Letter X. To Madonna Fiora Ragni, Naples

He consoles her in her illness.

Honoured Sister in Christ, — I have received the little phial of the manna of St Andrew which you sent me, and it has been dear to me as being a thing of devotion, and I thank you for it. Support yourself in your illness, which God has sent you, by conforming yourself to His most holy will ; for although you will have to suffer some pain of body, and also some mortification of the soul, in not being able to enjoy the devotions and spiritual exercises you are wont to have when you are well, nevertheless, if you strive to be patient, and to resign yourself to the will of God, you will gain so much good for your soul that you will not be sorry to have suffered so little to gain so great a reward ; and may our Lord God give you the grace to do this. Pray for me, as I will do for you. And let us so live that though we cannot meet again in this life, we may meet in the other for ever, with that delight which the saints who are in Paradise are enjoying this very day. I recommend myself to you. — Your brother in Christ, Philip Neri.

Rome, iljprt 15, 158a