(Of the double sheet, only half is left—A.C.R., A 1/1/1)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I forgot to suggest to you to make five visits a day to the Blessed Sacrament, with this condition however: every time you are in Church to receive Holy Communion, you could make two visits: one as soon as you enter, the other before you leave; one in the evening when you leave the house for your usual round, not returning home before paying a visit = perdonanza, in some Churches where there is the Bl. Sacrament, if it is possible to do it. The other two, and, if you cannot leave the house, all of them, you will make in your room, putting yourself in spirit before the Bl. Sacrament for about ten minutes. At every visit, you will say the Pange Lingua and the Litany to Our Lady; also three times a day, the Veni Creator Spiritus. The last action of the morning will end with the recitation of the Miserere; that of the evening, with the recitation of the Litany of the Saints without the final prayers. I recommend that you observe recollection in a special way and all the silence possible without calling attention to it, but using prudent ways in avoiding or quickly withdrawing from occasions to talk. During the day say some ejaculations according to the feelings you experienced and the resolutions made during your meditation. I beg you through the kindness of Jesus Christ, to give your most devoted attention and application to imploring the Divine Mercy to grant us light in this matter connected with your eternal salvation. In dealing with Fr ... do not speak of your vocation if he does not ask about it; and even in that case, do not dwell much on it. May the Lord bless you.

3

(Half sheet written on both sides—A.C.R., A 1/1/2)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I do not repent the least bit, for the decision taken in spite of what the Rev. Father Provincial and Stefano say. It was taken after much thought and very rightly after much prayer, and certainly from the human point of view, more cannot be asked. Therefore you can and must be certain and sure that you will not have to give an account to the Lord that you have failed to correspond in this matter. Besides I desire that you be on guard not to be lured by the world. For one year, my Daughter, do not give the least hearing to any proposal made. I wish that your firmness of soul be known without wanting in that politeness which is proper to your noble birth, but also not wanting in fidelity to God. You do not know what God has in store for you. But when we shall know his Divine Will, we shall with his help, take the necessary measures that will bring it to fulfilment. In the meantime let us apply our hearts seriously to implore this light from the Lord. Among the practices of devotion we have so far been doing, besides prayer, reading, frequenting the Sacraments, I recommend as much as I can that you retreat and live alone, as much as you can. The Lord speaks to the soul in solitude, I do not mean however, to exhort you to live like a hermit, but be very reserved. Moreover in this I would desire, barring some exceptional cases, you should depend on Holy Obedience. As regards your Noble Uncle's displeasure at your frequent reception of Holy Communion, I judge it opportune, since you have to depend on him, that you declare your mind. At the same time show him sweetly but cleverly your desire to receive Holy Communion frequently. Inform him, using these or similar words, that though you have put aside the resolution to become a discalced Carmelite, you intend, nevertheless, that your heart be only for God, as the Apostle suggests, and that for the time being, you have no intention of dividing it with anyone else. Perhaps your Uncle is displeased that the Church is a good distance away. Truly when you were thinking of becoming a Carmelite, no one opposed your going there frequently but on this occasion some scrupulous persons are displeased. If that is the reason it could easily be remedied. I am not against a General Confession rather I strongly exhort you to do it, with this condition however: I do not want you to think of doing it until such time we have talked it over. Continue faithfully in the methods I have told you orally. As soon as it is possible and I have some time, I will do it in writing. If you are not impeded and if I am not prevented by some pressing duties, I will have the honour of paying you my respects on the 20th of this month. If you are impeded, I beg you to inform me, I too will do the same in case I cannot come. May God bless you and make you holy, because I certainly wish that you be holy whether God wants you in the world or a Religious. Amen.

