From the Calendar--July 22, 1899 Volume 2

This morning my adorable Jesus made Himself seen with a golden cross, all shining, hanging from His neck, and in looking at it, He was immensely pleased. In one instant the confessor was present, and Jesus said to him: "The sufferings of these past days have increased the splendor of the cross; so much so, that in looking at it, I take great delight."

Then He turned to me and told me: "The cross communicates such splendor to the soul as to render her transparent. Just as one can give all the colors he wants to an object which is transparent, in the same way, with its light the cross provides all features and the most beautiful shapes that can possibly be imagined, not only by others, but by the very soul who experiences them. Furthermore, on a transparent object one can immediately detect dust, little stains, and even a shadow. Such is the cross: since it renders the soul transparent, it immediately reveals to the soul the little defects, and the slightest imperfections, so much so, that there is no hand of master more capable than the cross in keeping the soul prepared, to make of her a residence worthy of the God of Heaven." Who can say what I understood of the cross, and how enviable is the soul who possesses it? …”