GUILLERMI’S LETTER

I know that you have heard of the death of our Sir Jerome Miani, valiant captain of Christ’s army, as well as of the two deaths of this government. I do not write about his illness and his death, otherwise I would break your heart. He looked like he had paradise in his hands because of his confidence. He would exhort  his own with so joyous and smiling a face that made those who were looking at him fall in love with Christ and get inebriated with the love of Christ. It looked like he knew he was dying as I know I am writing this letter. He would say that he had settled his business and had made his covenant with Christ. He was ever heard mention neither Venice, nor relatives. He would talk about anything but following Christ. He departed from here before Christmas, but before [leaving] he came to pay me a visit at the Bishop’s palace. He knelt before me, recommended me to take care of Christ’s faith, and asked my forgiveness. He took leave as if we would never see each other again, and I saw him no longer. He died in Somasca, where there are many upright men from Pavia, Como, and Bergamo.

Today we have celebrated his memory in some churches and Wednesday we will do it in the others, as if it were the Pope who died, or our Shepherd. While alive, he had reduced himself to such an abstinence and humility that lower he could not go. Well, so it pleased God! I do not know if the death of another person could make me sadder.