4

(A double sheet with two written pages and three lines

on the third page—A.C.R., Al/1/3)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

For all the knowledge I have of your soul, I can and must fully assure you that you may be completely at peace. Yes, because you have not been to Confession to remedy past bad ones, but only to draw greater stimulus to serve the Lord more perfectly. If anything has been overlooked, not for that should you regard the Confession as done badly. Anyway, it would be enough that when any defects that were not mentioned at that time, would come to your mind, you can accuse yourself if it is serious and with the permission of your Confessor, which I myself would have great difficulty to grant you. You must not judge past sins according to your present knowledge; because before God, there is guilt according to the knowledge you had at the time they were committed. I think that with this Confession you expected to enjoy the peace and quiet of Paradise, but my Daughter, this is not a place where one may reach such a peace. You have done the best you could, be in peace then and abandon yourself totally to God's goodness and mercy. Obey and you will find as much peace as can be enjoyed in this vale of tears. Besides, I assure you with all the sincerity with which I, in conscience must deal with you, that from what you wrote, I can see some salutary and useful effects, what profit this confession has brought you, for which I certainly believe what Fr. Gaspari maintained: to have seen and felt a special presence of the Lord. My Daughter, the ways of Divine Providence in dealing with the souls dear to him are very different from what we think. Trust in your God who loves you.

What will I say to Fr. Provincial? He passes a sentence on an issue he has neither examined nor known, therefore what value has it? Let us condone everything and put it down to the esteem and respect he has for his most worthy Daughter. Do not be distressed on that account, because he is off the path and I feel more than ever deeply sure of it.

Let us come to prayer. First of all I recommend, as much as I can, that you do not ever leave out prayer, not even for fear of doing it badly. Present yourself before God with a simple desire of paying tribute to his Sovereignty. Do not entertain distractions willingly and deliberately and be content with the way God deals with you. We do not know what is best for us, but the Lord knows it well and he knows how to draw what is good for us from everything. Very often he wishes to use those very means, which to us seem least adapted, so that we may admire his wisdom and trust in his love. Besides, everytime you feel attracted to stay in the presence of God without thinking of anything in particular, do it without feeling afraid that you are wasting time or that you are doing it out of laziness. That, my Daughter, is a suggestion from the devil to distract us from a prayer which is the most useful practice, because it is more God's work than ours; and therefore he being the Agent so great, it is clear we must consider it the more precious, even though it seems different to us. But if we are faithful to God's love, at the proper time we shall also be convinced of its usefulness. I warn you, however, that this attraction is not in our power and comes when we want. And so one must regulate oneself. When God gives this holy attraction, do not ever refuse it. When God takes it away remain content all the same with the Lord's doing, and in that case turn back to holy meditation. My Daughter, give full liberty to your heart, always, however, taking care to deepen your affection with sweetness without being anxious. Always cultivate these affections, no matter from where they spring, so that we may draw good. My Daughter, they are not the effects of love but dispositions that help to acquire the love of God. So you can see that many reasonings and reflections which make us lose the thread of holy prayer are only castles in the air. I console myself at seeing how our common enemies are trying to turn you away from doing well, because they are afraid of you. Therefore be strong and walk straight along the path of Holy Obedience, and with this support, I am certain we shall triumph over everything, as the Holy Spirit assures us: the obedient man, says he, will be victorious over his enemies. Fight against the fear of damnation with a strong exercise of trust in the divine mercy and goodness of a God who loves you. Let us not be slaves to scruples. With regard to sin, there must be deliberation and the will. Blessed is he who lives in the fear of offending God, but let us try to make our fear filial and reasonable, born of love. The fear of being attached to your sister is a big scruple and to be despised. God has made us social beings and therefore it is not forbidden to share troubles. Courage, Marchioness, God is leading us along the path of the Saints, let us not get entangled with useless reflections, let suffering not frighten us. Anyway if you have no desire to say anything before the aDDointed time. I will inform vou when I can come. From now on, I desire that you end your letter in this way: your most obedient2 Daughter in the Lord, nothing more. May the Lord bless you and enrich you ever more with his grace.

(Half sheet, written only on one side—A.C.R., Al/1/4)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

To hope for anything from the Lord God and to ask him and beg him for his graces, is surely not pride but is the result of that hope with which he himself commanded us to honour him as our most loving Father and the only source of our every good— spiritual and temporal. Certainly we may not expect them because of any merit on our part—that would be pride, but only because he has promised it out of his goodness, and the only motive is his own Goodness. Now if the doctor thinks that you should be bled, I give you the merit of Holy Obedience and exhort you to submit to it. The faith then that I desire you to have in this obedience is that you be convinced that through the grace of God, it will be of help and you may recover in a short time, and then to obtain it from the goodness of God I bless you and give you the merit of Holy Obedience.

