There was a wretched woman in the hospital who, twenty-two years earlier, had abandoned her family to give herself over to the most shameful vices. At last, she had been admitted to that institution by the police.
The life she had led had so brutalized her that she seemed insane. Since the doctor could find no illness, he wanted to discharge her from the hospital so that she would not disturb the patients who were genuinely ill.
The religious sisters asked him to let her remain there for a few more days while they sought the help of Saint Joseph. Wisely inspired, they dressed her in the habit and cord of Saint Joseph and began to pray fervently that he might take pity on that poor soul.
Saint Joseph's help was not long in coming. A few days later, the woman regained her peace and went to confession with profound sorrow and repentance. She had been a veritable wolf, but she became such a gentle lamb that she asked her protector to obtain for her the grace of death rather than allow her to return to a life of sin.
The Saint granted such pious desires, and the converted woman eventually died with the most sincere feelings of sorrow for her sins. Before her death, she humbly asked forgiveness of all those whom she had scandalized by her vices.
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