As all the Cure's clients had become accustomed to the permanent miracle of his life, no one even dreamed that the end was approaching. But he had no illusions about it. There can be no doubt that he had presentiments of death. When he was given a beautiful ribbon to be used in the procession of Corpus Christi in 1858, he expressed his thanks and added: "I shall not use it twice." As it happened, in June 1859, he did not have the strength to carry the monstrance. And when he sent Catherine to the chateau of Cibeins to collect his small annuity, he said to her: "This will be the last time!"
On Friday, July 29, Father Vianney carried on his "ordinary" activities. He spent sixteen or seventeen hours in the confessional, taught his catechism class, said the evening prayers. When he returned to the rectory in a state of total exhaustion he collapsed on a chair saying: "I cannot go on any more!"
...at one o'clock the next morning when Father Vianney tried to get up to go to the church, he found he was unable to move...I think this is the end of my poor life, " he said in a whisper.
From The Remarkable Cure of Ars, by Michele de Saint Pierre
Peace be with you!
Rosemarie
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