Page 15 - Emailing SANTITA FAMIGLIE_ENG

ENGAGEMENT, MATRIMONY AND CHILDREN

THE ILLNESS AND
SEPARATION FROM HIS DAUGHTERS

In 1887, Louis was struck by a first attack of paralysis, the
beginning of his long and humiliating ordeal, which would eventually
force him into a wheelchair. In addition, he developed progressive
cerebral atherosclerosis, which made him dangerous to himself and
to others. His family was forced to put him in a psychiatric hospital, a
factor that at the time meant considerable social alienation. In addition
to this, there were rumors in the city that Louis had gone mad because
of the pain of the abandonment of his daughters who, one after the
other, had become nuns. When he was alert, Louis became aware of
all this and suffered greatly, but at the same time he made an offering
to the Lord.

During a moment of clear thinking, he said these words to the
doctor who was treating him: «I was always used to being in charge
and I see myself reduced to obeying. It is hard» .
3

These are Louis’ words after Teresa entered the Carmelite
Order: «God alone can demand such a sacrifice, but He helps me
so powerfully that in the midst of my tears, my heart overflows with
joy» .
4

He died peacefully after a heart attack on July 29, 1894, assisted
by Celina who had delayed her entrance into the Carmelite Convent
to take care of him.

3 Ivi, pp. 366.
4 Ivi, pp. 346.