sorrows? How dare you strike the weary members of Christ? Why add to the number of your sins, which are already sufficient enough to damn you? Know that God will punish you for this crime, here at this very spot where in your rage you have struck a servant of Christ!” The Saint’s prediction was fulfilled to the letter. Returning to the same course, the unhappy man fell overboard and was drowned at the very spot where he had struck Lua. (pg. 183-184 of The Life and Writings of St. Columban, 542-615, Imprimatur: Edmond F. Prendergast, Archbishop of Philadelphia, 1 November 1914)

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