Letter 236. To Mother Péronne Marie de Chatel

Superior at Grenoble. Paris, 2¹ March, 1620.

Vive > Jésus!

Happy, my dearest daughter, are those who walk straight on on the road to heaven without losing their time in thinking whether or no they are advancing. Go forward always and make no reflections on self. God leads you by the hand: be quite confident that if you persevere you will make a happy journey; continue then to live joyously, I beg of you. That you are doing so, and that you are less constrained than you used to be, are great consolations to me. You need freedom to expand your heart. Keep it always free and expansive. Your fears are nothing but temptations, and so is this idea-that you cannot form daughters to solid virtue. Advance in your own path, for it is a good one, and fear nothing. Pour out all your heart to me always; to hear you speak of yourself is, I assure you, a sweet consolation to me. The longer I live the more I look upon you as my dearest daughter.

Yes, truly our sister Anne Catherine [de Beaumont] is valiant and capable; this is strongly felt here. The sisters we have are good, but I think we shall send away three [on a foundation], and it will not be without mortification of all sorts. I do so wish that you could give us your first daughter whom we thought of bringing to Nessy, for I am longing to have one of yours in this house, but it must be some one very good, as they are very fastidious here.t . . .

For the rest, I think we shall marry Francoise, if she is willing, to a very good, honest gentleman, rich, well conducted, and who, I feel sure, will make an excellent husband. Ask God’s help about it. I beg of you, my darling, let all your daughters’ prayers be for Holy Church. Renew also your prayers for his Lordship, for he will soon be called upon to make an important decision in regard to himself. Pray for this house, that, if it is God’s will, we may find a place of residence. A thousand salutations, etc.

Footnotes

1. Mother de Chatel sent Sister M. Constance de Bressand.’ ↩