If ever your Uncles insist that you must divert yourself by going to Mantua or with your sister, try to be clever and get out of it by begging them, pointing out that since autumn is approaching, you will divert yourself in their company at Grezzano. Live quietly and all will go well. For the present, shorten your prayer and make up for it by turning your heart frequently to God, but sweetly, lovingly, without anxiety. Next Thursday, if nothing comes between, I hope to come and meet you, but I shall inform you.

The Lord bless you, console you, strengthen you to serve him generouslv and trustfullv.

September 11. 1792.

(A double sheet, written only on one page—A.C.R., A1/115)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Your letter has been very welcomed because it has been quite a long time that I desired to have some news about you. Oh, how good is the Lord! I cannot express what consolation I experienced in knowing how much care he takes of your soul and his jealous love in keeping all the affections of your heart for himself. Courage my Daughter, what can you not expect from such a generous and good Lover? If at present you cannot dedicate yourself to prayer as much as your heart desires, remember to do everything in a spirit of love and every now and again renew this intention, enkindling your affection for God with some ejaculations, revive some thoughts that will keep alive always this love for him. Do all this with sweetness and tenderness of spirit. God is love, says the Beloved Disciple, and he who lives and works in love and with love, lives in God and God in him. To assist the sick, to console them and lighten their burdens is a work of charity. Even in this work, let us try to do it more out of love for ( d than natural affection: we mean to assist Jesus Christ, because he did not disdain to accept what is done to the poor sick as done to himself, when done out of love for him. Your dispositions to receive Communion are the best and from now on, you will have also the merit of obedience. The Novena we shall do when we are less busy, and for the time being we shall not talk about your vocation. The Lord can preserve and reawaken in you good and holy desires for different purposes. It would give the Lord great glory and be of great advantage to souls if you would live in the world with the heart of a discalced. For the present it is enough, we do not have to decide anything, but recommend ourselves much to the Lord. In the meantime, I think it is good for you to be with your family. As regards your interior and exterior conduct, I am not the least bit sorry for what has been decided. The most holy will of God will always be the only aim and rule of all that is to be done, as it has been till now. I intend visiting you when I hear from you that you are a little more free. In the meantime may the Lord bless you and renew you ever more in his holy love.

November l 9, 1792

To HER EXCELLENCY THE NOBLE LADY MARCHIONESS MAGDALEN OF CANOSSA

VERONA

(Round wax seal)

(Half a sheet, written on both sides—A.C.R., Al/l/6)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

It was a pleasure to receive your letter, and therefore write to me freely any time you need my help. In that way you will behave as a true spiritual daughter and I will endeavour always to behave as your true Father in the Lord. But my Daughter, you are asking my advice in a difficult matter. And yet it is more than reasonable to ask for it. To find the best and most suitable Confessor, is a matter of great importance specially when it concerns persons like you. I think it is almost absolutely necessary, for your sister and you to have a Confessor at your convenience and close by, only I am sorry that I know no person who could fulfil that ministry either at S. Lorenzo or at the Fratta. As regards the Parish Priest ... he is a great friend of mine and we know each other since the time when we were young. He has been a person of very good moral character, of sound doctrine but I fear that he is inclined to share in the goodness, sweetness and connivance of Fr ..., therefore if you will kindly inform me who are the Confessors in S. Lorenzo and the Fratta, I will find out if they are suitable and then give you my advice. It is enough if you give me their names.

