8 M. de Ste.Cecile.docx · Web viewJust a word from your little mother to tell you that her heart...

Documentationfor the General Chapter of 1972

C A R D I N D E X(FICHER)

OF THE WRITINGS OF MARY OF THE PASSION

SOURCE 8 – LETTERS TO A.M. MARIE DE SAINTE-CECILE

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CR/2 : 1 26 September 1884

Themes

Love of God 23 Sentiment -Maternal Love - Silence 89Spouse 25 Simplicity 89

Nothing would please me more than the fulfillment of your desire to receive the habit but you must not look upon yourself as an orphan. Has it ever occurred to you, my child, what my name, Mary of the Passion, has cost me? Jesus wants you to be my daughter and, in His love, He wants my child’s Clothing to unite her with her mother, that is, for it to be a sacrifice. But I shall be there, Helene, with all my authority as General and Foundress and with all my tenderness as mother, offering my child to her Lord. You would like me to be really there but God wills otherwise, so by accepting it you will give greater proof of your love to Jesus, to the Institute and to your Mother. For the Organ, see with Mother Superior. That will simplify matters as it is she who has to arrange for the charges. The Child Jesus was so simple! Offer Him the sacrifice of your little chats with S., they do neither of you any good. Jesus wants this little flower from you, give it to Him for your Clothing and tell me about it. Tell M. that I bless her, she hasn’t written to me yet…

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CR/2 : 2 12 October 1884

Themes

Courage 89 Mission 69Fidelity 89 Offering -World - Silence 89

On the 15th we will go to St. Cecilia’s and pray for you. That’s decided. Meanwhile, here is a little picture of your patron saint. Like her, be a consolation to Jesus, a young virgin leading others to Christ. Alas, how the world needs Him! So be brave, even though you have to suffer. Offer Him the absence of your mother. You are in her keeping, in her care and her blessing is yours always (…) do not talk any more with S. or R., I do not want this because I want you to be a saint; a real saint and failings against the Rule can never give you inspirations coming from Jesus.

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CR/2 : 3 30 October 1884

Themes

Spouse 25 Suffering 82Union with God 86

Rome, 30 October 1884

An angel whispered to me that my Benjamin has been crying. I want to know all your troubles and little discouragements. Tell me, have your forgotten, my dear little one, that you asked Our Lord to let you suffer? So don’t complain now if you feel a few little pin-pricks. They simply mean that He really heard you when you asked Him to make you one with Him. When someone makes you suffer, look less at the person than at Jesus who, having heard your prayers, is giving you a share in His Cross.No my dear, you lose none of the merit of your little mortifications when you speak of them to obedience – in fact, you must do this (…) Be brave, Cecile mine! Your two sisters are doing well, they are my consolation. You know how I love you.

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CR/2 : 4 12 November 1884

Themes

Love of God 23 Jesus 67Spouse 25 Joy 89Francis 65 Suffering 82Humility 89 Transformed in God 84

Rome, 12 November 1884

So, Love has permitted His cross to touch His chosen one; and still more, He has permitted that it be through someone very dear to her. My dear child, dry your tears; be happy in knowing that Jesus is beginning your martyrdom for sinners. Do the very best you can and if afterwards you are told that you are good for nothing, look at Him and say: for you; imprint Your likeness on me, every one of Your features. Little by little you will feel a serene joy in spite of your troubles. My dear one, I would like you to read every day for nine days “Perfect Joy.” You will find it in the writings of St. Francis. Ask for it, and then tell me your impressions. I am not sending you my feast day wishes now, but should I not have the time later, you know, my Cecile, that the bouquet I offer you is the Eucharist. Be love like Jesus who is Love and you will be His consolation and that of your mother.

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Themes

Eucharist 62 Purity 89Spouse 25 Suffering 82Passion 74 Victim 90


Once again, “Happy Feast!” Your mother will remember you at Mass that day and if possible make a pilgrimage for you to St. Cecilia’s. Like her, be a true virgin for Jesus; a victim able to suffer with her crucified Lord.

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CR2/ : 6 26 November 1884

Themes

Obedience 71 Prudence 89Penance 76 Repentance -


No, I don’t see anything so very wrong, but don’t begin again. All your penances should have the approval and the safeguard of obedience so that you will not act imprudently. (…) But for your acts of charity like those for O., no, my child, and still less for those you like.

Ask Jesus, who is so jealous of his little Cecile, if He permits her to go like this to take care of and caress her sisters without her Superior’s knowing it. A sin confessed is a sin done with. Did you hurt yourself? Get well quick, by obedience, your mother so wills it. Your sisters are perfect in health as in everything

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else, they are gaining weight and colour. May the Infant Jesus see you preparing a lovely little Christmas crib for Him in your heart….

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CR/2 : 7 21 December 1884

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Respect for persons 24Spouse 25 Silence 89

Rome, 21 December 1884

My dear little one, I received your note. Have no fears about the love of Jesus. He is, He has all beauty, but each creature has only a share of this and that is why He finds pleasure in all. To Him, one is a rose, another a garden lily, whilst this one is hidden in the fields, another among thorns; one is in the woods and another has the fragrance of a violet. And so it is with those who are consecrated to Him. He has been a loving Lord for you. With an incomparable tenderness He has sought you out. Even though He saw in you only His own handiwork, He would have looked upon you with pleasure. Love Him then, love Him more and more and let Him see it in everything. How are you keeping silence? Ah, how I wish you would practice it during the month of the Infant Jesus! Keep Him good holy company.

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CR/2 : 8 9 January 1885

Themes

Love of God 23 Salvation of souls 81Passion 74 Silence 89Prayer 77 Repentance -

Rome, 9 January 1885

I do realize that the thought of saving souls and the love of Jesus in His Passion had much to do in your vocation, but, dear child, you absolutely must offer as gift to the Infant Jesus the observance of silence. I positively do not want you to fail in this.

God wants you to be an interior soul, my dear Cecile and that you will never be if you cannot keep silence. So, I want you do this for Jesus. Each time you fail in silence, you will say, “Pardon, my Jesus. You were crucified for me and I could perhaps have helped to save a soul if I had kept silence, but I did not.”

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CR/2 : 9 29 January 1885

Themes

Abandonment 22 Obedience 21 Love of God 23 Sanctity -Struggle 26 Suffering 82Spouse 25

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Trinity told me about my little daughter’s anxiety. The demon is having his revenge because you are saying Office. Believe your mother, your troubles are a good sign; they prove that Jesus is working in your soul and that He wants to make a saint of you. Now, you must be very obedient and put aside all your worries about your past confessions. I spoke to you about this at a time when you were not suffering from the temptation, so now leave it until my return. Put away as you would a bad thought and have faith in your being espoused to Christ, to Him who loves you even to folly and He wants you to love Him the same way, trusting Him even to folly. I want an answer to this by return post telling me that you are being obedient.

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CR/2 : 10 19 February 1885

Themes

Lamb of God 23 Passion 74Struggle 26 Presence of God 86Spouse 25 Prayer 77Obedience 71

Rome, 19 February 1885

You did well to obey your mother and to accomplish to the letter what she told you to do. My child, this proves that Jesus really wants your love and your prayer and it is for this reason that the devil is trying to disturb you. Intensify your love and be very faithful in keeping the presence of your Lord. For one who loves His Passion, now is the time for you to study it and in studying it, to receive light and grace.

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CR/2 : 11 26 February 1885

Themes

Detachment 29 World -Spouse 25 Repentance -Fidelity 89 Sanctity -Generosity 89 Silence 89Joy 89


Yes, your infidelity does pain me and the more so since it involves two very dear daughters whom I desire to belong to no one but God. Go and gaze on your Crucifix and ask His pardon for having given this heart which He asked of you with the tenderness of a Spouse, to a creature, a mere nothing. Then you will take the sword of faithful love and destroy this folly at one stroke. (…) At no time during Lent will you go near her and you will not speak to her unless it is absolutely necessary. If she suffers and you truly love her, rejoice, for she will be weaving her crown of holiness. If you are not obedient, you must tell me. So that you may be very generous for love of Jesus Love, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 12 13 July 1885

Themes

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Love of God 23 Mission 69

St. Raphael’s, Marseilles, 13 July 1885

There you are, a real missionary and in Africa at that! With all the tenderness of a mother, I bless you asking for you the grace of love reserved for the apostles of Jesus. Your patron saint was blessed with this grace.

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CR/2 : 13 15 July 1885

Themes

Abandonment 22 Joy 89Charity 24 Mission 69

St. Raphael’s Marseilles15 July 1885

Thank you for your two kind long letters; the chit-chat of my little bird is one of the few joys of my poor life. May God grant that you do His holy will. Be very kind to everyone, even the good God, and do all the good you possibly can in this land of Africa, offering it for your poor mother. You took good care of me so there is no need to grieve. Father Raphael will be in Rome long before you receive this letter. Pray for me also. Try to win over your Cardinal apostle and offer him my filial regards.

----------CR/2 : 14 22 July 1885

Themes

Eucharist 62 Suffering 82Mission 69 Earth/Heaven 83

St. Helen’s, Rome July 22 1885

Since Wednesday the 15th we have no word from you; I am anxious because I am afraid all is not well with you. May heaven grant that the good angels prevail and that the Blessed Sacrament will soon be adored on African soil. If the Cardinal only realized what blessings and help adoration would bring him, he would make haste. I think both of you have had to suffer and are still suffering. My heart and my prayer do not leave you.

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CR/2 : 15 24 July 1885

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mission 69Struggle 26 Prayer 77Foundation 69 Suffering 82Glory of God 66

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Rome, 24 July 1885

The demon is infuriated against the foundation. This is a further proof that it is for the glory of God and I also am anxious that it be made. Let us pray and suffer, you in Tunisia and I here and all will be well. What you tell us about these good priests is very good; I only wish I could give them a few more of my daughters to help them. If this is what God wants, the devil will not be the stronger.

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CR/2 : 16 4 August 1885

Themes

Struggle 26 Joy 89Spouse 25 Suffering 82

St. Helen’s, Rome 4 August 1885

I see that God has taken pity on you and consoled you a little. I believe that the devil was furious and that great things will be done in Africa. We set about the purchase last week. St. Esprit’s letter came only on Sunday, after the one of the following day. God wanted you to suffer. Courage, I am inviting the Little Jesus to go over and play a while with his little Spouse.

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CR/2 : 17 8 August 1885

Themes

Faith 64 Obedience 71Mission 69 Suffering 82

Rome, 8 August 1885

Your telegram has left us in great distress. To think that it takes so long to reach us! I am constantly with you in spirit, always, and I suffer a real agony. May God hear our prayers and make our dear one better. You too must be exhausted. I hope God will have pity. Tell St. Esprit to have faith and that obedience does not want her to be ill.

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CR/2 : 18 14 August 1885

Themes

Abandonment 82 Prayer 77Suffering 82

Rome, 14 August 1885

You wanted the cross in Africa and you have received it. As usual, it came in a way least expected. My poor child, how I have prayed for you! For me the trial is crushing from every point of view but so far God has given me the grace of resignation, may He be blessed! I dare not think, or consider the situation. Pray

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well for me who has need of it. Jesus counts all and He knows why at this moment He refuses me all consolation. May He console you, my dearest one.

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CR/2 : 19 19 August 1885

Themes

Strength 89 Death -Gratitude 89

St. Helen’s, Rome 19 August 1885

My dear child, what could I have to pardon you for? I have to thank you for having taken the place of all of us with my dear daughter and Cecile, already so dear, will be dearer still to her poor mother. Try to express my gratitude to the Cardinal, to the Fathers and pray for me at the beloved tomb of the tears. I am being very sensible, I hope. God has been so good to me that I have not had a moment’s weakness, but I am just as crushed as ever. God can raise me up again, if He wishes. Ask Him to, dear child whom I bless.

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CR/2 : 20 21 August 1885

Themes

Sentiment - Gratitude 89


I wrote to you Wednesday and Father did also, but I am afraid my letter will not reach you. My child, I loved you so much before, but I love you still more now for having closed the eyes of my daughter. This is to say that I have nothing to forgive my child.

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Themes

Absolute power of God - World -Charity 24 Work 75Frankness 89 Earth/Heaven 83Mission 69

St. Helen’s, Rome 9 September 1885

Everything is ugly on earth except that which is not self and which is from God. The longer you live, the better you will understand this. L. does not appeal to me because I find neither heart nor sincerity in her

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manner of acting. Fiat! God has wanted it so. They pray in Africa, my daughters pray there. Never will I regret it, although I have paid dearly for it and with my heart’s blood. You know, my child, that you will take up your charge again (of Mother’s secretary); Let is pray, and God assist us in placing each one quickly; for the moment I am working hard from morning to night. I am a little tired but well.

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Themes

Abandonment 22 Goodness of God 23Prayer 77

Rome, 18 September 1885

… confidence, the good God must be preparing many graces since He is sending you so many crosses. Be brave and pray …

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CR/2 : 23 6 October 1885

Themes

Abandonment 22 Joy 89Suffering 82

St. Joseph’s, the Chatelets,6 October 1885

You’re back again! In spite of my many sorrows, I can still be happy in the thought of seeing my two daughters again. I am thinking of fetching you at Marseilles and taking you to Rome with me, God willing. Pray earnestly. I shall be in Marseilles about the 20th. Your sisters are well and very good, delighted that you are back, but in the sacrifice they were very sensible and devoted to Jesus.

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CR/2 : 24 2 April 1886

Themes

Abandonment 22St. Raphael’s, 2 April 1886

“My heart is ready, O God, to do thy Will.” Meditate well on these words….

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CR/2 : 25 16 May 1886

Themes

Struggle 26 Peace 72Simplicity 89

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St. Helen’s, Rome 16 May 1886

The way you took up your new charge made me laugh! All through life take things as they come, whatever God sends you. When you have observations to make, make them in all simplicity. There must be nothing childish in your attitude. Say simply what you have to say, then be at peace don’t worry about the results. Do your best; sometimes you will succeed very well; at other times, nothing you do will be right. Both have their purpose in life. So our apartment affair has fallen through! Apparently, the devil does not want us to have a foothold in Paris, all the more reason for having one.

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CR/2 : 26 20 May 1886

Themes

Presence of God 86 Poverty 75Detachment 29 Renouncement 29Spouse 25 Tabernacle 86Fidelity 89 Union with God 86Francis 65


My child, I want you to be very faithful! My great love for you asks that you may learn to forget yourself entirely for the sake of Love. Cecile, the more I study our seraphic Father, the more clearly I see that in making self-surrender and holy poverty his only treasure, he knew better than anyone else how to guarantee the foundation of the union which makes us one with God, that we live in Jesus and He in us. Freed from self, we can give up everything else. So that you may understand the secret of the Spouse who is preparing you for union with Him, I bless you …

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CR/2 : 27 24 May 1886

Themes

Charity 24 Nature 70Detachment 29 Sentiment -Justice -


When I heard that Trinity was sick, I was afraid for you. My child, let there be nothing special for those whom you like best. Be on your guard with them, but show a little more kindness to those for whom you feel no natural attraction. The longer I live the more I am convinced of the terrible effect of human affections; they separate from God. They separate from others. Marseilles gave me a terrible lesson this year which I shall never forget, but I hope I will profit spiritually from it. My blessing for you, my dear child, is my prayer that you may never steal the heart of anyone from Jesus, nor let anyone steal yours.

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CR/2 : 28 27 May 1886

10Themes

Abandonment 22 Liberty -Thanksgiving - SentimentSpouse 25 Union with God 86Fidelity 89 Frankness 89


I am very glad that you can tell me your faults so frankly. No, it is not hypocrisy not to show that you would like to have someone else’s place. I, too would like to see my daughter come into my office, but she is not here, she is where God wants her to be; and I thank Him, for her and for me, that the union between mother and daughter leaves them free to do His holy will. This is a proof that we will be united in time and in eternity. Yes, the great day of your vows is drawing near. May you be beautiful. Oh, so beautiful for Him! For Trinity, no caresses. Don’t be stiff, though, or unkind. No extremes. She must learn to live with others. Poor child, she has not been faithful, so she finds it hard to be gay. You must help her. Help S. too, and tell your sisters also to help her.

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CR/2 : 29 7 June 1886

Themes

Abandonment 22 Spouse 25Obedience 71

St. Helen’s, Rome 7 June 1886

I had a good laugh reading your story of the little dinner-parties, and my little doctor would give me full satisfaction if she cured her sister St. Anne. Now, under obedience your must make her well and she, under obedience, must get well. Tell her so for me … My dear child, the day is drawing nearer when the Divine Child will be coming into the world seeking a new bond, one which will make Him the Spouse of a certain little Cecile. Oh, be beautiful for Him! I read to the “Conductor” how to place the broth on the ground; he said that, in fact, one could be more gentle. That you may be so, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 30 15 June 1886

Themes

Conversion -

St. Helen’s, Rome 15 June 1886

This brings my affectionate blessings. The time is drawing near and you must make yourself as beautiful as possible. So be brave, little one! I will have to look up the feast and try to give you an answer. If I have no list here, I shall have to see you. I find it inconvenient, where the general good is concerned, not to have a customs book of my own, but here no one has the time. Had you been here, you would have liked the handsome Cardinal of Lisbon. He is magnificent. Pray for him that he may always be a worthy son of St. Francis.

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CR/2 : 31 17 June 1886

Themes

Love of God 23 Justice -Conversion - Nature 70Woman - Obedience 71Fidelity 89

Rome, 17 June 1886

You are not aware of it but your affection for your sister makes you partial towards Resurrection. She has not been obedient, her bad temper has got the better of her and this attack is the result and not the cause of it. Capriciousness is characteristic of this indisposition of women. It is nothing. It would be much better if her own sisters did not take care of her, anything like coddling could be dangerous. Tell Mother Provincial and let us pray for our dear little one that her love will prove stronger than herself. My Cecile, be more faithful than ever, let nothing prevent you from giving Love all He asks.

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CR/2 : 32 23 August 1886

Themes

Abandonment 22 Sentiment -Joy 89 Renouncement 29

St. Joseph’s the Chatelets, 23 August 1886

Just a word from your little mother to tell you that her heart is with you. We have left each other, my dear little one, for Jesus and so we are more than ever united. Be my joy and my crown, dearest child, in the situation God has placed you. For this, forget yourself and think only of Love’s good pleasure.

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CR/2 : 33 27 August 1886

Themes

Love of God 23 Charity 24Francis 65

, St. Joseph’s the Chatelets 27 August 1886

Well, you are there now and I hope St. Raphael gave you a loving welcome. Kiss the feat of the big statue of our seraphic Father every day for me, he will be your director. If Father is there, or when he comes, ask his blessing for me. You must send me news of him every day and give me his address after he leaves Marseilles. Ask him for the little counsels you may need and be careful to follow them. Try to be all love and charity, don’t be childish and all will go well. I love you in the love of Jesus, my child and am never far from you, because the love of God is God Himself and He is everywhere.

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CR/2 : 34 28 August 1886Themes

Maternal love - Order 89Charity 24 Earth/Heaven 83Order/Hierarchy 71

St. Joseph’s the Chatelets 28 August 1886

My maternal love feels the need of spoiling my very dear child and saying to her “Courage, confidence.” This morning at Holy Communion, I thought of your arrival in Marseilles and I said to Love: “Make this child do a lot of good.” With order and charity you will be able to do it, little one. Order is itself a form of charity. Give each one his due: 1. God, all heaven. 2 the Church. 3 the Order. 4 the Institute. 5 your Mother. 6 your Provincial. 7 your Superior. 8 your Sisters. All will be well, then. I bless you so that you may understand and do much good.

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CR/2 : 35 30 August 1886

Themes

Goodness 24 Francis 65Charity 24 Jesus 67Struggle 26

St. Joseph’s, the Chatelets 30 August 1886

Your nice little letter brought me news of my little daughter. Possibly the devil, who is so wicked, did turn away some hearts from you when you arrived, but be so good and so kind that it will be impossible for them not to like you. I count on this, Cecile. Jesus our love, Francis charity itself, St. Raphael the healer, will help you succeed. I am following you closely. Soon you will see our Father; profit of his visit because wherever he goes Jesus is with him and he gives Him to all who want to receive Him.

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Themes

Goodness 24 Mission 69Charity 24 Salvation of souls 81

St. Joseph’s, the Chatelets 1 September 1886

Now that our Father is with you, take good care of him. Write to me every day and make sure that the letters are posted in time. I told Mother Superior that you are happy and that you told me you would get on well with her. I think that will please her. Be very good and little by little she will like you. I want so much good to be done at St. Raphael’s and this is possible. Charity is the key that opens every door. I am happy about the Children of Mary. Try to have a good influence on them and pray for those who have need. Are you ill? Is that what make you sleep?

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Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82

St. Joseph’s, the Chatelets, 7 September 1886

Pray for me, Cecile mine, I have many crosses; God knows it and it is what He wants, so it must be what I need. Much more than you, my child, I could say, “Dear Lord, but I am tired!” Don’t be afraid, you will always be my Benjamin.

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Themes

Joy 89 Sanctity -Offering - Suffering 82Prayer 77 Renouncement 29


I am so happy that the Children of Mary are coming to Mass. Pray, try to be really holy and all will be well. Poor houses, it is so sad, but Jesus dwells wherever the cross is. Happy is she who has little love for self so that she has always room for God. I hope that your no longer being my secretary is the result of something like that; let us offer it to God, both of us.

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Themes

Love of God 23 Sanctity -Joy 89 Suffering 82Order 89 Renouncement 29


You do have a little to suffer, but that’s good because without it you can do nothing worthwhile. If you are able to profit from it all, little by little you will reach a high perfection, I think. I, too would be so happy to see my little one, but it is a real joy to me that she is putting her house in order. May it be her life to love God and to die to self.

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Themes


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What are you doing while begging? Suffering. I am afraid, but you will mind it less in Paris where I think you will be going for a month or two. Let God have His way, poor child. He knows, you do not know. Try to organize the begging in Paris. Father says that if it is done right, there would be scarcely any need for it anywhere else. No matter, beg for the merit of it and pray for the one who blesses you.

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Themes

Abandonment 22 Mary 68Love of God 23 Suffering 82


When you receive this letter you will be in Paris, I think. I cannot tell you how much this cost me. My suffering, I know, cannot compare with that of the Mother of Jesus, but I have to endure continually the pain of seeing my children suffer. (…) May God keep you very close to Him during this time of transition; abandon yourself to His love always and in everything.

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Themes

Struggle 26 Foundation 69

(…) Try to get the foundation in Paris quickly settled, before the devil gets busy.

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Themes

Joy 89 Mission 69


I am happy to know that you are founding in Paris. I think your uncle, the priest and all you relatives will be a help to you; you could ask them.And my Customs Book for the Works, dear one, where is it? If it is in Marseilles, don’t ask for it, I don’t want you to catch the disease through it. You will have some amusing things to tell of that Bethlehem where Jesus was waiting for you. May God keep you in His care; my thoughts follow you and you are not alone.

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CR/2 : 44 2 October 1886

Themes

Prayer 77 Sentiment -


Just a word to tell you that I am thinking of you that my heart prays for you. Have a beautiful feast of our Seraphic Father with Mgr. Saint Michel. This you will only do by praying with all your heart. My soul is in great need of help and I assure you that God wants my daughters to provide it. (…)

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CR/2 : 45 5 October 1886

Themes

Francis 65 Joy 89


Like myself, you will enjoy the lovely message I received yesterday from Grandfather; share it with our sisters. “Blessing of St. Francis to the, mother of the doves; sorrows and joys shared by a Grandfather.” If only you know how happy it makes me to know that Grandfather keeps us in his heart. You must write to him in Paris. I will send you his address; He is in Milan. It will please him. I am praying that all may be well. (…)

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CR/2 : 46 14 October 1886

Themes

Abandonment 22 Respect for persons 24


I think X. is no longer with you. You will have to be brave now; don’t go out on Sundays and Thursday but during the rest of the week work gradually at organizing the collecting of alms. We must obtain the Archbishop’s permission to do it in the way I said to ask him. Office is not to be said out loud when one is tired. I am with you in spirit and ask God to bless you. What our good Master wants I really do not know, but whatever it is we know it will be for our greater good.

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CR/2 : 47 16 October 1886

Themes

Charity 24 Respect for Hierarchy 71Prayer 77 Suffering 82


God has blessed your first attempt at begging, how grateful I am. There will be bad days, too. A real Franciscan finds relief from the thorns in the roses and prepares the roses with the thorns. I will tell you what I think: Ste. Helene would have liked to go to the Archbishop, that would become her dignity. But I

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feel certain that she would not have pleased his Lordship (…) who prefers seriousness and religious manners. But it is not possible. Zanges and you will obtain that he close his eyes to your asking alms. Pray and suffer, but obtain.

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CR/2 : 48 17 October 1886

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mission 69Obedience 71

Rome, 17 October 1886I don’t think you will go back to Marseilles. I ‘m not sure yet, but it looks as though things will turn out that way and I believe God has destined you for this work with young girls. Give yourself to it and do all the good you can. My dear daughter, may the holy will of God be done in all things, but be submissive and very good. I am sending you the answer to your question which has been lying on my table. I wanted Father to answer it. (…) Tell X I thank her for her letter and will answer it. Pray, Z is going to be a hard cross for me.

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CR/2 : 49 18 October 1886

Themes

Abandonment 22 Poverty 75Suffering 82 Work 75Prayer 77


My thoughts are with you and I approve all that you have told me; doesn’t that make you happy ? When an occasion arises would you go to the office of the Holy Childhood and get some forms for keeping the accounts. The address is on all numbers of the Annals of the Work. Thus little by little you become acquainted with everyone. Madame … could help you with errands to the General of the Holy Ghost Fathers, since he is her confessor. Yes, I am suffering, but I want whatever Jesus wants. Fiat is the only thing to say. Pray, and help me to pay my debts. The begging is being quietly organized.

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CR/2 : 50 19 October 1886

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Poverty 75Earth/Heaven 83


I have found a nice job for you and have asked Father if I could give it to you: my secretary for heavenly affairs. So, every time I have a letter to write to God or his saints I will confide it to you. Now you are to write one to St. Joseph and to St. Anthony asking them to pay our debts and to make the Archbishop of Paris permit us to beg alms. Put forward our Constitutions. Father says that alone should suffice. I have just looked again to make sure that the Article about begging is there. It is, on page 26. You can truly say

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that in a way your request is made to conform with our Constitutions. I am praying with all my heart. X has finally written.

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CR/2 : 51 21 October 1886

Themes

Poverty 75 Prayer 77


(…) I couldn’t write yesterday and today I’ve nothing from you, but I’m writing to you just the same because you have been out begging and a child trying to organize the collection of alms in Paris deserves a letter. X is behaving much better than I had hoped, thanks be to God. I have sent the letter for the poor Tyrolian. I am praying very hard for you. Your story about the bakers is charming because receiving in kind is more Franciscan. How I would love to eat the bread given to us.

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CR/2 : 52 26 October 1886

Themes

Abandonment 22 Goodness 24Sanctity -


Have you seen the Archbishop? This is what I ask myself. What I do know is that God will have acted according to His holy will and for the best, even though it does not always seem very pleasant to us. Where did you get the 4,000 addresses? See with Ste. Helene and Mother Provincial about organizing begging from them. Be very good to Ste. Helene. I think she guessed that you did not care to have her, you and Mother Provincial. It is quite understandable that she should be unhappy. Don’t let her become discouraged. Goodbye, my ten cent Madam Superior, be holy (…)

----------

CR/2 : 53 27 October 1866

Themes

Abandonment 22 Courage 89


(…) Be brave, my child, give yourself entirely to God and He will give Himself entirely to you.

----------


Themes

Devotions 77 Simplicity 89

18


Will you please write to X. that I would like an announcement in the newspaper about our Annals, but I do not want any advertising about the Institute, especially at this time with politics as they are; besides, resorting to this means by a religious Institute in order to make itself known does not appeal to me. Say all that very nicely. It is a good idea, my child, to consider yourself the Assistant of the dear little Master. If that lovable Child takes charge of your house you are saved. Ask Him to and tell Saint Michel to put in a good word for you.

----------


Themes

Sanctity - Sentiment -Suffering 82


Where did you ever pick up the idea that I am angry with you or have been vexed by you? When that happens, my dear little daughter, I will tell you. I can very well try to stimulate your zeal and your energy for the begging without at all finding you guilty and without being angry, even just a little. You will not have any more ideas like that, will you? You would hurt me if you did and my Cecile would not want to do that, would she? Yet, I must see your formation, my dear. Now you have a subscription for 40 francs a year, thank God for it. I told you there would be good days and bad days. When one thinks of what the Fathers suffered in the early days of the Order, they seem to have been giants of sanctity, but what work they accomplished.

----------

CR/2 : 56 14 November 1886

Themes

Order 89 Suffering 82Work 75


Tell Mother Provincial that I have just sent the Annals to the Fourneau’s, to the Erceville’s. I will send you the list. Put down all the names in alphabetical order and give each a number. Every time you send out the Annals you will begin, for example, with the A’s. Suppose there are forty. When you have finished with this letter, you count the Annals and if there are 40, you are quite sure that you have not made a mistake; you can then put a tiny number in pencil on the band. Did St. Jean send you all the names she had? She must copy the list and keep the original, because if it should be lost, we would be terribly embarrassed not knowing who our subscribers are. I have so many crosses, my Cecile, that at times they make my head ache. God permits it and apparently it is good, but pray for me. I wonder what I am going to do if my dear Jesus keeps on burdening me like this. (…)

----------

CR/2 : 57 22 November 1886

Themes

Love of God 23 Joy 89Jesus 67 Suffering 82

19


My dear little daughter, today is your feast and my heart wishes it to be a beautiful one for you. Pray for me, I need it. May the dear Child Jesus be yours ever more and more. May He become your Way and your Life. With X. you will have enjoyed some real happiness; you deserved it. After the thorns, the roses; after the roses, the thorns. Take both from Jesus with joy.

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CR/2 : 58 23 November 1886

Themes

Abandonment 22 Nature 70Spouse 25 Renouncement 29Francis 65 Sanctity -


If you are not ill (and if you are, I command you to say so) I can see only one reason for the state you are in; my daughter has been crying because she felt the need to. She has worn herself out because she has not been in good spirits. And the Child Jesus, who does not like self-seeking but who expects us to have the courage to seek the pleasure of others even when our heart is breaking, to choke back our tears and abandon ourselves to His love, has gone into hiding for a little while. The begging may have something to do with it. But think, our Father St. Francis knew what he was doing when he esteemed it a great means of perfection. Yet it is so good only because it is very mortifying to our human nature. My thoughts follow you, and I suffer with your suffering. But receive them as the jewels with which our Lord wishes to adorn His spouse. (…)

----------

CR/2 : 59 14 December 1886

Themes

Joy 89 Salvation of souls 81

Rome 14 December 1886

(…) I am so glad that the Works are progressing. Souls are so dear to Jesus and we must cherish them too. I am keeping the paper; no, I am sending it to you and I bless you.

----------

CR/2 : 60 27 December 1886

Themes

Abandonment 22 Death -


I bring bad luck to trains. We arrived an hour late, but very well, Our sisters had been worried. Poor Carmel died last night after receiving Holy Communion. I did not have the joy of seeing her again. Fiat always.

----------

20

CR/2 : 61 29 December 1886

Themes



(…) I am writing to you while awaiting Carmel’s funeral. Since I was in France, there has been no lack of crosses for me. May God grant us His holy patience and let us not cry because we have something to suffer. In complete abandonment let us try to give ourselves up to God.

----------

CR/2 : 62 January 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Passion 74 Work 75

Rome, January 1887

(…) We have had to make room for 32 pilgrims and you can well imagine that was no easy matter. It is done now and although we still have to serve them, it will be nothing in comparison. Pray for me, my child, God is making the cross so hard for me that I can hardly stay on my feet. But what is to be done? It is His will and it must be followed to the end. 1886 was a hard year, ending in the same way and 1887 has not begun well. We have to be crucified with our crucified Jesus. May God help you to do this.

----------

CR/2 : 63 13 January 1887

Themes

Charity 24 Renouncement 29Body/Soul 28 Sentiment -Formation


Yesterday Grandfather came to visit us. He was very kind, but I had one of those terrible attacks – the kind I have sometimes. Everyone was delighted to see him. How I wished my Cecile was here. I could get nothing done because Mgr. Zonghi came in afterwards. It is a hard life I have to live, especially now that I am dragging a cold like this one. Console your Sisters, see them and teach them to love God, to love Him more than they love themselves.

----------

CR/2 : 64 16 January 1887

Themes

Live in God 86 Renouncement 29

21


May the Infant Jesus be ever more and more your treasure and may each day find you belonging less and less to yourself. I send you my blessing in the hope that you will have the courage to die entirely to Cecile so that you may live entirely for Jesus.

----------

CR/2 : 65 18 January 1887

Themes

Love of God 23 Offering -


I am going to talk to my Cecile about a lovely plan: to love Jesus more and more and to give Him in so far as we can. Tell me, do you agree? So that the mother and the daughter do so perfectly, I bless you.

----------

CR/2 : 66 19 January 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Sanctity -Body/Soul 28 Renouncement 29Ecce 68


The Archbishop of Paris had the kindness to come to see us; you know how I love reception so you can imagine the result. Still, it was a great kindness on his part, though it only enervated me because of my cross-grained nature. Thank you for the pictures and the purchases. As yet, I have received nothing, but they will come. Strive for holiness, my dear one, take the bitter with the sweet and relish the fiat of union with the holy will of God.

----------

CR/2 : 67 22 January 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 World -Struggle 26 Tabernacle 86Live in God 86


I have received your plan and I am going to study it. Ask God to enlighten me. Father would not want two convents, but only one and from that one our Sisters would go to Glaciere only three or four times a week (according to the need) and spend the day there; two Associate Sisters, for example, could stay there. As for me, I ask for nothing. The longer I live, the less I permit myself to want one thing or another because we are so often mistaken here below. But I pray that God will inspire Father General so that we will do what is best. My little daughter may Love dwell in your heart and may He live therein and with love.

----------

22

CR/2 : 68 6 February 1887

Themes

Thanksgiving - Love of God 23Goodness of God 23


(…) I have just finished the tombolas; they are superb. It made me think of last year and of you. Nothing lasts, my Cecile, but what will never end is the love Jesus has for us. In the name of that love and so that you may love Him in return, I bless you …

----------

CR/2 : 69 11 March 1887

Themes

Love of God 23 Courage 89Generosity 89

Rome, 11 March 1887

(…) I have received nothing from you today, my dear, but just the same I have you in my heart. Your little journal is here, keep it up for it makes it easier for me to follow my little daughter whom I desire to be all for Jesus and also very generous and courageous, putting love where it really is and not where it is not. I have had a tiring day and I scarcely know what I am writing to you. (…)

----------

CR/2 : 70 13 March 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Penance 76Humility 89 Service -Obedience 71

Rome, March 13 1887

I do think there is some little progress in virtue in your asking God to cure you so that you can serve Him. My child, why bother about what you are not able to do? The humility you can practice in not fasting or keeping abstinence is perhaps more necessary for you. If you were able to keep Lent and add even other penances you might be tempted to think yourself worth something; not being able to do so should help you to be humble. So fiat and a hearty one. This is a thought that often strikes me too. If I were well, I would want to do penances. But my health forbids it and seeing that I can do so little, I have not the least doubt of my misery. Who knows if it would be so clear to me if health and obedience permitted to do more?

----------

CR/2 : 71 14 March 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Authority 79Love of God 23 Body/Soul 28

23

Mr. Rataud is right in insisting that you tell everything and get the proper care. Superiors have more cause for fatigue than others and we must have pity on them. (…)Take care of yourself; do it for the love of God and you will give Him more pleasure than by wanting to cry because you are given meat to eat on Wednesday. Why do you insist on doing what Jesus does not want you to do? As for me, I want you to be a child of the Fiat. (…)

----------

CR/2 : 72 17 March 1887

Themes

Charity 24 Peace 72Suffering 82

Rome, 17 March 1887

As far as you are concerned, little one, bear in peace the failings of your daughters; I spend my life doing just that. Do the very best you can and then don’t worry any more about the failings of others or about your own.

----------

CR/2 : 73 18 March 1887

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Obedience 71Detachment 29 Earth/Heaven 83Death -

Rome, 18 March 1887

Yes, we will meet again on this earth. God tells me this and I don’t think He would deceive me. I am going to profit of this by giving you some advice. At all times, be ready to live and to die and rid yourself of such thoughts as to whether you will live or whether you will die. This will benefit both your soul and your body. Describe your symptoms very simply, as Mr. Rataud told you to do, but without concerning yourself, or drawing any conclusions about living because you feel better, or about dying because you feel worse. I send you my blessing in the hope that you will be obedient and with the promise that if you do as I tell you, our kind Master will have some pleasant surprises for you.

----------

CR/2 : 74 23 March 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Renouncement 29

Rome, 23 March 1887

I have not yet thanked you for something which surely has come from you; a little booklet with a thought of the Saints of the Order for every day of the year. Take courage and don’t think about yourself, about whether you are good or whether you are bad and not even about whether God loves you or not: abandonment.

----------

24

CR/2 : 75 24 March 1887

Themes

Courage 89 Prayer 77Passion 74 Renouncement 29

Rome, 24 March 1887

(…) You have not courage, my child, but you must keep on just the same. This is Passiontide and we must readily accept sharing the sufferings of our Saviour. Say a little prayer for me as I have such need of it and I send you my blessing…

----------

CR/2 : 76 4 April 1887

Themes

Obedience 71 Renouncement 29

Rome, 4 April 1887

I am not at all angry with you, my dear child, but I do think that you are a little too preoccupied with yourself and this has led to your being troubled about your communions. Put all that aside, abandon yourself to obedience. If you have done something positive, say so and then follow the advice given you; but with regard to all those vague notions, send them flying.

----------

CR/2 : 77 18 April 1887

Themes

Salvation of souls 81Rome, 18 April 1887

Really, the two of you, your Assistant and you, must get on well together and I like to think of it here. May God bless my two dear young daughters and make them do much good to each other and to those with them. (…) I bless you too, my dear little one, so that Jesus may feel more and more at home in your heart.

----------

CR/2 : 78 24 April 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mary 68Love of God 23 Sanctity -Charity 24

Rome, 24 April 1887I have received no book, no memorandum either. If they don’t come we will have to claim them. Let us pray hard about the property of the Marianites. Give me some details about that good man – baptized, married, first communicant. (…) I think the Archangel’s clouds have quickly disappeared. My child, do all you can to be so good that you will be the joy of Jesus and of your community. Ask this of Our Lady during her month. Pray for me, my need is so great. Dear little daughter, may Jesus draw you more and more into His love and to abandonment. (…)

----------

25

CR/2 : 79 10 May 1887

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Death -Mission 69 Suffering 82

Rome, 10 May 1887

You know of my big cross; God has taken my Agnes, my child so dear, so precious and at the same time a young Father of the same age. In our first Franciscan mission our first death seems like a heavenly embrace of the Order and the Institute in Mary’s month. I see in it a fore-shadowing of grace, yet how it grieves me. It was typhus. Ask the Lord to stop striking and to have pity on us. Then ask for novices. (…)

----------

CR/2 : 80 11 May 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Humility 89 Peace 72Sanctity -

Rome, 11 May 1887

(…) Pray, my dear, that I do finally become a saint. I don’t know why but I hope Agnes will obtain that grace for me. We have to pray always and unite our will with the Lord’s in peace and humility.

----------

CR/2 : 81 12 May 1887

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Detachment 29Simplicity 89

Rome, 12 May 1887

I am borrowing Helen’s hand to tell you that I love you very much and that if it is not my own hand that is telling you, it is because I have a bad leg. Ordinarily legs are not for writing and I am not claiming that mine can, but one of them must be kept quiet under a table and at the moment it does not want that at all. This leg is a lady I have to cater for just now, so you must excuse her for tying my hand. I am praying for you little one, nothing ties my heart, so it is making little excursions to “Rivo Torto” while waiting for St. Francis to come down in response to Father Arthur’s invitation.

----------

CR/2 : 82 3 June 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Obedience 71Detachment 29 Sanctity -

26

26

Rome, 3 June 1887

(…) Don’t worry my child about what you feel and what you don’t feel. You do not realize it, but this is only a bit of self looking for a little satisfaction. Let Jesus do as He pleases. Though He was right beside her, Jesus did not make Himself known to Magdalene; she even said to Him that they had taken Him away. Walk on during the night, following the lead of obedience and you will safely reach your destination.

----------

CR/2 : 83 9 June 1887

Themes

Eucharist 62 Foundation 69Joy 89

Rome, 9 June 1887

We, too are going to have the Blessed Sacrament exposed and it is a joy for me. This poor Roman House has been so deprived of Jesus since its foundation that is a real joy to have Him and to be able to adore Him exposed.

----------

CR/2 : 84 19 June 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Detachment 29Humility 89

Rome, 19 June 1887

My dear child do your best and don’t be troubled if neither you nor your house is loved. Should this be so, it would be with God’s permission in order to detach you more. Accept it as a great “sifter” perhaps, but, very precious. It is a piece of “fiat” cake.

----------

CR/2 : 85 24 June 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Joy 89Gospel 75 Obedience 71

Rome, 24 June 1887

I have your little note from the Chatelets. Poor child, I can understand that our beautiful Chatelets excites your envy. But let us look at things on the bright side; what joy, my dear one, to be able to offer Our Lord the sacrifice of being nailed to the cross in a place that has no charm at all. (…) Dear little one, do you really understand what I told you yesterday? Today I will end with what the head keeps saying to the heart, the words of St. John the Baptist: “He must increase and I must decrease.”

----------

27

CR/2 ; 86 8 July1887

Themes

Family - Death -Joy 89 Suffering 82

14 July 1887

Here I am at the novitiate and my heart is heavy. Only a miracle can save my dear young nephew. (…)It is the cross, pray that I may know how to bear it.

----------

CR/2 : 87 16 July 1887

Themes

Courage 89 Sentiment -Family - Renouncement 29Sanctity -

Sr. Joseph des Chatelets, l6 July 1887

I think God wanted to give you a mortification and to bring a little consolation to my poor Charles sooner by making me come here. He is very ill and has taken the resolution to be a Franciscan if he is cured, but that would be a miracle. Pray hard, but keep his resolution to yourself. I am very busy as you can well imagine and there is no lack of opportunity for suffering. Be brave. In two weeks you will be coming here to work at your sanctification.

----------

CR/2 : 88 30 July 1887Themes

Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Time

St. Joseph des Chatelets, 30 July 1887

At last I feel I have the time to write you a few lines. That shock, so sudden and so terrible really crushed me. For a few days I had no strength to work in spite of my will to do so. I feel better today, though not really strong.

----------

CR/2 : 89 30 July 1887

Themes

Absolute power of God - Offering -Detachment 29

28 16 September 1887

(…) Try to belong more and more to God, all the rest is nothing. Let everything be for Him, nothing for us. Deliver up to Him your being, your whole life and leave your soul to his care and it will be well taken care of.

----------


Themes

Charity 24 Mission 69Humility 89 World -Mary 68 Poverty 75

20 September 1887

I have nothing from you today but I am not surprised. It was your Sunday, and my daughter would have been spending herself on God’s poor. That, you know, gives me great pleasure. Let us love all that is lowly, all that suffers. This has no resemblance with the world, but it imitates Mary.

----------

CT/2 : 91 22 September 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82

22 September 1887

Just a word because I am so tired I can’t do more. Really you must pray for me. I feel that I’m at the end of my tether. But since God wants it this way, I must say fiat. I am trying to say it with all my heart. Poor me, I seem to be spared nothing at present, but God wills it and so I must will it too. Pray for me, I pray so very much for you. Now I have very little hope for exposition, but there again, fiat.

----------


Themes

Love of God 23 Contemplation/Action 27Charity 24 Imitation 63


I have some little hope that Mr. X will clear up that affair which has worried me so much. Poor child, you are suffering over a mere trifle: the thought of receiving the Archbishop should give you new courage in trying to do things well and so serve the Institute. Put yourself out for others; spend yourself for them and you will see. I pray so ardently that my little daughter will fix her eyes on that lovely St. Genevieve, another Cecile. She, too, would have liked to remain quietly alone with her Jesus, but out of love for Him she gave herself up for the good of others while remaining His alone. Do like her. For that, I bless you …

----------

29


Themes

Abandonment 22 Charity 24Love of God 23 Renouncement 29


I promised my Cecile that I would send her a word on the little cards. Here it is: “Come out of yourself, my beloved and come to Love.” Yes, child, Cecile’s good pleasure, her tastes must no longer count in Cecile’s life, but God’s good pleasure and the neighbour’s are to be sought in all things.

----------


Themes

Joy 89 Prayer 77


Tomorrow is the feast of the dear nest dedicated to St. Michael. Much of my prayer will be for my little daughters. Thank you, my dear, for the little cards. I really thought you had bought them. I am all the more pleased to know that they were done by you. God has not yet come to my help, Cecile, beg Him; be the Moses of your mother. I, too, am going to pray so much that He will just have to come to my help.

----------

CR/2 : 95 3 October 1887

Themes



I can assure you that there are moments when I, too, find God very trying, but that is because we don’t understand and are unable to see in the cross the proof that Love, loves us.

----------

CR/2 : 96 8 October 1887

Themes

Love of God 23 Charity 24Renouncement 29 Offering -


You do not know how pleased I am when you are my good Cecile. The young priest, Martha’s director, will be most welcome. He is our brother and I am sure that Father Raphael will be very good to him. And I want to be very good to my Cecile and for that to urge her to leave herself so that she can give herself to

God. Do all you can for Him and for others, but nothing for yourself. Did you thank M. ? Such a nice letter deserves an answer. Poor X., her health worries me. I am afraid that she will never be really well.

30

CR/2 : 97 10 October 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Love of God 23Thanksgiving -


Put up with Mr. L.’s character. Remember St. Monica who asked St. Ambrose for an ill-tempered companion so she would have occasions to practice patience. God is giving them to you without the asking, so you have a greater certainty that this is His holy will. You can only say fiat every time He gives you the occasion to prove your love. In heaven, you will thank Mr. L. for having formed you to patience. (…)

----------

CR/2 : 98 11 October 1887

Themes

Strength 89 Work 75Renouncement 29 Sanctity -Offering -


Will you be so kind as to send me two copies of the Imitation of Christ and two pictures of St. Ireneus? Don’t forget, little one and you will have a prayer, because the pictures are for two Franciscans and the Imitations for a Convent of the Franciscan Sisters. I am praying very much for my little Cecile. You did right to go and make the children be quiet; you see, when one wishes to give oneself, to leave oneself, to sacrifice oneself, one can. May God give you that kind of strength always. I am working as best I can for that because I want my little daughter to become truly perfect.

----------

CR/2 : 99 31 October 1887

Themes

Goodness 24 Order 89Patience 89 Penance 76Humility 89 Respect for persons 24

31 October 1887

I find my child has much self love. She is young and I really must tell her about these things. My dear child, be more humble another time. She is little and a child, she forgets or does things that are a little childish. Jesus wants her to be told these things and it is not becoming of her to be downcast about it. As for me, I think Maman has been very patient in not getting even a little bit cross. Things must be done with order and I must tell a little Cecile the truth about her oversights. What love of penance. Listen, dear, it is quite certain that God wants this little mortification of hearing poor Maman say: “You made a mistake and you forget.” But when she does say it, Cecile, who wants to do penance, weeps. Poor child, I know that you are very busy and I do feel sorry for you. Yet God in permitting this is forgiving your soul. He can do things much better than we can and if only we could see His love we would give Him a free hand. My blessing is a prayer that you may grow in this understanding….

---------- 31

CR/2 : 100 5 November 1887

Themes

Goodness 24 Gentleness 89Gospel 73


I have always thought that God is gentle, kind and good even to those who are rude to Him; and yet there is my Cecile; who has taken the resolution not to be good to Mr. L. any more, not to be kind to him, not to pay any attention to him because he has been ill tempered. My little daughter, it is the meek who possess the land. Be gentle and kind even to M. L. when he is in the wrong and you will do him some god. I have been quite concerned about you these days. Everything is quiet it seems and my little casa in Paris is a consolation.

----------

CR/2 101 17 November 1887

Themes

Suffering 82 Detachment 29Earth/Heaven 83 Thanksgiving -


My little daughter has made me very happy by doing my errands so well for me and I thank her. Dear little child, you had a happy time, seeing Mother Provincial, but it was followed by sacrifice. That’s the way it is in this life and we should be almost thankful to God for it, for without sacrifice, would there be any merit for heaven? If God did not impose it on us, would we have the courage to take upon ourselves any real suffering? You are going to miss your good little Assistant, but you will see how Jesus Himself will fill the void He is creating round you. Try to hurry the second proofs of the Annals.

----------

CR/2 : 102 18 November 1887

Themes

Strength 89 Mission 69Suffering 82


I very much liked the story of the Baptism Mother Provincial gave when she was with you. May it be a sign of God’s protection and an assurance of His blessing on the new foundation. Do pray for me, dear child, again today, the Lord’s good pleasure has been to give me a larger share of His cross. How hard I felt it. Ask Him to give me the strength to bear it.

----------

CR/2 : 103 4 December 1887

Themes

Authority 79 Obedience 71Struggle 26 Suffering 82

32

Gentleness 89 Strength 89World - Time -Humility 89


My child, I have your letter and your journal here before me. I could not answer you yesterday but today I have a little more time. Did you ever think that there were only saints and no temptations involved in the making of religious orders? Were that so my child, I think there would be no saints because it is the temptation and the suffering arising from contacts with others that make souls rise above the ordinary. There is a great deal of self-love in our despondency at the failings of others. Wasn’t M. Ste. G. given the end room? Then you must see, as they pass by, everyone who goes to her room. She must have with her someone you can count on and either you or C. must sleep in the room next to hers. There is something else Jesus wants from Cecile, and that is that she be more firm and less hasty. You complain about your Sisters, but what they do must not be done a second time, else there is weakness on your part. Reprove gently the first time, a second time also, punish the third time and the fourth time, inform Mother Provincial. The way you make complaints reminds me of a little girl in tears and doing nothing. Even M. Ste. G. must be brought back to order from an irregularity repeated several times. Don’t say anything, but write a very kind and humble little note. I bless you dear child; I am anxious about you and trust that you will obey me should there be any trouble.

----------

CR/2 : 104 10 December 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Renouncement 29


I am delighted you feel the need of a little spiritual house-cleaning, but what you really need is to forget yourself. My little Cecile still thinks a little too much of herself and the day when she will let Jesus do all that He wills with her has not yet dawned and that without even dreaming it is happening to her.

----------

CR/2 : 105 14 December 1887

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Time - Work 75


I am glad you pleased your parish priest and hope your crib or rather your cribs, will be lovely. Here I have cross after cross. Pray for me. I hardly know what way to turn and often have to beg Jesus to have mercy on me, because I am really worn out sometimes. Pray much to the little Jesus for your poor mother…

----------

CR/2 : 106 15 January 1888

Themes

Goodness 24 Charity 24Suffering 82

33


Alas, what a little girl!!! Crosses and tears because God takes my time and prevents me from writing to you! You may be sure, my child, that irritation at the failings of others comes partly from our own failings. Break away from yourself, forget yourself, above all give yourself, like Jesus, generously, kind-heartedly, with boundless charity, and I promise you, you will soon see the results.

----------

CR/2 : 107 20 January 1888

Themes

Love of God 23 Gentleness 89Goodness 24 Jesus 67Charity 24 Struggle 26World - Sentiment -Body/Soul 28


The Misses X. are, I think, like all those whom God seeks and you should, in charity, tell the eldest to avoid talking about their projects, for the demon will make use of the world to harm their souls. One can never count on the devil for help in doing good, neither will he let it be done without hindrance.

Be very tender towards A., cajole her a little and you will finally melt that poor heart which is as icy as her body. Then pray for this soul, whose mother Jesus has made you, and God will give you the light of charity. It is through love and tenderness much more than by reproaches that a superior obtains. Give yourself, my little Cecile, spend yourself for your daughters and for every fellow-being. Do this even though you may be rejected. Is this not what Jesus did for us? Did He not spend Himself for us, even though we pay little attention to that fact? Yes He knows and understands better than we do. Let us try to be like Him.

