[Blessed Raymond of Capua; XIV Century; (aged 69); born: Capua, Kingdom of Naples/died: Nuremberg, Holy Roman Empire; Master General of the Order of Preachers; spiritual director of Saint Catherine of Siena]
First Part
Chapter I ~ Of Catherine’s parents and their worldly conditions
THERE lived in the city of Sienna, in Tuscany, a man named Jacomo, who was descended from the family of the Benencasa, a man simple, loyal, fearing God, and separated from every vice. After losing his parents he married a countrywoman called Lapa. This woman had none of the defects so common at the present day ; she was industrious, prudent, well-versed in domestic affairs, and as she still lives, those who are acquainted with her may still render her this precious testimony. The good couple dwelt peaceably together, and although of the humbler class, they possessed a certain position among their fellow-citizens, and besides enjoyed a considerable fortune for their rank. God blessed them with a numerous offspring which they reared in the ways of eminent virtue.
As Jacomo has, as we have every reason to believe, gone to the abodes of the blest, I can with propriety make his eulogium here. Lapa has assured me that he was so mild and moderate in his words that he never gave way to anger, notwithstanding the numerous occasions which might have led him to do so ; and whenever he saw any member of his household becoming vexed and speaking with violence, he would try to calm the person, saying cheerfully, "Now, now, do not say anything wrong, so that God may grant you his blessing.*' On one occasion a fellow-citizen had injured him very considerably, by claiming a sum of money from him unjustly, and employing the influence of his friends, and falsehood also to bring about the ruin of poor Jacomo. Still he would not hear his enemy spoken of in any way that could detract from him, and as Lapa thought it no fault he gently reproved her ; saying, ' let him alone, dear, let him alone, and God will bless you ; he will show him his error, and will become our defence," This soon took place ; the truth was discovered almost miraculously ; the guilty man was condemned and acknowledged the injustice of his persecutions.
Image: ‘St. Catherine of Siena and the Beggar’ (1460s) - Giovanni di Paolo