Also embarassing is the news you give for the reason why your Aunt D'Arco has come. But to get out of the embarassment, your heart may help you more than anybody else. The Director has no right to decide that his spiritual daughter should choose one state in preference to another. He may only counsel her, always after reflecting over the inclinations he sees bending her heart, moved by the grace and inspiration of the Lord, more towards one or the other. Therefore question your heart and sometimes try to take sides with the proposal made, and then observe what it says and on which side it leans, where it finds greater peace. If the repulsion for that state is strong what reasons urge it: do they come from the senses or from the desire to serve the plan of Divine Providence. Again, a disposition to the married state is given by the Lord, it is a state of sanctity for those who know how to live it holily; and in the history of the Church we have many married people who became saints. Ponder over all these reflections. If they do not move or incline your heart to embrace marriage, rather your heart persists in not wanting anyone else but God, we shall answer in a stronger and precise tone. We have taken a year to decide your vocation if it be for the religious state or secular, but we have not taken a year to decide whether to marry or not. Just because one decides for the secular state, it does not mean one has decided for marriage, specially if the decision was not made capriciously but regulated by love for the Will of God. My Daughter, pray much to the Lord. Even these encounters are necessary to arrive at a more basic and firmer decision, in order to be assured that it is the Will of God. But I want you really to listen to your heart, because I am very sure God holds it in his hands and so I can tell you to take good note of its motions, whether they be for one state or the other.

As regards the young lady, I say without hesitation, let her go to the "Paulote"4 which will be the best thing for her. I approve that you console Countess Brenzoni by going one day to lunch with her. To console the afflicted is a work of mercy, you may go with this intention. Remember to go over several times, the maxims I have written for you. I will come when I am less busy and at your good pleasure. Courage, Marchioness, the one who wants to serve the Lord must be full of courage that comes from a true trust in him who can do all things and from a sincere distrust of ourselves. I bless you again and again desiring all the blessings of God on you.

November26, 1792

The path of the young Magdalen is strewn with difficulties, also because of her young fellow traveller in whom Magdalen—showing that she is rather a pessimist— discovers attitudes that worry her. But the Director recalls her to a sense of proportion and consequently to evaluate matters more serenely. The practice of mortification will help her to free her heart of so many anxieties and fears and to find courage and promptness to undertake to walk righteously in God's ways.

(Half a sheet, written only on one side—A.C.R., Al/1/17)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I greatly praise, rather I advise and exhort you to be clever enough to get Don Zorzi to hear the confession of your young sister, informing him however, that if she has recovered in health, it will be difficult for her to make her confession in the house; and in that case it would be better to ask him to come either to the Fratta or to S. Lorenzo, after having obtained the permission of the respective Parish Priests, and if Don Zorzi is willing to help her in the future, I would advise you to entrust her to him, because I fully trust him. Finally no one could make any comment as he is the confessor of the monastery from which she has just come out. Should this stratagem succeed I would have no difficulty if you choose the Oean of the Fratta as your Confessor. The next time you write to me, I will be happy to know the outcome of your stratagem. In the meantime I will try to obtain as much light as I possibly can about the persons whose names you have given me. My Daughter, I do not want you to be anxious. Try to give your young sister all the attention possible and be certain that God does not require more human prudence than one can have and that when a young lady . . . starts growing, the best means to help her is a good Confessor who will help her to grow in confidence and certainly keep her far away from bad company, but I think it is impossible to be wise enough to be able to shield every fault into which human inclination drags us. Do not afflict yourself excessively, because perhaps these defects stem more from the light-headedness of youth rather than from bad will. Take courage, if God is giving you some occasions for mortification. Mortification is very necessary to become saints, my Daughter, and without practice no skill is acquired and similarly without practice no virtue is acquired, therefore it is necessary to destroy within us a part of the old man, so that the new man all conformed to the virtues of Christ is born. It is a work that cannot be accomplished without great fatigue and sweat. But all things can be done with God's help. I recommend you to work with tranquillity, to raise your heart and mind frequently to God with affection and ejaculations until the Lord gives you greater opportunity to deal and converse with him only through prayer. Try to attend to it the best you can and as much as you can but without anxiety and restlessness.

God bless you.

