Footnotes

1. The title by which the reigning Duke of Nemours was designated. ↩

2. The Duke of Nemours had given the Visitation sisters permission to build a monastery along the canal that runs into the Lake of Annecy, and to appropriate part of its water. His Royal Highness’ letters patent granting this created great opposition at Annecy. In the history of the foundation of the first monastery of Annecy we read: ‘ The building progresses with many blessings, but not without much unpleasantness. A certain property had been refused to our Blessed Father, and excuses having been made for this, he replied as follows: ‘“‘ Asto the garden, my very dear Father, I do not give it a further thought: not that I do not see very well that the project is no inconvenience to N , aS compensation will be given him; but, by the grace of God, I do not desire to quarrel nor to hurt the feelings of anyone. Our daughters of the Visitation will erect their building, though not without drawbacks; but since it cannot be otherwise they will be quite satisfied, for they know that it would not be becoming in faithful spouses of Him who had not wherein Himself to be comfortably lodged. As you are aware, my dear Father, the Mother who governs this new flock has learned so well how to dwell on Mount Calvary that any other earthly dwelling-place seems to her too good. No other thought has she about the refusal, for she well knows that the pilgrims who are to live in this retreat, and only dwell there for the night of this short life, will, please God, be so eager to proceed on their journey their work. These people told them that they would stone them if they went on working, and beat them soundly whenever they caught them at it. This is truly annoying, and particularly on your account. We must have patience. These people have made their attacks through their young men; however, the authorities will see to it. I am writing because I heard the Father Prior was going to see you, and also in order to know what we ought todo. My poor, very dear Father, this affair will soon pass, and peace, please God, will be ours for eternity. Now consider a little, I beg of you, whom we should propose as security: it is necessary to give one. ↩