Letter 1812. To a Superior of the Visitation

LETTER 1812 To a Superior of the Visitation.

Annecy, 29 June, 1641. Vive > Jésus!

My very dear Daughter,—You take too much to heart the inevitable happenings of this life, and then you grieve, with the consequent result of weariness and depression. These things are all very well in the beginning of the service of God; but now, my daughter, they are out of place. You must emancipate yourself and take yourself to task for faults of this kind. Do you expect to be impeccable and to avoid all such defects while you are in this life? It is impossible! Can you not see that God permits them only for a greater good? They are the best of sermons, and by experimental knowledge strengthen us in humility and in mistrust of self. And now, since this good sister has acknowledged her fault and is doing better, it seems to me, my daughter, that you ought not to let her stagnate in her imperfections. Her heart is good, and, I think, by making her see her failings and that it is because you are zealous for her good that you correct her, she would profit by your reproof, and you would win her so that you could say anything to her.

What an idea, to think of resigning your charge of Superior! Truly I find it no easy matter to pardon you; nevertheless Ido. But, my most dear daughter, do you not see that you must be generous and not lay down your oars, whatever the difficulties? And the same in regard to this natural timidity which makes you fear the judgments of God for your shortcomings: His goodness permits you to fall into them for His glory and for your good; besides, they are nothing more than slight faults. You must lift up your dear soul above all that by a fuller and more perfect trust in God. Overcome, I beg of you, those little attacks of depression and, disregarding your feelings, keep up a cheerful spirit in Our Lord. I do not wish you to give up your charge of superiorship until you have completed your three years. To conclude, our sister your Mistress of Novices writes to me simply [several lines unintelligible] without telling me one word about herself or the house; it grieves me. Could you not persuade her to speak openly to me, or ask her if she would like you to speak for her?

Live, my dearest daughter, above yourself and entirely in God. May He be your consolation. Believe me to be ever yours more and more, if it is possible for me to be more yours than I am already; but I am beyond everything your Mother. Do not forget me before God, and ask our good sisters, whom I salute, not to forget me either.