Henri Pranzini

I can attest to this.

As a Carmelite, her mission was to pray for the conversion of sinners and to support priests through prayer, and she focused on difficult cases such as Pranzini, a murderer who experienced repentance at his execution.

Men admire those who stand firm when the stakes are high, and she even pledged to continue her work from heaven, saying, "I want to spend my eternity doing good on Earth." Her intercession was fervently sought, especially by soldiers during World War I.

This was nearly two decades after her passing.

In order still further to enkindle my ardor, our divine Master soon proved to me how pleasing to him was my desire.

Just then I heard much talk of a notorious criminal, Pranzini, who was sentenced to death for several shocking murders, and as he was quite impenitent, everyone feared he would be eternally lost.

How I longed to avert this irreparable calamity! In order to do so, I employed all the spiritual means I could think of, and, knowing that my own efforts were unavailing, I offered for his pardon the infinite merits of our Savior and the treasures of Holy Church.

Need I say that in the depths of my heart I felt certain my request would be granted? But that I might gain courage to persevere in the quest for souls, I said in all simplicity, My God, I am quite sure that thou wilt pardon this unhappy Pranzini.

I should still think so if he did not confess his sins or give any sign of sorrow, because I have such confidence in thy unbounded mercy.

But this is my first sinner, and therefore I beg for just one sign of repentance to reassure me.

My prayer was granted to the letter.

My father never allowed us to read the papers, but I did not think there was any disobedience in looking at the part about Pranzini.

In order still further to enkindle my ardor, our divine Master soon proved to me how pleasing to him was my desire.

Just then I heard much talk of a notorious criminal, Pranzini, who was sentenced to death for several shocking murders, and as he was quite impenitent, everyone feared he would be eternally lost.

How I longed to avert this irreparable calamity! In order to do so, I employed all the spiritual means I could think of, and, knowing that my own efforts were unavailing, I offered for his pardon the infinite merits of our Savior and the treasures of Holy Church.

Need I say that in the depths of my heart I felt certain my request would be granted? But, that I might gain courage to persevere in the quest for souls, I said in all simplicity, My God, I am quite sure that thou wilt pardon this unhappy Pranzini.

I should still think so if he did not confess his sins or give any sign of sorrow, because I have such confidence in thy unbounded mercy.

But this is my first sinner, and therefore I beg for just one sign of repentance to reassure me.

My prayer was granted to the letter.

My father never allowed us to read the papers, but I did not think there was any disobedience in looking at the part about Pranzini.