That in the light of all this you may take another step towards Jesus-love, I bless you…

----------CR/2 : 108 8 February 1888

Themes

Charity 24 Humility 89Gentleness 89 Suffering 82Francis 65


From Father B’s letter I did not understand that X was planning to enter so soon, but I will believe it when I know she is in Paris. Things that drag along like this do not end easily. As for Mr. L’s house, let her do it, that is her business not ours. Believe me, my child, the longer I live the more I long to see in my daughtersthe gentle humility of our Seraphic Father. No matter what happened, he was gentle and kind to all, even to those who made him suffer. May my little daughter imitate him….

----------

CR/2 : 109 12 March 1888

Themes

Charity 24 Prayer 77Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82

34

Jesus 67 Work 75

Rome, 12 March 1888

I am sorry about what you tell me of X. and M…. It is not your fault, neither is it mine; so there is only one thing for both of us to do and that is to redouble our prayer, our charity and our patience. Jesus sees them and puts up with them. Let us imitate Him. I am still immersed in my hard task, which sees to get bigger as I go on. Pray for me. I need it very much and I am really tired.

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CR/2 : 110 13 March 1888

Themes

Love of God 23 Peace 72Authority 79 Renouncement 29Joy 89 Suffering 82World - Common Life 91

Rome, 13 March 1888

I can understand what a cross it is for you to see the Sisters so careless. Do your best, my child and be at peace. Why don’t you talk during recreation even when you don’t feel like it? It is not a case of putting yourself out for the sake of creatures, but only for Jesus who sees and counts all. So, whether you succeed or whether you are misunderstood, you take the trouble just the same. I want my Cecile to learn to suffer more willingly and not to be so easily disheartened. This is a proof of our love of Our Lord. Tell Mother Provincial that I am not writing to her as I suppose she has already left or is about to leave.

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CR/2 : 111 25 March 1888

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Resurrection 80Gentleness 89 Union with God 86Evenness of Character 89 Earth/Heaven 83Passion 74

Rome, March 25 1888

I think your resurrection will come with Easter and my wish for you is that you be on your feet again with the Alleluia, if you have not already received the greater grace of standing beside the cross. Here we are enjoying the sun again and I hope we are not the only ones. God’s good sun is so rare this year. Fortunately Jesus is found among storms and clouds as well as under the calm blue sky. What a good thing it would be if we thought of this more often and if we really understood that union with Jesus depends on us and not on the varied situation in which we find ourselves. My little one still has a little work to do before she can be the same during the hours of agony as during the time of Alleluia. Today our meditation is on the words: “Rejoice for your King comes to you, meek and gentle”. Our beloved Jesus knew that His Passion was beginning, but meekly, gently, He went forward to His cross and on the Cross was meek and gentle still. To me that is far more pleasing than whimpering while thinking of oneself. What does my Cecile think?

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35

CR/2 : 112 6 April 1888

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Work 75

Rome, 6 April 1888

With all these pilgrims, I haven’t a minute I can call my own and I’m not too well either. But everything is good that comes from God. I love my little daughter and you will surely have the picture you want. Have patience, I bless you and everyone…

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CR/2 : 113 8 April 1888

Themes

Charity 24 Suffering 82Joy 89 Work 75

Rome, 8 April 1888

I am glad you have baptized a child, it is a grace and a consolation at the same time. May God grant you many more such joys which lift our minds to higher things. Your little lady with the doubtful past has arrived. She is much calmer and feels better already. Poor soul, I feel sorry for her. Pilgrims are coming to us from all sides and we have to be very patient.

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CR/2 : 114 20 May 1888

Themes

Love of God 20 Holy Spirit 61Goodness of God 23 Fidelity 89Detachment 29

Rome, 20 May 1888

I can assure you, child, it costs me as much as it does you, not to write to you but God disposes otherwise in spite of my efforts. At the moment St. Anne is taking up a great deal of my time. She is better, but her nervous condition demanded great care. At times she reminds me so much of you that I think she is you. It must be admitted that there could be more detachment.Today the Holy Spirit comes to us. May He come to you, child, with the full light of His love. Be very faithful to grace. It is the best way to gain His friendship, for He reserves His gifts for those who put them to profit.

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CR/2 : 115 15 June 1888

Themes

Sanctity - Sentiment -

36

Rome, 15 June 1888

Just a quick embrace and to tell you that I shall soon be seeing my dear little daughter with my own eyes, please God. I am pleased that your little one is getting better, but I am asking God, now that He is leaving her here, that she may never fall victim to what is wicked on this earth but follow the road that leads to sanctity.

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CR/2 : 116 20 June 1888

Themes

Abandonment - Absolute power of God -

Rome, 20 June 1888

I made a mistake yesterday and I have just seen that 100 printed pictures besides the Annals would be enough, but we need 1,000 notices about the probandat in addition to the Annals. I am anxious to see whether you are really as bad as you say you are. I hope not, for it would be a great disappointment to me if my child no longer cared to put herself entirely at the disposal of the Divine good pleasure, for it alone deserves our attention here below. That you may go forward with your eyes fixed on the Divine Sun, I bless you…

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CR/2 : 117 10 July 1888

Themes

Authority 79 Duty 69Renouncement 29 Strength 89Justice - Family -Will -

Rome, 10 July 1888

It is all right for a St. Michel to have begged once from her family; but neither she nor anyone else has my permission to visit relatives or to go to their homes to eat. It is up to you, Cecile, to see to this and you must be the more firm when you meet with greater resistance. You must see to the exact observance of our customs otherwise you would be nothing more than a little girl and not a superior. This costs, I know, and one has to despise oneself if one is to remain in the face of people’s bad humour. It is a kind of martyrdom known only to superiors faithful to their duty.

-----------


Themes

Charity 24 Prayer 77Formation - Suffering 82

Grotto de Nazareth, 5 September 1888

Here I am in Switzerland. What am I doing here? For the time being, suffering and praying. I am happy to learn that you are exerting yourself to help your Sisters and that you are giving writing lessons. They will be grateful to you. Take good care of X., she is good at heart and we should be able to help her. Speak to

37

her about God, and I would be very much surprised if she did not become an excellent Sister and quite devoted to you… I bless you, dear little one, be brave and pray. I think your novena to Our Lady of Lourdes is a good idea.

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CR/2 : 119 15 September 1888

Themes

Charity 24 Mission 69Death - Work 75


I have just written fifteen letters to the missions and my head and hand are both too tired for me to continue to write myself. Good Madam St. Anne is here as my pen.You will understand how heavy my heart is, my dear M. de St. Sebastien was so much in my life and I had no worries about China while she was there. Pray for her and above all for me so that I may be brave. Take good care of the souls around you and God will take it into account for your soul.

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CR/2 : 120 19 September 1888

Themes

Abandonment 22 Authority 79Charity 24 Suffering 82Formation - Sanctity -Courage 89


Since I have tended to leave you without news, I am going to try to make up for this involuntary lapse by giving you more frequent news about the poor mother of whom you are so fond. I have many worries at the moment, besides the death of M. de St. Sebastien, which was a great sorrow. I have a host of little thorns which make the sharp sword even more painful. Ask Our Lord to help me accept all this as He wishes and ask Him also for the light and strength I need to become really holy and to do His holy will in all my trials. As for you, my child, busy yourself bravely with the souls of your daughters; fashion them towards perfection and our beloved Jesus will take care of your soul.

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CR/2 : 121 20 September 1888

Themes

Authority 79 Goodness of God 23Passion 74 Goodness 24Suffering 82 Strength 89Formation -


Pray for me, my child and bear up bravely under the little contradictions of life. We must control them and not be overcome by the difficulties we meet. I pray that you may become a strong, serious religious, seeking at the foot of the crucifix to learn what to do. There you will nearly always find the answer. Take 38

great care of the souls around you. When you meet with resistance, you are too ready to give up. A superior is like God, whom she represents; she must never abandon the soul that resists her, who gives her difficulties.

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CR/2 : 122 21 September 1888

Themes

Absolute power of God - Sanctity -Love of God 23 Suffering 82Joy 89 Renouncement 29


Watch over your own sanctification as well, refuse nothing to Jesus who deserves everything. One is so happy after making a sacrifice and so sad after refusing. Never refuse anything to Love.

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CR/2 : 123 29 September 1888

Themes

Struggle 26 Strength 89Sentiment - Communion of Saints 87


Today I am in thought in my little Parisian house. It is its feast day, the feast of all of you there and I am praying with all my heart for each one of my dear little daughters. Tell them this. I would like the great Archangel to give you the light and strength always to resist the power of hell.

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CR/2 : 124 9 October 1888

Themes

Joy 89 Mary 68Unity 87


You tell me you had an amusing feast of Saint Francis. I hope it was a holy amusement and that you will have only nice things to tell me about it. I had a telegram from Port Said this morning telling me that Mother… would arrive this week. I am so happy about this and I pray that she arrives safely. Sunday is the feast of the Association of the Holy Family. I said that I would make the consecration of the whole Institute on this feast of the Maternity. I am sending it to you so that you can make it also. Good Mr. de X. will be very pleased.

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39

CR/2 : 125 12 October 1888

Themes

Authority 79 Courage 89Formation - Justice -Duty 89


I don’t want S.St. to be bad; if she is she will no longer serve as Assistant or anything else. The “little girl” says “she well deserved it”, but, my Cecile, souls are cultivated and the first duty of a superior is to cultivatethem. I know that some do give a great deal of trouble, but with prayer one succeeds. My little daughter finds it much easier to make use of and to help those who show good will and to put aside the troublesome ones. They must be cultivated very bravely.

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CR/2 : 126 17 October 1888

Themes

Eucharist 62 Mission 69


That school which would like us to go out walking every day will not do. It seems to me that it is not for us and we have nothing to look for there, the more so as paying schools do not appeal to me. I am very pleased the parish priest referred to Adoration in writing. Redemption will give us some Sisters and no Mothers. You will say office privately. It would be detrimental to the Mother’s novitiate to send them to make it in Paris.

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CR/2 : 127 22 October 1888

Themes

Contemplation/Action 27 Supernatural spirit 64Renouncement 29


You are still my little Cecile whom I so much want to be God’s totally, faithfully and not at all childish. It will be thus if we go forward with our eyes always fixed on our good Master and not on ourselves. Never. I assure you, Cecile dear, it is a great grace to be taught this while you are young. I pray earnestly that every one of my daughters may understand this, for all the rest is nothing.

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CR/2 : 128 7 November 1888

Themes

Goodness 24 Humility 89Generosity 89 Renouncement 29

40


I am glad S. St. has written to you. Do all you can to encourage her. There is nothing worse than abandoning a soul who is not getting on well. Be noble and generous, my dear little one. I used to think everyone was broadminded; but I see even I have to be watchful.

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CR/2 : 129 13 November 1888

Themes

Abandonment 22 Struggle 26Fidelity 89 Prayer 77Liberty - Sanctity -Humility 89


I am not surprised that having God exposed in your house would have excited the demon’s rage, but pray well, be faithful and the good Master will take good care of His house. To my mind the good priest was not so silly in giving his answer by referring to an umbrella. What he meant, Cecile, is this: submission to the will of God must be entire. We must put to profit the sweet things it gives us and also accept the bitter because the bitter, when willed by Love, are also a grace. Understand, profit and give full liberty to Love. You really must become very serious in everything you do; there must be no susceptibility and you must be very amiable with people even when they offend you. This, I think, will provide you with three first class means of perfection. Then handle business matters and letters gravely and seriously. How you would change, Cecile, if you did everything really seriously.

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CR/2 : 130 16 November 1888

Themes

Abandonment 22 Love of God 23Union with God 86


Above all, make sure that you really love Jesus who is good and so deserving of our love. No matter what happens, we must always say “Amen” to it, because all that comes from Him, comes from His love in order to draw us closer to Him.That my little daughter may eat her cake with more relish, I bless her…

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CR/2 : 131 21 November 1888

Themes

Goodness 24 Renouncement 29

41


I think you had a mad woman in that person who pretends that we are not under the direction of our Fathers. In any case we are not under hers. Do you know that I recognized my little girl again in this answer: “I don’t know where to write to X when she sends money and besides her letters are so disagreeable that they don’t call for an answer”.Does the unfriendliness of a letter excuse one from answering and acknowledging the receipt of money? To me, Cecile, it seems the contrary; for a soul belonging to God that would be a reason for writing twice. What do you say to that?

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CR/2 : 132 22 November 1888

Themes

Love of God 23 Poverty 75Absolute power of God -


I forgot to write to you on time, but I have not forgotten your feast day and my communion this morning was for my dear little daughter. I have sent you a nice statue of St. Michael, in alabaster which is a present from our Father Raphael. In view of its origin, I hope the devils will take flight when they see it. In my poverty, which in every way is greater than ever, all I have been able to find for you is a photograph of the crucifix which spoke to Saint Francis. Father General brought it from Assisi and Father Raphael gave it to me. It is not much, but anyway I hope Our Lord will speak to my daughter as He did to her Seraphic Father and that He will say clearly to her : “Love Me, for nothing else matters.”

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CR/2 : 133 27 November 1888

Themes

Goodness 24 Suffering 82Offering - Renouncement 29


You still have too much self-love and this is what makes you so sensitive that often you are unable to be nice to those who vex you. On Sundays, you see your daughters in a better light because you give a little more of yourself and then Jesus gives Himself also through you. But, when the jam is only of your own making, He has no part in it.

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CR/2 : 134 28 November 1888

Themes

42

Love of God 23 Passion 74Struggle 26 Renouncement 29Offering - Suffering 82


My dear little daughter must understand ever more clearly that it is only right, as she said in her last letter, that we love only love.As you also said very well, it is very difficult to do. This is not surprising because we love ourselves so tenderly that we revolt every time we have to suffer or give up something we like. Try, my child, to get used to accepting what is painful and do not look for what is pleasant. Believe me, it is a great grace at the beginning of your religious life to be shown how to become a true disciple of Jesus Crucified.

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CR/2 : 135 2 December 1888

Themes

Fidelity 89 Suffering 82Sanctity -


One becomes serious if one wants to. So, if you want to, you will become serious, but you must get down to it and especially do the things that cost you; and this earnestly, not just to rid yourself of them or to amuse yourself, but do them as well as you possibly can.

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CR/2 : 136 28 December 1888

Themes

Formation - Sanctity -


You misunderstood me. I thought that you could very well have kept St. Joseph, but I would have liked you to say whether you would keep her or not. You know, my dear child, that I am taking the “little girl’ to task and that I intend to put an end to her little by little. Don’t be surprised then if I flay her whenever the occasion arises for I want her to be holy and serious, to keep her mind on what she has to do, and I am working at this. I love you so much, Cecile mine, and I want you to be so perfect. Believe me, dear child, it is an untold blessing to have someone help us to correct ourselves while we are young.

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CR/2 : 137 31 December 1888

Themes

Struggle 26 Prayer 77Vocation -

43


Today we are sending out to our subscribers the page which was missing from the present issue. At the same time, here I am to wish a happy New Year to my little daughter. Pray for your vocations, dear child, that is the best way to obtain God’s help for them.You must not be surprised when they run into difficulties. Isn’t this what happens to everything done for God, even my Cecile’s good resolutions? I bless her in the hope that Mere may be able to do a great deal of good both to her and to her house.

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CR/2 : 138 2 January 1889

Themes

Abandonment 22 Jesus 67Charity 24 Peace 72Gentleness 89 Francis 65Sanctity -


I have just read your little note to Father and to me about S. Ste. Be very calm and gentle. Tell. M. Ste. Veronique all that is bothering you and if you treat S. Ste. with real kindness you will see things gradually come to rights again. I have such a great desire that my daughters be holy, but I see no signs of it yet. Jesus prayed very much for His apostles, too, yet during His lifetime He was not greatly consoled by their sanctity. Our Father St Francis was more fortunate than the Divine Master and I would like to be more fortunate, too, because Jesus wants it; He wants to indulge me very much in this; that you all become really holy. This is my wish for you and I bless you.

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CR/2 : 139 14 January 1889

Themes

Authority 79 Jesus 67Goodness 24 Respect for persons 24Strength 89 suffering 82Formation -


Although I have nothing new to tell you and since the post has not yet come in, I bless you, my little daughter for the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. May this Name be very dear to you and ever more so; our Seraphic Father used to suck his lips after pronouncing this holy Name. When you are troubled, pronounce this holy Name and it will give you the strength to be a true superior who has at heart the formation of her daughters – especially of those who are not good – and who busies herself particularly with these.

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CR/2 : 140 17 January 1889

Themes

Love 23 Renouncement 29 44

Fervour 89 Suffering 82Humility 89


Self-love (and this is what “little girls” are made of) shows itself in all kinds of ways. So does self-contempt, when one is determined to take no notice of suffering, to rise above things, even when one does not like them, to devote oneself, to give oneself and so on. Also, my child, do not be surprised if you come up against your own wretchedness in several ways. Love Jesus very much. He it is who will most surely destroy our self love. So that my little Cecile may make use of this divine activity, I bless her.

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CR/2 : 141 18 January 1889

Themes

Church 60 Renouncement 29Jesus 67 Sanctity -

Rome, 18 January 1889I am very glad you find sweetness in the Name of Jesus and that it recalls a grace received. But if you make a sacrifice of invoking this blessed Name, it will not only recall past graces but will, please God, obtain new ones for you every day. I pray that it will be so. Prayer is so necessary today when the interests of the Church are so much at stake. How I wish you were all saints, yet nothing is more painful to me than to see my daughters preoccupied with personal trifles, when their vocation is to pray God to save us from the dangers threatening us.

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CR/2 : 142 27 January 1889

Themes

Charity 24 Renouncement 29Generosity 89 Suffering 82


As for you, my child, be generous for the sake of Jesus who invites you, and tell Him that the subject of your particular examen will be to look to the good pleasure of others, which you will make yours wheneverit is not contrary to a duty. This will provide you with a good little martyrdom…

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CR/2 : 143 10 February 1889

Themes

Courage 89 Suffering 82Gospel 73 Work 75Renouncement 29 Earth/Heaven 83Time - World -Sanctity -

45


I have not had time to read your dream yet. The post from India and utter fatigue too, took up my whole day yesterday. All the troops are afoot in Rome. There is no rioting in our part of the city, but the soldiers are passing through continually. This shows what the world is; our Sisters, and even Cecile, are busy about many things. But how right Jesus was – only one thing is necessary – to become holy and this means acceptance of suffering. You have become preachers for me, you, my daughters, by your lack of courage.

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CR/2 : 144 17 February 1889

Themes

Goodness 24 Prayer 77Contemplation/Action 27 Respect for persons 24Maternal love -


It is more by prayer than by anything else that my child must prepare to have such a large community. How I want you to have that motherly patience which cares more for sick souls than for all the others. They must be given a very special attention. If I were a mother only to those who never hurt me, I would have very few daughters and so would Our Lord.

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CR/2 : 145 24 February 1889

Themes

Goodness 24 Prayer 77Charity 24 Renouncement 29Formation - Sentiment -Francis 65 Suffering 82Humility 89 Sanctity -


You just do not know how to suffer; you are not dead to yourself and so failings in charity increase. In such a case I have recourse to God, and then, through prayer and suffering, I try to find my way with each one. How happy I am when I sense that there is no passion in what someone has to say to her sisters. But my daughters are hardly Franciscan when they complain as they do, forgetting that the most unfortunate should be the object of the greatest charity.You would all like to be Immaculate. So, no cross! How pleasant that would be for self-love! But you are not immaculate, neither are the others! Charity, humility and death to self bear with awkward characters. St. Monica asked St. Ambrose to find such a one for her, so that she would work on herself. She had a greater understanding of virtue than my daughters have (…).Read this letter of Mother Ste. Veronique.

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46

CR/2 : 146 27 February 1889

Themes

Goodness 24 Gentleness 89Formation - Strength 89


I hope God has made the little observation I made to you the other day more palatable. God knows I do not like to tell my daughters that to me they seem to be at fault in some respects. Yet your failings must be pointed out to you, you young ones, otherwise I am afraid you will become a little odd in your old age. I am praying very much for my little Cecile so that these little trials may make her strong.

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CR/2 : 147 10 March 1889

Themes

Love of God 23 Renouncement 29Courage 89 Suffering 82Sanctity - Strength 89

Rome, 10 March 1889

I am wondering whether you have heard anything from the discount Bank, since you said it was time? Another day will come when we will all have to render account to our Love, Jesus. May this make my dear daughter a little braver. I am amused sometimes, or I should say astonished, that you all lack the strength to carry the trifling little cross that Jesus sends you. When I look back at those I had to carry, I wonder how you can expect to become holy. Could it always be in pleasure with never a hurt or a contradiction? No, my dear little one, if we want to love we will have to suffer.

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CR/2 : 148 23 March 1889

Themes

Goodness 24 Humility 89Charity 24 Suffering 82Sanctity - Formation -Communion of Saints 89

Rome, 23 March 1889

Time will tell if you really do my errands for heaven. I think that if you were a tiny bit holier the Lord would make me suffer a little less; but when His victims do not want to suffer, to put up with a sister who is a little disagreeable, there is nothing else our Crucified Lord can do but turn to me and give me what they will not take. How I wish my Cecile was a saint and would not be hurt when her mother tells her a home truth; that

she could not understand, that it is not because I am angry, but because I want the child, given me by God to become perfect. In the hope that she may finally understand her mother, I bless you…

----------47

CR/2 : 149 24 March 1889

Themes

Maternal love - Justice -Authority 79 Passion 74Duty 89 Earth/Heaven 83Strength 89

Rome, 24 March 1889

You do not write to me because you are feeling downcast? Well, if I were you I would write to Mere just because I was feeling downcast. Be brave, you are still young and have not yet learned to overcome your timidity. This is why you feel embarrassed at times with your daughters. I think that little by little you will overcome that and it will be easier for you to give all of them the same consideration because you are the mother of all. I bless you, dear child, so that you may find consolation and strength in the Passion of Christ during this Lent.

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CR/2 : 150 25 March 1889

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Nature 70 Sanctity -

Rome, 25 March 1889

Your project is just a question mark to me. It fits you so naturally that I must pray over it before making any decision. (…) To send St. Helene and her printing shop to Chatelets and to keep Mother St. Veronique and the nice novices: that would certainly not be too crucifying for my Cecile. I cannot see clearly what God wants of me in this, so we will sincerely ask Him to tell us.Let us seek only to please Him; this is the best way to holiness. I can assure you that my sisters are like a mirror which makes me take the resolution to become a saint no matter what it costs. So that you may make the same resolution, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 151 29 March 1889

Themes

Abandonment 22 Renouncement 29Sanctity - Suffering 82

Rome, 29 March 1889

Your two heads are very good and your hand is firm and steady. I feel sure that you will be able to produce some very nice things. But in art as in holiness, one has to take trouble and that is not always to the liking of my hear little Superior in Paris who would much rather things happened with God’s holy permission. Since I am more and more convinced that it is only through real arduous work that one succeeds, I bless you so that you may understand this more.

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48

CR/2 : 152 26 March 1889

Themes

Authority 79 Nature 70Struggle 26 Renouncement 29Formation - Sanctity -Humility 89

Rome, 26 March 1889

I have no recollection of your having hurt me in simply telling me your thought; I am inclined to think that it is my Cecile who is hurt when I do not agree with her. So, again, I have to point out to her that I did not say that when she was looking for her own satisfaction in proposing the transfer of the printing shop to the Chatelets. I simply said that it fitted you so naturally that it required a little more reflection. Very often the devil tempts us to choose what is agreeable to us in putting forward a reason quite other than the one that flatters our taste. Nonetheless, if it is in any way naturally agreeable to us, we must examine it more closely and a superior must do the same when a proposition is made that is naturally pleasing to the one who makes it. I meant no more than this, and certainly not that you proposed it for a purely natural reason. I will have to pray earnestly that my Cecile may come to realize that her mother never speaks to her daughter because she is angry, but because she wants her to be perfect. My insistent prayer will finally be answered, I hope, and God will make my little one understand. I do not think it is humility which prevents her from seeing it. My blessing asks God’s clear light for you.

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CR/2 : 153 17 April 1889

Themes

Love of God 23 Renouncement 29Absolute power of God - Work 75

Rome, 17 April 1889

I do not know whether I am mistaken, but I firmly believe I answer you punctually and this time, in response to a little note of four or five lines. May God give me much light and through the light much love, and through love an action which is excellent. This I ask with all my heart and I wish for your soul the most beautiful Easter. May Jesus be my little Cecile’s only Master.(…) When that happens and she has learned to set herself at naught, what a beautiful alleluia will resound in her soul!

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CR/2 : 154 2 June 1889

Themes

Nature 70 Love of God 23Absolute power of God - Silence 89

Rome, 2 June 1889

These few lines are to wish a happy retreat after all the upsets caused by the workrooms. See, my child, the occasion has passed, all that was done for God endures, all that was sacrificed to self remains. Everything else is gone. If we kept this in mind, what riches we would acquire for eternity and how different we would be before God!

49(,,,)Time flies and Jesus is already with us; when the month is over, I will soon be on my way to see a bad little Cecile whom I bless just the same with all my heart.

----------CR/2 : 155 3 June 1889

Themes

Sentiment - Prayer 77

Rome, 3 June 1889

I hope my Cecile will have a good month of the Sacred Heart and that she will pray very much for me. I am going to pray very earnestly for her. She can well imagine how sad I am that the General will be replaced in October. How will that affect the Institute? Your poor mother and her family really need my daughters to be good and powerful in the sight of God. I bless you so that you may be the best and as perfect as possible.

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CR/2 : 156 10 June 1889

Themes

Conversion - Humility 89Holy Spirit 61 Renouncement 29

Rome, 10 June 1889

I am praying very much for you, my child, for I want you to be more and more concerned with God and not taken up, as you were last winter, with a thousand and one things that only ruffle your self-love. You are going to go to the Chatelets. How I beg of our Divine Master to make you understand what a fine person your sister is so that you will imitate her. May the Holy Spirit accomplish this. It would be to your advantage, I think, if you had that contempt for self which Redemption has. God would make use of you as He does of her.

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CR/2 : 157 16 June 1889

Themes

Absolute power of God - Offering -Love of God 23 Renouncement 29Charity 24

Rome, 16 June 1889

I, too, would like to see you in an effort to make your dear soul decide to give itself entirely. Happy is the soul, Cecile, who thinks so little of itself that it keeps nothing for self but gives everything to God and neighbour. It will not be long now before we meet. It seems quite certain that I shall be leaving in two

weeks’ time. Will you be so kind as to order some more paper for me like this on which I am writing. Since you got it for me the first time, I am asking you for some more.

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50

CR/2 : 158 10 April 1890

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Salvation of souls 81Glory of God 66 Work 75

Marseilles, 10 April 1889

Although we still feel the after effects of our trip, I want you to have this little word. We were alone the whole time, which made it very pleasant. We went to bed as soon as we got in and slept until eight o’clock; so were are not really too tired. The building is going ahead nicely and is very well done. By June they will be installed as befits religious. I still count on leaving Thursday at eleven, so after Tuesday write me at Rome. I was pleased with my Cecile. My child, let us remain united in these saints we studied together. I want us to be one, working unstintingly for the glory of God and the good of others.I am sure that God is prepared to give you the grace to do what I would do if I were working in Paris. Do not lose that grace, I will do all I can to help you.

----------CR/2 : 159 13 April 1890

Themes

Love of God 23 Salvation of souls 81Mission 69 Work 75Order 89 Poverty 75Vocations -

Marseilles, 13 April 1890

I just want to send you a blessing, even though I am very busy and about to go to the Poor Clares. Work hard on the Annals; try to get order and production from that little group which really needs to be put in order.May your love for Jesus often remind you of the good which will be done through the printing press if it can assure the living of some missionaries and provide the means of accepting those poor persons who present themselves for this vocation. Make our young sisters understand that they can contribute to the salvation of souls by their work.

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CR/2 : 160 19 April 1890

Themes

Abandonment 22 Order 89

Rome, 19 April 1890

I’m finally back again, but I miss my little “Pied-Haut”! My child, I hope you are going to do a great deal of good as regards order in the printing press. From every side we are being told that practically everyone has received two copies of the last issue. Will you not, yourself, call out the names, every single one of

them, beginning with the first – and this every time? I am going to try to send you the cartons through Mother St. Veronique.With all my heart I bless you so that you will become all that Jesus wants and He wants a good deal. This is all I can say today.

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CR/2 : 161 20 April 1890

Themes

Abandonment 22 Order 89Example 63 Work 75Formation - Sentiment -Glory of God 66

Rome, 20 April 1890

I have your little note telling me that tears came, in thinking of your charge. I, too, my child, regret my little secretary whom I had almost finished training. My dear little one, we must prove to all that our meditations are good and give ourselves up to the Divine Will, seeking in all things the glory and good pleasure of our Jesus. It is God who wanted it this way, for at St. Anthony’s there was need of a professed, other than St. Helen, to help M. St. Veronique. Busy yourself now and do wonders of order and of work in that printing press, our hope.

So that you may be the “queen” in that busy hive, but without ever stinging anyone, I bless you.

----------CR/2 : 162 1 May 1890

Themes

Courage 89 Order 89Devotion 89 Prayer 77Fidelity 89 Suffering 82Joy 89 Work 75Obedience 71

Rome, 1 May 1890

I have a very heavy cross just now (…), and in spite of all that I can do, I feel helpless. Pray for me and devote yourself wholeheartedly so as to give me the joy of seeing your debts paid and our bread earned by the sweat of our brow. Encourage Mother St. Veronique and M. Trinite and be very practical, withpunctuality and order for everyone. You will have St. Anthony and the merit of obedience to help you.

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CR/2 : 163 14 May 1890

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Sanctity - Generosity 89

Rome, 14 May 1890

The consolations the Lord sends these days are very few, but what is to be done? We have to try to live the Fiat. Ask this grace for me.

I am sure our good Master will hear you if you pray for your mother, and especially if you are very generous. Mother … tells me you are so good and that pleases me. I love to know that my daughters are what God wants them to be.

Do not forget to write Grandfather for his feast.----------

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CR/2 : 164 20 June 1890

Themes

Goodness 24 Jesus 67Strength 89 Obedience 71

Rome, 20 June 1890

I see that you understood. Encourage obedience. Stimulate energy and do not come along stamping your foot unless a public good requires it. But be very kind to both.

You do not want to make cards for me; piles of them have come for the secretariat. Nothing for the mother of “Pied Haut”. How naughty! Yet I will say the last letters I received have pleased me very much and in them I have found the only good perfume we can place in our basket. Which? That of Jesus Christ.

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CR/2 : 165 3 July 1890

Themes

Joy 89 Prayer 77Suffering 82

3 July 1890, Saint Cecile

I thought, I am very often in your printing room, but I cannot do more, since I have no news of my little “Pied Haut” either yesterday or today, I find that strange and am wondering why. On Saturday and Sunday must pray earnestly. Possibly we shall have good news then, but I am not building up hope for fear of being disappointed. Pray very much just the same on Saturday and Sunday to obtain that joy for me. Have the others pray too and add a few good sacrifices.

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CR/2 : 166 7 July 1890

Themes

Joy 89

7 July 1890

I think you will be glad to know that I am happy; I am happy because the favour I was so anxious to receive has been accorded, although we do not speak of it yet. And besides, I have received the little pictures and the portraits; I find these very pretty; I cannot believe that my daughters did all that. The portraits were not well wrapped and are a little damaged. To send them safely put little pieces of wood around the corners, then two can be placed together, one against the other without risk of damage in transit.

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CR/2 : 167 18 August 1890

Themes

Devotion 77 Fidelity 89 53

Salvation of souls 81 Strength 89Sanctity - World -Suffering 82


I am glad you have taken a good resolution. Look beyond the creature, my child, there is no better way to remain strong and holy in time of trials and to turn these to our own good and to the good of others. Have you received the Constitutions and have you sent the alms? We must be as punctual as angels.

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Themes

Joy 89 Suffering 82Order 89 Work 75Responsibility 79 Unity 87Sanctity - Time -Silence 89


Here we all are in General Congregation; everyone around me is working and I have more work than I can do. I am most anxious that much good should result for all our souls from this Congregation. It is quite evident that this cannot just happen There must be consultation, prayer, work during the Congregation and we are preparing ourselves for it by retreat. For my part, I am following the exercises, but I am not making it because after my return from France and Belgium I am going to seek God in solitude and with Him find the means of putting into execution in the most advantageous manner for souls, all that our Mothers will have decided.Between now and that retreat, which I will probably make in December, all of you will have time to pray and especially for the result of the Congregation.We began the retreat Thursday evening because it was the feast of St. Rose of Viterbo and I wanted to place all of us under the protection of that dear little missionary, who through her preaching converted so many souls. All our Mothers seem so well disposed, so recollected, so serious about their business that it is a real consolation to my poor heart. I give one of the meditations, that which we make the evening before; Father Procurator General is kind enough to give us the points for the morning meditation the evening before. In addition we have to organize three commissions : one for the revision of the customs books, another for poverty, all our financial questions depend on this; the third is the commission for the works.I am anxious to have everything done this time in such a way that it will provide a model for the Institute in the years to come, for six years from now what Foundresses will still be here? It is most important, therefore, that we leave things perfectly organized.So pray, dear child, that the results of this Congregation may be fruitful for your soul and for those of all the members of the Institute both present and to come.That is all for now, I am inundated with work.

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CR/2 :169 22 November 1890

Themes

Absolute power of God - World -Goodness of God 23 Renouncement 29

54

Joy 89 Work 75Earth/Heaven 83


I would have liked to tell you before the feast that I would not forget my little Cecile, but I did not have a minute and it is only today that I can write, having just come from Mass. I have prayed very much for you, asking your dear saint that, like her, you may rise above the things of this earth. Cecile, how happy we are when we have only Jesus before our eyes! I beg of you, try to understand the gift of God in the present situation and to profit from it, to work solely for your Beloved.

----------CR/2 : 170 4 December 1890

Themes

Charity 24 Struggle 26Contemplation/Action 27 Prayer 77Courage 89 Renouncement 29Suffering 82 Work 75World - Sanctity -Grace - Earth/Heaven 83


I have the letter of my dearly loved child dated 24 November and although I could not be busier, I am going to answer it.

1. When one thinks of self, one has to struggle patiently for sacrifice, and it is in this struggle that one grows in holiness; it is also sacrifice that makes us rise above the things of earth.

2. God does not have to answer, and if we will it, we always have the grace of courage.3. Both to love and to despise ourselves at the same time is our human condition. Little by little the

cart which despises self must stifle the other. It is again sacrifice that performs this miracle. I want my Cecile to understand that Jesus loves her in making her share His cross. May she live in this thought, may she become sincerely pious and prayerful and may her words communicate this spirit to the whole printing unit.

----------CR/2 : 171 11 December 1890

Themes

Duty 89 Renouncement 29Humility 89 Suffering 82Sanctity - World -Time - Jesus 67


Why do you waste your time looking at creatures and not see Jesus who wants you for Himself and who uses them to make you die to your self-love? At Christmas, put yourself at the feet of the Divine Infant and

say to Him once and for all : “I really want to be despised, to be disregarded, so that I can live in Your love by dying to myself”. Do your duty, but when something makes you suffer, raise your eyes higher than the creature who is responsible. To suffer and to be taken to task while young is a grace, I understand this better every day. (…)

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I think you must be feeling the cold, because even here in Rome we are feeling it very much. I hope you are thawing out and making progress in perfection; and that once and for all you will turn your eyes away from creatures, paying little attention to what they make you suffer, but raising your eyes higher, to Jesus for whom you are suffering. (…)

I really have been several days without writing to Paris, but since you have no news of me, I will be careful to give you some. All for God, my Cecile! Be very good to X., and a saint for everyone.

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CR/2 : 172 28 December 1890

Themes

Absolute power of God - Thanksgiving -World - Sanctity -Joy 89 Authority 79Renouncement 29 Goodness 24Charity 24 Humility 89Time -


Thanks be to God! He has given you a clear view of the infinite number of ways self-love seeks itself. Profit from this to become truly humble and to turn away completely from everything that is not your God; the rest is nothing.I prefer your confession to any joy that this earth could give me. Turn it into love for Jesus. You are mistaken, though, in accusing yourself of delaying M’s vows and of making her leave Paris. There is no truth in that; the reason existed before you went to Paris and you have nothing to do with it. M. knows very well that it was necessary and I believed that if she had remained in Parish she would have ended by leaving the Institute. So have no worry at all on that score.

For the rest, God’s time has not yet come to speak about it. Precisely because I am the Superior General, I have had the grace to know you better than you know yourself. It makes me very happy to see that my little Cecile is taking the road of charity and of humility. That she may tread this path, I bless her.

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CR/2 : 173 2 January 1891

Themes

Frankness 89 Renouncement 29Humility 89 Simplicity 89


Dear Cecile, I haven’t the time to answer you, but do not be surprised at finding two in you. I have known the two for a long time and you have not deceived me. Whoever knows only the bad is mistaken and so is

the one who knows only the good. Be humble and let yourself be held in contempt, that will not deceive you.

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CR/2 : 174 3 January 1891

Themes

Authority 79 Prudence 89Humility 89 Purity 89Nature 70 Silence 89


Do you remember the story of St. Gertrude and Our Lord, or have you ever heard it? St. Gertrude asked the Divine Master one day to let her know what there was in her life that was done with an entire purity of intention. Our Lord showed her a bunch of grapes and said: “See how many grapes are unblemished”. The saint looked, but nearly all the grapes had spots. If it was like that with St. Gertrude, you should realize, my child, that in your own poor soul human emotions must be far more frequent. Only many souls do not see this and it cannot be said that they deceive, because they see the human side as if in a cloud. Very often God reveals it to superiors, but they should say nothing until the soul sees it herself. God has given you a great grace in opening your eyes a little!

That you may profit by it and accept being humiliated, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 175 8 January 1891

Themes

Courage 89 Humility 89World - Frankness 89


I knew very well that it cost you to admit that you were in the wrong. … O my child, take your courage in both hands and say frankly what you have not done well and do not bother about what people will think of you. Your salvation is not in their hands; the longer one lives the better one sees that one has to rise above human judgments.

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CR/2 : 176 24 February 1891

Themes

Authority 79 Order/Hierarchy 71Goodness 24 Prayer 77Charity 24 Renouncement 29Strength 89 Responsibility 79Joy 89 Common life 91Conversion -


I think you must be like a school girl on holiday and I am happy that you are being delivered from the trial you have been undergoing for nearly a year and which was too strong for the virtue of a certain little “Pied- Haut”; don’t think about it any more and at Marseilles try to become a model superior. That will be my prayer for you. Forget yourself, busy yourself with the souls of others, cultivate them and also cultivate

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your own. Try to pray very much; as for St. Helene, have her help you as much as possible; that will do her good. Be really united with each other. Together you could do a great deal of good. Be careful not to give any order or dispensation with regard to the material without telling her but you must see to it also that she obeys you. For what concerns visitors, it would be well to have her take over little by little the care of the parlours, but you should also go and get acquainted with everyone; only she should be there so that you can be at the disposal of your community when you should be.

For St. F. be kind and firm; that child has been spoiled, she must become prayerful again, but she has no right to miss an exercise without permission, except for a duty of her charge as sub-bursar general and then she must tell you. Keep this letter and read it once a month to see if you are doing as Mere said.

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CR/2 : 177 25 February 1891

Themes

Charity 24 Responsibility 79Example 63 Suffering 82Frankness 89 Unity 87Obedience 71 Common life 91Order-Hierarchy 71 Prudence 89Sentiment -


To M. de St. Cecile and M. de St. Helene,

Apart from the personal letter I have written to my two daughters, I feel the need of sending them a few words; they will read them and keep them so as to re-read them every month. After having read them this first time, they will go and kneel before the tabernacle and promise J.M.J., O.F. St. Francis and St. Raphael to give a truly good example to the Institute. My little Cecile must know that subjects, without always being aware of it perhaps, try to create differences between the superior and the assistant; and just as the assistant must always take the part of the superior, so the superior must always take the part of the assistant, exteriorly. If she is in the wrong, if she has given imprudent permissions, she must put things right, but it must be she who does it, not the superior, who must not seem to contradict the assistant. Let each other know the order you change, or the permission or dispensations you give. When an exercise has to be missed, it is better that it be St. Helen and not St. Cecile. St. Cecile can very easily leave the parlour saying: “I am going to an exercise and I leave you Mother Assistant”: but not for a priest, however and this is only a counsel which should be followed with tact and discernment.

When you are annoyed with each other, do not speak but write a little note to each other and send me the copy, then accept me as the judge; and the one I decide is in the wrong must not get angry with the one I decide is right. Cecile in Paris and Helene in Marseilles have both seen what agony it is for a superior general to be unable to warn the local superior, to call her attention to an abuse, to give her an order without exciting in her annoyance, to say the least, against the other who caused the observation from the Mother General. In my heart I believe that the lack of obedience in Paris and in Marseilles and the lack of patient mutual support in these two houses are the cause of the terrible trial I am being subjected to these last eleven days and which began the very day I was forced to take the Economat General over again. In Marseilles, I have also been obliged to change my plans, St. Helene has had to be made assistant, St. F.

has been overcome by a burden too heavy for her virtue. God takes count of all. My dear little ones, take God’s side.

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CR/2 : 178 25 February 1891

Themes

Abandonment 22 Obedience 71Charity 24 Respect for persons 24Fidelity 89 Responsibility 79Glory of God 66 Renouncement 29Humility 89 Justice 89Suffering 82 Earth/Heaven 83Sanctity - Unity 87


Dear M. de Ste. Cecile (in Marseilles) and M. de Ste. Helene

My dear little daughters, take God’s side.

May this awful lesson which has wrung the heart and soul of your mother make you decide to become really holy. You must buy a copy of the life of Blessed Felix of Nicosia, O.F.M. Cap.; you will learn, both of you and you must teach the others at St. Raphael’s to accept being blamed even when not in fault. Have my daughters any real virtue at all? Less than a fragile glass it would seem, the least contradiction, the least humiliation, the desire to be loved, of being given confidence, their attachment to their own will, brings everything tumbling down. Because of these slight conflicts all is lost, our superiors are considered unjust, our sisters are hateful, the house full of bad spirit, is ruined.My children, we must do the will of others every time it is not strictly necessary for God’s glory that we do our own. For what concerns ourselves let us follow the same rule: pay no attention to what touches only us. Something I recommend to you again is this: that your obedience to me, to the Bursar General, to your Provincial be perfect. Not that I do not admit that in certain cases you should use your own judgment to change an order or take a presumed permission: if it is a serious matter you have the telegraph, try not to act without permission; if it is not very important, give the whole story afterwards. You can be sure then that God will take care of all you do. I tell you this from Him; I feel certain of it in the very depths of my soul. You will see that if you are really united, very faithful, you will do much good, and you will help me in many ways; you will complement each other and that will be for the greater glory of God. (…) With this, I bless you so that you may accomplish what Jesus, Mary, Joseph, St. Francis, St. Helen, St. Anne and St. Raphael expect of you; I confide you to them.

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CR/2 179 14 March 1891

Themes

Abandonment 22 Incarnation/Redemption 67Joy 89 Goodness of God 23Passion 74 Contemplation/Action 27Prayer 77 Eucharist 62Renouncement 29 Francis 65Tabernacle 86 Humility 89

Absolute power of God - Transformed in God 84

14 March 1891

Tomorrow we will celebrate the feast of the Passion. I am asking Our Lord to reveal to each and every one of you why He wanted the first mother of the Institute to have this name. It is the mark of the Seraph of Assisi who had true union with the Passion of Our Lord. He had a share of that incredible tenderness

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which demands identification with the one loved. Christ’s passion for man compelled Him to become incarnate, to die on the cross, to endure all the sufferings of the visible passion and to nourish us with His flesh and blood. Francis’ passion stripped him of everything that was not God and identified him with the Crucified by the miracle of the stigmata. I long to have my daughters, who belong to the family of the Seraphic Minors, understand fully this marvel of the Passion and in meditating on that of Our Lord, so nourish themselves with it that they die to themselves leaving God alone to live in them, in their life and in their works. This will be my prayer tomorrow. How happy I would be if, for my bouquet, Jesus deigned to hear me.

Apart from God’s good pleasure, there is only emptiness and the most brilliant works are but the vanity of self-love if we do not put into them the unique desire of the Divine good pleasure.

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CR/2 : 180 16 March 1891

Themes

Love of God 23 Francis 65Authority 79 Humility 89Struggle 26 Passion 74Courage 89 Renouncement 29Spouse 25 Faith 64Grace - Judgment -World - Formation -

Rome, 16 March 1891

We are now in the holy season of the Passion and I hope we will all draw freely from the treasury of graces which Our Lord opens to His spouses during these days consecrated to the marvels of His love for us. How I long to see all my daughters true children of the Seraphic Family of Minors. If only we understood the treasures hidden in contempt of self and in the love which results from it! I envy St. Francis who had disciples whose faith penetrated into the mystery of the humiliations of Our Lord. Why is it that my daughters cannot be like them and understand the Passion of their Divine Master, nourish themselves with it and pattern their lives on it? I feel so compelled to pray for this grace, but I am still too unworthy to receive it. “:Love so little understood”, cried St. Francis; it is true that even though we are heiresses of this treasure, we are spending our lives gathering dust. If at least the superiors would take the resolution to leave off this nonsense and to do all they can to put the good sense of the seraphic minors into the heads and hearts of all those whom God has placed in their care! You will do this, won’t you, my dear daughter, at least you will make every effort to do so; and since grace never fails us, although we can fail grace, you will succeed in the end.

You did well, my child, in holding the chapter and I thank God that you had the courage. Yes, I do believe that X could be very good and that she deserves to have her superiors help her. Do so, and you will please the Child Jesus.

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CR/2 : 181 19 March 1891

Themes

Love of God 23 Renouncement 29Suffering 82

60

Rome, 19 March 1891

I think St. Gabriel must love the house of St. Raphael and I am asking his blessing at one and the same time both for it and for my daughters. Love and sacrifice, Cecile dear. That you may so live, I bless you.

----------CR/2 : 182 20 March 1891

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Nature 70 Purity 89Sanctity -

Rome, 20 March 1891

Today is the feast of our good St. Joseph; it was splendid even though just a family affair. Transfiguration and M. de Montfort were delighted to make their vows and our little Marie, now Marie de St. Agnes no less happy to receive the habit. She is just fourteen years and three days. She began her retreat on her birthday. I don’t think there has been anyone younger in the Institute. Colette and Stanislaus were fifteen plus several months, I think. Father General presided at the ceremony assisted by Father Raphael, Father Sabatino and our chaplain. He could not help smiling when he saw our little primrose. She is really a bit overgrown, but I trust that Our Lord will let us keep her. She has become much stronger and it looks as though the climate of Rome agrees with her.Father General said some lovely things about St. Joseph, who, he added, is above all the other saints; in proof of this he cited the Gospel text: “He was a just man”, explaining that “just” includes all the virtues and that from every point of view St. Joseph rendered to God all that was due to Him. It would indeed be justice to do in all this the divine good pleasure like Mary and Joseph. How foolish we are to let ourselves be dragged along by our evil nature which is but the result of injustice, sin. Pray that I may become a little more just and shall not fail, my dear Cecile, to make the same prayer for you.

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CR/2 : 183 28 March 1891

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Humility 89Joy 89 Prayer 77Fervour 89 Penitence 76Fidelity 89 Resurrection 80Conversion - Family -

Rome, 28 March 1891

Alleluia! Christ is risen! The angels announced it to the holy women. Although I am not an angel, with the angel of the resurrection, I can repeat “Alleluia” to all the daughters whom the love of God has given me. Our good Father Raphael officiated at all our ceremonies of Holy Week. Tomorrow Father General will celebrate Mass. We are really fortunate here in this dear Rome. At this Mass of Holy Saturday, only the little bells are rung because all must wait to ring the big ones until those of St. Peter’s announce the good

news to the world. They have just rung out their joyous peals and our modest little Franciscan bell is answering with all the bells of the eternal City. Modest little place which I would not give up for an empire! When souls are faithful in the Institute, grace flows out to them through the channel of the house which they have near St. Peter’s. Be one of them, my child, this is the wish for a beautiful feast of Easter which your Mother sends you and to all with you.

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I think with joy of my little novice friar who will get up tomorrow. I was afraid of Lent for him, and many were my prayers and those of others, that during this time he would be sustained by grace and the goodness of God.

He told me so sweetly that he was the first to wish me my feast at Matins, the midnight of the Passion. When I think how this young man was used to praying only in the language of a soldier, I admire God’s goodness to him in leading him to the path of meditation, the choir and penance without his making the least complaint at the transition. This should encourage us to rise again to fervor and to fidelity; ask this grace for me. My health just now is like that of a chronic invalid; true I had to carry out all the offices demanded by my charge during Holy Week.

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CR/2 : 184 29 March 1891

Themes

Lamb - Conversion -Joy 89 Poverty 75Body/Soul 28 Purity 89Fidelity 89 Simplicity 89Francis 65 Resurrection 80Vocation - Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 29 March 1891

I do not know why I have felt more strongly than ever the joys of the Resurrection. I have just made the meditation of Easter Sunday and I was struck by one of the lessons at Matins which says we must not be afraid of the angel who announces the Resurrection of Jesus because we are the sisters of the angels, destined to take the places in heaven which have been left vacant and the white vestments of the angels by their snowy whiteness should already bring joy to our hearts. I think we are the only ones in the Church who have the joy of wearing heavenly garments; how I wish it could be a guarantee of our fidelity and teach us that everything in our life must lead to heaven and only heaven. We must try to rise to that vocation indicated by our habit. Ask this grace for me and I shall ask it for you and for all with you.

On Monday, Montfort, Transfiguration and St. Joseph are going to Assisi to greet our seraphic Father; he too, as he drew near to Jesus and Mary to receive the indulgence of the Portiuncula, was clothed by the angels with a white robe. I think he must like to see us wearing the Franciscan dress of that colour. How lovely it would be if we were really little seraphic lambs, not only poor, white, simple and gay exteriorly, but simple, poor, white and gay at heart. Something I feel very strongly is that we are far from arriving at the sublimity of our vocation and the divine call to the Institute. This Easter let us try to rise to a greater fidelity; God wants this, why should we not give Him what His love desires so ardently?

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CR/2 : 185 April 4 1891

Themes

Resurrection 80 Victim 90

Lamb - Conversion -Sanctity - Humanity -Universality - Death -

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Rome, 4 April 1891

Dear M. de Ste. Cecile and dear M…

It is already the octave of Easter; how time flies! If we were sensible we would realize that our lives must be directed toward the eternal Pasch. While writing the meditations of the Institute, I understood better than ever the mystery of the Passover. Has it ever occurred to you that sin has made mankind feel the need of sacrifice and of victims? Abel looked among his flocks to find the very best of his lambs to offer to the Lord. Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son. Finally, the time came for the first Passover, the exterminating angel passed, but wherever the door was stained with the blood of the lamb that had been eaten, all in the house were spared. Jesus is our Pasch, our true paschal lamb. At every anniversary of His Resurrection He invites all the Christians of the whole world to renew themselves in His blood by absolution and to eat the lamb. The exterminating angel still strikes those who are not marked with the blood and nourished with the flesh of the Lamb; spiritually they die a death far more terrible than that which kills the body. At the Last judgment the Lamb will pass again, this time to invite us to the eternal feast where we will be nourished by the divinity. We will rise from our grave because out of love for us He has conquered death. But only those who have been nourished with His flesh and sealed with His blood will share in the eternal Pasch of the Lamb.

If we thought about what God teaches us through all the feasts of the Church, we would really keep them holy and we would be more perfect in the sight of God and men!

Grandfather, who had come to spend two weeks in Rome, came yesterday to say good-bye. He sends his blessing to all of you. He does not seem sad, he looks very well and he loves us as much as ever. I too love, my children and want you to be pleasing to God.

