XXVII. To Sister Paule Jéronyme de Monthoux,[A] Mistress of Novices at Annecy.

XXVII. To Sister Paule Jéronyme de Monthoux,[A] Mistress of Novices at Annecy.

Vive ✠ Jésus!

Grenoble, 1618.

I have received all your letters, my poor dear daughter; they came in two sets and you have had replies to the first five, but I still have four by me with questions to answer.

There is no doubt whatever that the novices should have recourse to their Mistress in every matter, which the Rule says they are to treat with her, and it is but fitting that they should be as exact as possible on this point. Sister Assistant should give her instructions through you: for to act otherwise would be very prejudicial to them.

Yes, you do well to tell me the more important things, but you do wrong to call me a Saint. Take it to confession, and never do it again. My God! I am nothing but a sink of miseries.

You are right to devote yourself as much as possible to your duties in the novitiate. The body is indeed a poor thing, yet be careful to do nothing to injure your health. May God bless your remedies, though I very much doubt their curing you: however, in all things we must look solely for His good pleasure. You are quite wrong, my daughter, in thinking that Sister Assistant is not altogether open with you. Do not make such reflections and don't hesitate about taking your own line. Has not good M. —— the Senator been right? Remember me most affectionately and respectfully to him. Meantime I am very much concerned about your illness. You ought to consult the doctor and do whatever he tells you. Salute the good man cordially for me.

How is it the infirmarian never gives me one word of news? Well, my dear, I am very fond of her all the same. I beg of her to gain the mastery over that heart of hers so that she may train herself to gentleness and simple observance; however, I will tell this dear daughter, Marie Adrienne (Fichet), of this myself. I am glad that you are employing little Sister Françoise Marguerite (Favrot). Test her well so that she may advance in the virtues of religion.

If these dear novices hold fast to all that is marked down for them, and I entreat them to do so, they will make great progress. Do not be afraid to write quite candidly to me; letters are slow but sure in coming. I wish you could be a little clearer and more detailed in speaking of the causes which prevent the Superior from being quite fitted for her office; I thought they were exterior rather than interior. Ah! what a pity that our negligence should be of such prejudice to the service of our good God. Write openly and walk faithfully in uprightness, simplicity, and great gentleness, bearing with your neighbour, and supporting her without stint. Seek God in all things and be faithful to Him. He looks to the intention. Speak out boldly, with entire confidence to our good M. Michel; he is a good and sincere man. Adieu, my daughter. May the great Jesus make you all His own. Amen.