In a short time, the whole dreadful story was being related to Benedict, who grew pale as he looked at the quiet young figure before him, covered with dust and blood.
The monks were silent. Severus had been only a boy. And he had been a good worker, quick and nimble with his hands. What a pity this dreadful accident had happened!
Presently he began to pray, slowly and fervently, as was his custom. He begged God, through the merits of Christ’s sufferings and death, to have pity on him and hear his request. He begged that life might return to the boy now cold in death.
“Severus was given into my keeping,” he murmured. “Now harm has come to him because he did my bidding. Father in Heaven, have mercy on another father! Let Your power shine forth on this mountain so that all men may hasten to pay You homage!”
When three-quarters of an hour had passed, the monks laboring on the fallen wall looked up to see the Abbot coming slowly toward them. At his side walked a familiar figure.
“God be praised!” cried one monk, scarcely believing his eyes. “It’s Severus!”
Follow the amazing miracles and incredible story of the life of St. Benedict throughout this well-loved classic by Mary Fabyan Windeatt.