Letter 211. To Mother Jeanne Charlotte de Bréchard

You can imagine my pleasure, my dearest daughter, at hearing how his Lordship has surpassed himself in kindness in yielding to you! Be assured God will never leave a house that serves Him faithfully without bread. Unless I am mistaken, I certainly understood that you referred to her of the poor afflicted mind when saying that the humble of heart are happy: but tell me more clearly about it, so that this happening may be of use to me, for experience isa great teacher. The little book is excellent: read it with profit, I beg of you. Oh! how true it is, my daughter, that the welfare of a house depends on the Superior. She cannot keep herself too humble and too lowly before God, without whose guidance she is unable to acquit herself of her charge, but with whose help she can do all things well. This, as you see, is only a line in haste.

I am told that your hostess! has written to certain lady and gentlemen friends begging of them to find her a home in which she will not be subject to her parents. I think you ought to consider a little her letters and conversations with seculars: without an understanding and a clause of this nature we should not have received her. You must guide her gently and keep your eye on her. Pray earnestly for God’s guidance in a matter of great importance for his Lordship. The other houses are saying the Vent Creator in the morning and offering up many communions for this intention. Pray also, I beg of you, for the needs of this house and for my children. Salutations, etc.