Page 925 sur 1118

He offered them Father Felice Casati, who enjoyed a high

reputation for charity, activity, and kindness of disposition,

added to great strength of mind, and as a companion to him,

Father Michele Pozzobonelli, who, although young, was of a grave

and thoughtful character. They were joyfully accepted, and on the

30th of March they entered on their duties. As the crowd in the

lazaretto increased, other capuchins joined them, willingly

performing every office both of spiritual and of temporal

kindness, even the most menial; the Father Felice, indefatigable

in his labours, watched with unceasing and parental care over the

multitude. He caught the plague, was cured, and resumed his

duties even with greater alacrity. Most of his brethren joyfully

sacrificed their lives in this cause of afflicted humanity.