Letter 45. To a Young Lady, Who Wished to Join the Order of the Visitation

TO A YOUNG LADY, WHO WISHED TO JOIN THE ORDER OF THE VISITATION.

Mademoiselle, Annecy, July 3, 1612.

You are inclined to believe that your wish to leave the world is not according to God's Will, because it does not coincide with that of certain of those who have a right to guide you in worldly matters. If you mean those persons to whom God has given a right and authority to guide your soul, you are right to obey; but if you mean only those whose authority applies but to domestic and temporal questions, you deceive yourself If friends and relations were always to be consulted in spiritual matters, we should find but few people ready to seek Christian perfection.

Secondly, as you continue to wish to leave the world, in spite of worldly attractions and hindrances, it may be received as a sign that God wills you to do so.... And I think you are wrong in thinking that the hindrances which arise prove it to be His Will to keep you back If your wishes have been too eager, you must rather correct and restrain than give them up. I have been told that you have offered half your fortune to this house. But this is too much, considering that you have a sister burdened with a large family, to whose needs, in due course of love, you ought rather to apply your property. Now repair this error, and bring to the Order only such a portion of your money as is needful for your support, giving the rest to whomsoever you will, and even reserving that which you bring for their benefit after your death. You may thus set things right, without altering your intention, and everything will go on cheerfully, quietly, and religiously.

Finally, be brave and come to an absolute decision; for although these weaknesses and uncertainties are not sinful, they certainly are great hindrances to all progress, and to true comfort of soul

I have told you my opinion plainly, hoping that you will kindly not be annoyed at my doing so. May God give you all the blessings I wish for you, as well as the sweet co-operation of heart which He demands. In Him I am yours, Mademoiselle, in all sincerity,