forty thousand Masses offered for the repose of his soul, and for an entire month she herself assisted with the greatest piety at ten each day. [1]
One of the most perfect models of devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and of chanty towards the souls in Purgatory, was Father Julio Mancinelli of the Society of Jesus. The Masses offered by this worthy Religious, says F. Rossignoli, [2] appeared to have a particular efficacy for the relief of the faithful departed. The souls frequently appeared to him to beg the favour of a single Mass.
Caesar Costa, the uncle of Father Mancinelli, was Archbishop of Capua. One day meeting his holy nephew very poorly clad, notwithstanding the severity of the weather, he with the greatest charity gave him an alms to procure for himself a cloak. A short time afterwards, the Archbishop died; and the Father going out to visit the sick, wrapped in his new cloak, met his deceased uncle coming towards him enveloped in flames, and begging him to lend him his mantle. The Father gave it to him; and no sooner had the Archbishop folded it about him, than the flames were extinguished. Mancinelli understood that this soul was suffering in Purgatory, and that it asked his assistance, in return for the charity exercised in his regard. Then taking back his cloak, he promised to pray for the poor suffering soul with all possible fervour, especially at the altar.
This fact became noised abroad, and produced such a salutary impression, that after the death of the Father, it was represented in a painting, which is preserved at the College in Macerata, his native place. Father Julio Mancinelli is there seen at the altar, clad in the sacred vestments; he is elevated a little above the steps of the altar, to signify the raptures with which he was favoured by God. From his mouth issue sparks, the emblem of his burning prayers, and of his fervour during the Holy
