Letter 588. To Sister Marie Francoise de Livron

Temporary Superior at Grenoble.

[Chambéry, 1624.] Vive > Jésus!

My very dear Daughter,—For God’s sake let not your heart be troubled. Fortify it against these crosses and

1 Sister Marie Frangoise de Livron was initiated into the virtues of religious life by both St. Francis and St. Jane Frances. So well did she imbibe from them the true spirit of the Visitation that they themselves spoke of her as the ‘ lover of the hidden and humble life of the Institute.’ To accept the charge of superior was most repugnant to her, and the undue fear of this responsibility upon the final deposition of Mother Péronne Marie de Chatel, her superior at Grenoble, led her into error. At the completion of Mother de Chatel’s term of office Sister Marie Frangoise was Assistant to the community, and appears to have been aware that upon her shoulders would most likely now fall the burden of superiority. Under the influence of this apprehension she spoke to the father confessor of the nuns, pointed out to him that as yet there was no absolute prohibition in the Institute to the third successive election of the same superior, and as Mother de Chatel had proved herself such an excellent and virtuous governor and was so deservedly popular with the Church authorities and the inhabitants of Grenoble, would it not be desirable to re-elect her? The good father lent a willing ear to the proposal and passed it on without delay to the spiritual father of the community, who also welcomed the suggestion. This latter called the sisters together without the knowledge of Mother de Chatel, who had retired to her cell, having but just been deposed. He told them he intended to put her name again on the election list, as he felt perfectly justified in so doing; that they were, of course, at liberty to vote as they thought right, but he wished to remove any scruple as to voting for Mother de Chatel, for with an absolutely clear conscience they were entitled to do so. Mother Péronne was, to her amazement, re-elected, receiving fourteen votes out of twentyfour. Great was her trouble to think she had so imperfectly instructed her daughters that this infraction of Rule was the result; for though the Book of Customs had not yet been promulgated, this injunction of the Founder was well known. Those who voted for her tried to console her by maintaining that in doing so they believed themselves to be acting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, while those who had voted against her assured her, with the utmost simplicity, that they had not given her their votes. Persistent in her refusal to take up the reins of government, the matter was referred to Annecy, and, backed by St. Jane Frances, the convent remained for a short time with Sister de Livron as temporary Superior. To sum up the results, Mother de Chatel, by the direction of the holy Foundress, took over the superiority of the new foundation of Aix; and notwithstanding great opposition from the authorities of Grenoble, lay and clerical, she managed to get the required permission to leave, and succeeded in quietly getting away. She was installed in

134. SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL contradictions. See the holy will of God in them. Place yourself, all those things you dread, and all over which He has put you in charge, in the hands of His Providence; and do it with absolute confidence that He will make all tend to His greater glory and to your spiritual progress. Yes, I see plainly that you will be greatly tempted, but give no thought to it. Never cease to go forward, your eyes always fixed on the divine countenance of God, which is turned towards you and is taking pleasure in seeing you do and suffer as He wills.

I am very sorry to see M. d’Aoste so tenacious. Indeed, if he knew our extreme need of Sister [de Chatel], I am sure he would be appeased and not think that we want to oppose him; but I will speak to the Bishop of Grenoble about it. As to her niece, although she may have faults, since she has already corrected herself of some of them and is earnest in her desire to work at her amendment and to become obedient, she cannot in conscience be rejected. You should if necessary follow the advice of the Book of Customs. I mean, after having conferred with the counsellors and the Mistress of Novices, they ought to speak to the spiritual father and make the postulant speak to him, for he is the proper person to advise in such cases. You should also speak to some Jesuit father. Still, if she ought to be sent away, do it courageously, and God will bless and reward your courage and fidelity. I have answered your last letters.

I do not want your ecclesiastical superiors to know that I am thinking of going to see you, for they might, perchance, attribute some motive I have never thought of to my visit;

the new foundation on November 8, 1624. But as the spiritual father persisted in still regarding her as the Superior of Grenoble, Sister de Livron begged St. Jane Frances to come herself and settle matters. She came in January with the precaution we see above. Her tact and sound reasons soon overcame all difficulties, and a new election placed Mother de Livron in charge. The success with which she governed is manifest from letter 599 (page 135). After six years of holy and happy rule she was elected Superior at Sisteron, from whence, after another six years of government, she returned to Annecy. There she died on March 24, 1645, and surely received the recompense promised to the humble of heart. —Taken from the Unpublished History of the Foundation of Grenoble.

whereas, by the grace of God, no other design have I in it than to serve Him and do His will. Neither should you wish to have me save for necessity and for real help; just as I am resolved only under such circumstances to go to you. We must let the Bishop of Grenoble come.

I have just read Sister [de Chatel’s] letter, in which she refers, as usual, to her letter to M. d’Aoste in order to prove the necessity of her staying where she is. I am afraid she requires more time of us than we can give: meanwhile I have told her so.

Courage, my dear daughter; let nothing surprise you, and keep close to God, whom I pray to give you and all your sisters graces in abundance. My greetings to all with you.