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CR/2 : 186 16 April 1891

Themes

Absolute power of God - Time -Family - World -Joy 89 Mary 68Love of God 23

Rome, 16 April 1891

Dear Cecile and dear Ste. Helene,

I am writing to both of you together because I am too tired to send a letter to each of you. Today is the feast of St. Raphael and I would like him to bring to all my daughters the joys he brought to Tobias. How beautifully he prefigures Our Lord. He took the form of a man and was a guide along life’s road. He chased out devils and cured the blind. He said that he seemed to eat with men but had another food and drink invisible to them. Our good Jesus really became man. He ate and drank with men and nourished them with His own body and blood, invisible under the appearances of bread and wine. I love St. Raphael very much. Deep down in my heart I feel that he is and always will be the protector of the Institute; and so today I am praying very much to him for all my daughters and especially for you, my two dear ones.

It is decided now that my nephew will be married on April 28th, and I recommend this young couple to your prayers, The reports I have about Brother Francois-Marie are always pleasing; he is a special consolation to me. Father General came the other day for a little feast of the probanists. These children are beginning to have really lovely voices and later on I believe they will be a great help in our houses. They are very well disposed and apply themselves like real little religious. Once again we could see that our new Father General has kept a big place in his heart for the Institute and for this favour I thank our protector, the archangel Raphael.

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We have a new bishop in Fribourg. Mother M. Anne has made her first visit to him. Pray earnestly for that house which has been going down for some time. I would like so much to see it come to life again. Courage, dear children! May our Lady help you each day to become more pleasing to her Divine Son; what a waste of time to think of anything else! Nothing else matters. Live of Jesus who is all.

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CR/2 : 187 18 April 1891

Themes

Maternal love - Sanctity -Formation - Will -Poverty 75 Body/Soul 28Prayer 77 Fidelity 89Work 75 Mary 68Mission 69 Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 18 April 1891

Dear Cecile and dear St. Helene

The month of May is almost here and I would not like to see it go by without bringing you special graces of holiness. Father Raphael wrote to me the other day referring to the meditations I am preparing for the Institute: “Little by little as you get into the habit of it, the work will become easier, for practice makes perfect. With the fire of divine grace then, and the metal of your will, forge saints.” God is my witness that I do will this with all the energy of my soul and of my love. But, alas! I have not yet been able to make saintsof my daughters. It is my fault, no doubt, for if I myself were more holy, I could perhaps lead others to the springs of sanctity. Before the month of Mary closes, though, I hope some will have decided to take that path. Since my work is not producing the effect I had hoped for, I am going to seek refuge in prayer and go into retreat on Friday, 24 April until Sunday, 3 May, the anniversary of my vows and the discovery of the true cross by my Patron, the great missionary, St. Helen. How much I will pray for the Institute and for all my dear daughters, in particular for my Cecile and my Helene.

If we had our eyes fixed on Mary, we would imitate her and we would soon become her worthy daughters continuing her mission here on earth. During this month of Mary I shall not cease asking this grace for my daughters. I shall not stop with the retreat but will continue afterwards; you can count on it, because the more I proceed the more something keeps saying to me in my heart: Your daughters could do so much good if they were faithful to the special call of their vocation, if they were holy. While recommending the spiritual prosperity of the Institute, do not forget the material side and beg God to help us manage to pay our debts and to live by our work. If our pictures continue to sell, I hope to see the end of worries that are so distressing from the temporal point of view. Under Mary’s influence, may the spiritual ones vanish also. That this may be so in your soul and in your house, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 188 26 April 1891

Themes

Mission 69 Work 75

Time - Earth/Heaven 83

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Rome, 26 April 1891

Dear Cecile and dear Ste. Helene,

Yesterday, I could not write as I was delayed by the mission post and the explosion of the powder-magazine. I must admit in all simplicity that my nerves were badly shaken by the commotion, especially since Father Raphael was absent that day and for a moment I thought his train had gone through the disaster area; but it proved to be just one more excitement. The city is still shaken by it, especially the good women: they are crying in the streets and when they come on an errand, it is impossible to send them away. They tell of their fright and their terror over and over again and draw no end of satisfaction from it. I have put off my retreat because several have been affected by this and there are all sorts of rumours about the manifestations for the 1st May. Thus the good God has decided, but I hope that without delay I will be able to occupy myself with my good Master.Father General left Rome today. Poor Father Raphael now has a heavy burden on his shoulders. Pray for him and have others pray also, so that God will help him carry out successfully all he has to do. I know by experience how irksome it is to have more to do than one can cope with.It would be a good idea to begin praying for the Chapter of our Fathers in France; according to custom it should be held towards Pentecost and that is not very far away. Please God, it will be for the greater good of that dear province. Let us do all we can to obtain that from heaven.I think it would be well to keep X. out of the Printing works: just simply hurry with her orders. But she must have something to do; for the children of Mary, it is agreed that you will keep them, but what about the chapel, the garden. That is about all I can see, but a head like hers should not be left unoccupied.

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CR/2 : 189 2 May 1891

Themes

Suffering 82 Work 75

Rome, 2 May 1891

Dear Cecile and dear St. Helene,

I am not writing a long letter to you today: we live in the midst of continual upsets. On Thursday the 25th, it was the explosion in the power-magazine; on Monday the 27th, our dear Assomption went to eternity; on the 29th she was removed and our hearts were heavy at not being able to keep her like our dear departed ones at the Chatelets.Between the rioting and the explosion there have been a number of dead and wounded. It is not cheerful and my poor retreat has fallen through. We will have to be excused if we do not seem to be doing much.

Ask Father General to give his blessing to my Xavier, a truly fatherly blessing.

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CR/2 : 190 4 May 1891

Themes

Authority 79 Joy 89Gentleness 89 Respect for persons 24Formation -

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Rome, 4 May 1891

In order to give peace and joy to others, you, yourself must urge them on to happiness and you should strive for a kind of intimacy with each soul. You must learn to know her character, her difficulties and so help her to attain to God. I can assure you, dear child, that in the end they will be most grateful to you. Gently prod St. Helene into being kinder and to appeal to hearts rather than rely on fear. My poor prayer will help you. Rome seems quiet, but we went through some bad days and the distress is much that we wonder if it is finished.

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CR/2 : 191 7 May 1891

Themes

Absolute power of God - Sanctity -Love of God 23 Renouncement 29Detachment 29 Silence 89Holy Spirit 61 Suffering 82Work 75 Nature 70Victim 90 Prayer 77World - Vocation -Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 7 May 1891

I should have begun my retreat so as to have finished it on the 3rd May, anniversary of my vows. The explosion, death of Assomption, riots of the 1st May made me put it off. It is just as well, for I would never have been able to have had any kind of recollection amidst so much commotion. I would have owed it just the same to the community, to my dear little Assomption. I would have been on retreat, but I would not have made my retreat. Now all seems calm and I think God’s time has come, so tonight I am going into solitude and will remain in the Cenacle with Our Lady and the Apostles until the morning of Pentecost. I trust that the Holy Spirit will come and that I will be completely restored in the spirit of love. More than ever my heart’s desire is that you be saints. This earth, I find, is so paltry and there is such an atmosphere of apprehension, of suffering that it should engender saints. There is not a doubt in my mind, about God’s call to my daughters; their hearts should be flame with a pure love fed by detachment from earthly things. Yet, my God, how I see them preoccupied with mere human trifles, petty interests, petty wishes, petty humiliations, petty sacrifices, petty complaints about their superiors and so on. How small it all is. Sometimes I find myself saying to Our Lord: “But what do you want me to do? I can honestly tell you that I am doing all I can for them; I do want to see them dead to themselves and to all these silly nothings; no matter how I try, I am not able to detach them so as to attach them to you alone.” If we are to be victims who will persuade God to grant immense graces to His Church, we cannot be sham religious, but true serious religious, very pious, living a life of love, prayer and sacrifice. This is what I am going to ask Our Lord; that my daughters may help me obtain this grace by being very faithful and by inspiring others with this same fidelity.

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CR/2 : 192 26 June 1891Themes

Mary 68 Poverty 75Work 75

Rome, 26 June 1891

Yesterday I was out on a campaign, not to fight, but I would have been happy had I won, that is to say had I found a property where our probanists would be able to breathe some fresh air, where we too could go

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from time to time to rid ourselves of fever and especially where we could make some savings. Everything has become so expensive in Rome that if we could have our own wine, our milk, vegetables, poultry and eggs we would save a great deal. In Italy the ground is so fertile that it simply asks to produce. We could easily have some Tyrolese to work with our Tyrolese sisters who are such good religious and it would mean a great saving for us. But we have to find a suitable place which does not cost too much. Now is a good time, because all are so poor they do not know where to turn. The property we saw yesterday was delightful, but unfortunately it is the joint property of the whole family and all are not of the same opinion. One especially has very high pretensions. We cannot give what he wants, but I have not lost hope. When we got to that place we went into a little chapel where Our Lady is honoured under the title “Mary, Deluge of Graces”. She is so lovely, that Virgin, crowned by a pope, that I really fell in love with her. I hope she will be good to us and will rain down in unhoped-for abundance. Since it was under this title that our good Mother showed herself to me when I went in search of a place in the country, it is also under this title that I want her to be invoked there.I have not time to finish, they are calling me to the parlour.

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CR/2 : 193 14 July 1891

Themes

Foundation 69 Mary 68Mission 69

Rome, 14 July 1891

I can’t help being amused when I think that Notre Dame de la Garde wants us as sacristans! I must admit that missionaries would be in their place there, so I believe we can accept: but the affair must be carefully settled and the stipulation made that we may sell the products of our workrooms along with the rest. Our workrooms could produce all kinds of things on Our Lady and I think that in making a good choice of sisters we will be able to do very well. I suppose that they will also give us something for our trouble. Our sisters will wear grey and we will arrange for the chapter and the recreations. Anywhere else, I would say no, but I would not want to refuse Notre Dame de la Garde. The foundation must be clearly authorized by the bishop so that a change of superior will not ruin everything. It would not be worthwhile to begin it all and then drop it.

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CR/2 : 194 15 July 1891

Themes

Struggle 26 Joy 89Sanctity -

Rome, 15 July 1891

It is my handwriting that you see again and I am sure that it is a consolation for my dear little daughter. It would be a greater consolation to me if you become a real little saint. Your assistant can be a good means for you to overcome yourself. You must not be cold towards her, even when she annoys you and yet you

must not let her have what God wants you to refuse her. In this way you will help her on to sanctification and yourself also.

----------CR/2 : 195 27 July 1891

Themes

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Abandonment 22 Renouncement 29Sanctity - Nature 70

Rome, 27 July 1891

I read attentively the letter in which you reviewed all your personnel. My child, put once and for all into the heart of Jesus the illusion of hoping to have with you people who are perfect. I see more and more clearly that the earth is filled with nothing but misery. Use it to grow in holiness. I understand that H. is growing careless, but I believe that it is just a reason for you to become more perfect. It seems to me that “Pied Haute” gets her own satisfaction, sometimes. So that you may become all that Jesus-Love wants you to be, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 196 3 August 1891

Themes

Goodness 24 Suffering 82Renouncement 29 Common life 91Formation -

Rome, 3 August 1891

Pray very much for your mother who has such a heavy cross. If you knew its extent you would have pity. I think all of you are somewhat to blame. Hardly any of you want to accept suffering and since you don’t, who has to be the victim? The common life, being kind so as to prevent failings in others, accepting the suffering caused by the less faithful, this is the ordinary, everyday martyrdom of religious life and of sanctity itself. I beg of you, my child, fashion yourself and those with you, to the cross, to sacrifice, to mortification.

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CR/2 : 197 12 August 1891

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mary 68Mission 69 Struggle 26Passion 74 Strength 89Renouncement 29 Suffering 82Absolute power of God - Grace -Jesus 67 Victim 90Vocation of the Institute - Earth/Heaven 83


We are still in suspense about our place in the country. Will God let me have it for the feast? Perhaps! One thing is certain, I have wanted it very much; the location pleases me and I think it would be good for us

to be there. By carriage, it would take less than two hours to get there and would be more pleasant than going by train. The Lord will decide. We are making a novena to the dear Madonna, Deluge of Graces.It seems such a pretty title under which to invite her missionaries.Here below, shouldn’t we be the channel for the deluge of Mary’s graces? Alas! The demon is always warring against us and most of our sisters are forgetting the why of their vocation. The slightest suffering shakes them; the least scratch and they complain as though all were lost. I see myself being at the head of something of an army of wet hens. I rack my brains to find ways of putting some energy into them, and

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making them face up to the seriousness of their vocation as victims. But it is not easy; no matter how hard I try, the great majority of the letters I receive can be summed up thus: “ I am suffering, I cannot go on any longer, I don’t want to have to suffer.” I am going to plead with Mary, Deluge of Graces, to teach me how to make my dear daughters disciples of Jesus Crucified. Alas! I am no longer impassioned for the cross as formerly; years and labour have taken their toll of my strength and my energy, but after all most of my daughters’ crosses are mere straw in comparison with those of every kind that our good Jesus has always made me carry. Join with me in praying that heaven grant the Institute the grace to learn to suffer. I want this grace for you, my Cecile, for without the cross I think our share of heaven will be very small. It is through the cross that we prove to Our Lord that He alone is worthy of our love and that we leave Him free to do what is best for us.

----------CR/2 : 198 20 August 1891

Themes

Absolute power of God - Maternal love -Mission 69 Peace 72Struggle 26 Reign of God 78Courage 89 Renouncement 29Gospel 73 Suffering 82Sanctity - Formation -Respect for God - Joy 89


M. de St. Hyppolite was named our assistant yesterday, which means that she is going to stay for a good while at the Roman house. However, she is going around the city with M. des Sts. Apotres whom we will not be keeping very long.

What a good, pious religious! Her expression is so peaceful it does me good just to look at her. Formerly it did not cost me so much to send to the missions those who God gave me to train, but since I see the demon causing these young missionaries so many difficulties and trials and they themselves lamenting woefully at each cross I must admit that it takes all my courage to send the young ones, especially, as keeping them close by and training them for a few years, could help them bear fruits of sanctification so consoling to the maternal heart. This proves the value of suffering and how profitable it is for a young person to learn how to carry her cross. The kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent bear it away. Certainly he knows nothing, who does not know how to suffer. On the feast of St. Helen, I besought my holy Patron to make me and everyone in the Institute see the value of the true cross. In a Way of the Cross (the one the printing press has just printed, I believe) there is a thought which I think is very beautiful. It says that a relic of the true cross is received with joy and respect, but when God by a miracle of His love deigns to unite us to that divine cross and to give us a share in its merit through a trial, we, instead of receiving this participation in the true holy cross with love and veneration, reject it, despondent, saddened, plaintive, even angry sometimes. Our dear Lord must think then how foolish we are to prize what has no value and to reject the only real treasure.

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Themes

Abandonment 22 Obedience 71Prayer 77 Providence 22Absolute power of God - Sanctity -Contemplation/Action 27 Fidelity 89Suffering 82 Joy 89

69

Work 75 Union with God 86Law -


We are really overburdened. The affair to the country place has no end; the pilgrimage for which we must provide hospitality, the retreat, the departure for China, for India, the counsels to be given to the future superiors, M. Paul and M. des Sts. Apotres, my meditations which I don’t want to interrupt, the Annals and the preparations for the departure; there is more than enough, I think for forty and in much of it, I am alone to carry the whole thing. Well, all is in God’s hands! I read yesterday, while preparing the meditation on St. Joseph of Cupertino, that good saint who lived more in heaven than on earth, where he said; “Whoever is doing the will of God is always at prayer.” That does very well for me and for my missionary daughters; very often our work will not permit us to do much more than our spiritual exercises, if happily we are able to fulfill all these. But there is one thing we can do: live our rules, our constitutions, our customs so well, so conform ourselves to all that Divine Providence sends us through the channel of obedience and of events that we will be doing, always and in all things, the holy will of God and His good divine pleasure. According to St. Joseph of Cupertino, an expert in this, whoever lives in this way is always praying. Let us thank God, therefore, who gives us, in spite of all we have to do, such an easy and reasonable way to be always and in all things, united to Him.

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CR/2 : 200 20 November 1891

Themes

Absolute power of God - Conversion -Incarnation/Redemption 67 Love of God 23Jesus 67 Mary 68Courage 89 Purity 89Devotions 77 Renouncement 29Humility 89 Salvation of souls 81Earth/Heaven 83 Tabernacle 86


May God give you a beautiful Christmas. May His birth in your heart make Him more than ever victor there; what I mean is, that He may triumph over everything in that heart, which is not for the pure love of God. Today, I wrote a meditation on St. Felix of Valois, it is his feast day. You know that he, with St. John of Matha, founded the Order of the Holy Trinity for the ransom of captives. At the end of his life, he once chanted the Office with the Blessed Virgin and when that heavenly Hour was finished, he rendered his soul to God. In the meditation, after having concentrated in the first part on the redemption of poor sinners, I gave thought to the souls in purgatory being forcefully attracted heavenward by an intense yearning for the infinite beauty they had glimpsed for an instant at the particular judgment and yet, by another movement irresistibly being hurled into the expiatory furnace to be purified of all the alloy their self-love has mixed into their love of God. Let us achieve this purification while we live here below. Let us pray for the grace to find out all the hiding places of this love of ourselves and to pursue its every deceit. If the Infant Jesus finds the place clean, He will come with His Divine Mother; she will take care of Him in our hearts, watch His growth and when love will have become perfect in us, she will take us up to heaven, without our having to make a left turn into purgatory, which would not be at all pleasant. May this thought encourage us in the battle

against self, against our self-opinionatedness, and lead us onward keeping ever present before us the watchword of this year, “The price of love is sacrifice.” I am praying that you may have this grace, my child, and you will not fail to pray that your mother may have it, too.I am sending you this invitation to perfection as the bouquet for your feast and I hope it will be the more welcome as I am adding the promise of my Eucharistic bouquet. May Jesus make the feast of my dear M. de St. Cecile a most beautiful one.

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CR/2 : 201 26 November 1891

Themes

Gospel 73 Poverty 75Fidelity 89 Suffering 82Mary 68 Mission 69World -


When I look back over the year 1891, I am struck by the amount of suffering it brought: trials caused by our sisters, grievous illnesses, frightful poverty, a financial crises. In Rome, the explosion and the riots; and to crown it all, came the thing most bitter to my heart, the suffering in China. May 1892 bring forth the fruits and the blessings merited during 1891. I have always believed that the Institute is not a work of human contriving. God certainly expects us to go against the current. When a good number of His Mother’s missionaries are unfaithful, the wise virgins have to make up for the foolish ones; let us hope that in 1892, there will be more wisdom than folly, so that unhindered, God may accomplish through us His work of love.

----------CR/2 : 202 7 December 1891

Themes

Authority 79 Joy 89Detachment 29 Mary 68Gentleness 89 Peace 72Sanctity - Holy Scripture 73


I was reading my meditation a few minutes ago and again I was struck by these words which the Church applies to the Blessed Virgin and which can so well be applied by her to the Institute, especially to the superiors: “My children, listen to me: Happy those who keep my ways… who day after day watch at my gate.” Let us not tire, my dear child, let us keep going towards the gate of Mary’s fold so we can learn how to be genuine guardians; let us keep to the ways of our Immaculate Mother, to paths of gentleness and humility in an entire detachment from ourselves. This is the grace I am asking for you, please ask it for me. If our prayer is heard, we shall have taken a big step along the path of peace and holiness.

----------CR/2 : 203 12 December 1891

Themes

Abandonment 22 Francis 65Absolute power of God - Power of God -Peace 72 Love of God 23Charity 24 Providence 22Contemplation/Action 27 Poverty 75

Detachment 29 Renouncement 29


Dear God, what an excellent recipe for peace there is in the constant thought that God is both all loving and all powerful; whatever He sends us, then, is for the best. Once we have convinced ourselves of this, it is so much easier to accept day by day whatever Divine Providence sends us. I don’t know why it struck me that today, generally speaking, there is very little practical love of poverty. In theory, it is wonderful; but when

71

the difficulties it involves, the privations it imposes are actually experienced, then it is easy to see how far we are from the positive love St. Francis had for his beloved Lady Poverty. O my little “Pied Haut”, I plead with you, be broad in your charity. Egoism is the antipode of charity. You know that you have no love for anything that frustrates you; you must learn to love it.

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CR/2 : 204 18 December 1891

Themes

Love of God 23 Humility 89Courage 89 Mary 68Absolute power of God - Renouncement 29


Don’t count on much correspondence from your mother these days; the New Year’s letters are going to take up all my time. All I will be able to do is to call out to my daughters with the help of my pen: “LoveGod, and sacrifice everything else to His love.” But there will be no end to my prayer that everyone of you will courageously take upon yourselves the work of destroying (in you) all that is not of God. Mary, our Immaculate Mother, was never tied down by anything. No passion ever enchained her and this is why she was always able to grow in love and towards love.

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CR/2 : 205 2 January 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Nature 70Thanksgiving - Death -Struggle 26 Peace 22Supernatural spirit 64 Resurrection 80


For the past two or three days, since Christmas really, our poor M. de la Merci is in the throes of the last agony. Yesterday, New Year’s Day, and also on Christmas Day, I begged Our Lord not to sadden these feasts for her sisters by calling her to Himself. He heard my prayer and now that we are full sail into 1892, I ask one thing only, that this dear child preserve to her last breath the deep calm God has blest her with. She hasn’t the slightest fear and yesterday she said to Mother St. Therese: “I will go so easily into eternity: a little bow of my head and I will see my God.” Humanly speaking, that moment is not far off. We have three now who have received the Last Sacraments: but in spite of it all we praise God for His holy will: M. de la Merci, here in Rome, M. des Neiges in Paris, M. du Bon Pasteur in Fribourg, not counting M. des Martyrs, M. de l’Enfant Jesus, M. de St. Christine and M. de St. Eulalie who have not been anointed but whose health is not much better. If I could not abandon myself to God’s will, I would find it very hard to set out on another year. We are living in a world of strife, of anxiety, of tears; it chills our human nature to the bone. But if we look at things from the point of view of eternity, it all changes. These are days when we

can weave our glorious crown and we should be grateful to God who gives us the means of adding to it a few flowers.

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CR/2 : 206 4 January 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Time -


There must be snow or else a railroad accident somewhere, because the post from St. Brieuc and from Paris has not arrived yet. Our dear Merci is still the same, a little better perhaps, but it is the improvement of the dying. Much of my time is given to her; I have spent almost the whole morning with her. Patience, God takes count of all and He knows He is giving so much to do without giving me the time to do it.

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CR/2 : 207 5 January 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Example 63 Purity 89Francis 65 Reign of God 78World - Sanctity -Nature 70 Victim 90Vocation of the Institute -


Something in me seems to push me to pray very much for, and to think seriously about the means to be taken to give the Institute the mark of holiness God wanted it to have in calling it into being at a time when the Church has such great need of prayer and of expiation in order to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth, a renewal of the Evangelical and Christian spirit, and when the very nature of the present unhappy state of affairs seems to indicate that the Order of St. Francis and the spirit of its Founder are especially necessary. I am only too well aware of the actual order of things, not to understand the grace God has given our religious family, and not to recognize that, in general, we live in a kind of innocence of conscience which excludes sin. On the other hand, I do not see any saints among us, at least not very many, for rare are those who have taken a bold, resolute step along the way to genuine perfection.

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CR/2 : 208 5 January 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Presence of God 86Authority 79 Prayer 77Formation - Sanctity -Prudence 89 Humility 89

World - Sentiment -Obedience 71 Silence 89Meditation 77 Union with God 86

Rome, 5 January 1892 – continuation

The superiors absolutely must pin themselves down to this and here are the means that I propose to you: 1. take care of silence – insist on a certain reserve at recreation. There is nothing against speaking quietly

73

with those near us, but there should be no screaming from one group to another, or carrying on of conversations with those at a distance. This requires a certain religious reserve and self-control. Apart from this relative silence at recreation, be inflexible, in general, where the practice of the great silence is concerned. 2. Cultivate the spirit of prayer. Lead the Sisters into intimacy with Our Lord; help them keep in mind the holy presence of God, remembering that this is the well-spring of every virtue. 3. When they ask for penance and show the desire for perfection, give them practices which attack pride, especially to those who have a tendency to this. Put them under the obedience of someone younger than themselves, of those who seem to have less virtue, less obedience; this is a positive means to perfection. May God enlighten you and help you to form saints. You may read my letter to your daughters. God’s Church, the Seraphic Order are athirst for saints. Let us not fall short of what God had in mind and what was His will in establishing the Institute. Make it very clear to all that everything which is dependent on creatures, on attachment to a director, to a superior, to companions, serves no purpose except to keep us enchained in imperfection.

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CR/2 : 209 9 January 1892

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Sentiment - Death -Nature 70


As I write to you I am still under the emotion of seeing the long suffering endured by our poor Mother M. de la Merci. She was perfectly at peace and she said to me; “Although my body is in great pain, my soul is totally free from any kind of suffering. God has taken from me every apprehension, every fear.” When we said with her the invocation “Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation”, she continued: “Ah! This is my hope!” These were her last words. Though her soul was enveloped in peace, she suffered cruelly in her body; not that there were crises or contractions but her poor legs, condemned to such inactivity, had become gangrenous and she was like one crucified. She was very patient, but longed and prayed for the hour that would unite her to her Divine Master. At five minutes past midnight, yesterday, January 8th, she appeared before her Judge and her Saviour. Pray for her. She is to be buried this morning at eleven-thirty. I am writing to you while waiting, so you must excuse me if I can think of very little else. This is the most painful moment of all: while the soul is still in the body we can help it to be patient and to acquire merit… after the last breath we pray for it. When the last dwelling is in one of our houses, the sacrifice remains though it is not intensified. But when we see our Sisters taken away by priests and people who are strangers to us and who do this every day of their life and who consequently cannot bring to it the care of a mother and of sisters, my soul and my whole being agonize. Fortunately this sacrifice, which even our dear dead have offered up, can be precious in the sight of God.

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CR/2 : 210 9 January 1892

Themes

Mission 69 Love of God 23Absolute power of God - Renouncement 29

Rome, 9 January 1892 - continuation

I hope that when we will have our place in the county, St. Rose, we will be permitted to have a “Campo Santo” (cemetery) of our own, either on our premises or very near to us. This is why I am having M. de la Merci placed in a vault in what they call the depository, in St. Lawrence’s. In it there are rows of walled-in

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vaults from which the body may be removed later if it is in a metal coffin. Twenty-five francs have to be paid for three months. Poor body in its rented resting place. I hope that before three months are over our business in the country will be settled. Pardon me for not writing to you myself and for stopping here, but I am really tired and I must rest a little. Our dear little Jesus is telling us again that there is an end to everything and that what is not done for love of Him is worthless. Let us take advantage of the lesson of love; encourage others to take up the same “business”.

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CR/2 : 211 13 January 1892

Themes

Joy 89 Order 89Time - Sentiment -Work 75


I had counted on having a little time to myself after New Year’s Day, but lo and behold, Mme. Audibert and her niece arrived during the night. It is a real joy to receive such a unique friend, one who has done so much for us and has been so generous to the Institute; so naturally, I owe it to her to give her some of my time. It would be very ungrateful of me not to entertain her and give her this proof of our affection. Of course this again takes up some of my time. So if for a few weeks my letters read more little telegrams you will understand the reason. As for questions which need an answer you know that they have to be sent to me separately. Have you had read out in the refectory the notice stating that from now on I will not answer questions unless they are written out separately and signed? It will be easy to give clear and positive answers to these.It looks as though this year is going to be an important year for the Institute: plans for foundations and many other things are in the offing.

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CR/2 : 212 13 January 1892

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Jesus 67Struggle 26 Providence 22Incarnation/Redemption 67 Suffering 82


Tomorrow is the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. I am going to remind Him that He is Saviour and ask Him to take this year of 1892 under His protection. I am quite sure we would not have so many of these dreadful crosses if we knew how to accept the smaller ones Divine Providence sends us every day and to buy much love with our daily sacrifice. When this letter reaches you, the feast of the Holy Name will be

over, but you know your mother promised in advance that on that day she would pray for you and for those with you. Say a little word to Jesus asking Him to be the good and gentle, the merciful Jesus for the Institute and for me. He is the Saviour; He saves us from every evil. If we were convinced of this we would, like St. Bernardine, St. John of Capistran and so many other great men in our Order, keep repeating “Jesus” in all our trials and difficulties, in all our struggles against the powers of hell. It is the name of the Saviour, of Him who brings salvation and victory and before whom hell trembles and bends the knee. I hope that you are well, my child and I pray that this Divine Name will be your strength throughout the year and for many years to come.

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CR/2 : 213 20 January 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Glory of God 66 Work 75Time - Will -Joy 89 Renouncement 29Sanctity -


I am preparing the “customs” for St. Anthony’s workroom another; big work along with many others but it is all for God’s glory. There is also a circular to the whole Institute that I am preparing. I am so anxious to rouse souls, to inculcate in them the desire for holiness and the practical determination to use the means for it. I keep hoping to have the time for this, but apparently God does not want me to have a minuet I can call my own because as I finish with one thing another pops up. Patience, God’s will is teaching us that only in heaven there is rest. I told Father Raphael the other day that except for the sacrifice imposed by not having enough time for the consolation of prayer, I am, in spite of all, perfectly happy with this galley-slave life of mine. After all, that is what matters and it is a good way to reach the eternal shores. Yesterday, working without stopping, I managed to finish the “customs” and the circular. Now the January-February number of the Annals is staring me in the face.

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CR/2 : 214 20 January 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Struggle 26 Providence 22Church 60


All Rome is agog about who is going to replace Cardinal Simeoni: the nomination is expected very soon because of the importance of the Congregation. Three names are mentioned; Cardinal V. Vanutelli, former Nuncio to Lisbon, the Cardinal Vicar, and Cardinal Rampolla, Secretary of State. May God inspire the Pope and in his divine goodness may He keep our little Institute in mind.Another piece of Roman gossip is the death of an eighty-year-old religious. I think it was Father Clausi who, she said, had told her she would live to see the calamities and the consolations of the Church. Seeing her grow so old, many doubted on this, but now she is gone and the Holy Father is still prisoner in the Vatican. I believe that man’s wickedness is so great that it is impeding God’s designs. It is the necessity of doing violence to heaven that let me to write the circular which you will soon be receiving.

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CR/2 : 215 25 January 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Renouncement 29Communion of saints 87 Suffering 82Sanctity - World -Devotedness 89

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Your telegram came last evening and I thank you for it. This is a time of suffering and there will be no relief from mine until my daughters come to my help and still more to that of their good Divine Master because He called them for this; to be His consolation in the sufferings caused by Him by sin and not to add to His divine sadness by seeking only themselves. That we should have had an earthquake does not surprise me in the least, because God must certainly hold in horror what is going on here below. How I wish I could make my daughters realize that Our Lord is thirsting for our holiness. But dear God, that means practical self-sacrifice, renunciation of one’s likes, of peace, or rest. Who, of all those I hold so dear, will take this road? Be one of them.

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CR/2 : 216 26 January 1892

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Gospel 73Suffering 82


God is certainly putting us to the test. At times like this, I think of the words spoken during the Passion: “This is the hour of the powers of darkness”. In the wake of the distress brought by the deaths of Merci, M. du Bon Pasteur and M. des Neiges, we had a severe earthquake during the night of the 22nd and 23rd, and in the early hours of this morning, Marie de l’Enfant Jesus died from paralysis complicated by pulmonary tuberculosis. Fortunately, I met her yesterday as she was going up to the community room and I was so struck by the way she looked that I had her come down again with me and ask Father Raphael to give her absolution. Have the suffrages offered for her and pray for me who meets the cross no matter where I turn. Enough for today, I am too tired for more.

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CR/2 : 217 30 January 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mission 69Nature 70 Suffering 82Sentiment -


These days, as one emotion follows another, my correspondence suffers in consequence. Naturally, a death on the 6th, that of Cardinal Simeoni on the 14th, and earthquake on the 23rd and now, the expected but very sudden death of M. de l’Enfant Jesus whom I had prompted to ask for absolution: naturally, I say, all that has caused a little excitement in the house… It will pass, but we will have it for a few days more. Patience, it helps to wear out the too natural in us; God permits these set-backs so as to accomplish His own designs and He must have His way. I have noticed that when there is a departure for the mission, especially for China, there is always some kind of fuss. (…)

A good piece of news for myself is that I am nearing the end of a year’s liturgical Romano-Seraphic meditations. If I can manage to write just one a day, I will have finished every day of the year by March 9th. Some of the movable feasts will still have to be done, but that part is well advanced also. It is an enormous undertaking and I hope some spiritual good will come from it for all of us. As God wills. Time will tell if my hope is in vain.

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CR/2 : 218 4 February 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Poverty 75Detachment 29 Renouncement 29Suffering 82 Mission 69Work 75 Nature 70Family -


We are beginning to settle down again after all the tribulations of January. At the moment, I am occupied with my dear Francois-Marie who will pronounce his vows on 15 February. He wants to set out on foot on a pilgrimage to Lourdes the following day, begging his way as thanksgiving.

He told me so simply that he has discovered Our Blessed Mother, or rather her maternal goodness. This is not surprising, I think, for he now has a better understanding of what the religious life is and so he sees more clearly what dangers the Queen of Angels has saved him from in leading him to St. Francis. Mme. Audibert, who is still here, thought for a moment of going to his profession with M. de St. Charles, but something has come up now which prevents her from doing so and the weather is so bad; there is so much sickness everywhere, that I would not dare permit M. Charles to travel. The poor dear is making the sacrifice, but she would have loved to assist at the ceremony and so would I even more than she, but it is quite expensive and I have a lot of work to do; besides that place in the country is on a carpet again and I think I will be doing something more pleasing to God in making the sacrifice of that joy even though it comes only once in a lifetime. I may be called on any day now about that property and it would be really too bad not to get it over with as we have had so much trouble to reach a decision. I have been quite worried also about affairs in Antwerp, but Our Lady Help of Christians has shown herself our Mother and I have hopes that everything will be settled during the octave of the Purification. Our Chinese will be sailing on the 7th, and they will take our letters to our Sisters in Colombo and Moratuwa. Poor little things, may God bring them safely to their journey’s end.

----------CR/2 : 219 5 February 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mary 68Authority 79 Poverty 75Courage 89 Suffering 82Devotions 77 Responsibility 79Jesus 67


To think that we opened the workrooms in Paris without a “centime”, Marseilles without a “sou”, Antwerp without a “liard” and Carthage the same and that God arranged it so that we overcame so many difficulties, but while giving us the protection we needed, He has left weighing heavily on our shoulders the cross of

daily poverty: He takes pleasure in this and I believe that now I must leave it to my daughters to provide for themselves. I am growing old and we are becoming too numerous for one person to bear the burden alone. The responsibility must now be borne by all the superiors. I know from experience how much it costs and that such sacrifice as this very real poverty, which up to the present God has reserved for the superiors of the Institute, demands a virtue, patience, an abnegation of the first order. Our Lord and His holy Mother experienced the privations of holy poverty; so did St. Joseph; and they accepted it for themselves. But Jesus must have suffered for Mary and Joseph, Mary for Jesus and Joseph, Joseph for Jesus and Mary. Let us ask them to be the mainstay of the Institute.

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CR/2 : 220 22 February 1892

Themes

Love of God 23 Joy 89Charity 24 Renouncement 29Devotions 77 Suffering 82


I hope that good St. Joseph will teach you to go out of yourself to go to Jesus Christ; what a wonderful trip that would be. That is the one I would like to make and for which I heartily offer you a first class obedience. Self-contempt, the lowering of ourselves, being the door-mat, can have no limits for us…I am glad that my little daughter received help from Mme. Audilbert, but what would give me greater pleasure would be knowing that she burns with love for her neighbour and has no thought for her own sweet little peace. You have a sacrifice to make along these lines, to put yourself aside (trample yourself under foot ) so as to give pleasure to others every time you can without offending God. May St. Joseph lead you on to this.

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CR/2 : 221 25 February 1892

Themes

Charity 24 Pope 60Church 60 Suffering 82Justice - Unity 87


Yesterday during recreation we read the Holy Father’s encyclical to the bishops and the faithful of France. I urge you to read it to the community, it is splendid. But alas, before there can be any union, it must have for base justice and charity and our poor Francis is far from having put aside that spirit of partisanship which makes people hateful and envious about everything that refers to them. We must pray very much and give the example of cordial charity; you know that it is patience; so imprint patience on every one of your actions.

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CR/2 : 222 2 March 1892

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Mission 69Fervour 89 Fidelity 89World - Sanctity -Vocation of the Institute - Francis 65

Rome, 2 March 1892

Here we are well launched into our retreat. That good Father Marcelino gave our first conference on the importance of the Rule, the graces which flow from the exact observance of it and the diminution of blessings for the Church and for souls resulting from the lack of regularity in religious orders and institutes. He brought out so clearly that God has not changed and that if He no longer works the marvelous deeds of the past it is because we have not the fervor of the first sons of St. Francis. He made no secret of his love for our Institute which has made its appearance in these evil times to do the work of God. This went

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straight to my heart; my most ardent desire is that we be saints so as to live up to the call we have received. Alas! How far we are from it. Tell all those with you and say the same to yourself, that it is very mean to keep Jesus waiting at the door like a poor beggar.

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CR/2 : 223 4 March 1892

Themes

Eucharist 62 Salvation of Souls 81Fidelity 89 Mission 69Vocation of the Institute -

Rome, 4 March 1892

I wish you could share this retreat that Father Marcelino is giving us. I believe it will all center around the exact observance of the Rule and the different graces of which it is the source. Today we spoke about the special vocation of Institutes. Ours, he said, was to bring about conversion from idolatry with the help of the Blessed Sacrament exposed, because what the suns is for creation, the Sacred Host is for souls. These revolve around It at varying distances and we must draw them ever closer to the Divine Sun until they are lost in It for time and for eternity. Share this thought with those around you… Our business in the country is going to be settled, I hope.

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CR/2 : 224 6 March 1892

Themes

Dove - World -Mission 69 Salvation of souls 81

Rome, 6 March 1892

Father Marcelino is telling us the loveliest things. Today, it is all about zeal for souls; according to him we are the flight of doves Isaiah speaks of, working for the conquest of the world and returning to their cote. How I wish that were so.

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CR/2 : 225 15 March 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Nature 70Struggle 26 Poverty 75Communion of Saints 87 Prayer 77

Contemplation/Action 27 Providence 22Courage 89 Suffering 82Fervour 89 Work 75Time -

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Rome, 15 March 1892

One would really think the demon had been let loose against the Institute. Apparently God sees that my January letter had very little effect. Lack of money, the need of personnel, difficult situations pour in from every side. I would willingly take all these things upon myself, but God does not give me the possibility; it is not in the order of Divine Providence that one person be expected to do everything. I rack my brains to find a way out of our difficulties, my poor health is undermined by over work and worry and these wearisome parlours and annoyances on account of that place in the country will be the end of me. It would really take four or five persons to get through all my work and my difficulties. I beg of you, my child, intensify your prayers and your fervor and have those who can find new ways of coming to the assistance of their Sisters who are calling for help and unable to manage themselves. In my poor cell in Rome, submerged by a multiplicity of affairs, it is excessively difficult for me to work out more plans for material things. I haven’t the possibility of doing it; this situation is paralyzing my ability to think, preventing me from doing the head work which is absolutely necessary. I plead with my Daughters for a good spurt of prayers beseeching Our Lord to help their Mother. This is Lent and God’s holy will is making me keep it in a way that is very painful to my poor nature, perhaps because it is so cowardly; for that same holy will could send me even worse things to bear. Anyway, if your prayers cannot obtain some help for me, I hope they will at least obtain the physical and moral courage I need in my present position which for the past two weeks grows harder each day.

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CR/2 : 226 23 March 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Joy 89 Work 75Poverty 75 Renouncement 29Sanctity -

Rome, 23 March 1892

Well, the Annals are finished, thank God, but they surely cost me this time. I had a bad cold on my chest and to have to dictate in that condition was very painful. But it is finished now and was done for God. I will be very happy to find it again in Heaven. If we thought a little more of the value of sacrifice we would not be so afraid of it. I pray every day that you may learn this, my dear child; if instead of complaining about persons and events which weigh on us, we held out our arms to them as instruments of sanctity it would be far better for our perfection and our Institute.

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CR/2 : 227 25 March 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mission 69Heart of Jesus 67 Poverty 75

Eucharist 62 Salvation of Souls 81World - Grace -Mary 68 Suffering 82

Rome, 25March 1892

This morning we had a big ceremony. Father General gave the habit to six Tyrolese. Father Raphael told me, after he had examined them, that they were genuine pearls. I hear that twenty are expected after Easter. I don’t think that many will come all at once, but a good number anyway so that we will be able to

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give our overflow to other houses. That will be a good thing because they are asking for personnel everywhere. Work is increasing, the hard winter has taken its toll on the health of many and a cry of distress is heard on all sides. Last night more that ever I experienced the beauty of our custom of spending the hour of the Incarnation in the chapel. I thought to myself that 1892 years at that very hour a Virgin obtained the salvation of the world. Because I was so unwell I could go down only for the last quarter of the hour, but how ardently I wished then and also during Mass that I could have the power of obtaining a saving grace for the Church, the world, the Order, the Institute, my own dear Daughters. Alas! I am very much afraid that I have not yet been found worthy to wrest from the heart of our Divine Master the grace which my spirit sees so clearly is needed.

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CR/2 : 228 4 April 1892

Themes

Struggle 26 Prayer 77Communion of Saints 87 Suffering 82Sanctity - Fidelity 89

Rome, 4 April 1892

As regards our place in the country, we are at a standstill, so pray. At the moment, just what is there that is not crying out for prayers? Paris is in a bad way, they say; that is one reason for us to make our Passion Week a holy one and even more so our Holy Week. Our fidelity must do violence to heaven; if it does we will be spared many a cross and so will our loved ones.

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CR/2 : 229 1 May 1892

Themes

Struggle 26 Mission 69Francis 65 Providence 22Joy 89 Mary 68Vocation of the Institute - Sanctity -

Rome, 1 May 1892

Our first May looks as though it is going to be the quietest ever… How wicked the devil is! The opening of the month of May used to be a feast in the Catholic world; Spring brought deep heartfelt joy: it was a pleasure to come to Mary and to consecrate to her the flowers and the joys of Spring. But now during the century of the Immaculate Conception, the demon, in his jealousy of Mary, has determined to spoil the first of May. He has made it a day of fear, a day of discord. This morning at Mass I seemed to be forced to

pray that our Blessed Mother would triumph over the beast, in other words the sects, before the end of the century of the Immaculate Conception. She has eight years to do this work and that is more than enough for such a great Queen whose army is composed of legions of angels. While praying for this, I thought to myself that in the seventh centenary of St Francis and the century of the Immaculate Conception, we, the little white branch of the Queen of angels, blossomed on the venerable old trunk of the Seraphic tree. Without doubt the Blessed Virgin intends us to be a little army to fight against hell. Oh! that we were faithful to the mission for which God has destined us. But we will have to be saints for that. Let us begin, the two of us. I will pray for you, you pray for me.

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CR/2 : 230 4 May 1892

Themes

Absolute power of God - Mary 68Mission 69 Providence 22

Rome, 4 May 1892

I have just received a telegram from M. de St. Veronique saying that she had a pleasant journey and is leaving this evening for Calais. Today, the feast of St. Monica, they will be in Clevedon I hope; tomorrow in Liverpool; and on the 6th, under the protection of St. John at the Latin Gate, they will set sail (for Canada) where they will raise the banner of Mary Immaculate in that immense America. What is in store for us there? Only God knows and that should be sufficient for us; but we will have to pray very hard that the daughters of the Immaculate may prove worthy to carry out the plan God has designed and prepared for them in that new world which is about to take its place in the history of our family.

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CR/2 : 231 5 May 1892

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Prayer 77Contemplation/Action 27 Mary 68Mission 69 Work 75Sanctity - Sentiment -

Rome 5 May, 1892

I am thrilled at the thought that tomorrow my daughters will set sail for America. I wish I were a saint and able to draw down a thousand blessings on them and also be able to live the month of Our Lady like a saint. What a wealth of graces and blessings this good Mother must have to distribute to her children. I would like to have a generous share of them not only for myself but also for you all. I almost feel like spending my time in prayer instead of working, so anxious am I to persuade Our Lady to give us many of these graces. Alas! My work is piling up and duty obliges me to toil on, without ever having enough strength to accomplish it in a way that satisfies me. This is all the news I have today – except to say that I am afraid we are going to be kept waiting for that property in the country.

----------CR/2 : 232 8 May 1892

Themes

Eucharist 62 Mission 69Imitation 63 Prayer 77

Rome, 8 May 1892

You will get only a few lines today. While we were all at St. Anthony’s where the Patriarch of Lisbon Cardinal Neto celebrated a pontifical Mass, I was thinking all the time that St. Anthony whom the Portuguese call “St. Anthony of Lisbon” must have been very pleased to see such a beautiful celebration in his Church.

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The prelate was a Patriarch of his country, a Cardinal and moreover a Franciscan. I also recalled the dear Portuguese Christian communities in India and I asked God’s blessing on the Paravar caste which has remained so very dear to my heart. I did not forget to pray for my Daughters. In front of me was the large painting in which can be seen a religious of the Institute and I asked that an angel stand beside her to adore the Eucharist and to pray to St. Francis, St. Anthony and all the saints of the Order.

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CR/2 : 233 15 May 1892

Themes

Absolute power of God - Maternal love -Suffering 82 Work 75Love of God 23 Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 15 May 1892

I think we will go to the country Tuesday. Father General, Father Raphael and Father Sabatino intend to go also that day and of course, I must be there to do the honours, which doesn’t exactly help me get my work done. I spent the morning answering letters which have been piling up. God would need to give me a triple brain, to make me able to withstand all that I have to read. I do hope that in heaven I will find that these letters have helped to form my eternal crown; for truly were it not for the love of God and the maternal tenderness in my heart for my Daughters, I would find the work very hard. Let us not count our troubles, my dear Daughters, let us do all we can for a God who merits everything.

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CR/2 : 234 2 June 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Family - Death -

Rome, 2 June 1892

I can say regarding my dear little Daughter the words Our Lord said on the cross and which must have echoed deeply in Mary’s heart. I spent Tuesday, the anniversary of my first communion, with her; she had fallen into a deep sleep. Finding her condition strange, I felt urged to call the doctor but inwardly I had the presentiment that what he would tell me was going to break my heart. Yet, M. Charles didn’t at all look like someone who was at the point of death; her lips were rosy, her colour normal, her face was rested like that of a person enjoying a good sleep. She had even eaten breakfast that morning.So I told them to call the doctor and I returned to Rome at 4 o’clock for I had to see about a contract, as we had an appointment early the next morning. Although nothing foretold it exteriorly – except for a slightly swollen left hand – I was convinced that I would never again see my little daughter alive. I did not awaken her for I wanted to spare her suffering and I returned to Rome, certain that I had accomplished my mission

and must take a little rest so that I would have the strength to accept God’s will and not fall sick myself…

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CR/2 : 235 2 June 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Nature 70Thanksgiving - Sanctity -Communion of Saints 87 Suffering 82Death - Work 75

Rome, 2 June 892 – continuation

Yesterday morning, I received Holy Communion for her as if she were no longer in this world and such indeed was the case. When the doctor examined her, he was stupefied; he had thought that she would have lasted for months, with the illness passing through different phases. He was deeply moved as he said; “no, we are not to reckon months, but hours.” In fact, at 10 o’clock the dear child died, fully conscious, happy to go to heaven after having received Extreme Unction and Holy Viaticum three times, as Our Lord was in the little chapel near her room. Since the Blessed Sacrament was brought there, the sickness made unbelievable progress. It almost seemed that Our Lord and she had just waited to be so near each other to begin their eternal union. Besides, this sickness seemed so altogether mysterious that I call it God’s holy will. She did not spit blood and had no sweating, her digestion was normal; she coughed a little but not very much and never by real fits. I believe that God alone has the key to the mystery. Three weeks ago she assisted at the Mass celebrated in St. Anthony’s by Cardinal Neto. She had been very well during the trip getting on and off the carriage, climbing the stairs to the station without trouble. So, I am telling myself that the real reason for her death was her innocence. She had done what she could for God; only my happiness needed her presence on earth. Why should God delay her entrance to heaven? Why should Our Lord give her the sufferings of a long illness? What did she have to expiate, this dear good little child who used to say she would like to go to sleep and wake up in heaven? She had experienced none of the agony of the children of Adam. So, it would have been cruel to refuse to thank God for the grace He gave her; but my poor nature is there and even though I am doing my best to take some rest during these two weeks, I am suffering deeply. I must now get back to work.

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CR/2 : 236 12 July 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Spouse 25

Rome, 12 July 1892

Arriving in St. Rose yesterday, I found a host of new crosses waiting for me. I entreat you, my dear Daughter, pray harder than ever for me. The cross is the daily bread of the spouses of Our Lord. It tastes very bitter to us but if we were able to see clearly, we would realize how good the cross is for our souls. The good old German parish priest who prescribes water treatments says he wants his soup made with bran bread as coarse as possible. It is good for the health. So it is for our souls. We don’t like the coarse

bread of the cross, but we want the fine flour of consolation in all its forms. Be patient today, my soul; tomorrow, will be as God wills.

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CR/2 : 237 18 July 1892

Themes

Love of God 23 Humility 89Authority 79 Renouncement 29Communion of Saints 87 Responsibility 79Gospel 73 Suffering 82Sanctity - Glory of God 66

Rome, 18 July 1892

The Divine Master is keeping me just now on the cross and is sending me difficulties and trials from all directions. I suppose He permits all those so that I open my eyes to the needs of the Institute; most of my tears are caused by some of my daughters who are not what they should be. Of course I can understand that one can be upset at first for a few moments when serious matters affecting God’s glory are in question, but when petty personal interests are concerned, making us project our discouragement and susceptibility on our neighbor, I find all that very insignificant and unworthy of those who have given themselves to Christ Crucified. With Jesus I address to the Institute His prayer on the cross; “I thirst.” Yes, indeed, I thirst to see my daughters penetrate more deeply into the meaning of holiness and religious perfection. I don’t remember to whom, but while I was writing a letter, these words fell from my pen: “Humility is the secret of love.” How true it is. If we would only humble ourselves, be ready to take the last place, the most tiring, how easy things would be for us and for those around us. Last year I gave you as watchword: “Love is purchased with sacrifice.” This year try to engrave this one on your hearts: “Humility is the secret of love.” If I succeed, we will have the authentic religious we need. I entreat you, my daughter, make a novena to ask for subjects capable of becoming superiors. If those holding authority are holy, it will be easy for us to have holy religious and we who already have some authority, must try to be the most humble in the house. I see that you are becoming Mother Redemption’s secretary. So that you may profit fully of the good air, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 238 21 July 1892

Themes

Poverty 75 Work 75

Rome, 21 July 1892

I don’t have very much to tell you today. Everyone is well and we have piles of work to do. I am going to tell you a little story that will inspire you perhaps to praise the Lord. Father Diomee, the new bishop, had brought a pectoral cross costing 4 francs 50. Wearing this Franciscan jewelry, he went to see the Pope. Poverty is always blessed. Leo XIII gave him a beautiful cross such as a bishop should have. If you forget self, Our Lord will do the same for you. He will give you a great deal more than you would ever have been able to get for yourself.

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CR/2 : 239 23 July 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Joy 89Heart of Jesus 67 Communion of Saints 87Sanctity -

86

Rome, 23 July 1892

Though I am about to leave for Santa Rosa to get a breath of pure air, I will get a moment to send my daughter a few encouraging words to help her along her way to holiness. Seek always to do what pleases God, my dearest daughter. Form the habit of asking yourself: what would most please Our Lord; what does He wish me to do? Then do it, no matter what it costs you. You will thus console the heart of your God. When you succeed in always doing God’s will in this way, Jesus will do your will and you will find true happiness.

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CR/2 : 240 27 July 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Absolute power of God - Sanctity -Father -

Rome, 27 July 1892

God permitted that I did not have time to make my retreat this year, nor had any hope of making it before my trip to France; yet, He is asking me to give one to Marie de la Trinite: this takes a great deal of my time but rests my soul a little. As I have nothing new to tell you, perhaps the best thing would be to have you share a thought from this retreat: “God merits everything; hence I will nourish my soul on the good pleasure of my heavenly Father”. If we and those around us live in this way, what holiness there would be in the convent. We would already begin our eternal life while still here on earth.

