The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 1 · Chapter 77

Cyrenius and the three priests. The excavation of those buried alive. The Child's marvellous cooperation. The reawakening of the seven apparently dead catacomb guides. 25 November 1843

01] The three priests did not ask anything more now; for in Joseph, they recognized a man who seemed to be deeply initiated into the old mysteries of Egypt, which was otherwise only the case with the high priests of this land.

02] But Cyrenius turned around and asked the three priests, how many of them had died here.

03] And the three spoke: "Most powerful governor! We cannot tell you the exact figure;

04] but there certainly were more than seven hundred buried here, without counting the novices of both sexes!"

05] "Good", said Cyrenius, "we will soon see for ourselves in this matter!"

06] Then he asked Joseph, if it were not advisable to dig out the buried alive!

07] And Joseph replied: "That is certainly our strict duty; for there could be still novices alive here and there within the catacombs, and it is our strict duty to rescue them!"

08] When Cyrenius heard this, he immediately called two thousand workers, who promptly started to remove the rubble.

09] Within a few hours, seven bodies were found, and these were none other than the catacomb guides.

10] And Cyrenius said: "Truly, I feel sorry for these people; for without their help we cannot do much in this underground labyrinth with countless passages and ducts!"

11] But the Infant said to Cyrenius: "My Cyrenius! Regarding the catacombs, nothing of much use will be discovered here;

12] for they lie unused for several centuries and are full of mud and all kinds of vermin!

13] These seven guides in the catacombs were only guides in the nominal sense; none of them had in fact ever entered a catacomb before.

14] And look, so that you can believe what I say, I tell you also that these seven guides are not completely dead, but are lying there benumbed and can be brought back to life!

15] Have them massaged on their temples, chest, neck and hands and feet by strong women and they will quickly awaken from their benumbed state!"

16] And Cyrenius asked the Infant: "O You my Life! If You would touch them, wouldn't they surely awake?!"

17] But the Infant spoke: "Do as I told you; for I cannot do too much, otherwise I will bring a judgment rather than a blessing to the world!" d18] Although Cyrenius did not understand these words, he followed the advice of the Infant.

19] He immediately sent for ten strong maidens to massage the seven guides.

20] After a few minutes the seven awoke and asked the bystanders what had happened to

them and what was going on here.

21] And Cyrenius immediately sent them to a good inn; but the people were amazed about this awakening and accorded great respect to the virgins.