LXXXI. To Mother Catherine-Charlotte de Crémaux de la Grange.
London Visitation Nuns (Harrow translation
Vive ✠ Jésus!
Annecy, 1629.
My very dear Daughter,
The good gentleman[A] who is making your foundation at Condrieu manifests a great regard for it and much piety, courtesy, and humility in the articles of his foundation which I have seen. Indeed it is but reasonable to do all you can to please him. However, in regard to this first proposition of naming those whom he wishes to be received without a dowry, you must if possible arrange that the Sisters have the liberty to choose the subjects, lest those he names may not be suitable. This is an important point for the preservation of peace in our Institute, as usually those who present subjects have such a strong desire to see them received that, if they prove to have no vocations, the Sisters by sending them away make for themselves enemies instead of friends: so have a clear agreement on this point. It is quite necessary, in order not to be constrained to take those who are found to be unsuitable. The Book of Customs will afford light on this matter....
As to the Fourth Article, the instruction of young girls. To take boarders is contrary to the spirit of our Institute. Our Blessed Father never approved of it. I do not know if you will find amongst his letters one which he wrote to a superior who had been approached on this subject by her Bishop. The Book of Customs permits indeed that three young girls, but not more, between the ages of ten and twelve, whose parents destine them for the Religious life, should be instructed and trained for it. If therefore one could manage to give satisfaction by arranging such instructions as they desire in the parlour to young girls, and to some friends, that could be done on feast-days, and on one day in the week besides, but to act otherwise would be contrary to the Institute. Such is my humble opinion, since you desire to have it.[B] We received your letters yesterday, and will answer them as soon as we can, but the bearer only gave us time to open them. We shall have the answers ready to send you on the first opportunity that presents itself.