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CR/2 : 241 30 July 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Purity 89Father - Conversion -Jesus 67 Sanctity -

Rome, 30 July 1892

What lovely feast days we have this week. May Our Lady of the Angels prepare our hearts so that we may profit from all of them. Our first effort should be to become transfigured with Our Lord and to begin now on earth our life in eternity, that is, live doing God’s will, doing it on earth as it is done in heaven, as the Our Father asks. I will be leaving for France with what is perhaps an immoderate desire for my daughters’ sanctification: may God deign to purify it so that it will bear fruit. May your prayer obtain God’s help for me in advance.

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CR/2 : 242 5 August 1892Themes

Family - Sentiment -Glory of God 66 Suffering 82Joy 89

87

Rome, 5 August 1892

Here is wonderful news for the Order and the Institute: Grandfather has been named Archbishop of Sardica. St. Dominic had let the whole day pass without granting me his usual feast day favour. Father had already come in the evening and I saw no human way by which I would receive a consolation. I asked that the letter-box be opened – but, it was empty. Then behold, Father returned to tell us the glad news. Once again, humility is exalted. Deo gratias!I don’t know just what is going to happen to my journey, for nothing in the world would make me miss Grandfather’s consecration. If necessary, I will make the trip in two stages. Brother Francois Marie is not too bad, but his is seriously ill and only a miracle could save him; let us obtain it, if it be for the good of his soul and for God’s glory.

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CR/2 : 243 6 August 1892

Themes

Joy 89 Sentiment -

Rome, 6 August 1892

You should write a general letter to Grandfather telling him your joy at seeing him made archbishop. I received such a nice letter from him after I had asked him for his first Episcopal blessing: “Mother Passion, thank you; yes, on condition that I remain always your Grandfather.” Now we must pray hard that he do a great deal of good in the Church, the Order and the Institute. What is all this going to do to my journey? Nothing in the world could make me miss his consecration. When is it going to take place? He is expected to be here for the 15th. In any case, either I will have time to go before or it will take place very soon. If necessary I will make the trip in two or even three stages. Fribourg. and Marseilles can be visited separately.

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CR/2 : 244 2 November 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Love of God 23Renouncement 29 Communion of Saints 87Earth/Heaven 83 Courage 89World -


Today is All Souls’ Day; the day will come when we too shall leave the earth and will form part either of the Church Suffering or of the Church Triumphant. Whichever place we reach one thing is certain, only a love of God that prefers His will to our own shall bring us there. Oh, if we but knew the joy we can prepare for

ourselves in eternity, how bravely we would practice mortification and self-renunciation on earth. What will be the use then of those pleasures we sought only for our own satisfaction? They will be worth little or nothing or perhaps even worse. So, take courage, my child, let us despise selfish pleasures and let us nourish our souls on the good pleasure of Jesus.

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CR/2 : 245 3 November 1892

Themes

Fidelity 89 Providence 22Glory of God 66 Renouncement 29World - Time -Penance 76 Work 75


At last I have finished the Almanac and have done a good part of the November-December Annals. Another year of writing for God’s glory and the remission of my sins. After having done so many tedious things, we will be agreeably surprised to see our fund of mortification has covered the multitude of our imperfections. As for myself, I want to spend the last days of the year very faithfully so as to obtain the grace of a holy year 1893 if God plans to let me see it. Hence, I will not lose a minute nor give any time to personal satisfaction. Let us make a little agreement binding each of us to walk along this path. I do not mean that we cannot take a moment of respite, for it is also for God’s glory that we handle cracked pitchers carefully.

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CR/2 :246 5 November 1892

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Mary 68Detachment 29 Imitation 63Sanctity - Time -


I have only a minute to give you. The weather is splendid and so, I will spend Sunday in St. Rose. I am hoping that by taking a little exercise for my health’s sake, I will not get as exhausted as last year. The former Provincial of Chili celebrated Mass for us this morning. He has just visited Mexico. He seems to have a great devotion to Our Lady. When he speaks of our Immaculate Mother his face is completely transformed. My dear Daughter, let us too have a boundless devotion to our Mother, our Queen, our Teacher. May love for her be the living source of our holiness. How I wish that we could detach our gaze from earth and fix it on Jesus, on His Mother and on the saints. Then it would be much easier for us to be saints.

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CR/2 : 247 7 November 1892

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Mission 69Courage 89 Suffering 82Humility 89 Joy 89Sentiment - Time -

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I am back again in Rome and feeling much better after spending Sunday in Grotta. We have had many difficulties on account of this garden and at one moment, I thought we would have really serious trouble. All this gave me a very distressing day. To add to that, I had very painful news from China that pierced me like a sword. I admit that my courage gave way completely – doubtless my poor health had something to do with it but perhaps my self-love is saying this. The year has been a very hard one and although I am a little better my health seems shattered.

However, I had one comforting piece of news; a foundation in India which will cost us nothing, needs only a small personnel and will be very advantageous.

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CR/2 : 248 8 November 1892

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Suffering 82Body/Soul 28 Work 75Devotions 77 Order/Care 89Time -


I am beginning to live a useful life; when I make the visitation of our houses or when I work at a foundation, for example St. Rose, I feel I am doing nothing. I know, of course, that this is an illusion but I really feel I am working when I am diminishing the pile of written work that is overburdening me. I have begun to put some order and little by little the names of those to whom I owe letters are crossed out. I am very anxious to get back to my meditations and write a few brief lives of the saints of the Order for our printing press. Patience! If God will only give me a little health, I hope that all this will be finished this winter. In the meantime, I am making use of this fatigue, caused by delayed work, to come to the help of the souls in Purgatory. It is hard enough to be deprived of Jesus on earth but how much harder it must be after one had caught a glimpse of His infinite beauty. To leave Him then is certainly Purgatory, as we can easilysurmise, though we can never measure its intensity with our weak wretched understanding of God’s goodness.

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CR/2 : 249 11 November 1892

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Prayer 77Devotions 77 Renouncement 29Fidelity 89 Responsibility 79Order/Care 89 Suffering 82

Poverty 75 Unity 87Time -


Without being able to explain why, I feel the weight of financial problems more than ever. Of course, all the letters I receive hardly speak of anything else. I end up by becoming worried and day and night I rack my brain to find ways of solving the problem and I can find nothing. What we really need is God’s blessing for we have in hand all we need for our livelihood. At the same time, each one should take the matter to heart and be careful to avoid waste and breakage and asking useless things. Let time be considered as

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something sacred because of the poverty of the Institute, so that our prayers, our sacrifices and our fidelity may obtain mercy.Read this letter to your daughters and ask them to make sacrifices for the souls in Purgatory so that these dear souls may come to our assistance. Begin a novena of De Profundis and make a daily Way of the Cross for these intentions.

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CR/2 : 250 12 November 1892

Themes

Nature 70 Struggle 26Suffering 82 Body/Soul 28Work 75 Mission 69Thanksgiving -


As I am just about to leave for Grottaferrata, I have only a few moments to give you. Yesterday I was quite unwell and had trouble writing my letters to the missions. I caught a bad cold and can scarcely overcome my fatigue. Since the Lord permits it, I accept it along with all the rest and try to say to Him lovingly; “Poor health, bless the Lord.” Yes, I try to do so and I ask the grace also for my daughters so that we transform everything into a canticle of praise to our Divine Master. How rare they are those who are really abandoned to God; try to be one of them. With this thought in mind, fight ceaselessly against all that attracts too naturally.

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CR/2 : 251 15 November 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mission 69Maternal love - Formation -Authority 79 Nature 70Body/Soul 28 Renouncement 29Detachment 29 Work 75Unity 87


Gethsemani, Agnes, Felicetta and Assunta are to leave at 3:30. You know that I have no natural attraction for any special vocation of forming people and then sending them far away just when they begin to be apt for religious life and the charges. I have discovered the perfect image of my social position: I am nothing else but a hen that hatches ducks. When these ducklings break their shell, they abandon their mother and rush to the water – that is, to the sea and leave their poor Mother-hen Passion on the shore. The

ungrateful things! They even sometimes forget that their mother was a hen. I admit that this is not precisely what pleased me naturally, but all that God gives us is good.The Canadians came to say Mass for the four leaving who are so good and well disposed. I continue to keep well thanks to the chichory water which I swallow without any scruple as it is detestable. That day at St. Rose has put me back completely on my feet.

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CR/2 : 252 18 November 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Salvation of Souls 81Foundation 69 Earth/Heaven 83Glory of God 66


I have just had the visit of a good American priest, asking for a foundation with excellent conditions, which, I hope, will all be for God’s glory. We shall have a year or more to prepare it. It would seem that Christopher Columbus is opening America to us on the anniversary year of his discovery of the New World. I always had a great liking for Christopher Columbus. When I was little, I called America nothing but “Colombia” because I was very angry with the thought that it had not been named after the one who had discovered it. After all, what does it matter if we do not receive the reward of our works on earth? At this moment, Christopher Columbus has received his heavenly reward and he shares in the good being done in America, in the souls being saved there. We too, dear child, let us always do God’s good pleasure and if we receive no reward on this earth, we can all be the more certain that we will receive it in eternity.

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CR/2 : 253 25 November 1892

Themes

Absolute power of God - Offering -Contemplation/Action 27 Mission 69Fidelity 89 Passion 74Humility 89 Renouncement 29Imitation 63 Victim 90


Today we celebrate the feast of a very lovely saint: the great Catherine who triumphed over praises and threats and remained faithful to the good Master because she despised self even to the point of giving her life for Him. We are at the same time celebrating the good St. Elizabeth who understood that the true basis of humility is found in the Passion of Our Lord. How can we be proud of ourselves when we consider the suffering sin has caused to the innocent and gentle Victim who offered Himself for us? My child, try to learn humility through meditation on Jesus Crucified and try to spread this virtue and this devotion around you. Moreover, ask this same grace for your Mother.

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CR/2 : 254 4 December 1892

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mary 68Goodness of God 23 Nature 70Body/Soul 28 Poverty 75Devotions 77 Suffering 82Humility 89 Work 75Earth/Heaven 83 World -

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Thanks be to God for His goodness, I am not too tired and can work without having to stop to rest. It is true that the weather is quite mild and I am a poor wretch that can’t adapt to extreme cold or heat. Happily it is only my body that is so stubborn, for my soul, I hope, wants to do God’s will at any cost. Oh, my child, let us try our best to live in this divine will, for it alone merits all our efforts. The earth passes so quickly, how sad it is to think that in our natural folly and baseness, we use our energy to attain our selfish pleasures. The child Jesus did not act thus; during the time of Advent, we see His holy Mother struggling with obscurity, humiliation, poverty and abandonment. These must be very precious gifts since God gave them to Mary and Joseph.

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CR/2 : 255 17 December 1892

Themes

Love of God 23 Generosity 89Communion of Saints 87 Joy 89Cult 77 Suffering 82Devotions 77 Earth/Heaven 83Fidelity 89


I thank God that I was able to get some rest last night for I sorely needed it. I am trying to hold up patiently under the many crosses coming my way just now and though I love Advent, it will not be for me a bed of roses. I hope that these trials will bring me closer to the Blessed Virgin and ‘St. Joseph. They too, 1892 years ago, were not well treated by heaven and earth. They were rewarded after their trials by the birth of Jesus. Since they are giving me a share in their sufferings, may they also give me a share in their joy. May I have the joy of experiencing a renewal of love at Christmas in my soul and in the souls I love. You know you are one of them.As you prepare for Christmas, be more and more faithful so that you may have a large share in all these graces that I desire so much for you. Stir up the same generosity around you.

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CR/2 : 256 16 December 1892

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Suffering 82Sanctity - World -Mission 69 Renouncement 29Nature 70


Just a few more days and Christmas will be here. How I will pray for all of you on that day, asking Our Lord to make you all saints. This is a rare species on earth. The older we get, the more miseries we see. Yet, God is so good and His promises are so beautiful! How can we turn our eyes from eternal values to fix them so intently on earthly things? As for us let us try not to forget them and let us recall them constantly to those depending on us. No one finds sacrifice very amusing and only one thing can induce our weak nature to accept it: the thought, the assurance that what we sacrifice will procure us a much greater good. Pray for me so that I may keep my eyes turned towards the heavenly country and its treasures, in the midst of the numerous crosses that I have to bear here on earth.

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CR/2 : 257 17 December 1892

Themes

Love of God 23 Humility 89Communion of Saints 87 Incarnation/Redemption 87Contemplation/Action 27 Jesus 67Eucharist 62 Mary 68Sanctity - Generosity 89


Humility is the secret of love. This becomes ever clearer to me; that is why my devotion to the Word in His humiliations grows from day to day. Come, my daughter, let us study the marvels of love. When we have fathomed the miracles of humility of a God in Mary’s womb, in the crib, on the Cross, in the tabernacle shall we have the courage to refuse Him our share of humiliations and sorrow? I am going to ask the grace of great generosity for you; this will make you dear to the Child Jesus, but also ask the same grace for me and all your Sisters.How I would like my daughters as holy as my heart desires them. Ask the Child Jesus for this grace and also that your mother will no longer have to shed bitter tears over the faults of her children. These are sorrows from which Our Lord is pleased that I ask to be delivered.

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CR/2 : 258 22 December 1892

Themes

Joy 89 Generosity 89Family - Suffering 82


In spite of my fatigue and worries, I am in the thick of my New Year correspondence. It demands a great of patience but what would we not do for God? Yesterday the Lord sent me a consolation: Father Raphael came with Brother Francois Marie to wish me a happy New Year. I found him much better though not cured. I am convinced that he had overtired his head. He had wanted to do too much and I think he overstepped his limits. However, God will be mindful of his good will and I hope this fatigue will disappear little by little – I would like my daughters to catch the sickness of wanting to do things too well. Alas! There are no signs of it yet. I am going to ask Our Lord to send them an attack and I hope that by Christmas He will have heard my prayer at least a little. I bless you, dear child, and ask your prayers that God will help me. You know how tenderly I confide you to J.M.J. & O.F.S.F.

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CR/2 : 259 2 January 1893

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Poverty 75Devotions 77 Work 75


By tomorrow all my New Year wishes must be on their way, so, my dear daughter, you will not have a long letter today. I am very pleased in having St. Joseph as my patron for this year and in having to pray especially for our sister commissioners. I do hope that is a sign that our efforts are finally going to be

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successful; however, I think we must give great attention to producing chosen samples of our work and pamphlets. If we really try hard enough, we will certainly have returns. Right now the Franciscan books have to be edited. I have just rediscovered the life of Baptista Varani, a very interesting one that I myself had translated. I am going over it; as she herself wrote it, I hope it will sell very well.

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CR/2 : 260 3 January 1893

Themes

World - Salvation of Souls 81Poverty 75 Work 75


While I am writing this letter, the snow is falling, but it soon becomes slush, cold and dirty like this century of ours. It is almost too dark for writing and yet, I must toil on, for in spite of the fact that my secretaries and I myself work steadily, there are still sixty letters that I myself must dictate, without counting the ordinary cards that the secretaries write. The Institute’s relations with others are ever on the increase. I must absolutely finish this correspondence: so, you will not get very much until these letters have been sent. When this has been seen to, I will be able to give time to the Annals and the pamphlets without, however neglecting my Meditations. I am determined to find a way out of our difficulties for this is really necessary for the good of souls.

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CR/2 : 261 7 January 1893

Themes

Thanksgiving - Family -Joy 89 Communion of Saints 87Suffering 82 Earth/Heaven 83


Yesterday, I had a very consoling experience when I went to the Aracoeli to ask the Santo Bambino’s blessing on the whole Institute. With a joy and gratitude that only God can understand. I saw my dear Brother Francois Marie among the Fathers and Brothers. How I begged God to give him the priestly vocation. All the sufferings I had endured in that dear Aracoeli passed before my mind‘s eye in a flash and I must admit that at that moment, Our Lord rewarded me for all that I had suffered. What joy He granted me on the very spot where I had wept so much. What an excellent lesson. When we reach heaven, it will be even more beautiful and we will count for nothing the suffering of the earth. My dear children, may this

thought give us courage and help us support the many little difficulties of life. I think I will leave for Rome at 1:30. Our little Charina is still in the same condition.

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CR/2 : 262 12 January 1893

Themes

Authority 79 Mary 68Justice - Sanctity -Goodness 24 Renouncement 29

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Charity 24 Gentleness 89Humility 89


Being your Mother, I think I can very well tell you that if you were the saint God wants you to be, you would not be so upset because I told you to be nice to St. Helene. O my child, even though you may be really in the right, we can always be more charitable, more gentle, more agreeable and more forgetful of self. If we were given but a glimpse of the beauty of our Mother most amiable. The Virgin most admirable, how different we would find ourselves from her and how we would use all possible means to be agreeable to others in order to prevent even one imperfection.

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CR/2 : 263 13 January 1893

Themes

Charity 24 Struggle 26Grace - Sanctity -Church 60 Humility 89Fidelity 89 Suffering 82Strength 89


I feel sure, my daughter, that you want the year 1893 to be a holy one. It seems that we should try to live this year in a better way than we lived the others, were it only to expiate the crimes committed a hundred years ago. I am not too sure what my inspirations are really worth, but it appears to me as if Satan were furiously at work everywhere. He guesses that the day is coming when the patience of the just will be rewarded and will bear fruit, so he seems to be in a hurry to do all the evil he can and delay the moment when Jesus will come to the help of Holy Church, His spouse. Let us try to be among those who by their fidelity hasten this blessed hour and not of those who, by failing to be holy! I would like this cry to re-echo throughout the Institute. It is not enough to be just a wee bit holy, we must be saints like the first companions of our Seraphic Father. Let us constantly meditate on this humility that nothing can dishearten and this charity that nothing, neither person nor outrage, can vanquish. How wretched we are indeed compared to this race of the strong.

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CR/2 : 264 14 January 1893

Themes

Charity 24 Renouncement 29Fidelity 89 Suffering 82

Prayer 77


It seems to me that the present situation of our poor France can’t continue much longer and there will soon be a change. Let us pray earnestly that it will be for the good of our dear country. It is the time for prayer, sacrifice and fidelity. Use your influence to spread generosity around you.I received letters neither from Paris nor from Marseilles. Perhaps it was because of the snow; this is what I prefer to suppose, for I want to think kindly of my daughters’ exactitude.

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CR/2 : 265 3 February 1893

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Mission 69Body/Soul 28 Renouncement 29Fervour 89 Suffering 82Fidelity 89 Union with God 86Mary 68 Victim 90Vocation of the Institute - Earth/Heaven 83


Yesterday was the beautiful feast of the Purification, the anniversary of the day when our Immaculate Queen, whose missionaries we are, received the announcement of the sorrow and grandeurs attached to her mission. We are called to continue Mary’s mission on earth and to accept the suffering attached to our victim vocation. Oh, how good it is to meditate seriously on the mysteries of our vocation! I often think now that those who are faithful to their vocation, but who however are not perfect, form the body of the Institute; this body would remain lifeless and powerless were there not fervent members of our religious family who by their love and union with God form, as it were, the soul of the Institute and communicate life to the body. Few in number are the religious who belong to the soul of the Institute; they are invisible, we might say, whereas the body is there visible in number and strength. Yet, only from the former comes life and in eternity, they alone will communicate a marvelous splendor to the body. Try to belong to the soul of the Institute by growing ever more forgetful of yourselves.My children, you are getting a longer letter today. I have caught a bad cold that obliged me to keep to my bed and on top of that, I must be better by tomorrow for Father General is going to St. Rose.

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CR/2 : 266 9 February 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Body/Soul 28Fidelity 89 Poverty 75Absolute power of God - Struggle 26


I slept well last night and am very grateful to God, for when I drag along I can only half do my work; and just now is not the time to be lacking energy. We are in the last phase of our battle with hell. If we win in what concerns our material needs we will be saved; but this victory is not yet certain; far from it. By our fidelity to the spiritual life, we will succeed in earning the daily bread that God gives even to the little birds. Let us be zealous in seeking the Lord’s good pleasure. I can’t tell you often enough that nothing else matters.

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CR/2 : 267 7 March 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Penance 76Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Fervour 89 Union with God 86Passion 74

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Rome, 7 March 1893

Yesterday, I came from Grotta so exhausted that I could not put two ideas together and I was obliged to rest. I think that it is in this way that the Lord makes up for the fasts and corporal penances I cannot perform. I can now observe ways of abstinence like the others – something I could not do for years. Our Lord Himself in His goodness is careful to see that we have a share in His cross and suffering; otherwise, I think we would never even touch our lips to the chalice of His Passion. Like a mother, who in spite of the cries and tears of her child, forces him to take the medicine that is good for him, so our dear Saviour sends us physical fatigue and moral suffering. May a total abandonment to the good Master help us profit of everything. Let us be more fervent than ever during these days of Lent.

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CR/2 : 268 10 March 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Jesus 67Absolute power of God - World -Goodness of God 23 Renouncement 29Struggle 26 Union with God 86Humility 89 Earth/Heaven 83Sanctity -

Rome, 10 March 1893

I hope that the trouble in Paris over our Printing press will calm down but the bad press accounts gave us a very harassing chase. This is one proof that the devil was not pleased and if this is so, Jesus certainly must be and this is a most encouraging thought. Oh! How I feel, in my heart, at times, the emptiness of all that is not God and how I would like my daughters to understand the way that leads to holiness. It is quite obvious, that the more place self occupies, the less place there is for Jesus and the more we drive selfishness from our hearts the more Our Lord will fill us and all that we do. But what a rare thing it is! We seek our own satisfaction in everything and at all times. The Lord must have compassion on us in our folly. True good consists in referring all things to Him, it is to find total satisfaction in Him, whereas self-love is to turn towards the earth and there find our total satisfaction. What a shame, what blindness! Yet, this is indeed the universal story. I bless you, so that you may no longer seek anything but God’s good pleasure.

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CR/2 : 269 17 March 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Passion 74Love of God 23 Poverty 75Struggle 26 Salvation of souls 81

Gospel 83 Suffering 82Jesus 67 Mission 69Time - Work 75

Rome, 17 March 1893

Time has slipped by so rapidly these last few days that I have not a moment’s leisure. The Holy Father’s jubilee has brought a great many strangers to Rome. Besides, Mme. Audilbert and Mother Mary of the Redemption being here, I do not get very much work done – or apparently so, but I have real hopes that Mother M. of the Redemption’s stay will help us make plans together with good results for our financial future. In this respect, I seem to have a glimmer of hope. O my God, how happy we will be the day we are freed from all such worries and we will be able to help our dear missionaries to develop their works and to

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save many souls for the love of Our Lord. All is for Him, whether it be success or suffering. He alone can judge whether the cross or consolation is better for us and that is why we must be totally abandoned to His good pleasure. I think that if it were left to us to choose, we would very rarely take a share in the Passion of our Divine Saviour. That is why He often gives it to us Himself; for otherwise we would never become like Him. He has not deceived us as to the means we should take. Did He not say: “If anyone would come after me, let him take up his cross and follow me”? Then, let us not be surprised when we encounter difficulties and trials in all shapes and forms. Our Lord has not deceived us. Again, He said: “All who want to live piously will suffer persecution for justice sake.” I have no more time to ask anything else.

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CR/2 : 270 25 March 1893

Themes

Glory of God 66 Renouncement 29Joy 89 Suffering 82Nature 70 Sanctity -

Rome, March 25 1893

I would like to see my little daughters more serious, more concerned with God and not with themselves. We impede the forward march of the Institute and God’s glory with these thousand little nothings that cause tiny personal sufferings which if it were willingly accepted would allow God’s work to go on unhindered. Dear child, I am sorry to disagree with you but really X has not enough experience to keep the house during your absence and when we returned from the Chatelets I did not find that your daughters were particularly naughty. Have a big heart and a broad mind, my dear little Cecile, then you will be happier and holier and will do a great deal more good. I don’t have time to write more because we just had a final vow ceremony and we are now leaving for St. Rose.

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CR/2 : 271 2 April 1893

Themes

Charity 24 Nature 70Passion 74 Faith 64Incarnation/Redemption 67 Resurrection 80Hope - Incarnation/Redemption 67

Rome, 2 April 1893

I am beginning by wishing you a joyous Alleluia! May Our Lord rise again in your soul and also in the souls of those around you. The feast of the Resurrection is the most beautiful of feasts, for this mystery is the foundation of our faith and the explanation of the glory attached to sacrifice. Without the Resurrection we

would lose heart in the face of life’s innumerable difficulties for they make us suffer cruelly and all the more so, were we not sure that, after the pains of the present life, a blessed eternity awaited us. But the Risen Jesus is with us and He is the object of our faith, the source of our hope and the ardour of our charity. We know that after the sufferings of the Passion, He rose glorious from the tomb and thus proclaimed the certain resurrection of our poor human flesh. We share in His cross and we shall also share in His glorious resurrection. Let us make it as beautiful as we can, dear little Cecile, for all things pass so quickly and eternity will be so long.

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CR/2 : 272 29 June 1893

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Reign of God 78Contemplation/Action 27 Suffering 82Example 63 Unity 87Imitation 63 Victim 90Mission 69 Prayer 77Vocation of the Institute -

Rome, 229 June 1893

More than ever on this feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, I feel the need of praying for all my daughters. I will certainly give a talk to the whole community, but it is to the entire Institute that I would like to speak and say to each and every one how much I feel and see why God raised up an Institute of missionaries and victims in His Church. You can be sure of this: the Institute exists to obtain a new out pouring of Our Lord’s reign as in the time of St. Francis. But alas! We are far from being worthy of our vocation. I beg you to lead others on to sacrifice themselves and to pray unceasingly for the interests of the Church; do this not only by your prayers but just as much by your example. Let us both take the resolution to do everything as perfectly as we can for this intention. I bless you so that St. Peter and St. Paul may obtain this grace for us.

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CR?2 : 273 30 June 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Pope 60Spouse 25 Salvation of souls 81Gospel 73 Truth 88Sanctity - Grace -Victim 90 Mission 69Vocation of the Institute - Liberty -

Rome, 30 June 1893

Yesterday, the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, I spoke to the community of my ardent desire of seeing my daughters really understand their special missionary and victim vocation and the reason for the foundation of their Institute at the very time when Peter’s successor became a prisoner. In the face of such iniquity, the image of the chains imprisoning the freedom of evangelical and Christian truth, atoning victims were needed, mediators pleading for a halt to so many evils, spouses who like Esther, would obtain the salvation of their people. This is what God wills, what His love desires each one of us to be. But what are we? What an immense distance there is between God’s call and our correspondence to His grace! Pray for me

that I may be more worthy and I too shall pray for all my daughters so that they become holy as Our Lord wishes us to be. I bless you so that you may be the model of a true Franciscan Missionary of Mary.

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CR/2 : 274 2 July 1893

Themes

Love of God 23 Strength 89Charity 24 Humility 89Heart of Jesus 67 Mary 68Communion of Saints 87 Mission 69

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Gospel 73 Purity 89Sanctity -

Rome 2 July 1893

I am writing to you from St. Rose on this beautiful feast-day: that of the Precious Blood which this year coincides with the feast of the Visitation so dear to our missionary hearts. May you receive a large share in the graces signified by the blood and water that flowed from the Heart of Jesus: water that washes you and gives your soul a dazzling whiteness, blood that inebriates and gives you the energy of pure and holy love. May Mary add the humility of her Magnificat and the charity of her Visitation as well as the apostolic zeal that urged her to bring Jesus to Elizabeth for the sanctification of John the Baptist. Please obtain for me all the graces I am asking for you and indeed, I will be pleased with my share.

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CR/2 : 275 14 July 1893

Themes

Devotions 77 Jesus 67

Rome, 14 July 1893

Since you love the Child Jesus, I must tell you a dream I just had, brought on doubtless by the feverish attacks I have been going through. Yesterday I was dictating a letter to a Definitor General who is sick and is taking a rest in Naples. I told him that we were going to pray for his cure. Suddenly I said to myself: “I must tell him we are asking his cure from the Santo Bambino since I promised that from now on, in the Institute, we would ask miracles from Him.” Then I stopped, passed my hand across my forehead and asked myself: “But when did I take this resolution?” All of a sudden I saw that this had occurred the previous night in a dream. I would certainly have forgotten it, for I had not thought of it on awakening, were it not for my letter to Father Pierre de Monsano. Let me tell you the dream.I was praying and all of a sudden I had a beautiful interior light. I understood that it was, above all, the Child Jesus that Mary Immaculate had possessed for herself and that is why in her missionary institute it is the Child Jesus who will be its consolation and the dispenser of heavenly good things. There upon, I took the resolution to go to Him when I wanted a miraculous intervention. At the same time, I saw that I was carrying a statue of the Child Jesus and I understood that each house in the Institute should have one like it to venerate. Highly pleased, I exclaimed to myself: “This is really a proof that my light has come from heaven”: I hurried to the Community room to assemble our Sisters and tell them my resolution. The room had several doors. What was my surprise to see several of our Sisters enter with the same charming statue of the Child Jesus in their arms for they had the same grace. However, the statues were not all dressed the same, some were in blue and white, others in rose and white. I think there were four who had received the same privilege but I can’t remember now: though I was quite sure who they were at the time. Wasn’t that a beautiful dream? But let us make our love for the Child Jesus very real and no dream.

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CR/2 : 276 23 July 1893

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Victim 90Sanctity - Sanctification -Church 60 Poverty 75Earth/Heaven 83 Prayer 77World -

I can assure you that I am greatly concerned at this time about praying for my own sanctification and that of the entire Institute. Some influence is at work in the world urging people to seek enjoyment and pleasure

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and self-satisfactions of all sorts. It affects persons differently but all are seeking pleasure in accordance with their own tastes, with the result, that all self-sacrifice is held in real horror. The year 1893 has brought great disturbances in all corners of the world. There have been financial scandals and these are not yet done with. This gold which has become the main concern of so many will perhaps be the best preacher of our society. People do not get worried because God is forgotten but when their purse is touched, they soon cry out. Great crises are therefore to be expected; we should offer fervent prayers to heaven that God will have pity on those who are faithful and on His Church.How I would like beautiful places for myself and my daughters among the Esthers of Jesus, our love. God’s people must be saved; how I hope that our prayer will compel Jesus to grant this grace. That is why we must be holy. Be brave then and forward march. I bless you so that you may be very generous.

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CR/2 : 277 26 July 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Goodness of God 23 Renouncement 29Heart of Jesus 67 Suffering 82Conversion - Repentance -Church 60 Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 26 July 1893

You know that at the beginning of last year, I asked that Mass on Thursday be offered for very serious intentions. These intentions are becoming more and more crucifying for me. Perhaps the time will come when I will be able to explain to you how greatly I thirst for my daughters’ prayers. Oh, I entreat you for the good of the Church, the Order and the Institute, to give yourselves to serious prayer, to fidelity, to sacrifices that touch the heart of the Divine Master. Good St. Anne for whom I have great affection since my childhood, has on this her feast filled my chalice right to the brim. Well, since God wills it, all is for the best. Love purifies us and this prepares the soul for the life of union in heaven. Such should be our hope, founded on God’s infinite goodness and not on our own merits. This conviction doesn’t prevent me from entreating my daughters to pray for the Church, the Order, the Institute. These three causes are closely connected in God’s thought and the future looks so black everywhere that we have to cry to heaven constantly: “Pardon, Lord, pardon your people. Be not eternally angry with us.”

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CR/2 : 278 27 July 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Passion 74

Absolute power of God - World -Body/Soul 28 Prayer 77Imitation 63 Resurrection 80Vocation of the Institute - Sanctity -Jesus 67 Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 27 July 1893

In all the letters that I write, I feel the need to leave aside all insignificant details and insist with all our Sisters on the aim of our entrance into the religious life. Then we wanted to become holy, we had no other preoccupation. The present systems of education are very inadequate: Children are raised in an atmosphere of self-seeking and all you see are so anxious to satisfy their desire for pleasure, that they end up losing sight of the example of Our Lord and His Saints.

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Believe me, my child, a good part of your prayers be given to the meditation of the Passion of our Divine Saviour. When we consider the countless pains of soul and body that He endured, we find it easier to accept our own suffering and we realize that it was not by a path of roses that the martyrs reached glory in heaven with their Divine Master and model. Every person on earth has his own small or great martyrdom fashioned in conformity to God’s plan in creating him. Happy are those who submit to Divine Providence and respect the divine plan in all things; believe me, dear child, die to our own self-will and live to God’s will and Jesus’ good pleasure.

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CR/2 : 279 28 July 1893

Themes

Struggle 26 Mary 68Devotions 77 Suffering 82Francis 65 Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, July 28 1893

One would think I was holding a fare for the sale of crosses; God is sending me this merchandise from all sides and by all means and methods. Yes, let us weave our eternal crown, my dear child, but at the same time, I feel that it is the moment for my daughters to be entreating God to have pity on their mother. Humanly speaking, I don’t manage to solve all the difficulties that are obstructing my path. My daughters must necessarily become my advocates especially on the day of Our Lady of the Angels. While you are gaining indulgences for souls dear to Mary, Francis and the whole heavenly court, entreat the Queen of blessed spirits, to send her angels to help me. On my side, I will not forget to pray for you and ask our Mother to load you with the graces she reserves for the most privileged children of her beloved seraphic Francis. I feel that we must storm heaven for grace but who will have the strength and the secret of so doing?

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CR/2 : 280 29 July 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Gospel 73Communion of Saints 87 Prayer 77Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Victim 90

Rome, 29 July 1893

Today is the feast of St. Martha. Be fond of meditating often on these words of Our Lord: “One thing is necessary, salvation.” Although I have said this to you before, I cannot repeat it too often: how I feel that these words are significant in helping us submit to God’s will and accept life’s trials. “One thing is necessary”. When, in the midst of the contradictions and difficulties that are the daily bread of a victim, we repeat these words to ourselves and accept the divine will. It is already Saturday evening, so we are leaving for St. Rose very late this week. It is time to go and breathe calmer air: since yesterday, the thunder has been almost continuous, the air is damp, hot and filled with electricity. This year 1893 is certainly a very unusual one. When we open letters we are frightened by the news they contain: sicknesses, famines and many other things. All this should arouse us as does the call to muezzin from the height of the minaret cries are in Arabic: “To prayer, to prayer!” Through trials as much as through punishment, Our Lord cries to the souls He loves: “To prayer:” Let us remain closely united to our supplications.

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CR/2 : 281 1 August 1893

Themes

Lamb - Vocations -Supernatural spirit 64 Suffering 82Nature 70 Work 75Poverty 75 Earth/Heaven 83Sanctity -

Rome, 1 August 1893

I don’t know if you will have returned by the time this letter reaches Marseilles; I don’t think so. The more I think of Marie-Therese Gastinel, the more I think God is punishing her for too great confidence in herself. She would have lost her vocation for the sake of her father. God, in His love, removed this obstacle which to many people seemed quite legitimate. Now she is creating another obstacle for herself with all the people of her country. There will be plenty of advisers who will tell her to sacrifice her vocation. Let us pray for her.The financial question is most distressing, however, I think we are nearing a permanent solution. I am taking up again this matter, which humanly speaking, is a death blow to me. But I see that we are going towards an abyss and in return for the sacrifice, I am imposing on myself by adding a new task to what I already have to do. I feel that God will help me regulate properly the question of our finances once and for all. In union with the Divine Lamb, I stretch myself on this cross that my nature abhors. Ask Our Lord to help your poor mother. I am sure that you will be happy to have some news of Grandfather; Mgr. Dal Vago is now well enough to celebrate Mass, as he is receiving electric treatments. He was able to write a few lines to Father Raphael. His whole heart can be found in those four or five lines but it is evident that they exhausted his strength.We would be saddened at seeing these noble and beautiful personalities disappear, were we not certain that we will find them again in heaven more resplendent even than on earth. The longer I live the more I am inclined to ask for the spirit of faith for those I love: through it, we see all in the light of our last ends and then everything changes. Whatever made us suffer naturally, even the daily death of self, our own death and that of our loved ones, appears to us as a gain. The spirit of faith tempers the cross and is an excellent companion in our trials as well as a good counselor. Unfortunately, it has become something rare in our days. That is why we religious in particular should renew ourselves constantly in the spirit of faith and adjust our way of thinking and acting to conform to this view-point, the base of all holiness.

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CR/2 : 282 2 August 1893

Themes

Absolute power of God - Sanctity -

Struggle 26 Francis 65Communion of Saints 87 Generosity 89Devotions 77 Mary 68Church 60 Unity 87Service -

Rome, 2 August 1893

Today is the beautiful feast of Our Lady of the Angels. Oh, how I prayed to her, more fervently perhaps than I ever did. It seems so clear to me that the Church, the Order and the Institute are being besieged just now by hell’s legions and that is why I feel more than ever the need of the help of the Queen of the Angels and her celestial army. I am also praying for each of you, for each of your houses. The devil well knows that if the Franciscan victims of Mary were holy, they could harm his plans greatly and he directs his fury against our convents and work and against each soul, in order to snatch all the love and glory he can from

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Our Lord. Dear child, let us not allow him to succeed. Let us be generous, let us ask the angels to enlighten us, to battle with us and to follow the footsteps of the prudent and faithful Virgin, whose servants and auxiliaries they have always been. It is my great consolation that in so many houses, in so many parts of the world, we are united in prayer, for indeed we can truly say that we love the day of Our Lady of the Angels and the Portiuncula indulgence. May we grow in the imitation of our seraphic Father Francis; but for this we must, like him, have God for our all.

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CR/2 : 283 3 August 1893

Themes

Absolute power of God - Sanctity -Love of God 23 Imitation 63Communion of Saints 87 Joy 89Duty 89 Renouncement 29Humility 89

Rome, 3 August 1893

It seems to me that it is time for you to begin seriously to take the path the saints walked. What does the rest matter, my dear child and of what use is it to allow all these worries to bother us? Let us make a good effort, Jesus, the Church, the Order, the Institute are in need of real religious. Let us try to become such and help others to reach the same goal. This requires death to self and that is not very comfortable. Alas! from morning until night we feel that we are alive. Hence, we will never succeed unless we replace self-love by a much stronger love capable of dominating selfishness so much, that it is crushed and destroyed. May this love of Jesus, Mary, Francis and the saints and of all the virtues they practiced help us. That is where we should seek our distractions and our joys; when we stray from this study, we fall back on ourselves and on creatures and then we are lost. Sursum corda! It is only justice and our duty, I bless you so that you may understand this truth and put it into practice.

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CR/2 : 284 9 August 1893

Themes

Contemplation/Action 27 Salvation of Souls 81Sanctity - World -Gospel 73 Suffering 82Renouncement 29 Work 75

Rome, 9 August 1893

Yesterday, we had a very nice visit from the Patriarch of Jerusalem. He has an attractive personality and he seems to love the Institute very much. I assure you that when I heard him speak of the troubles of our times, I had an even greater desire to become holy and to see you all become saints too. Holiness is such a reasonable thing; it is just, so conformable to our own advantage and yet it is such a difficult thing to attain. If we thought over carefully and meditated more often on these words spoken to us on Ash Wednesday! “Remember man that thou art dust and into dust thou shalt return”, we would understand much better than we do, how necessary it is to sacrifice everything to holiness. I am struck by the teaching given by Jesus to Martha: “One thing is necessary, salvation.” Only one. Yet, we worry ourselves over so many things. You could never imagine what help I receive to carry my cross, just by meditating on these words of Our Lord. When I’ve done my best, when I’ve suffered, worked and prayed for a soul, a work, a cause, if I succeed in accomplishing nothing well, my suffering is intense but I take refuge in this thought:

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“For you, only one thing is necessary, salvation.” Jesus said so and I must accept the obstacles that hinder all the rest if God asks this of me. May you also profit from this thought.

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CR/2 : 285 11 August 1893

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Prayer 77Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Courage 89 Jesus 67Time -


You will get only a few lines today. God disposed of my time by sending crosses and trials of all sorts. I am leaving for St. Rose and this time it will not be a luxury for I am badly in need of rest. I have slept so poorly these last two nights that I can scarcely gather my thoughts together to write to you. This doesn’t prevent me from praying for all my dear little daughters. I know that they will be praying for me especially on August 15th. I will present them all to Our Lord so that He will load them with blessings. Be brave. Let us continue following along the straight path, the one taken by Jesus Himself.

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CR/2 : 286 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Sentiment - Death -Humility 89 Work 75Prayer 77 Earth/Heaven 83Wisdom -

Rome, 1893

I have not written to anyone for a week. What can I do? The martyrdom that I endured those three days during which I saw the sudden death of St. Helene suspended – as it were –over my head, was so strange, so painful that no one on earth, I think could ever understand it. To think that on the eve of her death, I had burnt a candle before the Blessed Sacrament and before her patron saint asking that this dreadful blow be turned aside. I offered for her soul the agony which, it seems to me, she herself had been spared. To think that all this happened and God, in His wisdom, judged it right to remain deaf to our prayers and our suffering. He knows better than we do: this is the death in which we must lose ourselves. Afterwards, I

was really ill. Happily, violent storms cleared up the electricity in the atmosphere and I was able to put my letters in order and return to my work. Ask God to help me for I need His help badly.

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Themes

Mary 68 Purity 89Peace 72 Prayer 77Sanctity -

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As for us, we find a little peace near the cradle of our Immaculate Mother. Oh, how happy she was to have been born immaculate, to have lived immaculate, to have died immaculate. We, who were born with original sin and who have stained our souls so often with voluntary sin, let us try at least to become saints. You offer this prayer for me, my child and I will offer it for you. May God hear our prayer. I bless you.

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CR/2 : 288 27 September 1893

Themes

Love of God 23 Detachment 29Authority 79 Gentleness 89Charity 24 Joy 89Struggle 26 Poverty 75Contemplation/Action 27 Work 75


Our annals are at last finished; when I have only the “Varieties” to do I am always pleased. While looking for a poem in a collection sent us by Father Jean de St. Eulalie, I found a very nice one on poverty; it will have to be printed on small separate leaflets for each one of us; this would help us love our seraphic Father’s dear Lady Poverty and also practice it. I assure you that from the first day of my charge as superior until today, I have felt her embrace. To love; poverty is very fine in theory but to endure her scratches with patience, charity and meekness is indeed hard. I am so convinced of this, that I do not ask God to make my daughters go through what I have suffered. Divine Love must sustain us very firmly indeed, if we are not to succumb in the midst of such struggles. I bless you so that God may nourish your soul with detachment which is the essence of poverty.

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CR/2 : 289 30 September 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Francis 65 Grace - Prayer 77


I was deeply saddened by the death of Mr. Bonnasse. Who would have thought a year ago that he, his wife and Helene were so near this end? (…)

I am not at all sure if we will leave for Grotta. Yesterday, they did not know at St. Anthony’s whether Father General would arrive today or Monday. If he arrives today, naturally, we can’t set out just when he is entering Rome. After that, I think, we will decide about our trip to France. I have no special desire, for I see inconveniences whichever way I choose. However, pray earnestly so that the Lord permits what is best. The grape-gathering has begun in Grotta and the constructions are in full swing. I fear leaving all that and yet if I delay my journey it will be too late to set out. I hope St. Francis will bring us light and grace. May our seraphic Father give my daughters all the graces that their Mother desires for them.

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106

CR/2 : 290 18 October 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Struggle 26Human Race - Power of God -Body/Soul 28 Earth/Heaven 83Time - Gospel 73


You are right in having a special love for the Gospel of the Samaritan woman. My soul has fed on it for a long time. Decidedly, it does not seem God’s will that I be cured. I am still fighting against that wretched neuralgia. This morning I was much better and now I am feeling tired again. True, we are having very bad weather; today it is stormy and yesterday morning it was very cold. One thing is sure, we have the weather God wants us to have. The grape-gathering is going on in Grotta but the year was not good. I don’t think we have two-thirds of last year’s harvest. Just the same, we ought to be grateful to God for many people around us have fared worse and have nothing at all. The weather was so unusual that the plants had sicknesses like people. Father Sabatino told me that in his region, even the chestnuts have been attacked and the vine growers said it was a kind of disease that attacks plants. It seems like a punishment from heaven and this would not be surprising. God is so little loved that we must not be astonished when He takes means to make the poor world understand how much it needs the Almighty. As for us, my dear child, let us be convinced of this truth and let us try to always fulfill the loving will of our Creator and Saviour.

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CR/2 : 291 27 October 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Body/Soul 28Absolute power of God - World -Love of God 23 Joy 89Charity 24 Nature 70Struggle 26 Truth 88Sanctity -


The month of the Rosary and of St. Francis is almost over. We will soon celebrate All Saints and commemorate our dead. How I wish that we could understand what they understand in the pure light of eternity. Oh! If we could but know as they do what futility it is to seek our own pleasure and that of creatures, we would much more easily live the first commandment and the second that resembles it. “Love

God above all things and one’s neighbor as oneself for the love of God.” It is so just, so natural to live for our Creator to whom we owe everything and who in Himself contains our true, our unique eternalhappiness. We must admit that Satan is very clever in finding so many ways to lead us constantly off our road. Let us try, my child, to prevent him; let us constantly turn our souls back to the right course that of truth and help those around us do the same thing insofar as we are able. That is, let us seek only to do the Divine Will, the good pleasure of Our Lord. After I had gone through six or seven weeks of acute suffering, my neuralgic fever suddenly seemed to disappear last Saturday without any apparent reason, unless it was cured by the stomach medicine I had to take.

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107

CR/2 : 292 28 October 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Duty 89Body/Soul 28 Mary 68


To be chained to a writing desk like a galley slave is certainly not something I would have chosen of my own likes or dislikes. Indeed it is duty that holds me there. But, my dear child, let us become accustomed to what God wants, for it is the best thing for us. Perhaps I would have lost my soul if my legs were not swollen and if instead of being nailed to a desk, I had gone capering around the world. Let is live the “fiat” as did our Immaculate Mother.

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CR/2 : 293 1 November 1893Themes

Thanksgiving - Death -Family - Sanctity -Will - Charity 24Renouncement 29 Reign of God 78Humility 89 Suffering 82Joy 89 Mission 69Earth/Heaven 83


Today all the saints sent me a lovely surprise: Father Raphael came to celebrate Mass and brought our dear Brother Francois Marie as his server. He is so good in every way that I thanked God fervently during the Holy Sacrifice. It also occurred to me that we already have a beautiful group of our Sisters in heaven and I have suffered so much since the death of my dear Marie de St. Helene that I like to think she is among them. Coming out of the Chapel after Mass, I said to Father Raphael: “Here is a Mother who hopes she has daughters in heaven while she herself has not yet arrived there.” To which he answered: that the mother of the Maccabees wanted her seven sons to precede her to the eternal kingdom.I am in the midst of great deliberations, trying to find Sisters to send to China and India. I hope the Lord will come to my aid and help me find the perfect religious that the missions are demanding. Our good missionaries have their own weak points, yet they would like to see only immaculate ones coming from Europe to help them. Alas! It is in reality, our own self-love that exacts perfection from others: we would like nothing to upset or disturb us, nothing to thwart or oppose our plans and wishes and yet, only the cross

will open heaven to us. May you know how to support others and how to turn a critical eye on your own person, I bless you.

----------CR/2 : 294 2 November 1893

Themes

Struggle 26 Strength 89Communion of Saints 87 Francis 65Courage 89 Mary 68Church 60 Passion 74Example 63 Victim 90Vocation of the Institute - Earth/Heaven 83

108


I have just read your letter and am very happy that the Bishop of Nimes was good to you. Today all our hearts are united in prayer for our dead. Perhaps this is the feast when all Christians are most united. Our community in heaven is indeed numerous. But perhaps we also have a community in purgatory and we must do all we can to help our dead Sisters who are in this monastery of expiation. How anxious they must be to see Jesus, to contemplate God, to be close to Mary Immaculate and our Father St. Francis and all the Saints who are enjoying eternal happiness. We should understand what folly it is to forget that we are in the Church Militant and that we are working for the Church Triumphant while doing our best to avoid the Church Suffering. He who fights bravely in the Church Militant, who takes up his cross and follows Jesus, undergoes his purgatory on earth either wholly or partially. This thought should give us the strength to fight while we are in the Church Militant.

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CR/2 : 295 23 November 1893

Themes

Struggle 26 Pope 60Francis 65 Prayer 77Mary 68 Providence 22Mission 69 Work 75World - Vocation -Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 23 November1893

Everybody in the Institute is very busy and as I have not too much pressing business on hand today, I feel inclined to tell my daughters something about my prayer this morning.I don’t think I am mistaken in believing that the foundation of the Institute was something willed by God. Creatures didn’t want it and I myself didn’t want it any more than the others. It is a real comfort to me to be able to say to myself from the inmost depths of my conscience: “You never dreamed nor wished to be a foundress.” The more I think about the moment when the Institute made its appearance in the world, the more clearly I seem to see God’s plans for those called to continue on earth the mission of Mary Immaculate through St. Francis.Just at the time when the Vicar of Jesus Christ was beginning his passion, I made my final vows and the devil began the persecution which gave birth to our religious family., Something in my heart tells me that it is the off-shoot of the white flower that was to come from the East. Is not Mary Immaculate the White Flower par excellence? Rome, like another Jerusalem, is standing before the judges of God’s people and the Roman tribunal. Confusion reigns everywhere just as it did then. God chose this moment to place the off-shoot of the White Flower into my arms like another Infant Jesus.

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CR/2 : 296 1893

Themes

Struggle 26 Suffering 82Mary 68 Work 75Sanctity - World -Union with God 75 Peace 72Vocation of the Institute - Offering -Poverty 75 Victim 90Earth/Heaven 83 Hidden life 68

109

My daughter will never be able to understand what I felt when our former Father General sent me, through Father Raphael, a small painting of the Blessed Virgin with the Infant Jesus in her lap; her arms are not supporting Him for her hands are clasped in prayer. She and her Son are all alone, only an angel or two are fluttering above the heads of the Mother and the Off-shoot of the White Flower. What a strange thing! Around your poor mother who is but a contemptible nothing, around the Institute, a new off-shoot of the White Flower, hell rose up as it did long ago around the crib of Bethlehem. Just as hell condemned the Holy Innocents to death by the mouth of Herod, with the aim of killing Jesus, so the powerful ones of our present century condemns to death our houses, our subjects, our works, our vocations and even, at times, our souls. What a terrible struggle it is to be at the head of the Institute. The Innocents are constantly falling under the blows of the enemies of the White Flower. However, up to now, the child, the Institute, has not received the death-blow. Were it holy in its entire body, it would offer itself to God to bring peace between heaven and earth.Alas! How far we are, my child, from the holiness that our vocation demands. We are not strong enough to stop the slaughter of the Innocents and the child remains exiled in Egypt under the care of its helpless mother. I feel that the devil is using his dreadful tactics, if not to snatch my daughters from their vocation, at least he is trying to prevent the effects of their vocation. His tactic consists in reducing the child to the poverty of Bethlehem and to exile; consequently, for some days now I have been urged by Our Lord to request – not riches, of course – but what He gave to Mary and Joseph, the shelter of Nazareth, the “house of flowers”, where the Holy Family were able to live in peace from day to day by the work of their hands. This suffices so that the soul may be able to surrender herself peacefully to expiation and union with God

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CR/2 : 297 1893

Themes

Authority 79 Struggle 26Offering - Time -Eucharist 62 Peace 72Fidelity 89 Suffering 82Vocation of the Institute - Formation -Victim 90 Francis 65Earth/Heaven 83

During this Advent, we must storm heaven, not from any ambitious motive but through a spirit of piety and regularity. We must find ways of selling our products so that we can pay our debts and live from day to day without being submerged by our material worries. We would thus have time to form ourselves and those around us to this great vocation as victims, adorers, in humility and love so that altogether we form a body, one and holy, worthy of being offered to God as an agreeable sacrifice in order to obtain peace between heaven and earth. Peter is in chains as is the Institute; let us not forget it and let us hasten the day of deliverance by our virtue, our sacrifice and our love.

I didn’t have the intention of writing a general letter and in fact it isn’t one, but I feel I would be doing wrong if I hid from my true daughters, the superiors, this insight that God gave me so clearly this morning after Holy Communion. I needed many words to relate it, but very little time to see it. After searching, I found that it was on the feast of St. Clement, one of the first successors of Peter that this was shown to me. By God’s will, I had been baptized in a church dedicated to this pope. When I received Holy Communion, I had not noticed that it was his feast. Here, I just see another proof that God who made me a Christian under the patronage of this great Pope, did indeed show me my vocation and that of my daughters on this same feast.

