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the most tender terms: "Do not count it loss that I am departing
from this world, whilst you yourselves remain to labor for My Son's glory. Although I leave you, My
heart remains with you. The great love I bear to you I shall carry with Me and always preserve. I
go to Paradise to pray for you."

Mary then composed Herself on Her poor little bed, where She laid Herself to await death. Behold,
She already feels in Her heart a great joy, the forerunner of the coming of the Bridegroom, and
the Apostles renew their tears, seeing that Mary is already on the point of leaving this world.

It was revealed to St. Elizabeth that as Mary was about to expire, Jesus appeared to Her holding
His Cross, exalting in the acquisition He had made by His death, of that great Creature, who for
all eternity was to honor Him more than all men and angels combined. Our Lord Himself gave Her the
Viaticum, saying with tender love, "Receive, O My Mother, from My hands that same Body that Thou
gavest to Me." And hearing Her Son's invitation to follow Him, Mary gave a last sigh of still more
ardent love, and breathed forth Her soul.

St. Jerome relates that the most delicious music was heard in the apartment as Mary expired, and
according to a revelation of St. Bridget, the room was also filled with a brilliant light.

This chapter is drawn from St. Alphonsus de Liguori,
The Glories of Mary, 4'" Revised Ed., Redemptorist Fathers, Brooklyn, 1931, pages 499-515.