(Double sheet, written on both sides. The lower left hand corner is frayed—

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Benedictus Deus! May the Lord be praised and blessed in all things. The matter concerning your little sister has been concluded, however, not with the perfection I would wish, but time will settle everything. To go to S. Andrea when ... is going to S. Fermo and Rustico is an excellent expedient. But I would not like that your sister, because of this reason, should go too rarely to Holy Communion and Confession. It is necessary to accustom her at this age to frequent the Sacraments, because my Daughter, the time will come, unfortunately, when for one reason or another, the usual interval of time will not be kept, but if now she is accustomed to frequent the Sacraments she will later on skip them less often. Take my advice: Don't be afraid to request Don Zorzi to do the charity of coming sometimes to a church near by so that going to S. Andrea or in another church she could approach the Sacraments at least every fifteen days. Rather, since we are talking about your sister, I advise you to talk to Don Zorzi on the matter regarding the French Teacher, so that he may cleverly and prudently find out the disposition of the Marchioness and the conduct of this teacher and he can hint to the young lady, in case your Uncle should want her to take up her studies again under such a teacher, that for the time being she herself would want to stop these studies or have another teacher if Don Zorzi would think it good. My Daughter, these french people are a questionable lot, besides their behaviour is too effeminate and polite, proper to persons of that nation, it is not in any way suitable for a young girl like your sister who is without father or mother. I want you to take this matter up very seriously and without scruples. I wish you would do it as secretly and hiddenly as you can, so as to avoid being judged scrupulous or any such thing, and not to hinder all the good God now wants from you in your family.

Let's come now to you: I am very satisfied with the choice of the Dean of the Fratta as your Confessor, and so we shall be free from all obstacles and satisfy your heart that desires to be fed with this food of love with greater frequency than in the past. I give you full liberty to go as many times as you desire. Regulate yourself with prudence to avoid the talk of idle people or displeasing your Uncle. My Daughter, for the present, leave aside every thought of your vocation, be attentive to follow the wishes of your God. He is working chastely in your heart; let us see that we do not turn aside the work of your perfection at this time with things that would be more of a hindrance than a help. Believe me Marchioness, this is a matter to be left in God's hands in all simplicity. You have very certain proofs of his love. You are disposed to do all that he wants and how can you doubt that at an opportune time he will not manifest those loving designs which from all eternity he has for you? I have no reasons to fear; and I want you too, to nourish this firm hope in exchange for his love. It may be, my Daughter, this desire is distracting your heart, causing agitation, insinuating anxiety. All this could impede those greater effects which now the Lord wants to produce in your soul. This can easily happen in your heart; at a time when it recognizes it is overwhelmed by God's mercies, as a purely natural movement, without acknowledging it as a direct intervention of God. Abandon yourself to the Lord, trust in obedience think of loving him and don't be afraid, we shall succeed. This is the sacrifice the Lord wants from you; believe me that with this you sacrifice yourself entirely to him.

Regarding the loving feelings you experience when you turn to Mary in your needs, it is a motive for you to attach yourself all the more, my Daughter, to this great Mother, to nourish sentiments of gratitude and devotion towards her in your heart. I am very content if you entrust the matter of your vocation to Mary and surely we shall experience her favour. My Daughter, it cannot in any way be pride, to recognize that she has answered your prayers without any merit on your part, rather it would be ingratitude not to recognize the good results as graces received through Mary.

Be fully in peace as regards the doubts about the vow, because even if it were there, this is not the time to put it into effect and we need not entertain any scruple which has no apparent and substantial foundation. May the Lord bless you and may he fill you with that peace which he came to bring to earth to all those of good will.

(Double sheet. written on both sides—A.C.R., A/119)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Although I have changed monastery, I have changed neither my heart nor my solicitude to serve the Lord in helping souls whom he is pleased to entrust to me for his greater glory inspite of my weakness and ignorance. You may freely command me. Since I firmly hope that it may give the Lord great glory. I serve you gladly and it would give me great displeasure to know that you treat me with some reserve.

I am not at all displeased that you choose to become a discalced to satisfy yourself. This is a sign that on your part, you naturally aspire to what is good. I do not forbid you to say it. As for me, it is enough that you desire only what God wants for you and that you maintain the disposition to sacrifice your every desire and self will for the will of God. Take care that this thought does not distract you from doing good during this present time and it does not divide your heart, that it may be all for and always fixed in God, specially in those moments when alone, you can with full freedom be in his arms. Remember, my Daughter, to do all that love suggests to find time to spend with God, but without anxiety, and when you are prevented from satisfying your desires, accept everything in peace, doing your work willingly, following those ends and intentions which I have already suggested to you. Our spirit, my Child, even if kept imprisoned can still always aspire to God.