It is pouring rain. May this be an image of the graces we are to obtain for the world.

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110

CR/2 : 298 24 November 1893

Themes

Thanksgiving - Death -Formation - Sentiment -Faith 64 Struggle 26Detachment 29 Spouse 25Supernatural spirit 64 Suffering 82Earth/Heaven 83 Victim 90


Yes, indeed, Jesus our love is pleased to gather from among us – victims pleasing to Himself. He asked a very hard sacrifice of me when He took to Himself, Marie Sacramento. I had brought her up and I loved her. But, after all, why are we religious? Why does God give us daughters? So that they may be worthy to enter their true native land. When the work of salvation is terminated, all is consummated, all is accomplished; and if I had a living faith we would sing the Magnificat because God has claimed the beloved soul of his privileged spouse. Satan can no longer snatch that soul; he has lost the game; heaven triumphs and hell is vanquished. All this doesn’t prevent us, who remain here below, from being saddened by the separation and feeling the sacrifice of giving the victim of this earth to the Divine Victim. God has added to our occupations by giving us two souls to cultivate, one especially, Marie Jeannerod, our Margaret’s sister.

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CR/2 : 299 28 November 1893

Themes

Absolute power of God - Sanctity -Body/Soul 28 Renouncement 29Detachment 29 Work 75Victim 90 Formation -Mission 69 Earth/Heaven 83


Yesterday, I finished the day in my bed. I am so weak now that it takes nothing to throw me down but all is for God. Oh! If I could make you all understand as I myself understand that, at all costs, we must rid ourselves of everything that displeases Jesus. I am praying hard to obtain this grace for myself, because I am indeed anxious to become holy according to His taste; but I also pray very much for my daughters. I can see clearly what the Institute should be. Alas! How far we are from this ideal. Yet, we must not be discouraged. We have spread out very rapidly and from the very beginning we had to give many Sisters to

the missions. Hence, it is not surprising that a great many souls have not succeeded at once in becoming holy victims. Let us lead them, little by little, along this path. Ask for this grace, my daughter and try to work on yourself in this respect. I am trying to adapt the “Toc, toc” for the “varieties” of the annals. By changing it a little, I could make a booklet to be sold at Christmas. I re-read it and found it very nice – but how I wish that we would open our door to the “toc, toc” of the Holy Family,

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CR/2 : 300 11 December 1893

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Purity 89Time - Joy 89Poverty 75 Work 75

111


The rabbits have arrived; they are splendid. This encourages me to look for more animals for the farm. I would like to find many ways of helping our finances. This morning we came back from St. Rose after enjoying magnificent weather yesterday, a real Spring day. I think the Lord had pity on me for I was very tired and the little rest did me a great deal of good. I feel I will be able to work really hard this week and catch up on my affairs. At any rate, it is real happiness to spend oneself completely for God. It is a great comfort to feel that He gives me so much to do for Him that I hardly have time to breathe. I only wish you could taste this comforting joy and each day find that you have time neither to sin nor to think of yourself because you are kept too busy. Of course, doing written work in a cell – whether it be dictated or written by oneself – doesn’t give the occasion to commit faults as do other charges.

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CR/2 : 301 16 December 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Responsibility 79Courage 89 Suffering 82Nature 70 Work 75Prayer 77


Just a little word before I leave for Grotta. Cross follows upon cross and at times, my courage really fails me. I feel so alone, so isolated, in the face of responsibilities that are growing ever greater. But it is God’s will and even if I naturally shrink before such a heavy burden, I must keep on going just the same. Help me with your prayers. Oh! How I am beseeching everyone to pray for me so that I may find means of doing God’s work as well as I can. Tomorrow there will be a High Mass at the Vatican and more than 10,000 persons are expected to attend. I will go to pray for the Pope in Grottaferrata and each of you do the same in your own house. With that, I bless you. I am well, but crushed by so much work.

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CR/2 : 302 18 December 1893

Themes

Duty 89 Work 75 Time -


I am now in Grotta where we are having wonderful weather. There is a marvelous sky and sun just now; a real spring day, but the mornings and evenings are very cold. Yesterday the Pope celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s in that section of the basilica where the Council had been held. He was surrounded by 10,000 people. It seems that his voice was very strong and he was very happy. Poor Holy Father! There were cries of Long Live the Pope-King! And though this Mass was a comfort to his heart, it has changed nothing in the distressing situation of the Church. God grant that the year 1894 be less sad than 1893. A frightening end of the year is facing me. Work abounds and I may be obliged to return to Grottaferrata this week if Father General goes there as he said he would. Patience! God is using up our time and He will also give us the means to help us carry out our duty; let this be the sole aim of our life.May you be imbued with a generous love of each and every one of your duties. I bless you.

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112

CR/2 : 303 19 December 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Joy 89Love of God 23 Peace 72Struggle 26 Tabernacle 86Communion of Saints 87 Work 75Courage 89 Victim 90Incarnation/Redemption 67 Earth/Heaven 83Justice -


We are in the week of the Expectation. For us here in Rome it is about the hardest week of the year. Truly ’93 is coming to a close as it began, with an overload of work and crosses. We must say Fiat and keep going. Mary and Joseph pressed on to Bethlehem and did not give way to discouragement and so – Jesus came. Oh! May He come, may He be born in me also; the Institute has cost me dearly. For eleven years I have fought against hell, disputing every inch of the ground. Happy those of my daughters who can claim in all truth and justice, a part in this warfare and who have not, on the contrary, added to the burden of expiation I bear. Poor Jesus! Is this not what He does? Often His Apostles and His Disciples, added to His bitter sufferings. In this way Redemption was won. For our times some remedy is needed; victims who will make peace between heaven and earth. Courage then, forge ahead, no matter what happens for the love of God.

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CR/2 : 304 20 December 1893

Themes

Abandonment 22 Salvation of souls 81Suffering 82 Mission 69Grace - Time -Nature 70 Work 75Renouncement 29 Earth/Heaven 83Sanctity -


I have so much to do these days that I hardly get through the most necessary tasks. God, who so disposes things, must sustain me in this work. Everything happens at once. Oh! how welcome will be our heavenly rest! But we must earn it by cooperating, as much as we can, with the grace God gives to help us advance

in virtue and help others to do likewise. I think that if, year after year, we corresponded with what God willed, we would become holy and help others sanctify themselves too; but alas! It costs to do this, almost always we want what we want. It may even have the appearance of good and we don’t know how to desire the crosses and sacrifices God prepares as a remedy for us to help us die to self-love and to a too natural activity. Let us beg for the Institute, to live on a more supernatural plane during the coming year 1894. This is something becoming ever more rare upon the earth.

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CR/2 : 305 21 December 1893

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Poverty 75113

Body/Soul 28 Simplicity 89Francis 65 Work 75Joy 89 Mary 68Sanctity -


We are very busy with letters and presents for Christmas; my office resembles a shop; a soutane here, a cushion there, in another corner a carpet, holy pictures, sweets, all the contents of our workroom will go in this way and this will be no help to me financially. But, launching forth, taking the risk as did Mary Immaculate and St. Francis we shall find all again in eternity. God is good; He gives me the health to work.I do not know what I would have done had I the inflammation and neuralgia I had last month. Four more days and Jesus will be born. Oh! How I desire that all of us be filled with His holiness. I ask it for you; ask it for me. Happy New Year and Happy Christmas. This is the customary wish here in Rome.

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CR/2 : 306 22 December 1893

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Renouncement 29Detachment 29 Generosity 89World -


I shall probably go to Grotta so as to be back here for Christmas Eve, Saturday. Nearly all the Christmas gifts have gone out, thank God! It was like a thunderbolt, tiresome for both soul and body. But it was all in a good cause since it was for Our Lord. He who deserves so much more than we could ever give Him. In serving creatures we waste our time but in serving Him, never. The smallest act is taken into account and God alone knows what graces are gained thereby. If we thought about this more often we would not waste time thinking of ourselves and others as we so often do. Take a good resolution and may 1894 find us giving ourselves generously to the service of Our Lord, not counting the cost. This is my wish for you my child and may you have a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year. Pray also for me that the graces received in 1893 may enable me to do much in 1894.

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CR/2 : 307 3 January 1894Themes

Abandonment 22 Mission 69

Love of God 23 Poverty 75Contemplation/Action 27 Suffering 82Body/Soul 28 Work 75Joy 89 Earth/Heaven 83


What a “world” the Institute has become. When I look at the pile of letters that come nowadays to the Superior General and all the affairs and responsibilities that fall on her, I pity myself and the one who will succeed me. It is certainly no fun being at the head of a missionary Institute. But after all, there where God wants us is the best place for us. If each one were imbued with this thought she would find the way less hard. How sweet to be filled with the love of God! How I wish that we could all live of the love of God alone. Having to deal with material matters is most disagreeable for a soul desirous of God alone. In heaven material things will have no place. We aspire after the eternal and this is the reason we find the

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material so burdensome and contrary to our aspirations. However, we must bear them patiently for they will bring us to eternal salvation.

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CR/2 : 308 4 January 1894

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Humility 89Communion of Saints 87 Renouncement 29Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Sanctity - Fidelity 89


It is snowing again. I have never seen so much snow in Rome. The branches of several of our trees have cracked. It is not surprising since they keep their leaves and the weight of the snow on them is too heavy, so they give way. Poor trees! I feel sorry for them and I think I see in them an image of myself when flakes upon flakes of annoyance fall, one upon the other and I feel both in body and soul, a weight that I can hardly carry. How good our Jesus is. He too wanted to feel the weight of the cross and even fell under it three times. In order to teach us a lesson He did not refuse the help of a Cyrenean. Let us be resigned in our trials. Since Jesus willingly accepted a Cyrenean it is not wrong for me to seek one on my way and I trust that my dear daughters will be their mother’s courageous Cyreneans. That this may be so, my child, be very faithful to God; live in humility, in self-forgetfulness; this is the touchstone of perfection.

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CR/2 : 309 5 January 1894

Themes

Mission 69 Abandonment 22Offering - Conversion -Sanctity - Renouncement 29


Tomorrow will be the feast of the Epiphany …

Padre wrote me the following little note yesterday: “Since I have not been able to visit you this year it is only right that I send you a card. Tomorrow is the feast of the Kings, the great feast for the Institute. May

Jesus grant that it be a fruitful one for you and your daughters. May it be a light, a manifestation of the call to a Franciscan Missionary vocation for many. For those already called may it impart that unshakable faith of the Magi. To all may it be an inspiration to offer with all one’s heart the gold of charity, the incense of a life lived in the supernatural and the myrrh of sacrifice. May it be also the privilege of you and your daughters to win many to Jesus. Amen, Amen.” And I, I add in a more everyday language: May this be so. But to win souls one must give of self, sacrifice oneself continually, do the will of the other rather than one’s own and specially do the will of God. Alas! I’m afraid there are those who prefer to do their own will. In order that you may follow another road rather than the one indicated by a wicked Herod, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 310 7 January 1894

Themes

Authority 79 Jesus 67Gentleness 89 Penance 76Humility 89


Since you tell me you are not kind, I would ask you to be so. It is sad to think that the superiors become angry so easily. It is from so often doing their own will that they fall into this bad habit. My dear child, in order to break this habit, punish yourself. Ask pardon, on your knees of the one with whom you have lost your temper; but, I beg of you, try to become the disciples of Jesus meek and humble of heart.

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CR/2 : 311 9 January 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Poverty 75 Suffering 82Passion 74


Each day of January brings new trials; since God permits that it begin so badly what will the year be like? In addition to many other troubles we are, at the moment, without commissioners. Last week there was only 350 francs with which to pay a debt that was owing, provide for the community needs at Grotta and Rome and pay for the constructions. Three days of this week are gone and we have only 150 francs in hand; this is a great worry because debts mount up and it becomes so difficult to get on one’s feet again. I have certainly done what I could. I am sick and am tried on all sides, unable to do anything further at the moment. I can but try to accept the hard cross which God wills I should bear. Pray earnestly for me and have others pray also, that I may climb my Calvary and reach the top without being crushed by the weight of the cross.

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CR/2 : 312 16 January 1894

Themes

Church 60 Fidelity 89 World - Suffering 82


Another trial for our fathers. Poor Father Nazareno is at death’s door. He received the last Sacraments this morning. An excellent priest; he was in charge of finances for St. Anthony’s and for many of the provinces, I believe; the bankers have known him for half a century and he was very well liked. There is no hope of his recovery. Once again it will fall to the lot of our poor Father Raphael to attend to him and to close his eyes in death. Mind you, he is a little better but not cured. Agitation is mounting in Italy; the people are poor and so tried by revolution that in order to be freed from this political unrest I think, they would welcome war. We must pray much for this New Year 1894. For ’93 I seemed to foresee many crosses and I was not mistaken. It has been a hard year for everyone, I think. Sickness and trials of all

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kinds have befallen mankind, but I feel ’94 will be a great year. Pray much that God will have mercy on us, on His Church and on Catholic Christians. That by your fidelity you may obtain much, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 313 19 January 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77World - Reign of God -Gospel 73 Supernatural spirit 64Fidelity 89 Earth/Heaven 83Grace -


Here we are at the close of the first month of ’94 at the beginning of Lent since Easter will fall on 25 March. Pray much, be very faithful. If we do not refuse Him anything I feel that God will grant us great graces this year. But in order that He grant what pleases us we must first please Him. I am more and more convinced that it is folly to waste time on the things of the world, they are nothing. Let us try to rise above nature and to encourage those around us to do likewise. “Set your hearts on His kingdom first and on His righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well”. Often it is because we do not seek earnestly enough that kingdom in our temporal undertakings that God’s help is either diminished or lacking to us.

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CR/2 : 314 2 February 1894

Themes

Lamb - Sanctity -Mission 69 Suffering 82


We shall make another sacrifice the day after tomorrow. China will eat up six of our very good subjects, but after all we shall be giving them to Jesus, these lambs belong to His flock and are raised for Him. That you may form many to sanctity and be yourself holy, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 315 3 February 1894

Themes

Goodness 23 Victim 90Time - World -Penance 76 Suffering 82Vocation to the Institute -


I am leaving for Grotta where I expect to stay until Lent begins. So much of my time has been taken up these days that I have only a minute to give you. If ever there was a time when God needed victims, it is

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now; let us try to live up to our vocation. During Lent I want to try to do something in order to draw down God’s mercy on the world. I shall pray much too, that my daughters enter into the spirit of their vocation during this time of penance. If we but knew the value of the cross!

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CR/2 : 316 8 February 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Glory of God 66Sanctity - Work 75


The Bishop of Marseilles has not said no, but we know nothing definite. So do not be surprised that you have not received a telegram. It is God’s will that I have so much to do, so much business to attend to, that I feel really stupid at times. Saturday we went to St. Rose. Father General came on Sunday and remained until Tuesday morning. I came back by train with M. de St. Veronique for a general council meeting and business connected with St. Rose. She (M. de St. Veronique) left this morning after receiving the holy ashes with us here in this dear house of St. Helen where we both have suffered so much. We are now in the Lenten season. Today I have been able to put a little order in my affairs, reply to many questions. Things are getting back to normal. There are so many good and useful things I want to do. Ask God, if it be His will, that I may have the health to work a little for His glory but above all whatever He wills, nothing else. During Lent let us live by the Divine will and in so doing we shall live holily.

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CR/2 : 317 9 February 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Mission 69Goodness of God 23 Prayer 77Body/Soul 28 Work 75


I have just had an interruption. A Superior General called to see me. By the grace of God, I had been able to help her in the past when she arrived in Rome. As well as this I had a lengthy correspondence to attend to for the missions. On account of such a heavy day I am unable to write to you at length today. Father General leaves for Naples tomorrow and I am not sure whether or not we shall go to Grotta. In a way I would be glad of a quiet week to get on with work and besides, it wouldn’t do any harm to my poor, tired

body. But whatever God wants, always and in everything His will is always the best. I found Father General very run down; he doesn’t seem to have a drop of blood in his body. I do not think he could bear any heavy physical strain. Pray for him, for the Order and for the Church. Although God permits many things to happen to his loved ones, He does want us to beg Him to come to their aid.

----------CR/2 : 318 10 February 1894

Themes

World - Sanctity -Work 75 Providence 22Victim 90

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It was not God’s will that I go to St. Rose’s today. I think this was providential because I really have influenza. I find it difficult to work, even to dictate letters; it tires me so. I offer all to God for the many intentions I have at heart at the moment and also for spiritual advancement for all of you; this is, above all else, my dearest desire, your perfection. Our dear Joan of Arc has just been declared venerable. I think she must look favourably on us, for we too are chosen victims for mankind, in these calamitous times.

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CR/2 : 319 11 February 1894

Themes

Charity 24 Providence 22Word of God 73 Renouncement 29Mary 68 Work 75Sanctity - World -Mission 69 Victim 90Offering - Reign of God 78


Father P. Marcelino has left for Grotta. I think it is he who will give the retreat. There are some very good souls in this big house and assuredly God must love them. The Tyrolese are more apt for spiritual things than for material things and after all it is the former that matter most: What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? How I wish that we would all become holy. I do not think that I am mistaken in taking a gloomy view of the world. It seems to me, coming into contact as I do with such a variety of persons and things, that a right and true knowledge of Our Lord Jesus Christ is lacking. This may not be due to malice, but people lack the light. Though, in a way desiring what is good, they do such strange things, things that leave one dumbfounded. This “good” they try to do is but a caricature of the spiritual and it becomes grotesque, ludicrous when transferred to the spiritual sphere. Self-interest has obscured charity. Oh! How I pray our dear Joan of Arc, now venerable, to make my daughters truly victim-souls, who will spread the Kingdom of God throughout the entire Church just as she was called to establish it in the Church of France. That you may become “miniatures” of Our Lady, to whom was given the entire Church as mission, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 320 13 February 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Poverty 75Body/Soul 28 Prayer 77Devotions 77 Fervour 89Sentiment - Family -Joy 89


It is today that the important business of our road will be decided, at Frascati. I have not yet heard what the outcome was. We have prayed much, done our best, now we must leave the rest in God’s hands and try to do this cheerfully. We went out in the garden for recreation for the first time. The weather is beautiful, very mild. I think winter is over here in Italy and I shall not regret it. Winter hampers my movements and prevents me from getting around. I am not sorry it is over and gone. Knowing that my poor aunt is very ill and has not long to live, I expected all day to receive the news of her death today. She was a mother to

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me. I love her so much and in this I was only returning her motherly love for me. Pray for her in any case. As soon as I have news I shall let you know. Soon we shall begin the month of St. Joseph. Let us spend it fervently, begging earnestly this good saint to come to the aid of the Institute in its present financial needs; not that we become rich but that we be able to balance our accounts. Ask him too for good vocations and for all the interior spirit. I know nothing about Marseilles. I have invited Father Brusco to say Mass here the day after tomorrow.

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CR/2 : 321 15 February 1894

Themes

Family - Prayer 77


My Aunt du Fort, who together with my mother was responsible for my upbringing, died Sunday last, 11 February at the age of 93. She had been a second mother to me. My aunt always observed a strict fast during Lent, taking no food at all in the mornings. God has called her to Himself during the penitential season; I see in this a sign of His mercy. I hope my dear daughters will assist her with their prayers and offer the same suffrages as those prescribed for the mother of one of our Sisters. We here are doing this, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 322 16 February 1894

Themes

Devotions 77 Peace 72Church 60 Poverty 75Spouse 25 Suffering 82Grace - World -Earth/Heaven 83


Tomorrow we begin the month of St. Joseph. Let us place all our intentions at his feet. I shall have a beautiful collection and among my intentions that of the sanctification of my daughters will hold an important place. How I wish we were at the height of our calling, one which more and more seems to me to be, lofty and important. Our vocation corresponds to the needs of the times. There is one fly in the ointment, it is that my daughters do not respond to their calling as they should. I ask the prayers of all in

the Institute for my dear aunt whom I have just lost. But I shall also ask her; she was so devoted to holy Church to intercede for us that we be worthy to make peace between heaven and earth. I am sure that if we corresponded with grace we would obtain this. I do not think I shall go to St. Rose this week. Tuesday there will be another session in court with this Freemason. It is a heavy cross God sends His spouses and you must pray hard that we be freed from it.

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CR/2 : 323 17 February 1894

Themes

Duty 89 Reign of God 78Church 60 Salvation of Souls 81

120

Vocation of the Institute - Time -Pope 60 Prayer 77World - Heaven/Earth 83


There will be a solemn high Mass at St. Peter’s tomorrow for the closing of the Holy Father’s jubilee. I have tickets for one of the tribunes. A word accompanying the tickets said I would be very near the Pope, but I shall not go; I cannot pray as I would in a crowd like that and the ceremonies last so long. Since I have no spare time and have much more to do than I shall ever get through I shall not go; but I will pray with all my heart for the needs of the Church for freedom for the Vicar of Christ. This cause is so deeply imprinted in my soul, it is a duty arising from our very vocation. Besides, there is so much misery on this earth that one feels the need to pray that the Kingdom of God may come in one’s own soul and in the souls of many others. Definitely I shall not go to St. Rose today. Father General is still in Naples; he is keeping well and is taking this opportunity to rest. As for me, I am not sorry; I can get on with my work, dear God! It is becoming terrible. How much I need help in every way and from all sides. In heaven we shall rest.

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CR/2 : 324 18 February 1894

Themes

Goodness 23 Church 60


Today is a day of great celebration here in Rome; it is the closing of Pope Leo XIII’s jubilee. There will be solemn high Mass at the Vatican, as perhaps I already told you. 1897, forty-two months from tomorrow, will be the centenary year of St. Louis d’Anjou, Franciscan Bishop of Toulouse. His feast day is August 19th. It was praying to this saint that the present Pope’s father was given to his parents and so in a way it is through him that we have the Pope. Leo XIII has just given approval for the solemn celebration of this centenary. The special intentions during this time will be that the Pope may live to see 19 August 1897. The strange thing about it all is that the request for the celebrations came to Father General from “inside” and coincides exactly with the prediction of our good old Brother Antoine who said that the Pope would reign twenty years. I think we can receive Holy Communion on the 19th of each month for this intention and after the Ave Maris Stella we could sing three times the Gloria Patri. In any case I shall send you the Circular, or rather the petition addressed to the Holy Father and which he approved. Pray especially that God may have pity on his people, freed from the ignominy and oppression to which Catholics are at present subjected and bring about the liberation of his holy Church, its head and members.

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CR/2 : 325 19 February 1894

Themes

Love of God 23 Work 75Earth/Heaven 83


I shall not write you a long letter because I am working on the life of St. Louis d’Anjou which must be printed as soon as possible if we are not to be forestalled by others. I think it will sell well during this particular time. This morning we began the special prayers for the Pope. Each day, after the Ave Maris Stella we shall say three times Sancte Ludovice, ora pro nobis. Once a month, on the 19th, we shall receive Communion and after the above invocation, recite the Exaudiat and the Gloria Patri. I hope during this time Saint Louis will obtain many graces for France and for Italy and also show us his protection. Today the sun

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is shining but we have been having dull, misty weather which is tiring. In heaven we shall rest. Until then let us work unceasingly for our Well-Beloved.

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CR/2 : 326 22 February 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Work 75


I have been busy these days with a piece of work God has been urging me to do. It is the life of Saint Louis d’Anjou, in preparation for the sixth centenary of which I spoke to you before. I feel God must have helped me, because in three days I managed to finish satisfactorily a small, popular edition of his life which I find interesting. Of course every mother thinks her child beautiful. Yes, in this case I do not think I am being over sentimental. As a reward I think I shall go to Grotta tomorrow, at what time and for how long, I do not know. God is pleased to let me live in a state of complete self-surrender.The lawsuit with the Freemason seems to be progressing satisfactorily. It becomes a bit comical at times. Imagine, he was asked if he believed that our house there had just sprung up like the house of O.L. of Loretto and as he objected to us bringing our deceased Sisters out along that road he was asked to explain in what other way those who, having entered a house alive and having died there, could make an exit. The case will be taken up again next Monday or Tuesday. Continue to pray; the verdict will not be given until April 1st.

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CR/2 : 327 26 February 1894

Themes

Struggle 26 Providence 22Word of God 73 Prayer 77Mission 69 Suffering 82Peace 72


I am just back from Grotta where I passed two of the best days God has given me for a longtime. We must take the good with the bad since all comes from God. On Wednesday the court proceedings with the Freemason will be taken up again. It is good we have nothing with which to reproach ourselves. This makes it easier to bear the trials along the way. Offer a little prayer of thanksgiving for God’s protection of

M. Josephine. She was in bed and felt something fall on her head; with her hand she took it and threw it down and as it fell, it made a strange noise. She looked at the thing by the light of the lamp which, thank God, was still burning. She saw clearly that her enemy was a snake; one of the most dangerous kind. Our Sisters arrived on the scene and killed it. Poor Mother Josephine. She is one more proof of how true is the promise of Holy Scripture: “You shall tread on the asp and the basilisk”. Once again missionaries have escaped imminent danger and shown how God protects them from the sting of the serpent. May we be preserved from the sting this serpent would inflict upon the soul.

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CR/2 : 328 27 February 1894

Themes

Love of God 23 Jesus 67122

Charity 24 Work 75Body/Soul 28 Humility 89Time -


Our Lady of Good Counsel and the little boxes for the gold have arrived; thank you very much. Probably I shall spend the week at Grotta; the weather is beautiful and if God wills I hope, while taking a rest, to work on a few projects. I would like to begin by the life of St. Monica in order to help M. du Verbe Incarne to build her shrine at Carthage. I am only one poor little, miserable creature. Oh! If only I could multiply myself into twenty persons it would be very handy.Today another session with the Freemason. I am paying for it with a very bitter medicine, but all that comes to us from the hand of God is good. Father General paid me a visit yesterday and it was a pleasure to see him looking so well and his visit consoled me; it was like a breath of God Oh! How divine charity makes itself felt, is diffused, spread abroad and experienced. Yet one cannot explain this. The same can be said of the contrary. Let us try to spread around us nothing but divine charity, the good odour of Jesus Christ.

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CR/2 : 329 5 March 1894

Themes

Struggle 26 Prayer 77Poverty 75 Suffering 82

Rome, 5 March 1894

I am writing to you from St. Rose and I am not working on the life of St. Monica but on that of St. Anthony. In any case they won’t fight about it. Our business with regard to Jean Marioli, the Freemason is not going too well. We are in the right, but the man engaged on the case may not be honest. Let us pray much. Another trial for Grottta is the illness of dear M. de St. Martine, such a good religious though still a novice. I think she is in a hurry to get to heaven. The doctor tends her twice a day, but medicine will not cure.

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CR/2 : 330 7 March 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Poverty 75Body/Soul 28 Work 75

Imitation 63 Earth/Heaven 83Joy 89

Rome, 7 March 1894

There now, I have not written for a few days, but I am working for my daughters more than anything else. I think you will be pleased with this life of St. Anthony and it will do good to all. If you get as much from it as I did, it will be something. Dear God! how happy I am among the saints! How it would suite me to withdraw from all else and spend my time with them, loving God here on earth as He is loved in heaven. However, one must attend to business and here I am plunged in it all morning. I have already sent off a pile, but how less pleasing this work is to me than being with my seraphic saints. It is probably best for me since it is contrary to my desires. Poor little donkey, carry your load, goaded on by the cross of the Divine Master when you do not want to go forward! Do your best and for as long as God wants. Take a lesson from this yourself and may you profit by it.

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CR/2 : 331 10 March 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Passion 74Devotion 77 Suffering 82Supernatural gift 64 Work 75Time - Glory of God 66

Rome, 10 March 1894

I shall be leaving in a little while for Grotta; it will do me good to be there for I have had a very worrisome week. Ask God to give me strength to bear the cross without having to stop my work or curtail it. I am called upon from all sides and when exhaustion prevents me from attending to matters I have in hand everything suffers. I am behind in my work and lose precious time that could be employed for the glory of God if He so willed. So, my daughters must beg Him either to spare me the troubles and anxieties which on account of my bad heart render me almost stupid, or else that He give me the strength to super- naturalize these trials and work in spite of them. Happy feast of St. Joseph and a fruitful Passiontide!May my guardian angel bring you these wishes speedily than I could, and help you prepare well for these days.

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CR/2 : 332 13 March 1894

Themes

Communion of Saints 87 Poverty 75Death - Prayer 77

Rome, 13 March 1894

Six of us came back from Grotta this morning. I think little M. de St. Martine will soon go to God. Here is a beautiful soul and she has always been a source of edification. This morning she said to me she was told to leave for heaven and with that we thought she had really gone, but it was only an attack; still, I do not think it will be long before she leaves us. How happy are they who die in such good dispositions! She will pray for us. As our numbers grow, more business has to be attended to; and so the more I dread these matters. Consequently, I am greatly in need of my daughters’ prayers.Just this minute I received news of the death of Father Brusco. What a sorrow and what a loss! Let all of us, everywhere offer for him the same suffrages we would for one of our own Sisters. I am having a Gregorian Mass said for him out of the Mass offerings sent me from each house.

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CR/2 : 333 17 March 1894

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Detachment 29 Work 75Death - Mission 69

Rome, 17 March 1894

I am leaving for St. Rose very tired. I have a lot of worries and they are wearing me out. I have been awake since three-thirty this morning, a thing which does not help me to remain clear-minded and alert; yet the poor head has to grapple with problems and produce results whether it likes it or not. Ah well! In heaven we shall rest; here on earth we cannot help but feel our exile. Since it costs us so much to die and

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to see those around us die, even while we are being torn by the thorns of this place of exile, how much harder it would be to leave it if it were a bed of Roses? Let us cheerfully accept the cross; it will help detach us day by day from the things of this world. I try to practice this myself and ask it for my daughters. The mail from India has just arrived so I must bring this letter to a close; besides my eyes are giving me trouble since I did not sleep and I have been straining them with reading too much.

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CR/2 : 334 18 March 1894

Themes

Struggle 26 Prayer 77Communion of Saint 87 Suffering 82Poverty 75 Earth/Heaven 83Offering - Passion 74

Rome, 18 March 1894

Holy Week is almost upon us; may Our Lord come to our aid by the merits of His sufferings and His Precious Blood. Just now I have great need of His help. With the growth of the Institute and the broadening of its horizons come a number of very trying matters to torment me and over which I rack my poor brains. May my daughters help me by their prayers, by their whole-hearted acceptance of the little daily crosses, each one suffering willingly her small share. God knows how I pray for you my little daughters and have some claim upon your intercession with Him, that He may come to my assistance. During this week when the sufferings of Our Lord are being especially commemorated, let us lay hold of them in our poverty and transform them into riches, offering them to God, imploring Him in return to grant us His aid. If you do this for me it will lighten my load and I shall be able to count on receiving special help during Holy Week.

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CR/2 : 335 19 March 1894

Themes

Joy 89 Suffering 82Passion 74 Earth/Heaven 83Poverty 75

Rome, 19 March 1894

Well here I am back at Grotta. We have had a bad time, but God has taken care of us and no one was too tired. Like Job, we had our calamities and one big one was that all the partitions between the cells were blown down by a gust of wind. The windows and corridors were without latches and this caused the disaster. Then a man called and claimed, not very fairly I fear, forty francs from us. It is Holy Week, the time of Our Lord’s suffering and I am glad to drink a little of the gall from His chalice. This is the first time I have come back to Grotta since the death of little M. de St. Martine. We are here not even two years and already five of our Sisters lie in the cemetery. Though we are peopling our convents we must admit that those of our foundation in the heavenly kingdom may soon out number us. But that is as it should be! Heaven is our ultimate convent home for which like postulants, we are here preparing. Each one of us must eventually find her place in that convent – Paradise. If Our Lord gives me the office of door-keeper, most certainly I shall open it to all my daughters, past, present and to come. Ask Him then to give me this charge.

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CR/2 : 336 23 March 1894

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Salvation of souls 81 Vocation of the Institute - World -Passion 74 Earth/Heaven 83Father -

Rome, 23 March 1894

Father Raphael has just given us a wonderful sermon on the Passion. We are encouraged when we consider how abundantly Our Lord atoned for our debts and that we can offer our heavenly Father the infinite merits of His Son in order to be cleansed from our guilt. The good thief was not slow to take advantage of the fruits of the Passion. May Our Lord not be less merciful towards us. Let us beg mercy for all the inhabitants of the earth – past, present and to come. This is the special vocation of a Franciscan Missionary of Mary. I pray God that you may realize this to the full.

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CR/2 : 337 24 March 1894

Themes

Love of God 23 Resurrection 80Death - Grace -Goodness of God 23 Victim 90

Rome 24 March 1894

Alleluia! …dear child, I trust you are feeling better by now; tomorrow will be Easter Sunday. Already the chanting of the alleluia has greeted the dawn of the Resurrection. Yesterday the Institute gave its victim too – she, little Sister M. du Temple, died between two and three o’clock. A telegram brought me the news that the poor little one had left this earth at the hour of the sacrifice of the Cross. I like to see in this a token of mercy; may we feel its effects throughout the year. Another thing which raises my hopes is the following incident. It was my privilege to light the new fire. The coals were already prepared but the “cappellano” could not get his trapper to light; so I took the bellows and a lovely little flame sprang up from which was lighted the three-branch candle, the paschal candle and the lamps. This time it was the Passion which furnished the light for the Resurrection. Oh! may Jesus look kindly upon our little religious family and enkindle in us, wherever we may be, the fire of supernatural life. May you grow in love during this Paschal-tide.

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CR/2 : 338 25 March 1894

Themes

Conversion - Sanctity -Incarnation/Redemption 67 Prayer 77Resurrection 80 JoyGrace -

Rome, 25 March 1894

I hope that by now you are quite well again. Last night we combined the watch for the feast of the Annunciation with the Easter Vigil. I could not stay a full hour; there is no help for it; my poor body has no longer the strength for that. But during the blissful moments I was able to spend in the chapel during that

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night – the night which gave us the Incarnate Word and this year, the dawn of His Resurrection, in this happy moment I say, I prayed for each one of my daughters and for each of our houses. May our souls really experience this passage of the Lord; may we rise to new life. Let us strive to become holy, all else is illusion. Pray much for me my child and get others to pray; I stand very much in need of prayer. Decidedly I must think of setting out, but I foresee so many difficulties with the building going on at St. Rose. With the help of God we shall get everything done.

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CR/2 : 339 26 March 1894

Themes

Devotions 77Rome, 26 March 1894

Well Easter is over, but let us hope the graces of the Paschal season remain with us in abundance. Tomorrow we are going to Grotta, and I think we shall stay until next Monday; it will do me good to get some rest. The weather is beautiful though the air is cold. Truly the resurrection of nature is in harmony with that of our Saviour. I think you will be glad that I have enrolled you all in the Pious Union of St. Anthony which has just been established in Rome by the Cardinal Vicar, at the College of the Generalate. I shall send out a short circular about this a little later on, to say that the Si Quaeris has to be recited daily. You could begin now to say the prayer and may this, together with our entry and that of your community into the Pious Union, have as its purpose to beg St. Anthony to come to our aid in providing for our material and other needs by the work of our hands and that of our work-rooms. I feel confident he will hear our prayer.

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CR/2 : 340 28 March 1894

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Work 75Joy 89 Resurrection 80Time -

Rome, 28 March 1894

I am writing you from Grotta; we have come here to rest and shall return to Rome on the second. I count on staying there about a fortnight before setting out, that is, if God gives me the health. When I arrived at Grotta I was very tired, now I am much better. Yesterday I took the day off and did nothing but rest; it did

me a great deal of good. I have been so worn out by anxieties that I had to relax my mind. Our Lord has not yet brought me the share of joy in His Resurrection that, in His love, I hope He will give me. Plead with Him not to delay. I find that for a long time now, material preoccupations have come between me and my Beloved.

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CR/2 : 341 31 March 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Incarnation/Redemption 67 Earth/Heaven 83Resurrection 80

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Rome, 31 March 1894

We are at the last day of March. It is said that the death of Our Lord took place on a 23rd of March and the Resurrection as well as His Incarnation on the 25th March, as celebrated this year. Indeed it is fitting that the day of that most profound self-abasement which brought the Incarnate Word to earth should be also that of the Resurrection of the God-Man, of the glorification of the Incarnate-Word. This thought gives me cause to hope that the year will be one of divine favours.God still sends me trials one after another, but He also sustains me. We must be thankful then and continue to pray that He grant us a very good year and may the Institute continue to advance in accomplishing the Divine Will.

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CR/2 : 342 3 April 1894

Themes

Death - Love of God 23

Rome, 3 April 1894

I spent the greater part of last week at Grotta and came back yesterday. I wonder if the trials we had in Rome last year will be repeated? It is said the influenza is going round again. What is certain is that the Pope’s confessor, Father Daniel, is dead. I learnt of his death first thing this morning. In Holy Week the Pope had given him his own blest olive branch from Palm Sunday. A week later he was no more; he died of pneumonia Saturday night. Mgr. Dal Vago, our Grandfather, is not well either. With things as they are I am not sorry to have been detained in Rome, though I had planned to start out one of these days.

I think I told you recently of the death of dear little M. du Temple. Now I have the details; she had a beautiful death. On the morning of Good Friday she said she had seen Jesus; He brought her apples and pears and while she was eating them she was cured. I think it was St. Perpetua giving her share of her own lovely dreams. It seems that all during the night this dear little Sister looked radiant. May we be as well prepared when we go to Our Lord and Master.

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CR/2 : 343 4 April 1894Themes

Abandonment 22 Order/Care 89

Poverty 75 Work 75Absolute power of God - Offering -Mission 69

Rome, 4 April 1894

I do not know at all now when I can leave. This trip is not very important anyway as I shall be making one in autumn. I am going especially to see about the workroom in Paris. We have on hand more than is necessary for our livelihood, not only in Europe but also for our missionary works. What is lacking with us is organization of the work and this is why I had decided to make the trip. I cannot be away long; there are our meditations which I would like to finish, the almanac to be prepared, our annals and a crushing amount of correspondence to be attended to. With all this I cannot travel around much. The Institute is spreading so much, but I want to go to Paris because I believe it is God’s will that I should. Anything else is only supererogatory and if I do go my stay will be brief. All for God alone. I do so much want to give myself more to everything, but I have such poor health! God does not ask more than one can do.

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CR/2 : 344 7 April 1894

Themes

Charity 24 Body/Soul 28Death - Sentiment -Joy 89

Rome, 7 April 1894

God has asked a big sacrifice. Our little M. de St. Agnes left Wednesday evening at six thirty. The dear child has been ill for a long time so her departure for heaven did not take us by surprise. As Father Raphael said: “One more angel in heaven.” But this does not prevent the heartache caused by the separation. This child was our Benjamin. We had brought her up. We must not be selfish; let the pain of separation be ours but let us rejoice in her happiness.I am leaving for Grotta; I have much need of rest. This shock crushed my poor health, patience! The good God knows what He is doing.

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CR/2 : 345 9 April 1894

Themes

Thanksgiving - Sentiment -Love of God 23 Meditation 77Joy 89 Earth/Heaven 83Death

Rome, 9 April 1894

You know of the happenings of Wednesday last and how greatly we were distressed. I had just started to proof-read the life of St. Anthony when I heard a sobbing in the corridor which made my heart jump. M. de St. Constance, coming up from dinner had found poor little Agnes lying dead in the arms of M. de St. Patrice. I admit it was a great blow to me. At Grotta, God has given me some consolations, something that does not happen to be very often. I knew that two or three months ago M. Pacifica had seen little M. Agnes sit down on a chair on coming out from adoration and she seemed rather shaken up. Pacifica asked her what was the matter and the little one replied that, at adoration Our Lord had given her to understand – so clearly that there was no room for doubt – that very shortly and quite suddenly she would die. Clearly God acted with this child as a mother wanting to shield her beloved child from fear and suffering. Secondly, a thing which consoled me very much was what a postulant from Grotta told us. She had visited M. Agnes and found her looking somewhat better. Then the night before our little Agnes died the postulant had a

dream, in which she says she saw St. Clare surrounded by a band of religious in white, coming to Rome to fetch saint Agnes. The very next day our little one had gone to join, I hope, those of our convent in heaven. Thirdly, here at Gortta, God in His goodness, has visited my own soul. It is but rarely that He allows my soul to experience His love in this manner! Thank Him for me.

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CR/2 : 346 10 April 1894

Themes

Love of God 23 Salvation of souls 81Communion of Saints 87 Suffering 82Fervour 89 Victim 90World - Earth/Heaven 83

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Rome, 10 April 1894

We seem to be in midsummer and it is also summertime in my soul. I am filled with the desire to see you grow in the love of God and through you, a great many others. Ordinarily, when one of our Sisters leaves this world, especially after the remains are taken from under the roof where dwells the Blessed Sacrament, a multitude of crosses make their appearance which force me, in spite of myself, to think that God is asking me to expiate in part for her. With little Agnes it is just the contrary. I believe that the suffering caused us by this unexpected blow, spared her the pangs of death. And since she passed away, graces abound on all sides and for my own soul too. This should be a lesson to us all. If we do not expiate our faults here, later on our Sisters especially our superiors will be called upon to pay our debts. Oh! let us strive to be fervent; here on earth Our Lord is offended so much. Let us console Him.

----------CR/2 : 347 11 April 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Spouse 25 Providence 22Mission 69 Work 75

Rome, 11 April 1894

Here we are, in the midst of preparations for the arrival of pilgrims. We expect sixty-eight Spanish pilgrims in all, in two consecutive groups. They will be lodged here. Two beatifications are to take place in St. Peter’s, the first time in twenty years. During the reign of Leo XIII such celebrations have been unknown. It is said there will be 20,000 pilgrims. It will be the first time, in God’s providence, that the Institute has come into contact with the dear Spanish people. If He had let me have my way I would have made one of our first foundations in Spain. Since childhood I have felt I belonged to that country; the attraction is very real though unexplainable. God has mortified this and we have not yet one Spanish Sister in the Institute which however, counts so many nationalities. I do so wish some Spanish vocation might result from this pilgrimage. But, above all may the will of God be done. It is the only thing that counts, all else is but illusion. Pray hard for our affair with the Freemason. He has just drawn up a very nasty report about us. Ask Jesus to prevent the sect and its members from doing us harm.

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CR/2 : 348 12 April 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77

Peace 72 Suffering 82Poverty 75 Work 75

Rome, 12 April 1894

Tomorrow the retreat starts at Grottaferrata. Father Marcellino is giving it. I’m not too sure about my trip now, as Mgr. Begin is coming to Rome, and it is absolutely necessary that I see him. I cannot leave before I have talked with him. God has His reasons for holding me back like this. If I leave Rome only in May, my return to Italy will be at a time when the weather is less agreeable and more tiresome; but it will be all for the best since it will be as God wants it. Pray earnestly about this business with the ‘Freemason; he has had injurious things printed about us. It is not the first time this has happened. I have received insults more than once. Nevertheless I greatly desire peace and to attain it I would like to purchase the vineyard from this Freemason. It is not very big, but he is asking an absurd price that we cannot possibly pay. Pray that he may come down to terms we can meet.

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CR/2 :: 349 13 April 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Glory of God 66Courage 89 Mission 69Body/Soul 28 Respect for persons 24

Rome, 13 April 1894

We must make a novena in honour of St. Anthony, St. Michael and Joan of Arc for our works at rue de l’Ebre. We have to do our very best to obtain that God’s will be done concerning these works. St. Remy and St. Denis presided over this foundation and I like to think that all the Patrons of Paris and of France will come to our aid in this matter and bring it to a happy conclusion. One needs a great deal of courage in order to carry out the work of God in our day, especially when, as in my case, one has neither youth nor good health. But in lieu of these God has put something stronger still – love of His holy will and desire for His glory. With these, even when one can go no further one keeps going. I think of leaving for Grotta tomorrow. Father Marcellino is already there to give the retreat. Father Raphael and Father Sabtino will hear the confessions nevertheless, so that I think I’ll go there on Saturday as usual. Yesterday, M. de St. Veronique paid us a short visit; she has just left and M.de St. Anne left with her. As the weather is beautiful I thought to give St. Anne an extra day of sun and fresh air at Grotta. Pray earnestly that all those who are persecuting St. Rose may be prevented from doing us harm.

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CR/2 : 350 16 April 1894

Themes

Prayer 77 Work 75

Rome, 16 April 1894

The sea is beautiful, but more beautiful still is the Ocean which is called our God and which I never tire of contemplating the more I advance along the path of life.

At the moment we have a group of Spanish pilgrims with us. They are charming people and most edifying. God acts in extraordinary and harmonious ways with me these days. Just now I am writing the life of St. Encratida, whose commemoration falls on the same day as the feast of ‘St. Raphael, 16 April, in the Franciscan Ordo. I already had cause to believe that this saint has taken us under her protection and now, I discover that our pilgrims hail from Saragossa and priests have just arrived who are going to celebrate the

Mass of St. Encratida in our chapel. And so, this dear young Portuguese virgin, martyr of Spain, is being celebrated in our chapel without my having done anything to bring this about, though I am very devoted to her. When we have finished publishing the life of this saint in the Annals and when it appears in book form, you will see how nice it is. I shall give some copies to each of the houses of the Institute. In the meantime, make a novena to her for the intentions so that our business with the Freemason be so arranged that we keep the right of way and may she preserve the Institute henceforth from all legal proceedings.

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CR/2 : 351 17 April 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Joy 89Mission 69

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Rome, 17 April 1894

Our Spanish pilgrims are here. They are truly edifying, full of faith. An amusing thing is that each one claims we should make a foundation in his or her city. Then to give weight to this, each one draws attention to the Virgin particularly honoured in the place. Those of Granada say that Our Lady of Sorrows comes first; those of Saragossa put O.L. del Pilar to the fore; those of Valencia acclaim the Virgin under still another title. I do not know what will come out of all this. I only know I would be very well pleased if this pilgrimage resulted in a foundation for us in Spain. As God wills. He does so many things I do not want at all, which leads me to believe that “self’ comes into it more than I think. But more than ever my one desire is that His dear, divine will be done.

I do not know yet when I shall be leaving, but I think it will not be long now before I set out. It might be convenient if I could arrange to break the journey at …

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CR/2 : 352 18 April 1894

Themes

Struggle 26 Mission 69Devotions 77 Reign of God 78Jesus 67 Mary 68Sanctity -

Rome, 18 April 1894

Yesterday morning I went to see the Spanish pilgrims. Truly they are edifying, with good, frank, honest faces. God grant that they keep the faith and may He increase and strengthen it. How I wish the Catholic nations would unite in the cause of the Church; this should be so, for it is our duty. But alas! Through the machinations of the evil one the situation is quite opposite. This important Spanish pilgrimage, through the help of the angels, could serve to turn the tables on the devil’s work. For when the angels and their Queen come to the rescue, things will go very well indeed. Their power brings to naught that of hell. We, who are the daughters of the Patriarch of Assisi, of the seraphic Francis, we should be the intimates of Our Lady of the Angels and her angelic court. Ask her then to send her legions, first to help us ourselves become holy and then to fight the good fight of laboring for the triumph of the reign of Christ. How I would like to sing all during recreation “Thy Kingdom come”. Oh! what a lovely prayer the Our Father is . Our Lord Himself when teaching us the Our Father tells us to ask that the Kingdom of God may come.

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CR/2 : 353 23 April 1894

Themes

Faith 64 Mission 69

Rome, 23 April 1894

At last a little sunshine for our poor Spanish pilgrims. Up to now they have had nothing but rain. They are enthusiastic this morning, first of all because the sun is shining and though they do not realize it, it is this that makes them happy; also because they have seen the Pope. It appears the Holy Father came back again into St. Peter’s to satisfy their enthusiasm and they are thrilled over it. During the day a Beatification took place, that of a Spanish Capuchin missionary and in the evening the Pope had returned to the basilica as is customary to venerate the relic. A Sister of Charity who was cured by the newly beatified is here. She was at the point of death when it was suggested to her that she make a novena. At first she did not want to, but when told that a miracle was needed for his beatification, she said: “If it is for your glory, cure me.” And she was cured on the spot. Let us have faith and we too shall obtain miracles.

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CR/2 : 354 26 April 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Joy 89Work 75

Rome, 26 April 1894

Do not grieve about my journey; I am hoping to make it. God has His reasons for keeping me here. Truly I believe I am doing God’s work with Countess Ledokowska and it might be unfortunate for Africa if I did not see her. Mme. Jeannerod assures me she is leaving Tunis on the second and will be here on the fourth. I hope this time she will keep her word, for it is not at all like her to be putting it off. No doubt God is permitting this. I could so easily have made my trip before now! But, as God wants. This indecision in which He has held me has perhaps contributed to my sanctification. Expecting to leave any time, I kept saying to myself: It is not worth while doing this or that and so time has gone on and many things have been left undone. Ask God to come to my assistance and believe me, I shall be so happy to see you all.

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CR/2 : 355 1 May 1894

Themes

Glory of God 66 Suffering 82Mission 69 Work 75Salvation of Souls 81 Time -

Rome, 1 May 1894

Things are a little quieter now; up to yesterday we had the Contess Ledochowska, daughter of the Cardinal’s first cousin staying here. She is busy with an important undertaking which, if successful, will put Cardinal Lavigerie’s work for poor African slaves on a firm basis. Will she succeed? I do not know. For that to be, the work must remain comprehensive in understanding and sympathies, and in our day each one seeks to monopolize instead of setting up works of mercy that are lofty and broad. God dislikes narrowness; He the Infinite One. In any case I did what I could for the glory of God and the salvation of Africa so whatever way it turns out, my time and my trouble were all for our beloved Jesus. Now I must set about making up for lost time.

----------CR/2 : 356 3 May 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Providence 22Absolute power of God - World -Love of God 23 Suffering 82

Rome, 3 May 1894

Today, feast of the Ascension and the third May, is for me a double feast. This date is the anniversary of my vows, twenty-eight years ago. I feel that, thanks to Our Lord’s love. I made these vows to Him with all my heart and for Him alone. I can see myself as I was then, in my little corner in India, suffering very much both on the eve and the day itself, quite isolated from everyone and from all human help, far from my family and country and happy in the thought that I was giving myself to Our Lord and for Him alone. Just the same, if He had let me see all that was to follow, I do not know if I would have had the courage to saddle myself with such a large family. Well, it is done now and I must go on as best I can in the path in which Divine Providence has placed me.

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CR/2 : 357 11 May 1894

Themes

Struggle 26 Detachment 29Law - World -Fidelity 89 Generosity 89Sanctity - Work 75

Rome, 11 May 1894

I think it really is Our Lord’s will that I go to France. After being so worn out to start on the trip, I suddenly find myself much better. I have been able to take up my work again, so now, if I put good effort into it, I shall soon be able to start out. Oh! how I wish I could visit all our houses and in each, offer saints to God! It should be such an easy thing, yet, it is so rare. We let ourselves be taken up with little, unimportant things. How foolish! And to think we live at a time when Our Lord is so much in need of generous, heroic souls. The members of the Institute have all they need to attain to this: their Constitutions and Customs are sure guides, but the devil is so crafty, he well knows how to prevent their observance.

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CR/2 : 358 16 May 1894

Themes

Charity 24 Peace 72Body/Soul 28 Poverty 75Holy Spirit 61 Prayer 77Suffering 82 Earth/Heaven 83Liberty -

Rome, 16 May 1894

Since God is keeping me here still, I am making use of the time to put the affairs of Grotta in order. I wish I could give to you all, everything necessary for both body and soul, but unfortunately, in spite of my suffering and my prayer I am powerless. Nevertheless, I hope to prepare a smoother future for my daughters than my past and present have been, and what perhaps my future will be. Yesterday was the anniversary of my birth, the feast, not the date; I like to think that I was born to help bring about a third Pentecost. The first was the descent of the Holy Spirit who renewed the face of the earth, the great Pentecost, celebrated last Sunday; that of Our Father Saint Francis was the second, renewal of the earth brought about through the practice of voluntary poverty. I wish that the Institute might usher in yet a third Pentecost – a return to true

charity and a decrease in the reign of selfishness. Let us strive, through prayer, to bring the peace of the Redeemer to the world.

