This morning, after Holy Communion, I had a great desire to give Sister Gabriella something holy. And I had nothing at all. Jesus presented Himself to me, standing in a little meadow, in the shade of olive trees, in his white robe, and smiled, saying to me, “Have five medals brought at once. I will bless them, and you shall send them to Sister Gabriella for herself and her daughters.”
“But there are three girls.”
“I said five, and all of them alike.”
“Two more for Father Migliorini and Marta?”
“Yes, and act quickly, for there is work to be done.” I sent Marta off on the run to get the medals. Meanwhile I was enjoying the presence for me alone of Jesus, who went on looking at me and smiling. Marta came back. I took the medals in my hands and offered them, and Jesus opened his arms, previously folded, raised his right hand, and imparted the blessing. He smiled at me and blessed me, too.... And I felt caught up by a joy, a thrill, a soft flutter which, if I could have moved, I would have let out by singing, walking.... But I remained down... and then set about describing what I was seeing. Yet the joy of Jesus, so indulgent and filled with blessing, has lasted throughout the day, even amidst the agonies of a headache blinding me and driving me out of my wits.84
84 We pass over fifty-four handwritten pages, dated August 26-29, 1945, containing four episodes from The Second Year of the Public Life.