Courage, my Daughter, God is giving much of himself to your heart and he intends to enrich it with his mercies. Do not get frightened if he also permits the devil to tempt you. He does it only to increase your merit and make it a motive to love you more. This is his style in dealing with those he loves and wants to use for his greater glory, as we see in Job, Tobit, Paul and many others. Go ahead with great trust in the Lord. Evil does not consist in being tempted, but in yielding to temptation. God will always be there with his help, as he says in very many places in Sacred Scripture. Continue to recommend yourself to Our Lady. Don't get agitated, my Daughter, keep as much tranquillity as you can in these storms, because even this is an efficacious means not to remain always crushed. I am glad that they are a source of horror because, as St. Francis de Sales used to say, as long as temptations displease us, they are like dogs who bark but do not bite. Have courage, I would give my soul as security that you never consent. I recommend you to be tranquil and receive the Sacraments frequently.

I am happy that you are satisfied with the Dean. My Marchioness, what am I to say about the invitation of Her Excellency Capitania? I do not want to make our devotions ostentatious in the eyes of the world. If you can sweetly and politely absent yourself, I will be pleased; if not, go just the same, only I warn you that the luncheon party does not end with going to the theatre if it is ever possible; because for this time I absolutely do not want you to appear impolite. In case it should happen that you have to go, fortify yourself before-hand with those reflections St. Francis de Sales suggests to his Filotea if she would be forced to attend a dance. I consent to your reading the devotions to Our Lady of Sorrows.

Oh God, how sorry I am at the state Teresina is, but if the Lord wishes to take her to heaven because of her illness, we should adore the divine dispositions. I order you to speak to the Doctor and find out if for the time being you must take some precautions and ask him to keep you informed should the illness take a serious turn, so that you can provide for her spiritual wellbeing, for your health and that of your sister, because otherwise, my Daughter, you will not be of help either to Teresina or to yourselves. I want you to love her but not to attach yourself to her because this is reserved fully for God.

I have spoken to Don Zorzi, and I listened to everything, to my great satisfaction; moreover, he has charged me to tell you that your information has been appreciated and whenever there is need, you may continue to tell him and I too suggest you do it. He has not replied in writing to avoid any occasion of suspicion for your little sister, and that he will help in the future too, solely for her sake whenever he receives any information from you.

My Daughter, I do not want us to get entangled because of your sister. We have to steer a different course in the world and therefore we can. with courage, turn our shoulders to its entanglements. God is telling us very clearly that he wants your heart just now for himself alone, and therefore it is proper to renounce everything else. But we cannot say that of your sister. I cannot approve of keeping her away from acquiring those refined graces that are expected in an aristocratic society. To refuse to go to the theatre once or twice this year would not displease your uncles very much. Reasons of health or some other excuses could be given but I would advise you not to resist learning to dance too much. My Daughter, I feel that it is necessary to adapt oneself to the duties of one's station in life, otherwise we would make devotion odious to the world. Where there is no absolute evil, it IS necessary to condescend as long as we do not see danger. If from now on you will have more time for prayer and to write to me, I will be very pleased. When I too am less tied up, I will be happy to pay you a visit, if it pleases you, since I have held back till now because of your duties. I will wait till you inform me as I have already said several times. In the meantime, my Daughter, walk with courage and simplicity. What have you to fear if you are in the arms of the Lord? Yes, my Daughter, God holds you in his hands. Believe me and live in this assurance. I think I have answered all and therefore I close blessing you.