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CR/2 : 359 18 May 1894

Themes

Francis 65 Providence 22Humility 89 Suffering 82Sentiment - Mary 68

Rome, 18 May 1894

The day before yesterday Mgr. Dal Vago, our good Grandfather, came to see us. I think he was already convinced that this would be his last visit. He made me kneel down and one could see that he had a fixed

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idea in his head, something he had thought out beforehand. When I was on my knees he placed his hands on my head and said: “I bless you, you and your Institute.” I must admit I wept. I recalled the first time he had blessed me, it will be twelve years ago on October 4th. At that time I was like a hunted deer and he, in his prime with his fine intellect and heart, blessed me and blessed the Institute present and to come, assuring me that the work of Mary would succeed and he did not fear to become its protector and defender. Today this blessing of our Seraphic Jacob still descends on my head to be passed on to all the daughters Divine Providence will give me. Grandfather is still living but his bodily life is like a candle gradually burning out. He asks me to let you all know that he is no longer able to write but that his affection and tenderness are unchanged; and this is so true, as one can see. I leave you now to go and bid him a last goodbye.

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CR/2 : 360 19 May 1894

Themes

Love of God 23 Prayer 77Mary 68 Renouncement 29Peace 72 Suffering 82Vocation of the Institute - World -

Rome, 19 May 1894

Yesterday we had a terrible storm which caused much disorder in the house. Since disorder reigns everywhere in the world we should not be surprised that the weather too is unsettled. Among serious-minded people there is much concern over laws governing industry. But who knows! Perhaps out of such evil much good may come. Our ”trade” as Franciscan Missionaries of Mary is to pray. Let us do this with all our hearts to obtain, by love and sacrifice, the peace of the Redeemer of the world.

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CR/2 : 361 20 May 1894

Themes

Maternal love - Imitation -Sanctity - Joy 89

Rome, 30 May 1894

I am expecting M. Paul and M. du Divin Coeur. Yesterday I had a letter from the former written while still aboard ship. The poor children, they were so happy to reach port. I too, am happy to see them. They are my daughters and all my daughters are dear to me. I would like to be a pelican, and opening my veins, have my blood become streams of sanctity with which to nourish them. I must tell you a little story about St. Anthony. Every year for the past twelve years, Father Raphael has given me at Christmas time a picture of the Child Jesus and never twice the same kind. This year, I think he must have forgotten but I reminded him and he sent me a picture of the Child Jesus with St. Anthony of Padua. At the time there was not very much on the horizon for this great saint, but since then we have the Union of St. Anthony, the Voice of St. Anthony and St. Anthony’s Bread. I feel that this year will be his in a special way. Let us try to imitate his virtues and to obtain through him many graces for the Institute, the Order, the Church and for our own souls.

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CR/2 : 362 4 June 1894

Themes

Spouse 25 Peace 72Fidelity 89 Humility 89World - Suffering 82

Rome, 4 June 1894

Fourth of June and the hot weather is here, not a cloud in the sky. Let us strive to keep our hearts and our lives cloudless too. There is not much merit in remaining peaceful and when all is going serenely nor is this a time when we can prove our love for Our Lord. Because often self-love finds nourishment in this type of peace, in this success which accompanies our actions. But when one is crossed by a thousand difficulties coming from those around us and sometimes from God Himself, it is then we can truly say to the Divine Spouse: I love You for Yourself alone and not for your consolations; I shall remain faithful in spite of trial and suffering.

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CR/2 : 363 5 June 1894

Themes

Love of God 23 Humility 89Charity 24 Renouncement 29Detachment 29 Work 75

Rome, 5 June 1894

We are making the novena in honour of St. Anthony of Padua; I am making it for the Institute and to obtain Our Lord’s help in many things. I have worked much this year in the cause of this saint, especially during these last weeks. I have almost completed the work I had to do and what is not done I am hoping this good saint will take in hand for us as a return service. I really do believe he has taken the Institute under his special protection; may he teach us, above all, his own admirable virtues of humility and charity, which enabled him to follow so closely in the footsteps of his Seraphic Father. It is always a thing which grieves me very much to find religious who are forgetful of the purpose of their vocation and become taken up with mere nothings which have always self as object. Do not make this mistake dear child. Let us be more concerned with the service of God and neighbor than with self. Ask this grace of St. Anthony for me and I, for my part, shall beg him to obtain it for us from God.

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CR/2 : 364 12 June 1894

Themes

Devotions 77 Joy 89Imitation 63 Work 75

Rome, 12 June 1894

Tomorrow will be the lovely feast of St. Anthony. I hope he will bring you all the graces and help you need. I shall especially ask this for you. It seems to me that he expressly wished us to help further devotion to him and that he in turn, intends to take us under his protection and plead our cause. I consider it a privilege to have been allowed to write that short life of the saint. I do hope it will have a wide circulation and be read with profit, thus making St. Anthony known and loved. It is truly extraordinary, the interest in him that is being aroused. Something I just learned gives me real joy – and in my life joys are few and far between.

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France is to celebrate the feast of Joan of Arc on the second Sunday of May. I’m a miserable creature, chosen as instrument to found the Institute. All my anniversaries fall in the month of May; and I am so happy that Joan who has always been a guiding star in my life will be a May flower for Mary. I think too, that she will take us under her protection.

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CR/2 : 365 13 June 1894

Themes

Love of God 23 Imitation 63Charity 24 Mission 69Faith 64

Rome, 13 June 1894

I was very touched by your gift of the one thousand francs. May God reward my little daughter for taking pity on her mother. Today is the feast of St. Anthony. I cannot tell you how consoling it is for Father Raphael to see what progress the Pious Union is making. I would urge you to propagate it on the missions and everywhere. St. Anthony will obtain many graces for those who enroll under his banner in order to rediscover the faith and charity of days gone by. For the feast this morning, at St. Anthony’s, people came in crowds to be enrolled and I think a good number of our Fathers who before were sceptical about the success of the Pious Union are now in admiration of it.I heartily thank the great wonder-worker for having blessed the labours of our good Father and I consider it a grace that my daughters and I were able to be of some help to him in what he undertook for the glory of dear St. Anthony. I feel very confident that he will take the Institute under his protection. Pray earnestly and ask him to take pity on us.

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CR/2 : 366 14 June 1894

Themes

Lamb - World -Struggle 26 Poverty 75Prayer 77 Courage 89Suffering 82

Rome, 14 June 1894

I had thought that the feast of St. Anthony would have been some consolation to me on the thorny path I have been treading for some time now. But, not at all; it brought me two crosses. One has to do with the financial worries again. I prefer not to put in writing how some are trying to vex and annoy us. There are things that seem inexplicable but when God allows hell to have its way with us, the strangest things become possible. The second cross was of another kind, but there again, we were the lamb which quenched its thirst in limpid waters. Patience and courage. God must want sacrifices from His servants and handmaids since so many trials come upon them. In this way, day by day, we weave our everlasting crown for the greater good of our souls. As for St. Anthony I am really hoping he will do something for our poor world. Ask it of him dear child.

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CR/2 : 367 15 June 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Joy 89137

Heart of Jesus 67 Struggle 26Generosity 89 Glory of God 66Earth/Heaven 83 World -Power of God - Service -

Rome, 15 June 1894

My goodness, everything seems upside down in the world at the moment! One would be inclined to think the evil one held sway everywhere and was stronger than all; yet he is weak, very weak in the presence of the omnipotence of our God. What I feel is that so many are forgetting their Creator, offending Him thoughtlessly and never atoning for anything and that God seeks from His faithful ones a compensation by their practice of patience, as He did from the holy man Job. Only yesterday I heard of a saintly person, very ill and counting upon her heir, a good man, to use her fortune according to God’s will. And now he too is dying. Say a prayer for this intention which, though it has nothing to do with us personally, does concern the glory of God. So child, let us fight the good fight with an energy and a generosity that knows no limits. That you may give real joy to the Divine Heart, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 368 17 June 1894

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Salvation of Souls 81Joy 89 Work 75Sanctity -

Rome, 17 June 1894

I think we are going to go to Grotta today. I won’t be sorry; we have not been there for almost two weeksand I am in need of a rest. There is so much work that I give in to the temptation to stay at it too long and to do too much; then I pay for it. So a change of air for a while will be of advantage for both the work and for my poor body. We are preparing for Father General’s feast. The embroiderers of Rome can now vie with those of our other houses. This is because we have here the great embroidery teacher Madame St. Anne and the great pattern designer, Madame St. Therese. The two together work marvels. I must admit that it is a joy to me to see my dear daughters so well able to work for the Blessed Sacrament. Above all, may their labours in the spiritual order produce works of salvation.

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CR/2 : 369 19 June 1894

Themes

Poverty 75 Work 75Thanksgiving -

Rome, 19 June 1894

The wide circulation which “The Voice of St. Anthony” has attained in a short time is very encouraging for our good Father Raphael. I hope the time has come for this good saint to take pity on us. In the years to come the Institute will have forgotten the tears I shed and the struggles I endured to earn the daily bread for my daughters. But I have this hope: that they will be spared the great trials which it has been my lot to bear, and, I thank God for this hope.

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CR/2 : 370 22 June 1894

Themes

Devotions 77 Providence 22

Rome, 22 June 1894

The work of the Pious Union of St. Anthony of Padua is going very well. I think all are astonished at its progress. Divine Providence seems to be furthering the cause of the great wonder-worker. I do not know if you have heard this: at Toulouse, which is not a very big city, 90,000 statues of St. Anthony were sold last year and in 1894 the proportion is much greater, 80,000 were bought in the first five months. It must be that God wills to act through St. Anthony. We must try to obtain a large share of his blessings.

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CR/2 : 371 25 June 1894

Themes

Strength 89 Peace 72Sanctity - Will -Prayer 77 Earth/Heaven 83Reason -

Rome, 25 June 1894

We are having very hot weather, it came on suddenly. I do not know why, but this year the feast of St. John Lateran was celebrated with frenzy, there was a real uproar; it was a purely worldly celebration. For a moment it was thought that a revolution might break out, so great was the noise. In the past this used to be a religious feast; the liturgical ceremonies were combined with a family celebration which the Popes themselves encouraged. All sense of beauty seems to have vanished, but Jesus is always the same Jesus, that is why we need saints to be the connecting link between heaven and earth. For this reason I wish my daughters were saints; they are not bad, but they lack that firmness of will, common sense and seriousness which make one capable of great things. I am going to beg these graces for you; pray that they may be given to me also and to all your Sisters.

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CR/2 : 372 29 June 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Fidelity 89Love of God 23 Imitation 63Grace - Sanctity -Communion of Saints 87 Word of God 73

Rome 29 June 1894

Today is the feast of St. Peter, tomorrow St. Paul. Oh! how I love these two great saints. My heart prompts me to ask them for many things for the Church, the Pope, the Order, the Institute, for all Christians and for everybody. The charity of Christ urges us, said St. Paul. As for me, I am but a poor, miserable creature though I too can say in all truth, that the charity of my good Jesus urges me. How I wish I could obtain what I see so clearly is necessary for all. Alas! I cannot even obtain what is necessary for myself, because I am not sufficiently faithful to grace and am so imperfect in everything. Today, I am asking a great deal of these great Apostles who have gained for me the grace to live these many years now, in the Eternal City to be able to do in all things, the holy will and the good pleasure of my God. This depends upon me,

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everything else even making my daughters holy is not within my power. I always remember the words of my dear mother: “To change others does not depend on you, but to bring about a change in yourself, that does depend on you”. Let us be united in prayerful effort to become holy.

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CR/2 : 373 10 July 1894

Themes

Faith 64 Salvation of Souls 81Prayer 77 Suffering 82World -

Rome, 10 July 1894

It is very hot in Rome by all accounts in France also. What strange weather! Less than a month ago it was reported there was snow in Auvergne and elsewhere, now we have too much sun. I believe God wants to show man that He is Master of the elements and that as long as the world is in disorder, just so long will He permit disorder in the elements. All this invites to a renewal of faith for oneself and for others. You will receive a copy of the ”Voice of St. Anthony” as Father Raphael wishes each of our houses to have one. In it you will find a very good story entitled: “What did I lose?” More than one has the Colonel’s malady as you will find out when reading “The Voice”, and it would do these good if the faith were restored to them through the good service of St Anthony. That we may all live an ever more lively faith, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 374 11 July 1894Themes

Abandonment 22 Prayer 77Body/Soul 28 Work 75Formation -

Rome, 11 July 1894

Oh! how I wish I could do much more for Our Lord! I find that there are so few who really work might and main for the Divine Master and this makes me burn with the desire to do more for Him. If only my health

were a little better so that I could give more time to prayer, to the direction of souls and to writing a number of things for the Institute. If God is pleased with the letters I write that at least it is something, because for those who love Him, first and foremost their food must be to do His Divine Will.

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CR/2 : 375 14 July 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Renouncement 29Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Sanctity - Nature 70

Rome, 14 July 1894

Today, the feast of St. Bonaventure is being celebrated with much pomp at St. Anthony’s since he is patron of students. They finished exams this week; it was very tiring for the Fathers especially for Father Raphael,

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who is over-burdened with so many other things. I do not know whether or not we shall go to St. Rose today. For Father’s sake and for ours, I would like to go. At present life in Rome is very trying, more from lack of air than from heat, though it is very hot. But after all, this is an excellent occasion to have something to offer to Our Lord and to be able to gather from right and left fair flowers of mortification. Poor human nature always wants to acquire sanctity without the cross; however it is an illusion to imagine that our passions can be worn away while avoiding the thorns on our road. Those sent to us by Divine Providence are the best.

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CR/2 : 376 16 July 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Purity 89Lamb of God 23 Earth/Heaven 83Devotions 77 Joy 89World -

Rome, 16 July 1894

This is the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. I think of the dear souls in Purgatory, wearing her livery, the habitually, calmly and without contention, seek this always and in everything because she loves and it is scapular, will go to enjoy with Mary the eternal beatitude. How beautiful is heaven and how good it will be to contemplate Spotless Beauty! We on earth alas, are stain-filled, defiled. Let us strive, my child, to draw ever nearer to this beauty without spot or stain. For this to be, let us live only for Our Lord’s good pleasure. Happy the religious who habitually, calmly and without contention, seeks this always and in everything because she loves, and it is a need with her to please her Beloved.

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CR/2 : 377 17 July 1894

Themes

Love of God 23 Goodness of God 23World - Conversion -Reign of God 78 Salvation of Souls 81Joy 89 Truth 88Mission 69

There was great joy yesterday in our humble little circle: “The Voice of St. Anthony” arrived in Rome for the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel; its delivery in Paris coincided with the feast of St. Bonaventure. Isn’t that nice? Above all I hope it will do some good. In the next issue there will be a representation of St. Anthony as depicted by the artist Pinturicchio in which he (St. Anthony) is holding flames in his hand; for one can truly say “He came to cast fire upon the earth”. Oh! that he would once again set us on fire with the truth! I am more and more preoccupied with this thought these days. How great is our need for renewal in God. Whenever I am seized with a strong desire to see the Kingdom of God established, I feel like crying out to all: “I beseech you, be worthy of your vocation!” The world is in need of worthy souls who will draw down the mercy of God. Ten just men would have sufficed to save Sodom. May my daughters offer to God the consolation denied Him by others.

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CR/2 : 378 18 July 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Imitation 63141

Goodness of God 23 Suffering 82Struggle 26 Joy 89Sanctity -

Rome, 18 July 1894

Yesterday was the feast of St. Alexis; to live hidden away under the staircase requires a special vocation, but after all to live there or elsewhere what does it matter as long as we do God’s holy will. This is such a wonderful secret yet very little known. Just now I was writing to one of our Sisters, saying that each event in our lives comes to us through God’s love and with a special mission. The saints accepted with like serenity both consolation and trials because they were convinced that God knew better than they what was good for them and in His love gave them all that would help them reach perfection with its accompanyingdegree of sanctity. We ourselves are the obstacle, not the daily trials of which we so often complain as being the cause of misfortune.

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CR/2 : 379 19 July 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Suffering 82Vocation of the Institute - Sanctity -Struggle 26 Victim 90Power of God - Reign of God 78

Rome, 19 July 1894

It is unbelievable how things are moving for the Institute since the publishing of “The Voice of St. Anthony” was started. It looks as though the saint is working for me while I work for him. I am hopeful that 1894, the year when his “Voice” and his “Life” are being published, will be a year of great things for the Institute. It is also the year in which Joan of Arc has been declared Venerable. Since early childhood I have been fond of her and once, when I was very small, I said to my mother that I too wanted to be a Joan of Arc. I invented a dance with flags and all, which only my mother witnessed, but for a child it was really a “holy” dance and I felt united to dear Joan while performing it. God had His plans. I was destined to give to holy Mother Church a family of victims who are also fighting for the true power which is the kingdom of God. I am most unworthy, yet it is an accomplished fact. Be more worthy than I of your lofty vocation. If you follow her path you too perhaps will suffer as she, but you will also sanctify yourself as she did and contribute to the coming of God’s kingdom. You will attain the victory.

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CR/2 : 380 20 July 1894

Themes

Absolute Power of God - Service -Salvation of Souls 81 Body/Soul 28Work 75 Joy 89World - Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 20 July 1894

I would ask you to offer a prayer of thanks for me. I am following a cold water treatment, very mild and it raises my hopes of being able to do more for Our Lord. I am not worthy to have that robust health of the saints who passed nights in prayer and underwent great austerities, but just the same I have an immense amount of mental work to do. If God gives me a little better health I would be able to accomplish more and better work and give myself more to others and have more time to pray.

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This is the only reason why I desire to regain some strength. All is vanity except to love and serve God. Oh! how I wish to make you all understand this better and to understand it myself in a more practical way. I cannot understand how poor people in the world get along, who live their lives on a purely material plane, tending with all their desires and ambitions towards earthly things alone. How can they lose sight of the brevity of life to such an extent? It is something which always astonishes me. My child, let us on the contrary, try to become penetrated with this thought: It is well worth while renouncing the pleasures of life in order to merit a happy death.

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CR/2 : 381 1 August 1894

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Suffering 82Generosity 89 Work 75Joy 89

Rome, 1 August 1894

I have to take courage in two hands to begin my work again, but the week of July 23-30 was so distressing that in spite of all my efforts I got nothing done. But this is what God wants and I must submit.

All the same, I think I should be once more on the road towards the tenth of this month, but I must admit that I am not looking forward to the journey by train with this irritation which started up again, three days ago. We’ll do our best, by easy stages if necessary. It is only right that we spend ourselves for Our Lord, even to the last drop. Blessed are they who merit the grace of working, of giving themselves, of suffering for Him.

This is the feast of Our Lady of the Angels and I have the conviction that if our little M. of St. Sebastian is still in purgatory, today or tomorrow will find her in the arms of God: all of us have endured such a rude purgatory for her that the mercy of God may very well have hastened her beatitude. For my part, I shall never forget the agony I went through.

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CR/2 : 382 3 August 1894

Themes

Joy 89 Mission 69Mary 68 Sanctity -

Rome, 3 August 1894

This morning I felt as never before the desire for sanctity. Oh! my God, what a wonderful thing it is to be a saint and how happy they must be, those to whom God grants the grace to wear the crown of sanctity. How I wish I could make the visit of the houses like a saint! God is giving me the privilege of going to Besancon to pray to St. Colette. I keep her picture on my table to have her protection for foundations and I think she is the one making the arrangements for my pilgrimage to her before I die. So pray that I bring back many graces of sanctification not only for myself but also for others. I want so much to be the true daughter of Mary who had the plenitude of grace! You would all profit greatly from it.

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CR/2 : 383 4 August 1894

Themes

Mary 68 Joy 89Sentiment - Work 75

Rome, 4 August 1894

At long last clouds have appeared in the blue sky of Rome. We don’t need too much rain, but a little would be most welcome. I think we shall ago to Grottta and that should put me back on my feet again, although I am really much better. In spite of all, my work is getting on though slowly. The end of July caused quite a delay. All the same, with the help of the good angels, we prayed so hard on the feast of their Queen. I hope to finish all I had planned to do before my visit to you. It will be very soon now and I don’t need to tell you what joy it will be for me to see my daughters again after the absence of two years – to see them in their own house, those who have come to Rome and after two years those who did not come.

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CR/2 : 384 8 August 1894

Themes

Abandonment 22 Tabernacle 86Responsibility 79 Union with God 86Sanctity -

Rome, 8 August 1894

Father Raphael is leaving for Assisi. I am sure he will pray for all his daughters and come back with his pockets filled with graces for us. I had thought of going to Grottta to put the finishing touches on the work going on there, but there is so little time that it is not worthwhile. To go and come back, only to return again on Saturday would be sheer waste of time and I have so little. Pray very earnestly for me, now. I feel that I am going to need it very much, for the visitation of the Communities is such an important thing. I would like to leave everywhere a breath of holiness, but for that I myself must be filled with God. I am going to take this very seriously, so help me from afar. If it is the cross that produces fruit, I have my full share and besides, now that the work in Grotta is about finished, there is a host of bothersome little details to be attended to. May God grant me His patience and make all this turn to the greater good of the Institute and of my soul.

----------CR/2 : 385 10 August 1894

Themes

Absolute power of God - Thanksgiving -Joy 89 Nature 70Struggle 26 Body/Soul 28Work 75 Courage 89Offering -

10 August 1894

I am making some headway with my preparations, thanks be to God. Yesterday Father General came with his private secretary, Father Celestin and I asked his blessing and the merit of obedience for the visitation. I still have in mind to set out on the twentieth. I don’t know the exact time yet as I have no time-table, but so far it looks as if God is willing that I take the road. When I think of all that I must do, of all that I must seek and find, I am naturally somewhat fearful. But God is worth it all. This is a thought I love to keep in

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mind! Now that my health is so poor, so much sorrow has left me disenchanted, I am often seized with the longing to rid myself of the heavy burdens which up to now have been my lot; but the thought that it is all for God and that one day I shall be glad for having worn myself out for Him even to my last breath, revives my poor courage. Let us live with this thought, Cecile, and may it sustain us no matter what happens in all the trials of life.

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CR/32 : 386 16 August 1894

Themes

Victim 90 Prayer 77Earth/Heaven 83 Suffering 82Death -


I am writing to you in the midst of papers and packages. I am sure you will be glad to know this for it means that I am getting ready to leave. My feast yesterday, Our Lady’s Assumption, was linked with heaven. Our Lord came not to offer me a flower but to take one from my garden; our poor dear M. Germana, a Tyrolese. She had a holy death, but we are not sure what caused it. At first she was treated for typhoid fever, then the doctor who had been seeing her for about two weeks admitted that he really did not know what she had. We had offered ourselves as victims and Our Lord wanted this suffering; this is what seems clearest to me in the whole situation. Pray for me, for I am sorry to leave them after this illness.

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CR/2 : 387 20 October 1894Themes

Struggle 26 Prayer 77Body/Soul 28 Work 75Supernatural Spirit 64


It has been impossible for me to write to you myself during this journey. M. Jeanne has certainly sent you some news. Now I am back in Vanves since midnight, after having practically settled our business in

Belgium. In order to bring it to completion I spent all day Friday in Brussels and Mechlin where the Cardinal is also so kind to us. Mother St. Anne with a group of thirteen Belgians arrived in Paris at 4 o’clock. I am not going to stay much longer here in Paris. Father Raphael is coming this evening to Vanves where he will stay for a few days to give us the Triduum and then we shall go to the Chatelets towards the middle of the week. God is really blessing my journey. He gives me the necessary physical strength and is helping me in everything. Continue to pray for the House in Paris; there is some possibility of our being able to set up the works I wanted under the patronage of Joan of Arc. Of course the evil one will try to prevent this, so through prayer we must get the better of hm. So help me, my dear.

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CR/2 : 388 22 November 1894

Themes

Order/Care 89 Work 75Time - Sanctity -Poverty 75

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I’m back in Rome, but what work! My room is like a bazaar. With patience it will all be taken care of little by little. But I must have order and inspire the love of it in those around me. Order is time, it is money, above all it is sanctity. So let us all try to have a lot of it.

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CR/2 : 389 23 November 1894

Themes

Courage 89 Suffering 82Fervour 89 Work 75Fidelity 89 Earth/Heaven 83Generosity 89 Prayer 77Power of God -


In Rome again, what work! My correspondence with everyone is in arrears, but I can’t help it.God alone knows how I worked for everyone during these three months and yet most of these letters accuse me. Patience! Only in heaven is everything known and in my heart something tells me that in the scales of eternity these three hard months will not be without their value. I would like all of you to strive more seriously for sanctity during these last weeks of 1894, and more fervently than ever as 1895 begins. Our Fathers are going to have their Chapter – or rather their General Congregation – in May. Let us be so faithful, so prayerful, so generous in our sacrifices and in our love that we will obtain great favours for the Order.I feel as though I were being forced from on high to recommend to you these important issues of general interest which inspire a greater generosity in the support of little personal trials. Tomorrow I shall go to Grotta. There also, our Sisters are very anxious to see their poor Mother. Visitors are already taking up much of my time. Yesterday I saw Father General who is always so kind to his missionary daughters, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. He is well but everybody at St. Anthony’s is overburdened with work. I can assure you that I have my full share, too. I would really be discouraged if I had not this growing sense of my own inability and the conviction that I can count on the help of God. How right she was, St. Teresa, when she said, “Teresa and two cents are nothing; but God, God, Teresa and two cents are powerful”. Mother of the Passion and her work would be lost, but God, the work and your poor Mother will get the job done. Pray that this may be realized and meditate on this truth.

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CR/2 : 390 28 November 1894

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Strength 89Courage 89 Work 75Power of God - Eucharist 62


This heavy cold which has been so tiring these past few days decided to be a little pleasant last night, and it was the best night I have had in months. I am still coughing though like a little old man and there is quite a regiment of “coughers” in the house. M. Jeanne has a sore throat and our little guardian Jakot coughs, not like a dog, but like a real person. In all my canine acquaintances I have never seen the like. For those of us who have been travelling, it is evident that the change of temperature has caused the flu. In Marseilles it was like summer and here in Rome with a good fire going all the time we can hardly get the temperature above 12c. That means it is not warm outside; and here in Italy doors remain open, or close

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badly, the windows likewise. So it is not surprising that the change of air has affected us. Happily coughing does not prevent loving God and this morning, having slept well, I was able to attend Mass which I was not able to do yesterday. It is to Father Raphael that I owe my not being able to go without the Holy Sacrifice. Not that I have any ecstasies there, but I am not myself when I have been deprived of it. There was a time when God gave me this grace only for Holy Communion, but now it is especially when I have to miss Mass that I perceive how much these two priceless graces are the strength of my life and of my work. Let us try, dear child, to draw from the Holy Sacrifice of the Divine Victim all our strength and from Holy Communion all our vigour. In reality, without Holy Mass, without Jesus in the Eucharist we would be worth nothing, but with those treasures the greatest wretchedness can become most powerful. Take courage, my child and work well for the Lord.

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CR/2 : 391 29 November 1894

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Work 75Sanctity -


I have received nothing from you today, but I don’t want you to go without news because knowing that I have this cold you might think I am ill. I still have the cold in my chest, but God is good and I can work just the same. I have done an enormous amount of work these eight days since I returned to Rome. I am beginning to see clear and that’s no small thing after such a long absence. Our Fathers are now on retreat for the Immaculate. As for me, it is more than two years since I made mine. Since then Our Lord has not given me a moment’s rest and I can’t even think about making one before the first of the year. Pray earnestly for our Fathers. I wish we, myself and my daughters, were so holy that Our Lord would grant me graces without number of them. He will do it, I am sure. But, when? Let us hasten the hour of mercy and of love.

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CR/2 : 392 1 December 1894

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Strength 89Struggle 26 Generosity 89

Word of God 75 Nature 70

Fidelity 89 Sanctity -


Tomorrow we will be in Advent, the season when we call down the heavenly dew – Jesus Himself – on the Church, the Order, the Institute, our souls. I have the feeling, dear child, that God is going to be very good to you. Is it an illusion? It doesn’t seem to be. Let us be very brave, very generous, very faithful and Our Lord will make the year 1895 very fruitful for us and for the causes so dear to us. Pray for a soul I am occupied with just now, one which God has placed in my path. What a rarity saints are! Yet there are some who seem to be made for just that, and this one seems to be of the number. Naturally, the evil one will not help, but “who is strong against God?”

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CR/2 : 393 4 December 1894

Themes

Union with God 86 Mary 68Liberty - World -Joy 89 Prayer 77Detachment 29 Resurrection 80Conversion -;;


We are preparing for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. There is a large, joyful group for final and first vows and for the clothing! Oh! the happy springtime of the religious life. It fades, but there remains with us even to the very end the profound union which, one can almost say, events and creatures no longer touch. This incomparable union far excels every other joy. How I wish this for you, dear child; try to merit it in detaching yourself from yourself and from everything created. This dying is painful but we must die if Jesus is to live in us. Little by little He takes the place we leave free for Him. Say a wee prayer that I may empty the place for Him. I will do the same for you.

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CR/2 : 394 8 December 1894

Themes

Work 75 Suffering 82Body/Soul 28


I am writing to you in a hurry. We had an impressive ceremony: 32 took part in it, 20 for first vows, 3 for final vows and 9 received the habit. Of course, it was long and it is always a bit tiring for me to stand, to stretch out my arms – but it is all for God. This is what I love to repeat whenever I have to do anything that costs me a little, or when some cross weighs me down. Almost all have just left us to return to Grotta. M. Good Counsel, M. Charles, M. Xavier, M. Louise, M. Noel and all the others were radiant. May God preserve their happiness for them. M. Good Counsel is now the Assistant at Grotta.

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CR/2 : 395 18 December 1894

Themes

World - Conversion -Struggle 26 Goodness of God 23Tabernacle 86 Mary 68Grace - Sanctity -Resurrection 80 Abandonment 22Thanksgiving - Law -Earth/Heaven 83


Today is the feast of the Expectation. How I love this feast. For a long, long time the world had been awaiting its Redeemer. Mary had known for nine months that He was on His way, St. Joseph was in on the secret also – and now the last week is slipping by. Each day will be the last of its kind until the dawn of salvation will break over the earth. It seems that during this sacred week, special graces must be accorded

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to obtain the birth of Our Lord in our souls and our own re-birth to a new life: more holy, more faithful, more conformable to the divine good pleasure. I pray to obtain this for you and for all my daughters, so passionate is my desire for your perfection. Alas! Each day brings evidence that the demon is very wicked to the members of the Institute, very cunning; and that trials and temptation to which he submits them are the most dangerous and the most subtle.This is not surprising: God has done so much for us, has made perfection so easy for us, that it is only right that our fidelity and our gratitude be put to the test. Ah! if only we understood the gift of God how we would resist the snares of the enemy of our souls; and sustained by our Rules, our Constitutions, our Customs we would be strong against him. May we all become obedient and then we shall be like an army in battle array, fighting the good fight of Mary Immaculate.

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CR/2 : 396 19 December 1894

Themes

Prayer 77 Salvation of Souls 81Glory of God 66 Struggle 26Fidelity 89 Work 75Time -


In Rome today it is raining, but it must be snowing somewhere else. I wonder if you know that there is a very strong political movement concerning the Roman bank. What will 1895 be for Rome? The situation demands a great deal of prayer. As I see it, things are becoming more and more tense. There is a semblance of amelioration due probably to the entente between Italy and England. But at rock bottom there is no change. Poor Italy is in a wretched state and the victim of hellish plots, as are all the Catholic nations. We must hope that one day their eyes will open and that God will raise up a savior for the Catholic world which is also civilization. Say a little prayer for Vanves. I am anxious about it. A great means of action for the glory of God is being prepared there, but the demon is furious. M. of the Redemption tells me that the rollers of two of our machines have been ruined and there seems to be no explanation for it. All of us should make greater efforts to be faithful and pray continually for that precious workshop so that God will safeguard it from the enemy. We could do so much towards furthering the work of salvation and the advancement of so many of our undertakings if the powers of hell would not interfere in the development of that workshop. Evidently, he sees it and so tries to block its progress. I wish I had more time to fight him with prayer for that is still the most powerful weapon. Alas! my time is eaten up. I slave at my work, yet the task grows apace.

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CR/2 : 397 26 December 1894

Themes

Suffering 82 Union with God 86Vocation of the Institute - Absolute power of God -Fidelity 89 Mary 68Renouncement 29 Hidden Life 68Strength 89 Struggle 26Francis 65


Today we celebrate the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr. He is perhaps one of those who can successfully spur us to suffer for the love of Our Lord. You see, he was not killed at one stroke, but only little by little did stone after stone take away his life and unite him to his God.

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The life of a Franciscan Missionary of Mary should resemble this martyrdom. Perhaps she will never see her head fall under the executioner’s axe, but it is certain that if she is faithful, she will be continually stoned by the events of life to a slow death which will unite her to Him who must be her All as He was for her Seraphic Father. How I yearn to see us all take our vocation seriously! It is so beautiful! Let us set ourselves to it. The more I pray, the more clearly and precisely I am shown by the Lord the horrible work the enemy of all good is doing among the Catholic nations with the help of the Protestants, the Jews and the sects. Poor daughters of the Virgin of Nazareth, we can fight as she did, through prayer; but let us do it, my child, with all the energy of the love and the fidelity of the wise virgin. Let us put into this supplication all our trials, all our struggles all our sacrifices as a holocaust. I am a poor woman, but I have done a great deal of fighting. I wish I could make all my daughters valiant.

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CR/2 : 398 27 December 1894

Themes

Pope 60 Fidelity 89Sanctity -


The feast of St. John, the beloved disciple, is being celebrated today; it is a holy day of obligation in Rome. The day began with his sending me a grace which we must receive in the spirit of faith with fervor and respect. I don’t know what inspiration Mgr. degli Angeli had; but he asked the Holy Father’s blessing for us and the Pope sent it for the Institute, its works its members and me. Let us hope that the New Year 1895, blessed by the successor of St. Peter, will be filled with heavenly favours for our missions and for us. But as things stand at present, it doesn’t look too promising for Europe. I think you must have heard that a poor Sister of Charity was assassinated and that her murderer has shown no sign of regret. Last Friday, Father Marcellino de Giveza had the Abbot of St. Praxedes as guest in his house. This good prelate whom I knew very well was in excellent spirits; he was found in a pool of blood. A servant whom he had dismissed had tried with a kitchen knife to cut his carotid artery and then to stab his heart. Fortunately it was dark and the knife was not too good. Instead of cutting the artery the knife struck a bone in the neck and bent and the crooked blade could not reach the heart.Just think! The miserable wretch had only one regret: that he had not killed the Abbot. He had entered by the roof and the doors all being locked by key, he was caught in the attic. In his confusion he had not been able to find his way out. Happily they caught him, for otherwise they would certainly have thought that someone belonging in the house had done it since all the doors were locked. This warns us that we must pray and make the year 1895 one of sanctity and fidelity. This is my wish for you, dear child and for all those with you.

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CR/2 : 399 28 December 1894

Themes

Prayer 77 Glory of God 66 Suffering 82 Earth/Heaven 83 Work 75 Peace 72 Formation -


How good of you to have thought off me for Christmas. Ask Our Lord to have pity; up to now nothing we do seems to turn out right.

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Today is the feast of the Holy Innocents. Let us hope they will be kinder to me than St. John was. He gave me a very bad day. There were parlours which I could not refuse: good people who just simply would not leave. I was so nervous when I came out that I could hardly work. At this time the task is immense and to know that it is waiting there and to be unable to attend to it, tires one all the more. As I am writing to you now, I can hear bursts of happy laughter. Since Rome is a succursal (auxiliary branch) of the novitiate and has a Mistress of Novices, I did not want to deprive our young Sisters of their feast. They have Deo Gratias and can speak provided they do not bother the Professed. It is easy to perceive this liberty: instead of the silence which ordinarily envelops our Roman House, it seems to be filled with a band of children, and children indeed they are: God’s. Having a peaceful conscience, they take as great advantage as they can of this distraction offered them by Divine Providence. Happy time when they can amuse themselves with no thought of anything else! When one has dug out the furrow of an Institute, life weighs heavily and every morning I ask God to give me enough peace, enough serenity to consume the bread of each day – its labour. My daughters absolutely must obtain for me from now until May a little rest and quiet: I have an enormous amount of work to do before the Chapter of the Order and they must do violence to heaven to obtain for me the tranquility I need to carry it through successfully for the greater glory of God and the good of the Institute. I count on you to pray and to have prayers offered for this intention.

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CR/2 : 400 1 January 1895

Themes

Unity 87 Fidelity 89Sanctity - World -Renouncement 29 Mary 68Supernatural Spirit 61 Faith 64Absolute power of God -


Yesterday I wished a happy New Year to all our Sisters here. I would have liked to have all of you present, but at least you were in my heart. I recommended as the first intention of our prayer the General Congregation of our Fathers at Our Lady of the Angels in Assisi to take place in May. May our Immaculate Mother with all the angels do much for the Order, for the Institute. This Congregation has importance for us also and we are sure to feel its impact. So it must take first place as food for our fidelity and our sacrifices: our chief concern is that of the whole family. Then I felt urged by the Holy Spirit to ask all my daughters to pray for all the Catholic nations so humiliated by the Protestant countries, the Jews, the Freemasons. They have been divided, isolated in such a way that they have become weak, unable even to safeguard the faith of their members.

The Vicar of Christ is in chains and his children so downgraded and disunited that they cannot, nor have they any idea how to come to his help. It is a real tower of Babel; and I feel impelled until our prayer is answered to try to awaken in the heart of my daughters a zealous concern for all the Catholic nations, our Sisters in the faith and to prod them into offering prayers and sacrifices for them until God in His mercy pardons these Catholic nations, lifting them up out of their humiliation and giving them not only victory over their enemies but also the union among themselves essential for preserving the faith. And finally I recommend to them their own perfection saying that I become more convinced each day that apart from God and holiness, there is only emptiness.

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CR/2 : 401 2 January 1895

Themes

Work 75 Francis 65Renouncement 29 Suffering 82Thanksgiving - Earth/Heaven 83

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Today God lifted a little one of my heavy crosses concerning St. Rose’s. It is not finished yet; we still have to pray but at least the sky is a little brighter. Say a little prayer also for Father Teofilo. He is the one who has been advising me in all these Italian affairs. I do not know the language well enough to be able to understand all the terms of our contractors, and without him I do not know how I could manage. He has an enormous amount of work to do just now and this cold weather is hard on him. Your little prayer for him will be a charity for the Order as well as for me, for this Father is very useful to Father General who came to see us yesterday and gave me a big blessing for all of you. It can been seen that he really likes us and for this we must give thanks to God for I would find it most distressing to have after our beloved Grandfather, a hostile or indifferent successor of St. Francis. Keep this dear Grandfather in your prayers. I believe he has not been able to offer Mass since 21 November and that he has been confined to bed since that day. For a mind and heart as active as his, this is a severe trial and it is our duty to help him with our prayers and sacrifices. I have just about finished writing all my New Year’s letters, thanks be to God. With the Institute spreading the way it is, this has become quite a job, a good mortification which should bring down a few blessings on the New Year. For the past two weeks, to read and write has been my life. Now I am going to get back to my work for St. Anthony who brought me some orders. I also gave him mine. We will see what zeal the Saint and his servant have for each other. Pray that I do a great deal for him and that he will also do the same for us and for me especially.

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CR/2 : 402 4 January 1895

Themes

Jesus 67 Devotions 77Prayer 77


I am preparing to go to Grotta and shall return tomorrow. Confessions will be a day earlier as Father will be singing the Mass of the Epiphany at the Aracoeli.I shall try to go to see our “Santo Bambino”, that is if the weather is not too cold. If it is, I shall send Him my love and petitions for the Institute from afar. Yesterday the thought came to me to ask Him for a particular favour: it was He who let our Fathers be evacuated from the Aracoeli, but He lodged them at St. Anthony’s, the great friend of the Child Jesus. So it seems to me we should ask St. Anthony, renowned for finding lost articles, to restore to the General and the Order both the “Santo Bambino” and the Aracoeli. A good idea don’t you think? Unite your prayers with mine. One thing is certain, it was devotion to the Child Jesus

which led me to have devotion to St. Anthony and I do so wish that the sanctuary of the Child Jesus be restored to the Order through the intercession of the saint.

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CR/2 : 403 5 January1895

Themes

Death - Sentiment -Francis 65 Mission 69Offering -


Well I am back from Grotta so as to be here before Sunday, Feast of the Epiphany and to honour our dear Santo Bambino at the Aracoeli. A cross has come to cloud this feast day: our dear Grandfather, Mgr. Dal Vago, the former Father General, is dying in Quaracchi, near Florence. He was struck down with another

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attack of apoplexy the night before last and it is feared this is the end. Even though he is so to speak “lost” to his children and his friends, in my heart I could not get used to the idea of making the sacrifice and giving him up. On receiving this letter, pray much for him. If he is no longer in this world, prayer will bring relief to a soul we cherish; if he still lives I fear his condition may well be one of greater suffering. Tomorrow is the feast of the Kings, day on which he sent us his cloak together with a beautiful letter. May the holy Magi teach you how to offer Jesus the gold of love, the incense of prayer and the myrrh of sacrifice. May they help fashion in you the true missionary spirit.

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CR/2 : 404 6 January1895

Themes

Mission 69 Prayer 77Struggle 26 Renouncement 29Union with God 86 Earth/Heaven 83Sentiment - Absolute power of God -


Today is the feast of the Epiphany. What memories it holds for me! In 1899 I was in Rome for the first time and Pius IX gave our religious family the permission to go on, to manifest Jesus Christ to the world, especially among the pagans. At this hell actually quaked. Up to 1882 the work and its Foundress lived in exile at Saint Brieuc. Time and time again attempts were made to stifle the new-born child. 1883 saw me again in Rome for the feast of the Epiphany: and this time the powers of hell were let loose in rage. In 1884 on the feast of the Epiphany I suffered as perhaps never before. I was ill and Father Raphael wrote to me telling me in obedience then to get up and go to the Aracoeli to receive the blessing of the Child Jesus.I made a great effort but the hour indicated was incorrect and just as I arrived the statue of the Child Jesus was being taken away. Then the infernal tempest burst forth with violence. It seemed to me that having suffered so much and then to have just missed receiving the Santo Bambino’s blessing was like a menace from the devil. While we were standing before St. Helen’s altar Father Raphael, to console me, gave me a small picture of the Child Jesus, white against a black background. His arms are outstretched to the world. I have always kept that picture; it is on my desk now and no one will ever know what sad memories it brings back to me. That same year the star reappeared and since then, though always an object of hate to Lucifer and his cohorts, the Institute has had life and in spite of struggles and obstacles, the child grew. How much I desire that we all become living “Epiphanies” manifesting Jesus to the world always, everywhere, in all things.

For that reason we must belong to Jesus. Offer Him the gold of an undivided heart and not give ourselves over to those foolish, worldly pleasures which are but passing and leave nothing of worth for eternity. Oh how I beg this grace for my daughters; it is essential. Without it we shall never be able to offer the incense of prayer, nor the myrrh of our sacrifices and mortifications. My child, flee natural friendships which leave God out. Then with the Magi you will be able to offer Jesus gold, incense and myrrh.

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CR/2 : 405 10 January 1895

Themes

Work 75 Prayer 77Salvation of Souls 81 Humility 89Love of God 23 Contemplation/Action 29World - Sanctity -Body/Soul 28 Renouncement 29Abandonment 22

153


I like my work; in spite of the trouble and fatigue it entails it is for God and souls and I find it very satisfying. But I must admit that spending time in the parlour is not to my liking. All for God, even that. We must live in a dependence on the divine will and not on self-will. The more we pray, the more we meditate, the better we understand this truth: all perfection is to be found here and here alone. All else is but an illusion of self-love manifested in the seeking of one’s own satisfaction.

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CR/2 : 406 11 January 1895

Themes

Work 75 Gentleness 89Time - Lamb -Eucharist 62 Purity 89Simplicity 89 Body/Soul 28Victim 90 Gratitude 89Dove -


At last we are having better weather. Thank God, after those terrible storms.The health of all of us was affected more or less by the bad weather. I myself have influenza. I am better than I was but have not completely recovered. Patience, today I was able to work a little but yesterday I did not do much at all, a thing which saddens me. This was another reason why the day was so gloomy. I was not able to go to Mass, it being more prudent not to risk catching cold since I still have influenza and at the moment the mortality rate in Rome has doubled. But the Mass, it is the very life of the soul, together with Holy Communion. When we think of the merit of the holocaust being offered for us in the Mass how could we not have confidence throughout the rest of the day, having offered it in union with the Divine Lamb? I am indebted to Father Raphael for having given me something special with regard to Holy Mass, something I would like to pass on to all my daughters. I cannot say that up to that time I was indifferent to the Holy Sacrifice, but God has given me an extra grace with respect to it and since about that time also the grace of rarely missing Mass in spite of poor health. No further news of Grandfather; according to what we were told lately, life for him is sadder than death. Let us redouble our prayers for the one who did so much and was so good to our religious family. Now that his last hour has come let us, his “doves” as he liked to call us, be his powerful advocates by being gentle, guileless and pure like doves.

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CR/2 : 407 16 January 1895

Themes

Suffering 82 Abandonment 22Good of God 23 Peace 72Power of God - Wisdom -Providence 22 Love of God 23


Just now I have so many worries, coming from all sides, that I am really tired out. One thought sustains me on the cross, it is that God wills it this way He has His reasons; reasons of love and mercy, otherwise His almighty power could not refuse divine bounty which wills to preserve us from all suffering. But there is another mystery, the meaning which often eludes me: the mystery of the worth of trial and its usefulness. With God mystery does not exist and in this lies the explanation of the often incomprehensible designs of Divine Providence. Let us live of abandonment, my child, this is wisdom, this is peace.

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CR/2 : 408 17 January 1895

Themes

Prayer 77 Goodness of God 23World -


The French papers carry news of a sort of revolution. Casimir Perier has resigned: whatever is going to happen? Poor France! The Freemasons, the Jews, the Protestants, all foreigners, are laying it waste and the French are doing nothing to snatch their unfortunate country from the hands of those who hate her.One thing we can do is to pray. We must set about praying in earnest for our unfortunate home land. I do not know if it is by a special permission from God but these days I feel seized with a great compassion for her. I am longing for news from Paris. There was nothing yesterday, I think it must be on account of the snow. Letters from Sanctuaire arrive three days late, from the Chatelets nothing either. I trust it is only the weather, and not political events, that is holding up correspondence. As for the weather, the earthquake has brought us Spring here in Italy: will it last? I hope so. In any case we are enjoying a warm temperature now. It seems that even in Russia the weather is very warm, but there is much sickness around. May God have pity on the world.

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CR/2 : 409 18 January 1895

Themes

Prayer 77 Salvation of Souls 81World - Sanctity -Renouncement 29 Struggle 26Detachment 29 Suffering 82Glory of God 66 Love of God 23


I do not know why but I am following the French Movement with very deep interest. I am inclined to think that foreigners are responsible for it. Why is poor France overrun with men who are not French but who fill

all the important posts? When shall we be governed by the Franks? We must pray earnestly, for the Catholic cause is involved in this also. Time will tell. One wonders where modern society is heading and if we are reverting to the primitive state. In Milan, the Station Master has just been killed. In proportion as the idea of God’s law grows dim and disappears from the soul, the intellect and the heart, man follows his instincts like the beasts and becomes the slave of his passions. It is very sad and I must admit that these matters have a large share in my prayers. How I wish all my daughters were saints, pleading before God for all these causes which should stir the soul of every religious. But for that, one must disregard and trample under foot all those little personal interests which affect only the ego. Those who are forever taken up with self, with lining their own purse, these would not know how to apply their hearts and their prayer to the great causes which are, in a way, inseparably bound up with God’s glory. Alas! When one reads the type of thing most people write today, when one listens to their conversations, the greater part of the time it is solely concerned with the little nothings which prick them or go contrary to their wishes. Why am I not sufficiently holy to stir up souls and lead them forward along the way of love and self-denial! We are at a time of crisis, there is a need for heroes and heroines as in the time of the early Church. May St. Agnes, whose feast day is drawing near, St. Cecilia and St. Sebastian obtain them for us. Ask them to obtain this, my child, and so that our petition may be granted, let us be very united in prayer.

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CR/2 : 410 18 January 1895

Themes

Struggle 26 Fidelity 89Generosity 89 Communion of Saints 87Example 63 Suffering 82Offering - Mission 69Word of God 73 Earth/Heaven 83


Tomorrow we shall have a ceremony of clothing and profession. All are happy. They are fine young women, come to offer themselves to Our Lord. Heaven forbid that, through the wiles of the devil, Jesus’ sway over these hearts should ever be disputed. Oh! it is sad to see how certain religious give themselves generously to God, then trial comes. They meet with one who is not faithful and she offers them the opportunity to take a bite of the apple of infidelity. These souls turn from the right way and soon one finds them dragging themselves heavily along the way of religious life where formerly they went forward with the encouraging words of: “My yoke is sweet and my burden light” ringing in their ears. I avow of all things,what causes me the greatest sadness when I meet with it, is the unfaithfulness of our Sisters. To see them at times, acting in a manner that is mutually harmful instead of helping each other to draw closer to Jesus. I believe we are still very privileged; but when I see these stains appear, which are alas so widespread upon earth, my heart contracts and I wish then I had a thousand voices to extort each soul, each heart: convince them to give themselves whole-heartedly to God.

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CR/2 : 411 23 January 1895

Themes

Tabernacle 86 Humility 89Mary 68 Renouncement 29Jesus 67 Joy 89Sanctity - Vocation -


Today we had a clothing ceremony. The newly professed and the new novices were delighted. For me this feast always holds special memories, for I am convinced that it was on this day that God marked me for the foundation of the Institute of victims for the Church and souls. Father Raphael performed the ceremony today. He spoke to us of St. Hyacinth whose monastery was threatened by barbarians. When this happened, in order to save the Blessed Sacrament from profanation, he placed it under his mantle and left. On the way out he heard a voice calling him: turning he saw a statue of Mary, sculptured in alabaster. It spoke lovingly saying: “Hyacinth, you save the Son and forget the Mother”. The Dominican friar understood. He took hold of the statue which seemed weightless and thus carrying in his arms Jesus and Mary he set out followed by the brothers. They came to a river which, naturally speaking would have prevented them from going further, but the faith of Hyacinth was all–powerful . He crossed the river, his brothers after him, leaving on the waters the miraculous traces of their steps. Father then explained how Hyacinth’s treasures were also ours. Since we take Jesus and Mary with us wherever we go, what have we to fear? The Son and the Mother were also Joseph’s treasures during the flight into Egypt. On this feast of the Espousals, day on which he opened his house to them, may the head of the Holy Family obtain for us the grace of welcoming him into our dwelling, certain that in his train Jesus and Mary will also come to stay with us.How I wish we were all saints, able to console our Jesus who is forgotten, ignored, by so many! Alas! How many should pass their life taken up with their own petty interest, their own petty satisfaction! Cecile, do not be among these.

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CR/2 : 412 24 January 1895

Themes

Order/Care 89 Work 75Charity 24


Today I was able to start on an important work which I would like to have completed before May: it is to arrange in a definite way, the archives of the Institute. I would very much like to put these in order before I die, so that whoever comes after me will not have any trouble. If I can carry it out according to the plan I have in mind, they will be very well set up. Everything will be clear and everyone will be saved a good deal of trouble. It is to be hoped that this order and arrangement will not be upset by revolutions which may come in the future.

