Venerable Severus the Presbyter, of Italy (VI)

The Venerable Severus the Presbyter laboured in the sixth century in the Italian village of Interocrina and was distinguished by a pious, God-pleasing life. Once the saint was gathering the grape harvest when he was called to give Communion to a dying man. He had only a few clusters left, and he called out to those who had come: “Go, and I will catch up with you.” When he reached the dying man, he learned that he had already died. That through his fault a man had departed this world unrepentant horrified the presbyter; he fell into bitter repentance, and, prostrate before the body, wept with sobs, calling himself a murderer. Suddenly the dead man rose and said to those present: “The demons wanted to take possession of my soul, but an angel said: ‘Bring him back, for Severus the presbyter is weeping for him. The Lord has granted him this man’s life!’” The holy father gave thanks to God, heard the sick man’s confession and strengthened him with Communion. He lived seven more days and joyfully commended his soul to the Lord.