Letter 171. To Mother Marnie Jacqueline Favre

Bourges, 20 November, 1618. Vive > Jésus!

My very dear Daughter,—I have had so little news of you and of Nessy that it makes me fear something may have happened to Francoise; if she does not come soon she will have to face winter weather. The thorns that come to me through her are sharp and pointed, and if God does not intervene with His good help they will pierce deeply, because I am a mother. Truly, I turn my thoughts as much as I can away from the future—nay, even from the present—confiding all to the care and providence of God, in whom I rest and trust. The nine postulants with ten thousand crowns who were to serve for the foundation are reduced to one. However, they would like us to receive (and I hope, after a little inquiry, we may be able to do so) five or six out of the many young girls who are poor and have little of this world’s advantages, but wish to join us. No foundation has so far been begun with such complete dependence on divine Providence, and this it is that consoles us.?

The poor woman just widowed greatly excites my compassion. I have neither the opportunity nor the time to write to Nessy; for the messenger took me by surprise, and if these two letters had not been ready there would have been none to go. Adieu, etc. .. . Ask me freely whatever you want.¹