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CR/2 : 413 31 January 1895

Themes

Struggle 26 Abandonment 22Mission 69 Body/Soul 28Work 75 Suffering 82Goodness of God 23


Here we are at the end of January. For me it was a real storm, storm of worries, fatigue and great distress and it is closing with another storm, that of the elements. The wind was so strong last night I could not sleep. Fortunately our little Sisters who are leaving for India and I-Chang are not yet on the high seas. May the toilsome life God imposes on me, more so these last few days, obtain for them a safe and pleasant voyage. It is now certain that the Cardinal Vicar will be here on the 3rd or 4th to examine Sellouha and on the 9th our dear little Soudanese will become a Christian. We are all a very happy about this because Sellouha has charming qualities and everyone in the house here at Rome loves her. Since I am here God has rarely deprived me of someone or other missionary joy: conversions, abjurations, baptisms. I have had all these joys, even though I have made the sacrifice of being on the missions. This is one more proof of

God’s goodness and that He knows better than anyone how to arrange things according to His own Divine merciful plans. The not so-so-bright side of the solemnity being prepared is the solemn reception which we must give to the Vicar of the Vicar of Christ. The longer I live the more I feel that I am not made for these grand affairs. I am still good for working, hidden away in my little corner like a galley-slave, for suffering and even good for praying a little, but no longer for formal relations with the outside. I should hold the post of Minister for the Interior for the affairs of the Institute and let someone else be the Minister for external affairs. This would add ten years onto my life. This is foolery. In the bottom of my heart I say: “Lord use this life of mine according to your will, only give as much patience”. I still recommend to your many important intentions, especially that Our Lord will give me the strength to finish up before May, some work I feel should be done.

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CR/2 : 414 7 February 1895

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Charity 24Order/Care 29 Joy 89Work 75

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The whole house is busy preparing for the reception of the Cardinal Vicar. As for myself, I was dazed after a sleepless night. This morning I am a little better. We have an elderly German priest here and he says Mass at eight o’clock so I decided to go to this Mass and sleep until then. This helped me; because doing so much mental work if I do not sleep at night I am so exhausted I cannot make any headway with it. I am putting the archives in order once for all. It is a long, tiresome work; but once finished it will be no trouble to keep things in order and will facilitate things for those who come after me. One sows another reaps. It is without regret that I work for the happiness of others, and when I think of all I have suffered I often send this anguished cry heavenwards: “Do not fashion a second Mary of the Passion!”Let us pass to less doleful topics. Today M. Charles and the Belgian Consul are trying out a horse which seems to be as meek as a lamb, its name is Pipelet, which, if I am not mistaken, is a name used in Paris, to designate the modern porter.Today, on the anniversary of the death of Pius IX a Mass will be celebrated in the Sistine chapel. It is said the Pope will not be present. He has a slight cold and his doctor wants him to take precautions. Will Brother Antoine’s prophecy come true? Will the Pope live another three years? Let us hope so and ask God to grant this. In any case each time it becomes known that the Pope is not well there is a bit of a stir. He is at such an advanced age! What is certain is that we should pray unceasingly for our Mother the Church, our beloved Order, our little Institute, also for poor France which arouses my pity.

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CR/2 : 415 8 February 1895

Themes

Mission 69 Joy 89Suffering 82 Abandonment 22Salvation of Souls 81 Work 75Peace 72 Earth/Heaven 83


There is great excitement in the house and everyone is busy for tomorrow we shall have the Vicar of the Vicar of Jesus Christ here. A thought struck me this morning: to think that among all the convents there are in Rome, God should choose that of St. Helen’s of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary for the baptism of a Moslem girl, victim of slave merchants. And in so doing confer on it, its missionary consecration. I would like to think that in giving her to this house, which I consider to be the soul of the Institute, God is giving us

at the same time our share in Africa, and that this soul baptized in our house at Rome is the prelude to a great number of others among the African people that the Institute will offer to God. This must be bought by some fatigue. So much the better. We shall never suffer as much as Our Lord did for the ransom of souls.

Another piece of news. At last we have a horse. Shall we be able to keep him this time? M. Charles, who had tried him out yesterday, came in today bringing back M. de St. Veronique to be present at Sellouha’s baptism. She tells me that he (the horse) eats sugar out of one’s pocket and turns his head when called. In short, it’s a dog we have rather than a horse. The only difficulty is that he stops often when going up the steep slope at Grottaferrata. But since he is very gentle, good and strong, we hope he will get used to it. Besides we prefer to take a little more time getting there and have a horse that is docile and sure.All of a sudden the weather has become very mild. I think for Rome the winter has passed. All the same these sudden changes in temperature are not good for the health. The weather is damp and this bothers me. Patience! Good days are rare here on earth, rest is only for heaven. Let us work solely for this abode of peace. God counts everything we do to please Him and all will contribute to our eternal happiness.

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158

CR/2 : 416 10 February 1895

Themes

Joy 89Rome, 10 February 1895

What a beautiful ceremony we had yesterday! I was not able to write at the time but, being still under the spell of this consoling event, I shall describe it to you from here, but will finish my letter in Rome. At 8 am the Cardinal Vicar arrived; our little catechumen looked charming, draped in a blue and gold sari, which was sent to us from India, but we arranged it Turkish fashion. There were sixteen or seventeen priests and a few pious persons. Miss McNair, an English woman, was the Godmother. She was as though enveloped with grace and modesty. Once again I understood that charm can be found in someone not beautiful earthly-wise but possessing beauty of soul. To describe to you how she answered the Cardinal’s questions and how calm and modest she was when presenting forehead or eyes during the ceremony etc., is not possible. At last the waters of baptism flowed on her forehead; she also received confirmation together with five children from Grottaferrata. I forgot to tell you that just as she was being baptized a charming little niece Capellano, dressed as an angel, appeared and held the neophyte’s candle. Confirmation over, the Cardinal kept Sellouha and her “angel” near him and gave a very nice little sermon to the newly named Marie Sebastienne Elizabeth. After this he celebrated Holy Mass, then went to breakfast during which he was presented with a very nice stole and picture of Joan of Arc in a splendid frame. During the presentation the little angel walked in front, then Madeleine Siffer carrying a banner on which were inscribed these words: “ To the Eminent Cardinal ponent of the cause of Joan of Arc”. The Cardinal was quite taken up with the picture of Joan of Arc and said it was the first time he had seen one he really liked. He chatted familiarly and was very friendly, leaving around 11am. At 2 pm we set out for Grotta so you see I had no time in Rome after the ceremony.11 February – I had a good trip there and back with our new horse. Deo gratias! I bless you.

----------CR/2 : 417 12 February 1895

Themes

Charity 24 Mission 69Time - Sanctity -Struggle 26 Salvation of Souls 81Suffering 82 Work 75


I had a terrible day yesterday when I came back from Grotta. All my time was taken up with visitors, one after the other and finally by a poor man who was starving. He is a printer by trade. He wants me to help him and I would like to. But I cannot find a minute and it takes time to look for means to do this. It gratifies the devil to fritter away my time like this and God permits him to have his way. Last night I could have cried seeing so much work before me without having been able to devote even a minute to do it during the day. But then I said to myself: “Patience! my soul, your time belongs to God. Let Him dispose of it as He wills”. I was so exhausted I spent a bad night and had strange dreams. This morning our former Sellouha, Marie Sebastienne, made her first Communion. Father General came for the occasion. He was anxious that she make it while still in her baptismal innocence so that Communion would bring her greater graces. She seemed very happy. We have just finished this ceremony and as Father General spoke a few words at the Communion we had to remain standing. Now my legs can no longer support me. All this is for the salvation of one dear soul, whom I hope is the forerunner of many others in Africa to be offered to Jesus by the Institute of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. We shall have paid the price, in part, for the first one. Likewise the dear Jeannerod family. But when in eternity, we shall not think we have paid too high a price for a soul, worth all the blood of a God.I leave you, my dear child, while urging you to advance more and more in holiness which alone merits all our efforts.

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CR/2 : 418 13 February 1895

Themes

Prayer 77 Victim 90Suffering 82 Work 75Abandonment 82 Mary 68Nature 70 Salvation of Souls 81Jesus 67 Earth/Heaven 83


I am worried over the influenza in the workroom. It seems some are in bed. May God have pity on us. I pray and suffer. It is all I can do. Yesterday was indeed a day of suffering for me though we had public Adoration. God is good. The weather is fairly good now, but the past few days were terrible, nothing but rain and mud. Of course it could be better but at least it is not raining and the weather is very mild. M. St. Veronique has to come in this evening to begin her retreat and I do nothing. The more I pray to God to give me a little free time the less I am able to get into the work that I wanted to finish before May. I am beginning to think God will not give me the ability and the grace that I had asked of Him. It is already February, only three months to the General Congregation to be held by our Fathers and three months is like a second in proportion to the amount of work I wanted to get done.After all, God’s will be done. Provided we do the divine will, the rest is of little importance. It was Father Raphael who said the community Mass this morning. Although I had not the good fortune to assist at all the Masses, it is a great consolation to think that from dawn to 11am the Holy Sacrifice was offered continually. It looks as if God wants us to offer Him thanks for Sellouha’s baptism. I am praying especially for Chefoo. The telegram says the city has been bombarded and is on the point of being taken by the Japanese. May God protect my dear daughters; but upon this sad earth the heart is continually being pierced and poor human nature lends itself to this. This is the way Jesus Christ chose before us, for this reason a Franciscan Missionary of Mary, victim for the Church and souls, should do her best to say “Fiat” even when she is on the road to Calvary. Courage therefore.

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CR/2 : 419 18 February 1895

Themes

Joy 89 Love of God 23Devotion 77 Suffering 82Time - Francis 65Glory of God 66 Strength 89Salvation of Souls 81


We were enjoying spring weather in Rome until yesterday when a strong wind arose, coming over the mountain probably passing over the snow bringing the temperature down from 12 or 15 degrees to 3 below zero. God permits it, so one must freeze for love of Him. It is much colder where you are but your houses are built to withstand the weather. From where I am sitting I see that my window is not well closed; for the moment it is not too bad because we are having a spell of sunshine.Everyone is hoarse, voices, noses, all feel the effects of the draughts of Rome. The thought that we are now in the month of St. Joseph raises the heart with joy. We must petition him for a number of favours., I am going to make a list of intentions and send it to all the houses asking that it be posted up on the ante-choir. From now on I shall do this for that the month of Saint Joseph, the month of Mary and the month of the Sacred Heart. That is if God gives me the time and inspiration.I have been feeling that this year will be blessed and will be a very important one for the Institute. It is the centennial year of the birth of St. Anthony. 1882, centennial year of the birth of St. Francis, saw my entry into the Order in the chapel of the Santo Bamb8no, my meeting with Grandfather and Father Raphael and the Roman foundation.

160

In 1883 only the cross made itself felt, but 1882 was truly blest. I think the beloved son of our Seraphic Father, our own dear St. Anthony who has become our protector, will be as good to us on the occasion of the centenary of his birth as was his Seraphic Founder. During this year let us struggle courageously for the good of our own soul, the glory of God, the Institute and souls. It seems to me that those who hear my call and with heart and will respond to it, will reap a harvest of blessings for all these causes.

----------CR/2 ; 420 19 February 1895

Themes

Order/Care 89 Work 75Grace - Offering -Vocation of the Institute - Sanctity -Body/Soul 28 Strength 89Glory of God 66 Fidelity 89Nature 70


Nothing from you yesterday, I am a little worried on account of your health. Be punctual in cases like these.I spent a very useful day for the Institute yesterday and this encourages me. I have not finished putting the archives in order but I gave a good push to the work which will facilitate the completion of it even if I should die. God be praised! I am getting on with the work which I would like to finish before May. Today I am paying for it a bit but that is nothing; the weather is not so cold and I hope to continue to work without interruption.I do not know if we really understand how great a grace it is to be able to work for Our Lord. The older I get the more clearly I see that we resemble little children whose parents provide them with all that is needed so that they can offer them, their parents, a present on their feast day or New year’s Day. Certainly everyone finds such parents excellent, tender and attentive and Jesus acts in the same way when He gives us the opportunity to work for Him, contribute to His glory, offer Him something, under any form whatsoever.I am praying to St. Joseph to come to the aid of all of you. The more I consider our times, the better I understand our vocation and the more I desire that we be holy in order to correspond to the needs of today. But how difficult it is to attain sanctity! Consider only two words: nature, counter-nature. Who has the courage to go counter to the nature received with life itself, strengthened simultaneously with our being, developed by our infidelities? And yet sanctity is Supernatural life! May St. Joseph, who understood and lived this truth so well himself, open to you these horizons of sanctity.

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CR/2 : 421 20 February 1895

Themes

Francis 65 Presence of God 86Family - Absolute power of God -Prayer 77 Body/Soul 28Glory of God 66 Work 75Union with God 86 Fidelity 89Live in God 86 Courage 89


We received the packages addressed to “Mme. Mohon”: a little inkwell, a paper knife, a niched statue, but the paper-weights have not come. Today Brother Francois-Marie goes into retreat. May St. Francis give him all those dispositions which go to make up the true Friar Minor. I did not think I would ever deserve to have a nephew in the Seraphic family and I must say I consider it a great sign of God’s mercy towards me. It is still very cold for Rome but the weather is God’s; and one must be pleased with what He sends.

161

I console myself with the thought that after all, this kind of weather gives one a certain amount of energy which helps one get through the work. Sometimes I am amused at myself. In the morning, I put a price on myself, calculating what I can or cannot produce as regards work; and truly I catch a glimpse of myself being more or less satisfied with self accordingly as this old machine is able to do a good deal of work or to do only a little for the good of the Institute and for you all. I cannot tell you how important this year promises to be for the Institute. Grace seems to abound on all sides. Will it be ours to gather the fruits or such an efflorescence? That will depend certainly and to a great extent on our fidelity. This morning, while giving the retreat to M. de St. Veronique, a phrase struck me forcibly: “He who acts for God alone easily remains recollected”. And in fact a soul who has God’s glory alone as motive of her actions does not find it difficult to be ever mindful of God because she has consecrated every moment of her life to His good pleasure. Oh, how I would like to pass on to my daughters this seriousness, this courage which renders one active and useful in God’s hands. These are the souls the Church, the Order and the Institute has need of.

----------CR/2 : 422 23 February 1895

Themes

Victim 90 Strength 89Struggle 26 Salvation of Souls 81World - Power of God -Humility 89 Prayer 77Communion of Saints 87 Courage 89Word of God 73


I am sad today. Pray for me. I found myself faced with difficulties brought about by our Sisters who are not all they should be. It is always a heartache to me when the obstacles are caused by those whom Our Lord has called to the honour of being victims for the Church and for souls. We must admit that the times are difficult. Darkness has fallen almost everywhere; and souls, deprived of the true light have no longer the energy to resist their passions; on the contrary they pamper them in a thousand little ways which hell knows so well how to place at their disposition. In these moments when I see on the one hand the widening field being offered to the Institute and the prospects rising, and on the other that solid virtues are so rare on earth, I become very sad. Pray hard for me, child, that God may help me and that I should not lose courage under the weight of my burden which grows heavier daily. I would need many good Cyreneans;

try to be one of the best and obtain for me by your prayers and efforts, all the help needed in this struggle against hell and to be able to accomplish the work of God. Happily it is His work otherwise I should have given up long ago; but I have great hope of being able to say ever more and more, being strong in my weakness and in His power, “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.”

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CR/2 : 423 24 February 1895Themes

Sanctity - Time -Mission 69 Suffering 82Work 75 Courage 89Prayer 77 Goodness of God 23Example 63 Gospel 73Victim 90 Struggle 26


Carnival time is here. How the Divine Master is offended in His love and in His glory during these days of revelry. I wish we were all saints so that we could combat an ever growing evil in the world. But alas!

162

Though my daughters are not bad they are not saints either; and at the present time, seeing that God wills to enlarge the field of our apostolate, I am more than ever aware of the shortage of strong, fervent souls to undertake God’s work. Let us ask them of God, my dear child; by our prayer and our example may we contribute our part in giving to Our Lord missionaries worthy of their vocation as victims for the Church and souls. Being more and more overloaded with work I have not much time for prayerful pleading but I offer my suffering, my disappointments, the sorrow caused by the little effect my works have on most hearts, the sterility of my work with regard to a great number of souls. I offer it all for this cause. In order to give myself courage, I have often to say to myself that I see elsewhere than in the Institute a host of things that would make me suffer still more. It is therefore God Himself, who in His goodness and mercy accomplishes the work in spite of the poor instruments employed. So you will pray hard that God may not prevent me from carrying out His plans because of a lack of dependable persons for the work. Will you not? Pray also for me to good St. Joseph that in spite of being scratched and pricked by the thorns along the way I may prove myself to be generous and faithful, even during times when it would seem that I too would say in union with the Divine Master; “What, could you not watch with me!”

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CR/2 : 424 25 February 1895

Themes

Gospel 73 Salvation of Souls 81Grace - Conversion -Jesus 67 Example 63Sanctity - Glory of God 66


Yesterday I had a sore throat, it is getting better now after the application of two resicant plasters. The weather being mild I wanted to get out a bit; but with my sore throat it didn’t do me good. Patience! Today things are much better. Father Raphael gave us a lovely sermon yesterday. I wish you had all been there to hear it. It was on the Gospel of the day, the first part of which deals with the announcing of the passion and the preparation for the ordeal. The second part is about the cure of the blind man in the Gospel. Jesus was passing by and the poor man, deprived of sight, hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, cried out: “Have pity on me!” and the more they tried to silence him the louder he cried out. His confidence was rewarded: “Receive thy sight!” His eyes were opened to the light and he followed Jesus. Father dwelt especially upon those passages dealing with Jesus passing by, symbols of the graces offered so frequently

to religious. He reminded us that during Lent these visits from Jesus have a special significance for souls and he urged us to profit as much as possible from these during 1895. I invite you also to try to make good use of the graces Lent offers to advance on the way to holiness. Father also said that we should pray for the General Congregation which is also a passage of Jesus for the Seraphic Order, that God may bring about a renewal among its members and perform great things for His own glory. How I wish I could find words to stir my daughters to greater efforts to become holy and lead others on to holiness. No doubt my powerlessness to do this is due to my lack of virtue. May the event of Jesus’ passing bring with it the grace I need in order to form saints for the Church, the Order and the Institute in their present necessity. That you may be one of the first to take the step forward and so give the example, I bless you.

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CR/2 : 425 26 February 1895

Themes

Francis 65 Work 75Sanctity - Time -Thanksgiving - Offering -Family - Humility 89

163


Today my heart is at St. Brieuc. I think of my dear Francois-Marie giving himself to God by his solemn profession, an act which makes him one of the truly poor of Jesus Christ. I confess I am very grateful to Our Lord for having admitted him to such an honour; very grateful too to my Father St. Francis. I do not know how to give thanks as I should. Do this for me dear child. I would like all my daughters to offer thanks in the name of their mother who has so little time and so little health to do this, though in her heart and soul she feels the need to do so.

Now we are really well into spring, I think. I wish I could find the strength to work as I feel I should. Up to now my daughters have not obtained for me the grace of being able to bring up to date before May a certain quota of work. It is progressing but not at the rate I feel it should. What can I do about it except offer my involuntary helplessness to God? Carnival ends today. I am celebrating it in a rather strange fashion. Tomorrow we shall hear the words: “Remember man thou art but dust and unto dust though shalt return.” How I desire that we take them to heart, receiving them not as something trivial, banal, but so that the thought of our last end will encourage us along the way of holiness.

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CR/2 : 426 28 February 1895

Themes

Courage 89 Nature 70Obedience 71 Work 75Vocation of the Institute - Conversion -Imitation 63 Communion of Saints 87Fervour 89 Resurrection 80Meditation 77


Well here I am, with the courage derived from obedience, grappling with the Meditations. M. Jeanne and I make the final corrections of ten meditations per day.At this rate, we shall finish one month’s every three days and send the copy to the printing room. Of course they must not do the work hurriedly, but I want the paper for 2,000 copies to be purchased at one time. Once the format is decided upon, the printing press can draw off one copy at a time, without haste. If the first copy can be ready for Advent and continue on, it will take about two years for the printing room to

complete the work. Each house will keep carefully the copies received and when the work is competed they will have them bound into one volume. This will be a very great grace for the Institute; and from next Advent on, each one of us will have our book of meditations. The amount of research and the effort required to deduce the practical applications of each feast to the spirit of the Institute calls for a tremendous amount of work. All have not the time for such research each day for each feast of the Romano-Seraphic Breviary. To find this already done is a great comfort to a soul; and I believe too that there is a special grace attached to the effort to become penetrated with the spirit of the saints of the Church and in particular with those of the Order. So, good courage, both to the printing room and to yourself. Pray that they (the printers) will take advantage of any free moment they have to do gradually this great work, so necessary for our souls – the printing of these meditations. Now I desire a real renewal of fervor in the hearts of all of us during this Lent. I cannot doubt but that God wants us to expand our works more rapidly and in a manner over and above what, naturally speaking, I would want. But since it is a call from God, since it is the hour of the Church, since we have received a special vocation and have come for that, should we not rise to what God expects of us and awaits from us and have the right to ask, having bestowed upon us so many graces! Oh! let us not fritter our lives away. Let us mutually urge each other on so as to reach that glorious goal which He has prepared for the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary who will be faithful to His Divine Call.

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164

CR/2 : 427 1 March 1895

Themes

Mission 69 Authority 79Nature 70 Responsibility 79World -

Rome, 1 March 1895

I have just had a letter from M. de la Compassion with the news that our new foundation in Corsica has been made. It is not necessary to speak of it outside yet. It is truly a seraphic story. Two little Sisters out begging, M. de St. Pierre and Rosaria going out on the feast of St. John Evangelist to ask as an alms, a fine house and land for a convent. God so disposes the heart of the benefactor that the convent is given them. There is a nice church, almost 30 acres of land and a convent which will house a dozen religious. All in the parish of St. Anthony of Padua. Another poor little begging Sister, M. Compassion, is sent to study the situation and in no time she has in writing and worded in the kindliest terms the permission of the Bishop who also allows us to have the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the convent. Yesterday, 28 February they had the first Mass and God remained as guest of M. de la Compassion and of Rosaria. This week I shall send M. de St. Lance, Sister Girolamo and M. Agnello to join them; the group will be well apportioned. I do not intend to leave Agnello in Corsica for good, but I am sending her for the foundation because she is capable of starting an embroidery workroom there and she is a very good religious. I have her in mind for the workroom later on. Pray hard for this foundation which I repeat, will always remain very dear because I see it has come to be without the aid of human or worldly means. I do not know if you have heard the story of St. Hyacinth who, when chased from his convent, took with him the Blessed Sacrament and being recalled by the Blessed Virgin, heard a voice say: “You forget me my son!’ He turned back and by a miracle was able to pick up and carry away the heavy statue of our Mother. Thanks to her and her divine Son, he was able to walk on the waters and bring his treasure to safety. It is not to be wondered at that he should love the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, who are consecrated to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Immaculate Virgin Mother. I am already including him among the protectors of the Institute.

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CR/2 : 428 2 March 1895

Themes

Fidelity 89 Mary 68

Strength 89 Mission 69World - Fervour 89Courage 89 Earth/Heaven 83

Struggle 26

Rome, 2 March 1895

I am more and more preoccupied, as though urged on by God to ask of my daughters a greater energy, a more complete fidelity. Am I mistaken? But it seems to me that our field of battle is to expand in a manner that could be frightening if Our Lord does not meet with souls worthy of their special vocation for the Church and the world in these present times. Much courage is needed, for indeed the wickedness of the devil towards Mary’s little army is great. But when the enemy deploys every ruse, brings out all his forces, this is one more reason for the Queen’s army to prepare worthily for combat. Let us unfurl valiantly the banner of Mary Missionary. Let us invoke her often as Queen of Apostles and of Virgins and go forward to do battle. It is not the time to stroll along nonchalantly, still less to rest lazily. So, my little daughter, you are going to make an effort are you not, to become imbued with this truth and to spread this sacred fire around you? Not only are the eyes of the world on us, but the gaze of heaven itself. Be a valiant warrior.

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165

CR/2 : 429 3 March 1895Themes

Fidelity 89 Prayer 77Pope 60 Strength 89World - Sanctity -Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 3 March 1895

This morning Father Raphael wrote me the following lines: “Yesterday the Holy Father completed his 85 years, and today begins the 86th year of his age and the 18th of the reign. How Providence watches over him! Our St. Louis to whom we pray each day, must also have something to do with this marvelous longevity of Leo XIII. Let us continue to pray. It is now the third of March, with the help of God may this be a month of the greatest fullness: We must ask this grace of St. Joseph. If we are faithful we can do all things with the help of Jesus. Oh Jesus, grant us this fidelity. We are going to send our Belgian Sisters to the Vatican for the anniversary of the Pope’s coronation, something they have not witnessed. My dear daughter, pray for the Vicar of Christ. Pray for the work to be undertaken during May, which is so important for the Order and for us. Time flies and men pass away. You know how strongly I feel the need to urge all to strive for sanctity. Let us give to the Church religious who are valiant, who can be counted upon, industrious and prayerful souls and the angels will bless the Lord for the works undertaken by the Institute.

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CR/2 : 430 4 March 1895

Themes

Work 75 Abandonment 22Devotions 77 Strength 89Suffering 82 Prayer 77Nature 70

Rome, 4 March 1895

We are well into the month of St. Joseph. Up to now he has taken good care of me. I have been able to get through a considerable amount of work. It is nothing compared with what remains to be done; but just the same it is a good deal and it would be wrong of me to complain. It looks as though St. Joseph were

going to obtain many favours for me. I am most grateful to him. I have always loved him tenderly because of his devoted care of Jesus and Mary. One is very conscious of St. Joseph’s total self-forgetfulness in their regard and that everything is for his Divine Son and his Mother. We must try to walk in his footsteps, my dear little daughter, so as to love and to accept the cross. Nature does not like it, and under whatever form it presents itself we always think we should be spared this one. My dear little daughter, beg for me an entire submission to the divine will of Our Lord and that perfect wisdom which has its roots in the folly of the cross. On my part dear child, I feel so much the need for energetic and holy souls in the Institute that I shall not fail to offer a similar prayer for you.

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CR/2 431 9 March 1895

Themes

Victim 90 Love of God 23Charity 24 Earth/Heaven 83Sanctity -

166

Rome,9 March 1895

God permits that we lead a tormented existence; that is because we are victims and will it or not we have to fulfill our special vocation. I always think that if my daughters would offer to heaven the pure holocaust of a saintly life, we would have much less to suffer; but alas, how difficult it is to resist self-seeking and not become dazzled by self-love. My dear child, let us try during Lent to throw off this dreadful leprosy of selfishness and replace it as best we can, with pure love of God. In the measure that self-love withdraws, divine love takes its place; but the contrary is also true.

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CR/2 : 432 12 March 1895

Themes

Fidelity 89 Devotions 77Prayer 77 Fervour 89Communion of Saints 89

Rome, 12 March 1895

The month of St. Joseph is going by. If we want to be heard we have to intensify our prayer, so I have decided to send out an appeal to you all to make a serious effort to advance in fidelity to Our Lord and to be more fervent in prayer. For those on the missions this invitation will arrive too late for the month of St. Joseph, but it will reach India for Easter and all are asked to sing a joyous alleluia for the graces received. In China it will be for the month of May and let each one turn to the Blessed Virgin begging her to grant all our petitions during the month dedicated to her. Then of course the holy Angels are such swift messengers. How beautiful is the communion of Saints! Communion of suffering, of prayer, and of work. I would also like to see devotion to the holy angels given a place of honour in the Institute, first of all devotion to our guardian angels also to the guardian angels of the persons around us, those of cities, of countries, finally of those angels who serve Our Lord as His instruments and are consequently the canal through which so many favours come to us.

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CR/2 : 433 13 March 1895

Themes

Obedience 71 Work 75Francis 65 Fidelity 89Maternal love - Strength 89

Rome, 13 March 1895

I believe I am not mistaken in thinking that St. Anthony wants the centennial year of his birth to be as outstanding for the Institute as was that of the centenary of the birth of St. Francis. That date so dear to us recalls the foundation in Rome, my meeting with Grandfather, with Father Raphael, our entrance into the Order, our Constitutions drawn up under obedience and written out in great part in the Colosseum. I still remember the obedience: “Your Constitutions must be written within three days” and three days later it was done. And it can be said that very little has been changed. The essence, the text have remained, a very few of the articles, that is all. Truly it was marvelous how it was possible to do it. I can still see poor M. du St. Esprit as I watched her from my bed, she was falling asleep copying out what we had done during the day. This is all long passed now but I believe that to our gratitude for St. Francis having, so to speak, obtained the birth of the Institute during the centennial year of his own birth, we should also add our great gratitude towards St. Anthony. Up to 1882 the Institute was like the unborn child; in 1882 it was born. We shall see what it will be like at the end of 1895. Let us pray earnestly, be faithful and work with all our strength. ----------

167

CR/2 : 434 14 March 1895

Themes

Imitation 63 Devotions 77Humility 89 Obedience 71Death - World -Detachment 29 Earth/Heaven 83Jesus 67

Rome, 14 March 1895

Yesterday, I gave myself a very pleasant surprise. I knew perfectly well that St. Anthony was born on the feast of the Assumption but yesterday when M. de St. Therese asked me what day would we celebrate the centenary of his birth, I suddenly remembered that the feast of the poor General of the Institute would coincide both with the joyous centenary and with the Assumption of our Queen, Mother and Mistress. You can imagine how happy this made me. The longer I live the more convinced I am that St. Anthony will show his love for us in the same way as did our Father St. Francis. So ask a great deal of him with that simple and naïve confidence which delights the heart of God and of the saints, but above all, dear child, let us follow as best we can the example of this son of St. Francis. In meditating on his life I find that his humility and his obedience stand out in every one of his actions. From this comes complete detachment resembling that of Our Lord Himself. Attachment to self and to others causes us to deviate from obedience and humility. Poor creatures who lose sight of heaven while trying to cling to earth. How I pity them! Sooner or later death will separate them from their worldly possessions. Happy are those whose treasure is in heaven where neither rust nor moth can consume them.

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CR/2 : 435 15 March 1895

Themes

Fidelity 89 Devotion 77Prayer 77 Generosity 89Charity 24 Prudence 89Struggle 26 Earth/Heaven 83Service -

Rome, 15 March 1895

In all my letters I feel inclined to say how I am hoping for great things this year, the centennial year of our beloved protector St. Anthony. But at the same time we must be on our guard against the old enemy of the Institute who will war against us all the more as the Most High bestows upon us more and more favours. Our wholehearted fidelity, our ardent prayer, our boundless charity, especially vis-à-vis our Sisters in daily living and particularly towards our superiors, this it is that will win for us the victory over our implacable enemy who pursues us ceaselessly. I admit that at times this continued warfare tires me extremely: each house has only itself, but all fall back on Rome. I am in great need of the help of all my dear daughters to fight the good fight generously, prudently and without respite. The first words addressed to me on the day I gave myself to God were these: “After the combat, the crown” and it is true, all the victories carried off by Our Lord with the help of his poor servant have cost me cruel struggles. May the eternal crown be, for you and for me, the reward for all this.

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CR/2 : 436 20 March 1895

Themes

Glory of God 66 Prater 77168

Struggle 26 Power of God -Suffering 82 Work 75Mission 69 Authority 79Victim 90 Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 20 March 1895

God has greatly favoured the Institute these days and I am very confident that all will turn out well for His greater honour and glory, but just now hell has let loose an ill wind, really frightening, coming from all sides at once so that it is from a blood-drenched cross that my labours are directed. At heart I am inclined to think that if our Sisters were less concerned with their own pleasure and more given to serious work and to sacrifice, the crosses of the one directing the Institute would not be so dreadful, so painful. May God grant that each and all grow stronger in their vocations as missionaries and victims. Truly this feast of St. Joseph was a real agony and it continues to be so. Let us redouble our prayer. All power comes from heaven alone; earth and hell have it and use it but only in the measure permitted them above.

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CR/2 : 437 21 March 1895

Themes

Law - Sanctity -Peace 72 Francis 65World - Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 21 March 1895

It is the feast of St. Benedict. How many souls this glorious patriarch won for heaven! His sons were very good to the Franciscan Order at its beginning. May this day not go by without bringing many graces to the small white-flowering branch which blossomed on the great Seraphic tree in the seventh centennial year of St. Francis and which is our religious family. Let us love the Rule, it was that which made Benedict and his first disciples such great men. It is not sufficiently well understood. The Rule is not the outcome of caprice on the part of the founder, not anymore than the Commandments – the law of God. The Commandments were given to man, which is vitiated by original sin, to help him live in peace on earth; and monastic rules are offered this same poor humanity to furnish those especially called, with the means to strive for perfection.

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CR/2 : 438 22 March 1895

Themes

Renouncement 29 Suffering 82Struggle 26 Frankness 89Will - Word of God 73Woman - Earth/Heaven 83Sentiment -

Rome, 22 March 1895

Well, I have read your letter and frankly I find nothing new in what you tell me. My child, often you avoid what annoys you here on earth; but when it is a question of your soul you are up against one stronger than yourself. Our Lord will not spare you the interior trials and all the more perhaps because you run away from the difficulties of life; you are undergoing interior trials, temptations and you have to follow the common law. Resist them with all your might. Many others have similar trials, even more dreadful ones. The Lord is free to allow the tempter to crush us; is it not written of St. Peter in the Gospel of the Passion: “Satan has asked to sift you as wheat”? Be a woman of will, not a sentimental one.

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CR/2 : 439 23 March 1895

Themes

Mary 68 Providence 22Struggle 26 Heart of Jesus 67Fidelity 89 Mission 69Goodness of God 23

Rome, 23 March 1895

Well now, God has given us this convent of the Sacred Heart, not far from Antwerp. I never wanted to give this title to a house. It is one that is especially dear to me. I made my first and final vows in a convent of the Sacred Heart in India; a house which is no longer in our possession. I hope that the Divine Heart, who received these vows will protect this house in a special way and transfer to it all the graces He had reserved for the former, had not the devil come to hinder God’s work. Thus the demon will be defeated in his conflict with the Immaculate Virgin. We must pray hard. As I have said ever since the beginning of the year 1895, the seventh centenary of the birth of St. Anthony will be an important year for the Institute. By our prayer and fidelity may we further the plans of Divine Mercy rather than hinder them.

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CR/2 : 440 24 March 1895Themes

Mission 69 Work 75Fidelity 89 Body/Soul 28Prayer 77 Devotions 77Providence 22 Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 14 March 1895

St. Anthony is really telling us that he has taken the Institute under his very special protection; let us therefore love him more and more. He is now giving us a convent in Corsica, with a delightful site and a most promising future. You can’t imagine how beautiful the photo is; orange, pomegranate and lemon trees and the sea. Now you have an idea what a marvelous spot this can become for the soul as well as

for the body. Besides this, in Belgium the colony of the Sacred Heart and Blessed Margaret Mary is being installed on a magnificent property. The purpose of the colony is to prepare Sisters for the African missions; here we will set up all the workrooms which we hope, will be useful to us on the missions. The Cardinal showed fatherly concern for this house and everything seems to say that God destined it for a wide apostolic action. By our fidelity and our prayer let us try to draw down Heaven’s blessings on these enterprises which Divine Providence alone led us to undertake. Pray also for me, lest I succumb in body and soul beneath the burden of the work these involve.

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CR/2 : 441 26 March 1895

Themes

Penance 76 Renouncement 29Suffering 82 Detachment 29Courage 89 Generosity 89Strength 89 Work 75Fidelity 89 Earth/Heaven 83

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Rome, March 26 1895

I admit that I am observing Lent very well. Not many great penances but innumerable business affairs and crosses of all sizes and shapes coming from all sides. I suffer from them all the more I want to get on with my most important work and this demands a little courage. All of you have responsibility of coming to my help. I am convinced that Heaven would aid if my daughters were really faithful, really laborious, really forgetful of what touches themselves alone so as to be concerned only with God’s interest and those of the Institute. My prayer incessantly begs for such devoted souls. We need them more and more, in proportion as our religious family expands.

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CR/2 : 442 29 March 1895

Themes

Poverty 75 Work 75Silence 89 Hidden Life 68Service -

Rome, 29 March 1895

Today my eyes are giving me trouble, though they are better than yesterday when I could do scarcely anything. To add to that, our good M. du Sanctuaire arrived with a holy person who is thinking of building a chapel in Fribourg. What a good thing it would be for our Sisters who would then be no longer obliged to go through wind and rain to the chapel and to the Grotto. The site offers a few difficulties but when I was in Fribourg, the Lord sent me a few good ideas which the architect quickly understood and drew up a good plan. With time, Fribourg will have a well established convent. I am amused when I think that it is the Roman house which will be the last to be seen to. On the one hand, I would be glad to see Our Lord in a more suitable chapel and a house that really represents the Institute and on the other, I am more than happy to remain hidden in obscurity and silence: such a life pleases me more than ever. God will decide; in all things, let us be only his humble servants.

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CR/2 : 443 5 April 1895

Themes

Joy 89 Passion 74Mission 69 Goodness of God 23

Rome, 5 April 1895

Today’s feast is the anniversary of one of the greatest sorrows of my life; it struck me twelve years ago, on the feast of the Compassion of Our Lady. Since then God has given me many graces. He has sent me great consolations; but the Compassion of Our Lady of Sorrows has remained living in my heart and since then, I have had no joy in life. On the feast day this year, God had had us gather two very dear flowers: the first, the foundation of the Sacred Heart Convent which, I hope will open the doors of Africa to us and give us a rich harvest of souls. The second, Marie Jehanne has come of age. I have every confidence that, now being free, this young girl will be faithful to God’s plan for her: it is a great comfort to think that a soul one loves can no longer be separated from God nor thrown forcibly off her path. I always have had a profound love for this verse of the Stabat Mater: “Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart the wounds renew of my Saviour Crucified.” Perhaps this is why God willed that the feast of the ’Compassion should become for me the anniversary of a crucifixion. All that comes from God is good.

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CR/2 : 444 6 April 1895

Themes

World - Joy 89Struggle 26 Peace 72Prayer 77 Francis 65Renouncement 29 Earth/Heaven 83Nature 70

Rome, 6 April 1895

Pray harder than ever, I entreat you, for the dear Order of St. Francis. One month from now the whole General Council will leave for Assisi. We are living in evil times when God’s enemies are very powerful and Satan’s hatred against the Seraphic family is particularly violent. We can only be little “Moses” that pray for this dear Franciscan family which has given so many saints to heaven. I entreat you, my child, pray and have those around you pray insofar as you can. Let all be generous in renouncing themselves. Sacrifice is very powerful money with which to buy favours from heaven. As for myself, I feel that God is preparing for me several that I would send flying if I listened to my own natural inclinations. However, I want to accept these sacrifices generously for my beloved Franciscan family. Jesus must grant us treasures of grace, happiness and peace for this family. Will you not join me and together we will storm heaven. God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and also Jesus, Mary, Joseph and our Father St Francis.

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CR/2 : 445 9 April 1895

Themes

Suffering 82 Passion 74Prayer 77 Courage 89Strength 89

Rome, 9 April 1895

I am observing Holy Week fully, being on not only one cross but on several very painful ones. Pray for me, for I feel my strength is running out. No, never will I say to my good Master: “It is too much, I can’t endure any more.” Yet though I don’t say it, He sees very well that I can no longer support, at the same time, so many torments and so much work. Make a novena to St. Anthony and to St. Raphael. I have no courage to add anything more.

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CR/2 : 446 11 April 1895

Themes

Body/Soul 26 Communion of Saints 87Eucharist 62 Mary 68Reign of God 78 Suffering 82Love of God 23 Jesus 67Thanksgiving -

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Rome, 11 April 1895

One sows and another reaps. I can already glimpse the dawn of the day when the one who succeeds me will have only to reap. Just as one cannot understand all the suffering that made Mary become the Queen of Martyrs, doubtlessly one cannot understand the tortures that my beloved Jesus willed that my poor soul, my saddened heart and my wretched body should endure. But, my dear child, what does all that only concern ourselves matter, provided that Jesus who gave Himself to us in the Eucharist be better known and loved? We now have two more sanctuaries: San Giacinto and the Sacred Heart. Let us thank God and live for Him.

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CR/2 : 447 16 April 1895

Themes

Fidelity 89 Abandonment 22Prayer 77 Strength 89Sanctity -

Rome, 16 April 1895

St. Raphael’s feast day has arrived. Although it is being celebrated this year at a later date, we can gain the indulgence today and we renewed our vows. We have already a numerous group of professed Sisters in Rome and the number will go on increasing. My greatest wish is that they also grow in holiness and fidelity and this morning it was with deepest desire and total energy that I asked God for this grace.We didn’t go yet to Grotta this week; in fact we haven’t been there since Monday after Palm Sunday. I think Father Raphael was purposely at St. Anthony’s for this is his feast day before the Chapter. Perhaps we shall go to St. Rose this evening. With the Fathers, when dinner is over, the feast day is considered finished. I would like to have Father Raphael with us, I think this is just what would put me on my feet again. I slept badly last night and I still feel those sharp quivers in my muscles and nerves though I no longer have the terrible pains God willed to send me these last days. I can now move without any difficulty. May God’s will be done. Let us conform our lives to this Divine Will and all will be well. I bless you, so that you may do so.

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CR/2 : 448 21 April 1895

Themes

Pope 60 Humility 89Love of God 23

Rome, 21 April 1895

The fine weather has returned for good, I hope; today is a real Spring day. Madame Audibert, Marguerite Lemiere and Laura de la Croix have just arrived with the bright sun. God be praised. It is easier to welcome guests with the sunshine than with the rain. There are many strangers in Rome, just now; but just the same we hope they will have an audience with the Holy Father. It is a comfort to see how God sustains the Vicar of Jesus Christ; Cardinals fall sick and disappear but he is always the same. It is a proof that our Brother Antoine was really a saint, that he was inspired by God when he said that the Pope would reign twenty years. When I arrived here in 1882, this seemed impossible. Even then I had heard of theprophecy which all considered only as one of Brother Antoine’s jokes. He had made it the very day of the election when all were saying that the chosen Pope would not last long. He answered: “He will live twenty years” and he always repeated the same thing. How great is our God who reveals Himself to the humble, to little ones who love Him. Let us love Him then, dear child and let us become worthy of His favours through our humility.

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CR/2 : 449 24 April 1895

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Work 75

Rome, 24 April 1895

Today Father Hermann came for the first time to hear confessions. Already we feel that the Congregation of the Fathers is very near. Father Raphael is so busy; he simply can’t attend to everything. Father General will leave in a week’s time and Father Raphael in a fortnight. The time for prayer and for work also will soon be here. I haven’t yet begun to compile the statistics of the Institute that Father General asked me to give for the Chapter. The Stigmatine Sisters gave theirs in, over a month ago. They are not over burdened with work as I am., I think. The rheumatism in the neck has delayed me; I call it rheumatism but, to tell the truth, I don’t know what it is. In any case, it was extremely painful and I haven’t yet completely recovered from it. I still have muscular pain. I am not the only one; poor St. Therese and M. du Sanctuaire are also more or less afflicted with it. For M. St. Therese it is most unfortunate for we have an enormous amount of work to do for Father General, urgent copies, etc.The weather has become damp again after the magnificent sun we had yesterday; the weather seems to be turned upside down somewhat like mankind. As for us, my child, let us be turned the right side up, that is towards the Sun of Justice, who is our God.

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CR/2 : 450 24 April 1895

Themes

Mission 69 Rome, 24 April 1895 – continuation

Yesterday, I was offered a mission which, I am sure, resembles no other. The good bishop who came to speak to me about it, is the head of an Albanese tribe. He is king, judge and I know not what else besides. No roads, no villages, no wheat. People travel by mule-back and women often on the backs of men. There is a property there that has been abandoned for four or five hundred years and on which there once was a

monastery. The people never touch anything on it not even a leaf; in the eyes of the Albeanese to touch Church property would be a grave sin. No one knows how to read or write; as money does not exist in this blessed country, goods are bartered with corn as currency. This country certainly resembles in no way the rest of our old Europe. How good it would be to live and die in an unknown corner of these mountains. I assure you the good bishop amused us telling us all his stories, yet, he is surrounded by fervent Christians and this wealth is one seldom appreciated nowadays. Pray hard, ask God to have pity on the Church, the Order and the Institute.

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CR/2 : 451 26 April 1895Themes

Struggle 26 Suffering 82Abandonment 22 Mission 69Death - Sanctity -Prayer 77 Earth/Heaven 83

Rome, 26 April 1895

My heart is broken. A telegram, soul-piercing in its brevity, struck me like a blow yesterday: “Superior of mission dead”. At the same time M. Josephine telegraphed: Sts. Apotres dead, must I go to Ceylon?” I answered: “If sickness not contagious, go”. This is all we know. Alas! That is all. How impenetrable are

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God’s designs! M. des Apotres was one of the most brilliant and one of the best religious of the Institute; one of those who could have even become a Superior General. Virtue, talent, good administration – she lacked nothing. God had formed her by the cross and I was hoping it was so that she could render valuable service later on. But no, this beloved daughter merits much more, an eternal crown, the palm of victory she has won. She will receive a beautiful reward for she fought bravely. I need not tell you that my sacrifice is indeed very great. I encouraged myself with this thought: “God does everything for the best and He knows better than I do.” Certain it is that I must prefer to see her die a holy religious than to have to see her become less faithful. Pray for me for I am badly in need of prayers.

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CR/2 : 452 28 April 1895

Themes

Glory of God 66 Heart of Jesus 67Prayer 77 Body/Soul 28Offering - Fidelity 89

Rome, 28 April 1895

If nothing happens to change my plans, I will be in Marseilles on the evening of the 9th. I will stay there until the evening of the 12th, then I shall make a pilgrimage to Lourdes for all our ordinary intentions and then to N.D. del Pilar at Saragosa for my health and above all to pray for the General Congregation of the Order. I am telling only the local superiors that I am going on as far as Lisbon for the centenary of St. Anthony. You must pray hard for me; I think that God wants to do a great deal for His own glory in St. Anthony’s country and He wants to give us the grace of making our contribution. So let us intensify our prayers and our fidelity so as to obtain the many graces I am hoping for the Institute and all those the Heart of God wills to give to the General Congregation of the Order of St. Francis. I find it very hard to leave just at this time but I am offering my sacrifice to God for all these intentions. Don’t expect long letters. I am not well, saddened by the death of Sts. Apotres, as well as over burdened with work. But I will pray all the more fervently for you.

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CR/2 : 453 29 April 1895

Themes

Struggle 26 Mary 68Devotions 77 Work 75Communion of Saints 87

Rome, 28 April 1895

Just a word, as I am leaving for Grotta. I think this will be my last visit there before my departure. Father Raphael is so very busy with the preparation for the General Congregation, I doubt that he will return to Grotta on Saturday and my departure is fixed for Thursday evening. The Definitors will be leaving for Assisi in a fortnight. All the angels and all the demons must be on the same roads. Let us try to help the angels and not the demons. For my part, I want to do so with all my heart and keep working every day. I put the photo of M. des Apotres on my desk and I am taking her for my protector of the year. Heaven has taken a very beautiful soul from me, one of my daughters best able to protect me from torments and anguish. After having robbed me in such manner, the Queen of Angels and her legions must now give me their powerful help. Please ask them, my dear daughter. I think I shall return from Grotta tomorrow evening.

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CR/2 : 454 30 April 1895

Themes

Order/Care 89 Mary 68Courage 89 Fidelity 89Abandonment 22

Rome, 30 April 1895

We stayed in Grotta a shorter time than I had planed – arriving at 5:30 in the evening and leaving the next morning at 9:30. As the weather was fine and I was quite tired, I profited of the horses being harnessed to go for a short ride to the municipal garden to make a few purchases for Grotta and Rome. Things are cheaper, fresher and nicer than in the private gardens in Rome. I must hurry to put order in all that I would like to do before I leave. My departure is drawing near and I need a little courage especially when I think of leaving Italy at the very time of the General Congregation. Yet, as I feel that God has clearly manifested His Will to me, I am saying Fiat! May our month of Mary be fervent; may she obtain a great deal for us. Now is the time to be faithful so that heaven may be favourable to us.

----------CR/2 : 455 1 May 1895

Themes

Passion 74 Detachment 29Suffering 82 Renouncement 29Nature 70 Struggle 26Goodness of God 23 Communion of Saints 87Abandonment 22

Rome, 1 May 1895

Shall I really have set off on my journey a week from today? As the time draws near, I feel the greatness of my sacrifice. Under ordinary conditions, I would have found it hard to leave Italy at the time when the

General Congregation is beginning, but the death of my dear Marie des Sts. Apotres makes my anguish even greater. Our poor human nature is chilled when it comes into contact with such impenetrable plans of God. In His goodness, God has not refused me the grace of resignation but at the same time, a calm cold anguish tortures my heart night and day. Our Lord permits this suffering, so I must lovingly kiss the sacred wound on the crucifix each time the one in my heart reopens. How I pity those who do not know how to find refuge in submission and abandonment to the Divine Will, certain that the Lord does only what is best for us and for all. Just the same, how I wish my daughters would detach their gaze from so many wretched frivolities that worry them so often, so that they can pray and sacrifice themselves to Divine love. If they did I would receive more graces and my personal struggles would be less painful. And if I like to repeat this truth, it is in the hope of helping each and all to conquer themselves.

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CR/2 : 456 2 May 1895

Themes

Courage 89 Suffering 82Offering - Love of God 23Prayer 77 Mary 68Joy 89 Salvation of Souls 81

176

Rome, 2 May 1895

If it wasn’t for God, my courage would fail me, yet, we are happy to do something that costs us for at least then we can feel a little love turning in our hearts. Besides, I am really pleased to have something to offer for the General Congregation of our Fathers which means so much to me. Another great grace is coming to us during this month of May: the laying of the first stone of St. Monica’s sanctuary. It will be another feast day that will rejoice the angels and, I hope, strike the hour of conversion for a great number of sinners. We can be very thankful for having Mgr. Combes as successor to Cardinal Lavigerie, for he is indeed very kind to us. Let us be united in prayer, dear child, during this beautiful month of May which I greet each year as my own month since it includes so many of my anniversaries. May the Blessed Virgin protect me more than ever.

----------CR/2 : 457 4 May 1895

Themes

Francis 65 Charity 24Sanctity - Suffering 82Prayer 77

Rome, 4 May 1895

Yesterday I said goodbye to Father General who seemed to be deeply moved. May God help them all and accept my sacrifice for I find it very hard to leave Italy at such an important moment for the Order of St. Francis. Just the same, I don’t think I will show as much emotion as our poor Father General, for he seemed to be make a real sacrifice when he said goodbye.

I think that all of you are going to feel the necessity of holiness and prayer at such an important time for your Order. Indeed, it would be very sad if you did not.

I have done very little today. I received a visit from a poor little woman who has a very hard life. May God come to her aid! Pray for her; she has a charming little boy! What trials and suffering there are on this

earth; how clearly we can see that it is not our homeland. May we understand this truth ever better and better.

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CR/2 : 458 13 May 1895

Themes

Prayer 77 Fidelity 89Love of God 23

While travelling, 13 May 1895

I am writing to you with the snow-capped Pyrenees facing me. It is now ten minutes past seven and we expect to reach Barcelona in an hour and three quarters, having made an excellent journey up to this point. Since Port-Bou we are in a sort of small compartment which has a compartment on each side, having four places. These small compartments have doors that permit us, when we close them, to be all to ourselves. The three of us are very well. The scenery is beginning to become quite beautiful. We still expect to sleep in Barcelona and make the pilgrimage to Montserrat tomorrow. There I am going to pray very hard for your community. I have many graces to obtain right now and I repeat again and again, help me, all of you, by your fidelity and your love.

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177

CR/2 : 459 15 May 1895

Themes

Mary 68 Devotions 77

While travelling, 15 May 1895

God has blessed visibly our journey to Saragossa as well as to Barcelona, where we found a pilgrim-priest at the station. We went to Our Lady of Mercy where we received our first Communion in Spain (which was very suitable for missionaries), then we visited the Cathedral and the promenades. We went up the mountain in a rack-railway like those we had seen in Switzerland on which, I had promised myself never to travel; but what would we not do for Our Lady? Besides, we were well rewarded. It is impossible to describe Montserrat. We prayed hard for all your dear intentions and we made the pilgrimage to the grotto of the apparitions on foot. My legs really worked like a miracle. That evening we reached Saragossa where one of our priest-pilgrims, Dom Manuel awaited us; other pilgrims, fearing to miss us, met us at the other station. They brought us to the home of a baroness, a Third Order member, where we were put up very comfortably indeed. All our expenses are paid. This morning we went to Holy Mass in the Basilica, received Holy Communion, venerated the “Pillar” and after breakfast, visited the Treasure (collections of relics, sacred vessels, etc.) Holy Saviour Church and its magnificent treasure then the place where Cardinal Benavides just died. We returned to the house for dinner but they would not permit us to leave this evening. So we will leave Saragossa for Madrid only tomorrow evening, 16 May. The day will be for St. Encratida.

