This inability to take food, or rather this faculty of living for a great length of time upon nothing but water, we are assured by learned doctors is not quite unexampled in the history of the sick.
Theologians will be perfectly aware that here are many instances of contemplative ascetics, and particularly of persons frequently in a state of ecstasy and who have received the stigmas, remaining long without taking any other food than the Blessed Sacrament; for instance, St.Nicholas of Flue, St.Liduvina of Schiedam, St.Catherine of Sienna, St.Angela of Foligno, and St.Louise de l'Ascension.

All the phenomena exhibited in the person of Anne Catherine remained concealed even from those who had the most intercourse with her, until the 25th February 1812, when they were discovered accidentally by one of her old convent companions.

By the end of March, the whole town talked of them.
On the 23rd of March, the physician of the neighbourhood forced her to undergo an examination.

Contrary to his expectation, he was convinced of the truth, drew up an official report of what he had seen, became her doctor and her friend, and remained such to her death.

On the 28th of March, commissioners were appointed to examine into her case by the spiritual authorities of Munster.