Letter 317. To the same

The opinion of the world does not signify, my dearest daughter; it matters little that they say we could not do without the Carmelite mother. You ought not to say that one offers herself for our service, though the world speaks so; say rather, assists us, helps us, above all if you are speaking of persons of quality. So in like manner, when such persons, and especially our ecclesiastical superiors, advise us about anything, we should not say that we condescend to their advice, but that we obey, and submit to it. These are little terms of courtesy and respect, and though they may be of the world, they ought not to be without significance to the servants of God. Be on your guard then, my daughter, about this. And whether in writing or speaking, do not multiply your words; avoid, as far as possible, using several words that express the same meaning,

You wish me to tell you of these little things, my daughter; and I think you ought to get suitably settled in your house as soon as possible.

My daughter ought not to go into your enclosure. In May or sooner I hope to be at Bourges, and then we shall see if she should ask for leave.

There is no idea of taking the votes for the profession of this good sister [novice] for a year; but if she does not show solidity and her actions are not in accordance with an entire conversion, it would not be a bad thing to take the votes and get her away. If you make up your mind to this course, you must carry it out before it gets known outside, and you should speak only to his Lordship and the Father Rector, who ought to keep it secret until she has left.

You will have to bear with these poor weak sisters. Now that the little sheep has become manageable I am satisfied. Had they not entered your enclosure it would have been a great blessing for you. The like has not been done in any of our houses, but, now that they are in, your sisters must be on their guard to give edification and to let it be seen that obedience and recollection dominate the house. The chief virtue to edify others is modesty. Above all, let our professed sisters give good example. They have not written to me since; I should like to know if I have offended them, so that I may repair my fault.¹

Footnotes

1. Sister Marie Frangoise Thibaut, whose father and mother were benefactors of the monastery of Bourges. ↩