----------CR/2 : 460 18 May 1895

Themes

Eucharist 62 Devotions 77

Cordova, 18 May 1895

Up to Saragossa, our journey, had been really too comfortable and we paid for it in Madrid. The people were grumpy, the buildings were closed, and finally when we went with our letter of recommendation to …. he received us so coldly that we felt our hearts sink. (…) If the good Portuguese receive us in the same way, we are going to have plenty to suffer. To add to all this, we noticed the train we had chosen to get to Cordova would have arrived too late for us to have our Sunday Mass. So we renounced going to Avila, Escorial and Toledo and left that very evening for Cordoba where we had Mass and Communion this morning. We will leave here at 11 and will be in Grenada at 7 where we will spend Sunday and leave Monday for Seville where we will stay Tuesday and will arrive in Lisbon on Ascension morning just in time to pray for Our Fathers and to associate our prayer with that of the whole Institute. We are very well; not too tired but I am anxious to have news from you.

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CR/2 : 461 21 May 1895

Themes

Eucharist 62Seville, 21 May 1895

We have finished our visit to Seville. This evening we will pack our cases so as to be ready for 4:30 Mass tomorrow morning and in this way we will be sure to have our Holy Communion. In this respect, God has been very good to us since we left Rome, two weeks ago tomorrow; we have not missed Holy Communion once and Mass only twice. We are leaving without very much sympathy for the Andalusians and unless God sends us something to do here, we will not come back. The country is beautiful but the people rather

178

strange. We are beginning to feel a little tired and will not be sorry to see the end of our trip so that we make a kind of short retreat just at the same time as our Fathers. Really God has taken care of us for none of us is overtired.

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CR/2 : 462 23 May 1895

Themes

Mission 69 Earth/Heaven 83

Lisbon, 23 May 1895

Here we are in Lisbon. We visited the Patriarch, who was splendid and the Nuncio who was perfect. We went to the family home of Count de Bournay who had already stayed with us. The mother was there with her two daughters. One son is a Dominican novice. The Central Hotel belongs to this family and we were given an apartment of three rooms, almost four, that look out on the Tagus River. Don’t be worried, I am feeling very well. It seems to me that the foundation will be made without great difficulties, but who knows? At any rate, we are praying to St. Anthony to obtain heaven’s mercy for us and to hold Satan enchained. You can be perfectly at ease about us, only pray hard that God will make things move quickly. I bless you with all my tenderness. I think the construction work on the house has been delayed a little and that explains the difficulty at our arrival.

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CR/2 : 463 24 May 1895

Themes

Mission 69 Body/Soul 28

Lisbon, 24 May 1895

From now on, send your letters and telegrams to the Central Hotel, Lisbon for as it belongs to the Count de Bournay, we are very sure that our mail will be forwarded to us when we go to the Villa St. Anthony. But, when shall we get there? This is the main trouble of our present situation; I think the house isn’t finished yet. The workmen are late and the Count is absent. He said it would be finished by the 13th; the family says that he has made them accustomed to miracles and once again, the work will be finished in time. The Nuncio seems to doubt. I have not yet been invited to go and see the Villa; perhaps the Count fears we will be discouraged when we see how much work still remains to be done. Pray that I am not delayed here too long. We sleep well, eat well and can go to Mass at the Dominican Convent a few steps away from the hotel. There is nothing new since yesterday.

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CR/2 : 464 26 May 1895

Themes

Mission 69Lisbon, 26 May 1895

Yesterday, we had a real little Way of the Cross. The letter from M. Vicar told me that Pasteurs had a serious hemorrhage and had lost consciousness. This must have frightened them very much. I can understand it, for last year I saw Pasteurs in this state and certainly it is partially brought on by nerves. After receiving this bad news, I also learned that a dispatch for me had been lost in a shop by Miss Assuncao Gorjao. We went searching for it in four different stations; at one, I thought that the message

179

said that Father Raphael was dead and they did not want to tell me all of a sudden. At last St. Anthony made me find it at a bookshop and on the contrary the dispatch said that Father was very well.At two we arrived at the home of the Countess de Bournay where we were expected. Nothing can give you an idea of this truly royal dwelling where wealth, good taste and art are delightfully combined. I did not want to be the first to ask to go and see the Villa St. Anthony but they later offered to bring me there. The establishment is vast with facilities for receiving five hundred people. Some 250 workmen are still busy finishing the construction. It is scarcely a month since it was started and the Count promised that it would be finished by the 13th. In the spacious dining room, a dinner in honour of St. Anthony will be given to 500 poor people. We have a small convent communicating with the large building by means of two passage ways like small bridges. When she mentioned this small house, the Countess graciously said: “your home”.This is all you are getting today. M. Jehanne and I are both well, but have slight colds.

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CR/2 : 465 27 May 1895

Themes


Here is an account of the events that made yesterday a very special day. The de Bournay family sent us word to tell us they were having a holiday for the workmen and they were to raise the Portuguese flag from the top of our house. They asked me to be present at the little ceremony. We went to the de Bournay Hotel and then with the mother, her two daughters, and the two Italian architects continued on to Villa St. Anthony which as I told you before, is but a few steps from the palace. At our arrival we were greeted by a display of special fire-works, a kind of rocket which goes very high but, as it was full daylight, we could not see the fire. The majority of the workmen were on the roof, standing to attention like soldiers. The ladies, ourselves, the architects, contractors and overseers were facing them. Suddenly I let out a cry: I had just seen two lovely white doves. They began to hover above the house and the two Portuguese flags. My cry attracted attention and everyone saw them and were surprised and in spite of the noise, the smoke and the workmen they came back and hovered not over the workmen’s lodgings, but over our roof and the two flags. I think the Countess was astonished and pleased, because a

moment later when we were leaving the Villa, she said to me: “I was very pleased to see those two doves, it is something unusual and seems to me to be a good omen.” It certainly seems incredible that in the midst of such noise and smoke those two innocent doves should have persisted in coming back at least three times to hover over our future dwelling.

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CR/2 : 466 28 May 1895

Themes


Yesterday we did not go out at all, but the day before we had a visit from the Superior of the Dominicans and we went to see the Nuncio, the Gorjao family and the Patriarch. The Nuncio was wonderful, as kind as he could be, but the fatherly simplicity of our good Patriarch is impossible to describe. I must admit I love him very much. He speaks Portuguese slowly, as a mother would with her child, so as to be well understood. I think he was very pleased to be able to say something in Portuguese. There is a tremendous amount of good to be done here and if the Blessed Virgin and St. Anthony continue to help us, I feel it will be one of the parts of Europe where we shall do the most good.Today I shall send our sisters with a message to the Nuncio, but for myself I hope to remain undisturbed. Tomorrow though, we shall go out to confession and assist at the Mass celebrated by the Patriarch. He has exposition in his chapel that day. The Patriarch’s residence is the monastery of San Vicente, where St. Anthony entered religious life with the Augustinians. You can imagine how well we prayed there.

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CR/2 : 467 29 May 1895

Themes

Mission 69 Strength 89

Lisbon, 29 May 1895

At last I have a letter from Father Raphael. What a strange thing that earthquake! May God complete his work. As I told you, we called on the two notable prelates of the city. They were both very kind, one outdoing the other. The Patriarch kept us a good two hours. It really looks as though Our Lady and St,. Anthony have prepared the way for us. Annina is back from Varatojo; she too is very kind. They are really a charming family. That is all the news for today. Beg God to hasten His work and give me the strength to bring it to completion.

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CR/2 468 1 June 1895

Themes

Mission 69Lisbon, 1 June 1895

We are just going out and I only have a minute, just to tell you we are keeping well. Things seem to be going well, but slowly. In Portugal the people are calm, even more so than in Rome. Just the same, I like the Portuguese! Those of them who love God love Him well. Pray that we may do much good here. I believe the poor are greatly in need of help. Nothing is well organized yet, but I feel these people will make progress. We are going out at two o’clock with the Countess but beforehand we have some errands to do.

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CR/2 : 469 2 June 1895

Themes

Charity 24Lisbon, 2 June 1895

The news that Father Raphael is again Procurator General has been confirmed from several sources. This will be a great sacrifice for the poor Father who counted on being relieved of the charge; but I cannot help thinking that the Holy Spirit, Our Lady of the Angels, St. Francis and St. Anthony really guided our Fathers in this. It would have been a pity if such virtue and such experience were lost to the Order’s Chapter of Definitors. Let us all join in asking God to soften the great sacrifice he has had to make and help him accomplish the difficult duties he will have to undertake.

Yesterday we went with the Countess de Bournay to visit the Dominican Sisters of the Third Order. They were founded by a distinguished Lady of the Portuguese nobility. She is still living; it was she who received us and we made a mutual promise to renew the kiss of peace and of love of St. Dominic and St. Francis. A thing which touched me was to see I their chapel, placed at the Gospel side of the high altar, a picture of St. Dominic and St. Francis. I shall certainly do the same when we have a chapel here. I am always hoping to have it for the 13th; the poor workmen work even at night with the help of torches. All speak of St. Anthony. His full-length portrait is on the wall, almost life-size. Pray him to spare me the cross while I am away if it be God’s will and to bring me back to Rome soon.

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CR/2 : 470 4 June 1895

Themes

Suffering 82 Thanksgiving -

Lisbon, 4 June 1895

Yesterday we made the Count’s acquaintance, but we could do no more than touch upon the question which brought me to Lisbon.

God is trying our patience somewhat; but we must indeed thank Him for allowing our Father Raphael to stay on and for having protected the family of St. Francis.

The Lisbon climate is reputed to be most salubrious and I sleep better than I have done for years. We are all well and we pray all we can since we have not much else to do.

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CR/2 : 471 6 June 1895

Themes

Suffering 82 Mission 69Sentiment - Prayer 77

Lisbon, 6 June 1895

I do not know whether or not you will get our letters; communications with Spain have been interrupted and consequently with the whole world besides. Mail is neither being dispatched nor received. We have had some considerable crosses in the past couple of days. Yesterday evening the sun shone again. I am hoping we can move to the Villa for the 16th, then I can begin to think of our return. Pray hard for this.

Just this minute I received a telegram telling me that St. Anne has gone to heaven. Beg God to give me courage while here in Portugal where I have been made to suffer so very much. I weep and pray with you. We are only sending a card, since we are not receiving any letters and do not know even if this will reach you. If you can, send some of the really nice pieces of embroidery to Paris for the Christian Art Exposition.

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CR/2 : 472 7 June 1895Themes

Suffering 82 Body/Soul 28Absolute power of God - Sentiment -Respect for persons 24

Lisbon, 7June 1895

I do not know what I added at the end of the card yesterday. I was so sad at heart! We have had no news for three days. No mail is being delivered, the reason, they say, is that there has been a landslide of 20 kilometers in Spain near Irun. At first we thought it was a strike. To add to our troubles the Countess writes that the opening of the Villa St. Anthony cannot take place before the 14th and that the Count will see us about the arrival of our sisters; but she does not say when he will see us. This unbearable status quo could be prolonged indefinitely. It is a real trial. If I could be certain that there was something behind it that we do not know about I would look around elsewhere. But I do not think there is. I think it is the Count’s manner, he is taken up with important matters which do not leave him time to think of the nuns. The anxiety I am in, following the death of St. Anne and the illness of Pasteurs makes this waiting very hard; also not receiving any mail.

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You too, Cecile, you must have a heavy heart. Your big sister was so dear to you. As a true godmother she will watch over you from above. But what a great void her passing leaves behind! If you are feeling too sad, if this has affected you too deeply and worn you down, I give you full liberty to pay a little visit to your sisters at Gooreind.

I desire more than ever to do what I can to assure rest and good health for my dear daughters. It is probably that you will receive requests from several places asking you for power of attorney to pay estate duties. Gooreind, if they have not got it, Fribourg, Rome perhaps,. It is not easy to look after such matters when one’s heart is aching; but all for God.

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CR/2 : 473 8 June 1895

Themes

Mission 69Lisbon, 8 June 1895

We were not able to send out letters yesterday, we had no stamps. Evidently the Nuncio had told the Count to come to see us and make known his intentions; so he came. He is very well disposed; likes the Institute which pleases him. But the house is not ready. He wants kitchen, bakery, etc., to be installed on a large scale. He cannot give his attention to this during the holidays and finds it useless to install the sisters in new buildings so long as there is nothing to do there. On the other hand I cannot remain indefinitely at the hotel. So I am going to do all I possibly can to rent a house and place the foundresses in it where they can receive postulants who will teach them Portuguese. So then, the inauguration will be on the 22nd, after that I shall be able to leave.

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CR/2 : 474 13 June 1895

Themes

Mission 69 Prayer 77Generosity 89

Lisbon, 13 June 1895

I have some hope that our business will be speeded up a little. Our Countess is truly a good angel whom God seems to have placed on my path to overcome all the difficulties. Do not expect long letters these days. We are having the tombola with all the ladies of the committee. Pray much and be generous.

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CR/2 : 475 19 June 1895

Themes

Mission 69 Authority 79


Dear St. Cecile and dear St. Hyppolyte, upon receipt of this letter please start out immediately, both of you, Cecile and Hyppolyte, also Constantine and Romaine or Martial. If it should happen that Mother Vicar has not sent a sister in place of Martial and that Martial has not come, then Cecile should choose someone else at Marseilles. In any case four of you must come. You will travel, as agreed from Marseilles to Barcelona and from Barcelona to Tardiente. Send the telegram in Spanish herewith enclosed, to Jose Lobaco, adding

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the day and hour of your arrival. Stop as little as possible on the way, explaining that you are pressed for time and come directly to Lisbon via Madrid and Valencia from Alcantara. When you reach Lisbon take care not to come to the Central Hotel for I do not want it to be known that you are in Lisbon. Try to send us a telegram notifying us of the exact hour of your arrival and we shall go to the station to meet you. If by chance, you have not been able to send the telegram which, by the way must be addressed to Hotel Central Caes de Sodre Lisbon, go to Anna Gorjao (pronounced Gourjan), Campo Santa Clara 128, perto de Sao Vicente. Take care not to lose the address. If your cab driver does not know how to get to the Gorjao, to Sao Vicente to the patriarchal palace (in Portuguese; Patriarchado). Ask for Father Francesco, or anyone at the Patriarchate and ask them for someone to show you the way to Anna Gorjao. Let it be well understood that if you cannot send me the telegram, or if we do not get to the station on time, you do as stated above. I want to prepare my departure and since Count de Bournay leaves me in a state of indecision, I want you to come so as to be at hand when needed. Only I do not want you to be in Lisbon as he has not yet asked for you. I am summoning Cecile here as we shall probably start a postulate at the same time as Villa St. Anthony and two of you will not be too many to get through all the difficulties entailed. Start out then courageously.

You understand well, I hope, my reason for not sending you to stay with the Gorjao family; is because I do not want the Count to know that you are in Portugal and above all that you have passed through Lisbon. Dieudonne will remain in charge of the house and Cecile will return to Marseilles.

Bring with you rather more money than less.

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CR/2 : 476 28 June 1895

Themes

Mission 69 Prayer 77


My dear Daughters of Portugal,

Pilar came back last night without waking us and this morning when I saw she was there and able to give me news of you, I was very happy. I envy you the church, the church of our Fathers, your lovely beach, your sardines. You do not know what it is to spend two weeks at the Hotel Central. Patience! Yesterday we saw the Countess and she told us that Villa St. Anthony will not open for another two months. The day before yesterday she has said one month. As for herself, she is leaving before July 10th for France. I wrote to the Nuncio telling him all this and saying we could not possibly go on in this way and would have to rent a place at least while awaiting the opening of the Villa. I talked over all these matter with Father Jao da Trinidad whom I saw in the evening and I hope he can arrange for us to be all together soon.

Pray Grandfather at S. Bernardine; do violence to heaven. This is what I would like to do: call Mother Assistant, Capistran and Martial to put the house in order as soon as we have found one. I myself will go to S. Bernardino to rest for two or three days, then rejoin the sisters at the house. It is time I did this for I am tired out. I hope St. Anthony will soon do us the honours of his country in giving us a convent. Ask him to do this for us.

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CR/2 : 477 July 1895

Themes

Eucharist 62 Poverty 75Fidelity 89 Salvation of Souls 81Obedience 71

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Rome, July 1895My Daughters,

Here I am back in Rome, far away from you but in heart and soul I am with you in that dear Villa St. Anthony where I left you all and all things in leaving you our Treasure, Jesus. I beseech you all to be worthy of God’s call. True Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, who by their total fidelity, their obedience, their poverty, their innocence, draw hearts and souls after them. Do not be a cause of grief to me: To do that would be to grieve Jesus, Mary and St. Anthony.

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CR/2 : 478 1 August 1895

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Fervour 89Work 75 Earth/Heaven 83Abandonment 22

Rome, 1 August 1895

The weather here in Rome at the moment resembles the temperature of the furnace where the three young Israelites had the courage to praise God. We must then strive to emulate them, but it is really difficult to move about just now. Today, eve of the Portiuncula, a few drops of rain fell and this cooled the air a little. The weather is still overcast and permits us to hope that the angels will come to our aid. May they usher into heaven a multitude of holy souls. This is the prayer offered in all our houses, throughout the Order, and at the numerous other shrines as well. There is no other day perhaps when all are so completely united in fervent prayer. I am feeling slightly better; but physically, this week has been a very bad one. May God’s will be accomplished, that is the most important thing.

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CR/2 : 479 16 August 1895

Themes

Mary 68 Renouncement 29Offering - Sentiment -Sanctity - Thanksgiving -Fidelity 89 Joy 89


Yesterday we had a very pleasant surprise: poor Father Raphael, in spite of all his work, came and spoke to us about God. He himself had drawn consolation from these lines of the Office : blessed are you daughter of Sion, for you have given us the Divine Fruit. Mary, giving us Jesus, is the model of our donation to Jesus. This about sums up Father’s words. He added that the feast of the Assumption should be dear to us for yet another reason: this day of Mary’s triumph was also the one on which St. Anthony was given to the world. He also drew our attention to the marks of affection St. Anthony had given to the Institute in his centennial year.

I would not want this year to close without our having taken a real stride forward on the way to holiness! I am beginning with myself in this effort to grow in sanctity but at the same time, you can be sure, I am not forgetting all those dear souls confided to me by the Divine Master. May you, my child, surrender yourself more and more to this action of grace. Jesus wants you to be holy, why should you not want it too? Come take up the means to attain this, become wholly penetrated with a joyous and entire fidelity.

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CR/2 : 480 26 August 1895

Themes

World - Sanctity -Reign of God 78 Work 75Nature 70 Struggle 26Abandonment 22 Communion with Saints 87


Do not count on hearing from me often this year. I really do not know how it came about, but I am giving the retreat to our sisters. After the last one I had such a bad chest that I thought I would never give another. How was it that I took on this extra work at a time when I am more worn out than ever after my three months absence? Indeed now I hardly know what is what. To see the reign of terror and darkness spreading throughout the world; the certitude that it will be thus as long as the Vicar of Christ, the Teacher of truth is imprisoned, as long as the father of lies and his adepts have more and more freedom to deceive man, all this causes me the greatest grief. The longing for God’s kingdom to be established has led me to a practical reflection which will be the basis of my retreat and which, I hope, will find echo in all our houses and in the hearts of all the members of the Institute. The Our Father says: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. This then is the kingdom of God His accomplished will. But since sin made its appearance there is also the reign of human nature which seeks the aid of self-will in order to function and this reign of nature is special to each one and corresponds to the particular emotions of each. Oh, my child, work for the Kingdom of God, in yourself and around you. Work at this by doing God’s will. Take care not to seek you own reign, not to do your own will, then you will be holy and will help others to become holy.

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CR/2 : 481 27 August 1895

Themes

Work 75 Renouncement 29

Liberty - Prayer 77Reign of God 78 Truth/Charity 88Truth 88 Struggle 26Humility 89


In a few minutes I shall be giving the meditation to the community. Father Raphael has approved that I make my retreat with our Sisters, otherwise I would risk not making it at all this year. I shall be leaving in a few weeks to make the visitation of the houses. When I return it will be almost the end of the year, a time which brings so much extra work and added duties. It is much more prudent to take advantage of the silence that reigns in the house now in order to recollect myself a little in God. Presently I shall be speaking to our sisters and I shall tell them the reign of God is truth; truth is humility under all its forms. The kingdom of God is established there where the reign of selfishness has disappeared; in a word, it means death to self. If we would reflect somewhat we would not want to live a selfish life, which is a form of pride; for it is a conforming to the evil one, it is to abdicate the Royalty of our soul created to the image and likeness of God. It is to renounce true liberty, noble independence and abetted by illusions, to profane these sacred titles and hand them over to enslavement by the demon. I hope that my daughters will never, in any way, be under the yoke of the spirit of darkness. This is what he is in his swollen pride. He was the breath of truth; he is now the breath of falsehood. My child, ask God to grant that the truth of charity and the charity of truth may protect us from this wicked demon. Tomorrow will be the feast of St. Augustine; it is to him we owe the beautiful expression just quoted. He gave us St. Monica’s so he must have some regard for us. Well, let us ask him for the truth of charity and the charity of truth.

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CR/2 : 482 30 August 1895

Themes

Goodness of God 23 Thanksgiving -Gospel 73 Strength 89Nature 70 Humility 89Prayer 77 Earth/Heaven 83


We are well into the retreat and I thank God for this because now I hope to see it through to the end. I admit that in the beginning I was rather afraid of not being able to finish it, but here we are at the fifth day. Three more days to go. I trust that this strength God has given me and which astonishes me will last. I owe it to His goodness. This retreat has done me good and I hope it will do good to the others also. I can but look upon it as a gift from God. After a completely sleepless night I scribbled an outline of it in pencil. It was a matter of a few moments; even then I was interrupted in the middle of it. Now, looking through these rough sketches one by one I am surprised to find everything there, although under a new aspect. M. de la Redemption, M. du Verbe and M. Jehanne are taking notes. I have not yet seen what has come out of it; but eventually perhaps a resume of this retreat may reach you. Then you will see what helpful thoughts can be drawn from the consideration of this passage: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, when contrasted with the reign of nature and self will. Yesterday we had a clothing ceremony. Father spoke and said some very helpful things on the subject of St. John Baptist and his profound words, applicable to all missionaries: “That He may increase and that I may decrease!” Today is St. Rose of Lima. I am praying to her for you all.

----------CR/2 : 483 31 August 1895

Themes

Faith 64 Nature 70Body/Soul 28 Courage 89

Salvation of Souls 81 Victim 90Liberty - Offering -Word of God 73


God is manifesting His goodness to us and particularly to me, during this retreat. It required a real act of faith to begin it, as I was just recovering from an illness and yet up to now this retreat has not tired me nearly as much as did those I gave other years. Is it because I am making it with the community and that the periods of meditation afford rest to the mind and to the larynx? Is it because other years I always gave the retreat in winter and at that time of the year almost always had a bad chest; while now we can pass from one part of the house to another with the windows wide open and the lungs can breathe freely? In any case it is a fact that at each step I am conscious of God’s assistance. The rough drafts of our meditations were prepared in a few minutes and that after a sleepless night. Yet, as I gradually understand better, how they link together substantially and soundly, and this for my own soul, I believe that it will leave a deep, indelible mark on my life. Lisbon and St. Anthony had prepared me, I think of doing some good for my own soul and for those of others. It is obvious that God is helping me. For instance, today we are meditating on self-interest which is in direct opposition to the first commandment: “ The Lord thy God shall thou adore”. Today also happens to be the feast of St. Raymond Nonnatus who scorned self-interest to such a degree as to deliver himself up to free a brother and to assure that this latter remain constant in the faith. Jesus also delivered Himself for me! With us too, we should offer ourselves for the Church and for souls. But to do this we must bid goodbye to self-interest after which nature is ever clamouring. This is not easy. Beg for me the courage to do it and I shall ask the same for you.

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Themes

Salvation of Souls 81 Tabernacle 86Glory of God 66 Peace 72Time - Abandonment 22Reign of God 78 Work 75Prayer 77 Silence 89Unity 87 Sanctity -


Here we are at the beginning of September. August has slipped away. It is already one month since my return, how time flies! And time is the means we have to do good to our own souls, to those of others, to work for God’s glory! And time never returns. If we dwelt more upon this we would be really afraid to waste our time, to fritter it away on useless things.

I feel that during my stay in Portugal, St. Anthony obtained many graces for me in this regard and caused me to become so deeply penetrated with the need to give myself to the spreading of God’s kingdom, especially in the Order, the Institute and the Church, that in constantly working for this end I shall finish by persuading my daughter to do likewise.

I hope too, that this retreat will not be lost on them. I think those who made it, made it well, at least most of them did. The exercises were well timed, recollection and silence helped and in this way each contributed to the retreat of the others. From the souls into which the Divine seed has fallen, some harvest will spring up for their sisters. Besides some have taken down notes and I am hopeful that the fruits of our retreat will benefit many.

Blessed Isabelle of France whose feast we keep today, once said to the Pope that she much preferred to be the least of the virgins consecrated to the Lord than to be the greatest queen on earth. How right she was! Around her mortal remains the angels sang: “She has established her abode in peace”. Let us too

establish our abode in peace. We shall attain to this through a complete abandonment to God’s sovereign power and through a perfect patience in receiving and carrying out His Divine Will.Pray for me that I may be given these fundamental virtues without which there is no true perfection. Ask for them too, for your sisters.

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Themes

Prayer 77 Word of God 73Fidelity 89 Poverty 75Suffering 82 Work 75Struggle 26 Absolute power of God -


Today a thought came to me, a very consoling one yet quite simple. I was sad at soul and considering the tremendous power the spirits of darkness have over one in such a state. It is very difficult to accomplish any good in the midst of this dark night, yet I said to myself that we still have prayer, fidelity, suffering and the battle cry of St. Michael which remains forever true, “Who is like unto God?” While considering this rallying cry of the good angels, I saw, as it were, a veil being rent before my soul permitting me to contemplate for a moment this truth: that all hellish power, however great it may be, is less than nothing in comparison with the power of God. No doubt this is a well-known truth, one of the most simple, clear even to a child, but just the same when one is trembling at the sight of the power of the demons it is a great

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comfort to be able to confront it with a power far greater: the power of God. At the moment our Divine Master is asleep in the boat which is His Church; but let us by our goodness, faithfulness and generosity awaken the All-Powerful and may the cry of the celestial army put darkness to flight, giving place to the light: “Who is like unto God!”

Today we are very busy, six are leaving for Paris. It will be a drain on us here to give four designers-to-be, but they are very young and very gifted in this way.

I am anxious to settle this whole financial question in the Institute and for this our artists are one of our greatest hopes.

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CR/2 : 486 16 September 1895

Themes

Joy 89 Prayer 77Work 75 Poverty 75Thanksgiving - Order/Care 89


Yesterday we received the Holy Father’s blessing twice. One because two of our sisters and Sellouha were at his Mass; then in the evening Father General had an audience with His Holiness. The Pope was very well but taken up with the coming feast of the 20 September, and with two circulars by the Masonry he had read that very day and which were dreadful. The Pope said to Father General: “At the moment I am like Our Lord in the Praetorium, then “Jesus was silent”; but the moment will come when I shall speak”. The Pope blessed the Third Order Congress which will take place at Assisi in October for the feast of St. Francis, I believe. He asked about the Pious Union of St. Anthony; and this I am sure will please Father Raphael.

It is by millions that the members will be counted in this Antonian year. I think there are well over a million already. It is unbelievable, since only a little over a year ago the first plan for the work was conceived. I am delighted about it, because we have contributed our part towards honoring our dear St. Anthony, though not to the extent he deserves. But we have done what we could. We can be sure he will help us in return.

I am thinking of setting out again soon, though it seems to be only yesterday that I came back. I plan to begin by Fribourg and not go to Tyrol this year. I was so shaken up by the rail travel that I have no desire to make long trips. In any case I am most grateful to God because I was able to get through a good deal of work during these two months spent in Rome. I have not done all I wanted to, but at least I hope to leave the archives in very good order and that was one of my main objectives. Say a little prayer for me as regard money matters. The cash box is empty and really I do not know how I can manage until the end of the year. This week of course there was the voyage of Agnes and all her companions which was a heavy expense.

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CR/2 : 487 22 September 1895

Themes

Pope 60 Struggle 26


I am most anxious to have news of my dear Menino Deus; the thought that the demon may have us sent away from Him makes me very sad. The Italian celebrations, which make it hard for the Catholics, are still

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going on. And Rome presents a strange picture. A reduction of 75% on the railway fares has been given, so the city is flooded with people who have come more like sightseers than revolutionaries. There is a mob of Garibaldians in red shirts and would you believe it they all go up the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) on their knees, fill the churches, kiss the foot of St. Peter, etc. All are impressed by Crispi’s speech about the papacy and the great service the Italian people have rendered it by depriving it of its temporal power. Many simple folk will be taken in by such words. Poor Holy Father! The street leading to St. Peter’s and to the Vatican has more decorations and more light than any other. Honestly, faced with such hellish tricks one can only say, “My God, have mercy on us!”

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CR/2 : 488 3 October 1895

Themes

Devotions 77 Fribourg, 3 October 1895

We arrived safely in Fribourg. I had thought of staying until the tenth; but now I don’t think it will be that long. M. de la Redemption and M. du Sanctuaire had come to Berne to wait for us. (…)

I made a very good pilgrimage to St. Anthony of Padua. I met Marie des Sts. Agnes and Marie de la Trinite there, coming from their pleasant little stay in the Tyrol. We went immediately to Mass at the tomb of the saint and we received Holy Communion. It forms a rich little chapel at the rear of the Church; behind the altar the tomb itself can be touched. It is on un-hewn stone, a piece of which has been resealed and seems to suggest that an indiscreet piety prompted an attempt to steal a relic. Behind the main altar there is a magnificent chapel in white marble and gilded bronze, the far end of which is divided in three arcades fronted with an elaborate grille. At the touch of a spring lock they move and reveal a magnificent reliquary.

A tiny staircase and a cornice wide enough to walk on lead to it. We went up and could see and venerate the relics at close range. The priest says the anthem in honour of the tongue and then he names all the objects in the treasury. The tongue is really very well preserved, though it is somewhat brownish. But it is

the teeth that are marvellous! They are so white, and they must have been very pretty. I prayed very hard for all of you, I can assure you. In Padua, we also visited the Augustinian church, the cathedral and then the Arcella where our beloved saint died. A beautiful chapel has been built there; it ends at the humble cell of the saint which they had sense enough to leave in the rough. It was perhaps there that I had the most devotion.

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CR/2 : 489 4 October 1895

Themes

Charity 24 Francis 65Humility 89 Poverty 75Gentleness 89 Prayer 77Peace 72

Fribourg, 4 October 1895

I had hardly posted your letter yesterday when I received one from Rome giving me your telegram: “Everything settled for Menino Deus”. I am so glad. I could not reconcile myself to the idea of being separated from that little General. That’s why I kept telling you to go slowly, hoping that the angels would triumph over hell. Now, win over the Committee. I promise you that you will manage if you make an effort to be unassuming, humble and gracious. A workroom will have to be set up now to provide funds.

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I am so very happy, my dear child, that I thank you for having worked in the direction of peace. We are going to have the ceremony of the Transitus this evening. I am planning to write a “custom” for it so that hereafter none of our houses will fail to have it. Our Seraphic Father is well deserving that we show him by every possible means our gratitude and our love. What is far less agreeable than praising and praying to him is having to attend to business matters; I am up to my neck in them, my head never stops working. Help me, all of you, with your prayers.

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CR/2 : 490 9 October 1895

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Goodness of God 23Thanksgiving -

Gooreind, 9 October 1895

I am in Gooreind since yesterday. We arrived in Antwerp Monday evening at 9:11 much less tired than last year but ready to drop, we were so sleepy. Imagine! We left Fribourg Sunday night and had to get up at one in the morning so the Fathers could offer Mass and give us Holy Communion. So we were very, very sleepy when we reached Belgium. But God was so good to us and we had an excellent trip.

Yesterday evening when we got to Gooreind they told us about the horrible railway accident near Brussels, Sunday, on the way to Luxembourg – the very route we took. Thank God with us for having spared us.

I don’t know yet what my travelling plans will be; that will depend on different circumstances. My letter is not going to be long today because Mother Provincial is taking pride in making me admire her new house;and it really is a magnificent piece of property offering great advantages for a missionary colony.

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CR/2 : 491 27 October 1895

Themes

Suffering 82 Renouncement 29Passion 74 Struggle 26


I pity you for holding a grudge against me, but set you mind at rest. The trial is greater for you than it is for me. Since I have done nothing that could justify your temptation, I am leaving the care of it to God.

I still believe, my dearest child, that the cause of it is the delaying of Christine’s departure. That is when your despair began. You do not like to be opposed and God has done just that. If I had been the cause of the delay, I could have regret for having imposed on you a trial too great for you. But since it is God who permitted that September be given me as the date for Christine’s vows, I can only pity you and be sorry for a trial that has found you as weak as a little child. May the kind, crucified Master teach you to relish the sweetness of sacrifice. That is my prayer for you.

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CR/2 : 492 15 November 1895

Themes

Fidelity 89 Absolute power of God -Renouncement 29 Love of God 23

189


When I returned to Rome I found your letter. I have prayed so very much for you, and I thank God for finding you more faithful. And so, my child, you will receive a reward: my first letter is for you.

I plead with you, Cecile dear, do love Jesus more than yourself. The older I get the more I see that our dear Jesus is deserving of all we can give Him and seeing that you could not understand this has been a great source of sorrow for me. May God bless you; and He will if you seek only Him.

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CR/2 : 493 18 November 1895

Themes

Renouncement 29 Word of God 73Absolute power of God - Earth/Heaven 83Glory of God 66


We are very close to your feast and I want to send you my good wishes. May St. Cecilia keep you a little less busy about yourself and a little more about the affairs of Jesus. No, my child, I don’t think God has destined you to spend the rest of your life in Portugal, but supposing He should, would it not be well to say to you: “Martha, Martha, you are busy about many things, but only one is necessary”. My dear, dear child, this world will pass and we will go to God who is the All-deserving. So we can have only one purpose: to live for Him alone and to work for His glory. May your saint, who has been so richly rewarded, teach the science which has made her eternally great and beautiful.

----------CR/2 : 494 20 November 1895

Themes

Work 75 Salvation of souls 81Vocation of the Institute - Suffering 82Struggle 26 Mary 68Goodness of God 23 Mission 69Church 60 Peace 72Sanctity - Earth/Heaven 83


The cold is beginning to make itself felt so I am not too well today. But I have been able to work and that is what is important for me. The Meditations are coming along. I hope to be able on 18 December at the latest, that is the feast of the Expectation, to offer Jesus Bambino, my dear Menino Deus, the complete year which has cost me so much work, fatigue and tribulation. It seems almost deliberate that as soon as I take up that work the demon appears to let hell loose against the whole Institute. Patience! The One Who said to the sea: “Thus far, and no farther!” is able to put a stop to the enemy of every good in his rage against our religious family.I want you to pray, my child, and also all those with you, for one of our Fathers whom I do not know, but who is undergoing a great trial, very probably instigated by the sect. God is afflicting His Church and I want so much to become a saint so that my prayer might tip the balance and spill out over the world the cup of merciful goodness.Help me, my child, and engrave upon your heart the fact that to plead the cause of the Church and of souls is above all else the reason for our being, our special vocation. This Advent must find us more intimately united than ever with our Immaculate Mother whose missionaries we are, so that with her and like her we may obtain peace between heaven and earth.

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CR/2 : 495 21 November 1895

Themes

Consecration - Offering -Purity 89 Mission 69Justice - Love of God 23Common life 91 Mary 68Body/Soul 28 Jesus 67Heaven/Earth 83


Today is the anniversary of the day our blessed Mother consecrated herself to God. How perfectly she must have offered the homage of her whole being to her Creator and her God. I implored of her that all my daughters give themselves up as she did and I dare to hope that she will answer my prayer. Could anything be more just, more reasonable than the giving up of oneself to God Who has given us all that we have and are? And yet, what self-seeking, what reserve in our consecration, in our donation to our dear Jesus! The Roman house is swarming this year with young postulants and novices who for one reason or another have come to Rome to make their novitiate. Today they are all at St. Peter’s and from there they will go to St. Cecilia’s. I am going to profit by these mission recreation in order to take a little turn myself. I don’t want to get out of the habit of moving around; and since I seldom go to St. Rose’s now that the work is finished, I would run the risk of very rarely getting any fresh air if I did not pin myself down to making a few pilgrimages while in Rome. I make use of these to recommend the Institute to the saints of the eternal city. It is so clear to me that the works of God are done with the help of heaven and that left alone we accomplish very little. St. Cecilia is one of the saints I like best; one to whom I love to confide my daughters, asking her to obtain innocence and the missionary spirit for them. For centuries now she has been resting in eternal bliss, and yet she still preaches. And numerous are those she leads to God teaching them the science of love.

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CR/2 : 496 25 November 1895Themes

Meditation 77 Hope -Work 75 Suffering 82Thanksgiving - Union with God 86Glory of God 66 Abandonment 22Providence 22


I have just received the first section of our Meditations. I had sent them to the workroom in March and I had hoped that we would be able to continue them during the year, but they put it off too long. It is to be hoped that next year each one of us will have in her hands her own Romano-Seraphic Liturgical Meditations. It is my conviction that a greater seriousness in everyone will prove that this work has not been in vain; but that pre-supposes that each one will have her own copy and be able to sustain her attention by consulting her book.Let us all pray that our Sisters in Vanves will have this work ready for us next year since they were not able to do it this year. My part of it will be ready evidently. I had only the month of October to do and that could have been finished before I had received the printed copy of December. Now the workroom will have nine months before they catch up with what I am doing. For my part though, I am very glad to have finished this important work. I have just looked it up and I see that I began it in 1891. But I had to interrupt it for about three years. Now, I will soon be offering it in homage to our good Jesus and I thank Him with all the tenderness of my heart. It is so good to do a little work for the King and Master of our souls.Yesterday, Father Raphael spoke to us again about the feasts of the week. He had an especially charming word about St. Andrew who saluted the cross, the instrument of his torture, saying: “O good cross!” Yes, the cross is good; God in His Divine Providence sends it filled with hope to do His work if we leave it free to cooperate with the Divine will.

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CR/2 : 497 28 November 1895

Themes

Body/Soul 28 Truth 88Evenness of character 89 Prayer 77Fidelity 89 Unity 87Peace 72 Word of God 73Struggle 26 Earth/Heaven 83


Yesterday I had a very bad day. Today, on the contrary, is one of the best God has given me in a long time. I had slept well and I meditated on the feast of St. Luke learning all sorts of nice things. St. Luke was one of the seventy-two disciples. He was not far from Jesus during His Passion nor from Paul when he was martyred, so he must have been constant and faithful. In his Gospel and in the Acts of the Apostles, he introduced no ideas of his own, changed nothing; but gave only the doctrine and the story of the Master and His Apostles. Ah! Stability and constancy, when things go wrong, for God, for the Church, for one’s superiors. What a splendid thing that is, but how rare! It is easy to be stable and faithful when the sky is serene and there is no temptation making itself felt. But very few can withstand temptation and there is but one God, but one truth. This should make us understand that division and inconstancy are in direct opposition to Him and to the good of souls. Alas, these very simple truths are perhaps the most forgotten! What need there is for prayer these days!

Poor France with the “loi d’accroissement” (the law of increasing) is giving a real scandal especially of division. Even though there are some who are in the wrong, why are we making so much noise about it in our Catholic papers? We really must pray. My heart is very heavy at the sight of God’s cause being so greatly compromised by those who should be supporting it.

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CR/2 : 498 29 November 1895

Themes

Spouse 25 Struggle 26Detachment 29 World -Law - Nature 70Eucharist 62 Union with God 86Mission 69 Truth 88Victim 90 Absolute power of God -Authority 79


Today is the feast of All Saints of the Order. Among them, I am sure, there are many of our sisters whose victory we are celebrating.

My dear St. Anne, our M. des Sts. Apotres, our M. du St. Esprit, our virtuous M. Marie de St. Sebastien andso many other good little sisters, who though unknown, were no less pleasing to their crucified Spouse and their Immaculate Mother. We must also hope that one day it will also be our feast whether as a Saint or a Blessed, even though the Institute be spared the expenses of a canonization. This morning we renewed our vows which if well observed will win us our crown – all according to the Constitutions, which make up our travel guide leading us to heaven. Once again we dedicated ourselves to adoration and to the mission, offering ourselves as victim for the Church and for souls; all this will be the splendour of our crown. How beautiful and good is everything that comes from God! Whatever comes from the devil and humanity, is on the contrary, very oppressive!

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Let us try to live a supernatural life and meditate deeply this word “supernatural”. By “supernatural” we mean above nature, and nature is what we naturally are, what we naturally do. We must rise above ourselves not act only in ourselves and of ourselves. Our actions must be done in God, unity, truth and infinite beauty. What a pity that only at the end of one’s life when experience has come to strip us of all illusions, does one understand, as I myself do, this fact. How happy our young and far away sisters would be if they sought support and orientated themselves according to the experience of their Superior General who will always be a mature woman, herself seeking light from the successor of St. Francis and the Vicar of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray to obtain this grace for all our Sisters both present and future.

CR/2 : 499 14 December 1895

Themes

Struggle 26 Prayer 77Family - Poverty 75Suffering 82 Earth/Heaven 83Abandonment 22


I am having a hard time to get off even a little word to the superiors by this post. The devil is becoming more and more furious. We are having all kinds of annoyances, dreadful and sudden sicknesses like that of M. du Divine Enfant and many other crosses, silver and otherwise.

We are at the end of the centenary year of St. Anthony and it looks as if before the year is over, all the little devils in hell are trying to make us pay for what we did in honour of this dear Saint. I had so many business affairs, such difficult tasks that I lost sleep over them and in spite of all my good will, I am having a hard time to make any headway and even do the essential. Patience! God sees everything. He knows not only all the obligations and sufferings that spring up on my path but also how weary I am. He will know how to arrange things much better than I ever could.

Pray and ask for prayers for your poor Mother and also for Brother Francis Marie who is not as well as when I saw him at the Chatelets. I don’t think I mentioned it to you before; but in any case remind the sisters to pray for the dear little Brother.

Christmas is coming. Let us hope that the Child Jesus will be more gentle and that His little hands will enchain the infernal serpent, for he seems to have been let loose at the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

After all, we are on our way to heaven and it matters little whether the road is beset by thorns or stones.

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CR/2 : 500 15 December 1895

Themes

Vocation of the Institute - Sanctity -Incarnation/Redemption 67 Mission 69Prayer 77 Gospel 73Mary 68 Peace 72World - Earth/Heaven 83


I have had another sleepless night. How I prayed for France! Bourgeois is promising a law against associations. So many other devious tales have made me understand to what point true Catholics are in

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danger of becoming enslaved and reduced in number. Prayers are urgently needed. Let us try to awaken Our Lord who is sleeping in the boat while the tempest threatens. I would like to ask that, until the1st January 1897, we all take up the practice of often saying the Parce Domine and the words spoken during the storm: “We are perishing”. How proud and happy I would be if one of my daughters were holy enough, especially favoured, to awaken the Saviour. In truth this is the very aim and raison-d’etre of the Institute. But alas! Our fidelity has not yet won us the grace to accomplish, all together the work Mary accomplished alone; that is: to give peace to the world, and the Redeemer to our souls. I am praying hard for you, my child, so that God will help you to be His missionary. Ask Him also to help me for I am very tired and badly in need of His aid.

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CR/2 : 501 17 December 1895

Themes

Absolute power of God - Offering -Mary 68 Francis 65Jesus 67


Everything on earth passes away so quickly that we are foolish not to give ourselves entirely for Him who does not pass away The older I get, the greater depth and beauty I find in the words of our Father St. Francis: “My God and my All!”

Tomorrow is the feast of the Expectation; of Our Lady’s waiting for Jesus in His temporal birth and we are awaiting Jesus in His eternal birth. This feast means so much to me in heart and soul that even to name it does me good. I love to see it approaching.

May those who are giving themselves to God tomorrow do so with all their heart. Cardinal Melchers has just died. Did you know him? It was he who had received from Pius IX the privilege of blessing the crosses

of the Way of the Cross. With his death, adieu to this privilege for, it is said, Leo XIII will not grant it again. Thus, all things pass away.

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CR/2 : 502 19 December 1895

Themes

Abandonment 22 Work 75Providence 22 Joy 89Suffering 82 Body/Soul 28Meditation 77 Cult 77Will - Strength 89Renouncement 29


Yesterday was a most consoling day. Six sisters made their final profession. This is still something quite rare with us. Unfortunately, I had a terrible night without any sleep. Father General presided over the ceremony. I was even more tired than I had been on the day of the Immaculate Conception. I was obliged to sleep in between times with the result that I missed all the recreations. Fiat! We must want all that God wants.

Our visitors are beginning to leave this evening. St. Marthe who came from Marseilles is returning with St. Sylvestre and St. Romaine who made their vows yesterday. St. Romaine will go to Portugal with M. Christine and St. Sylvestre will head the group of commissioners. St. Rogatien and St. Agathe, our two best Roman commissioners, are also leaving us tonight and we are left completely drained. In spite of

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everything, we must go forward. Divine Providence plans things in this way so that I have something to suffer; it is just at the moment when we are more than a hundred that we are deprived of this source of revenues. In spite of everything we must go forward. God cannot be against Himself; when He sends us trials evidently He is about to give us new graces.

Just the same, the feast of the Expectation went off very well. In the midst of crosses and fatigues of all sorts I am completing my meditations on the liturgical year. I have only four more to do and I would be very happy if I could finish them for Christmas and place this work which has cost me so dearly at the feet of the Child Jesus whom I love so much. Perhaps my daughters will not appreciate it but at least it will do good to my own soul as long as I live; the Divine Master knows how much energy, will and sacrifice this work demanded, achieved as it was in the midst of the crosses, sufferings and labours of all kinds that fill my life. Consequently, it will be a real happiness for me to place it in His little hands.

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CR/2 : 503 20 December 1895

Themes

Struggle 26 Mary 68Suffering 82 Fidelity 89Abandonment 22 Goodness of God 23Peace 72 Earth/Heaven 83


I don’t know what 1896 will bring, but if there is any truth in Brother Anthony’s prophecy we are going to find ourselves in the very same situation as in 1876, when I first came to Rome. I still remember how I felt. We are just at the anniversary now. It was at the end of December, just a few days before Christmas. Pius IX was like a lamp burning itself out and in fact less than a year later he was called to his heavenly home. The weather was terrible and today it is the same. A fierce battle was being waged against Mary by the old

serpent. If I am not mistaken, we are again on the verge of a period of strife having at our head a Pope for who we are asking a new lease of life and whose days are running out. We must pray to be faithful.

Oh, how I wish that I could see my daughters being very careful not to give the infernal enemy the slightest hold on them, on the Institute, on our works and I dare to add, on their poor Mother Foundress. Alas! I see, but I cannot make myself understood. I have the light and no power comes with it. Patience! Tomorrow will be whatever God wills. I take refuge in this thought while the battle with the evil spirit rages. Even the weather seems to be taking sides. It is all out of gear, with tempests and storms and the thermometer falling to 15 below freezing. There is disorder everywhere and God is making no secret that He is angry with the world.

We must try to be angels of peace disposed to mercy.

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CR/2 : 504 24 December 1895

Themes

Meditation 77 Suffering 82Providence 22 Body/Soul 28Jesus 67 Nature 70Vocation of the Institute - Sanctity -Joy 89

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I have just said the First Vespers for Christmas and even Matins and Lauds. I had finished my year of Romano-Seraphic Liturgical Meditations almost at the same time. The last two to be done were those of St. Francis and of the octave. I am glad Divine Providence so arranged things that this immense undertaking could be completed in time to be placed in the Crib and offered to the new-born Child. He is my special love and although I have not planned it, I am delighted that it is for Him that this work has been finished. I had counted on having it done for the Expectation, but I was not well and it was only yesterday that I was able to write the last lines.

At the same time I have my New Year’s gifts for all my daughters and the Institute. My ardent wish is that they will all draw from the fulfillment of their vocation: holiness and their eternal crown. The movable feasts still remain but most of them are finished and besides they are much less difficult and don’t demand the amount of research required for the feasts and the saints of every day in the year. The devil is taking his revenge by giving me a strong dose of fatigue. Ask God to help me.

We are beginning to be a tiny bit less crowded in the Roman casa. Just think, Sunday we were 102! Poor little nest! It is really unbelievable! Three have gone to Grotta, two to Tyrol, five will be in Paris tonight, three will be arriving in Switzerland, three will be here tonight from Marseilles, but two will go on to Paris. Marie de St. Romaine is one of them and she is to go to Portugal with the superior of Braga. Almost all our gifts have been sent out, but my head is splitting. I really must take some rest, these days have been very hard on me.

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CR/2 : 505 26 December 1895

Themes

Suffering 82 Transformed in God 84Conversion - Offering -

Renouncement 29 Union with God 86Duty 89 Poverty 75Maternal love - Sanctity -Earth/Heaven 83 Authority 79


St. Stephen will bring you my wishes for a holy and happy Christmas and New Year. St. Stephen walked in the footsteps of his Divine Master and gave himself up for love of Him. Pray that I too may give myself to love, and love of our Divine Master. I can say without a lie that every day of my life I have been stoned and often the stones have been cast at me by the hands of those very dear to me, even those of my children, though perhaps they may not realize it. But, of such things is sanctity made. Pray then that I may put to good use the building material which is not wanting to me. To be sure you will have your share. Where is the superior who does not find numerous occasions for self-abnegation if she sincerely carried out her duty? Little ducklings are ungrateful towards the hen who hatched them. It is only when they are older that children understand what they owe to their mother. In religious life more than anywhere else one finds at each step of the way little acts of ingratitude coming from the children. These though involuntary, are often for all that, the more painful to a mother’s heart.In any case, beneath the blows of this dear stoning may the work of perfection be accomplished. I have had a spell of illness and I notice that after each one of these particularly crucifying periods where I feel I have neither prayed nor learned anything, I emerge as though renewed in God and clothed with Christ. In a mysterious way then which is beyond our grasp, the cross works in our souls. I recommend to your prayers the matter of the piece of land adjoining our house. They say we are going to get it. It would be something very necessary for the health of our sisters in Rome so I do not dare oppose the undertaking but I fear the financial difficulty in which it will place us if it does succeed.

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CR/2 : 506 30 December 1895

Themes

Body/Soul 28Rome, 30 December 1895

I am writing to you from St. Rose’s where I am at last. I was received in a grand way. At the entrance were four turrets representing the gateway of a drawbridge, but what a surprise. Hardly had I put foot on the bridge than the fortress began to move. A sister was concealed in each of the towers. Since they were unable to see where they were going, a line had been traced for them with cinders. It was really very nice, very well done, something to be kept in the Institute. It can be altered, changed around but it is really a charming model. Something else very nice was a representation of the Crib in which were cherubs with two wings, something we shall also keep in the Institute and make use of for entertainments. We shall give the secret of these to friends and acquaintances. But really they were very successful with their invitations at St. Rose’s, for the entertainment. Not to speak of an elephant, which they had listed on the programme as: “Caesar’s Entrance to the Tusculum, Cicero’s Villa”. We expected to see a Roman emperor, and the sight of an elephant which waltzed to the tune of the Waltz of the Roses amused everybody in the house. The children who were the actresses in the other items were only spectators during this. I forgot to tell you that in front of the fortress were two little Swiss Guards, real miniatures of those at the Vatican. Felicita was the commander and I assure you she was a first class veteran, the way she handles those halberds. God also was with us and gave us three days of beautiful Spring weather. My last night in Rome had already been good. Saturday and Sunday nights at St. Rose’s better still and last night perfect. If I get my sleep back, my health which was so impaired by the trying month of December will also be restored. I can really say my Advent meant something.

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