(Half a sheet, written only on one side—A.C.R., Al/1/10)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Even illnesses are loving visits from the Lord. Even in illness one loves the Lord with a true love. Even in illness one can practise virtue and which beautiful virtue can be practised? All this you know already and all this, I believe, you will try to practise with a loving and sweet conformity to the most amiable Will of your God and Spouse. Who knows, my Daughter, if the Lord is not using this as a means to withdraw you from all the engagements of Carnival. If that is the case, very certainly we should say he loves you very much and is behaving like a little jealous Lover, but in any case you are very dear to him. My Daughter, I protest with all sincerity, that I really believe it is like this. May he be praised for everything and praise him with all your heart even if it were not so because all things work unto good for those who seek to love the Lord truly. Courage, my Daughter, remember to be obedient to the doctor solely out of love for the Lord; to take the remedies even if they are unpalatable, thinking of the gall and vinegar that the good Jesus tasted out of love for you; to be sweet with those who assist you and to use even the present situation to edify your neighbour with your obedience, patience, charity and sweetness. When you are well enough to receive me freely let me know and I will come most willingly. In the meantime I will not fail to recommend you to the Lord, so that he grant you health, and for this intention I bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

January 13, 1793

(The second half sheet is torn but not completely; the wax seal

is intact—A.C.R., Al/1/11)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Oh God, the more the Lord gives himself to you, my Daughter, the more you think he is far away from you. No, no, the Lord is in no way displeased with you, may be he is a little bit saddened because of your diffidence and resistance and perhaps, if I may add, at your slow submission to what I have been telling you. As long as Peter was full of faith and confidence, he walked over the water as if he were on firm and solid earth, but as soon as he felt a little breeze, his confidence diminished, he began to sink and would have been drowned, had not Jesus held him by the hand. Marchioness, if God is giving you faith in my miserable person, I tell you, and pledge my soul for it, you are doing well and God is with you. Courage, my Daughter, God has worked along the same lines with all the souls dear to him. Not for nothing has he given you those lively tugs of love. Through them, my Daughter, God has prepared and fortified you for these trials. But I pray you by all that you hold dearest, for God's sake I mean, do not neglect any of your exercises of devotion and do not resist the feelings of affection you have for God, the only object of your heart. Continue receiving Holy Communion sacramentally whenever you can and many times a day spiritually. Temptations are not sins and I want you to believe me. There is no need to confess them except in a general way because God permits them only to make you richer in merit. I permit you to read and sing those songs. Do leave the thoughts of your health in the hands of God, but do all that is necessary for your present condition. Marchioness, how is it possible for God to abandon a heart that so hates any thing contrary to purity? My Daughter, the heart cannot sin; the thoughts and imagination or any thing else that disturb you, do not stain or tarnish in any way the beauty of. that lovely virtue of purity when the heart is fully for God. Cheer up, let us walk with courage and trust in God along these paths. They are rugged and hard but they bring us to God. Steep and narrow is the path that leads to life. I renew the blessing and the merit of obedience to improve in health. All things are possible with the help of God.

(A single sheet, written only on one side—A.C.R., Al/1/12)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I plan to visit you next Tuesday if the weather is not very bad and no unavoidable duty prevents me; in case you are not available kindly inform me. And what have we to say, my Daughter? ... Let us adore the divine dispositions. Let us look upon these combinations as master strokes of that wise and loving hand who with strength and sweetness means to detach our heart from the things of earth and he makes us touch sensibly the vain support of creatures, so that we may aspire and be united only to God, our true friend and our spirit's only resting place. Let us abandon ourselves ever more to the loving arms of our God, and in him and leaning on him tet us not be afraid even if all the armies of hell break loose against us. My Daughter, let us allow God to lead us in the matter concerning your sister. We know that all those educated in Castiglione are well behaved. Perhaps even in these changes, the loving Providence of God is hidden, and it will be manifested as time goes by. With regard to Teresina, I think it is proper that you consult your heart and after having prayed, believe that God wants you to stay on what you feel inclined. I am very much consoled to know of the affection and comfort God is giving you in prayer. Respond to God's mercies, because this is the nourishment and food with which God feeds the souls most dear to him and he strengthens them for everything. Oh God! how can I not want to approve of that silent and quiet prayer, which I have desired for you for quite some time. When it comes from God, I want to say every time God wants to give you this sweet rest, stay there, do not mind if you do not understand, neither entertain fears that you are wasting time, because my Daughter, this is the best way to use time. The soul is more fortified in half an hour spent in this quiet prayer than in several hours of the other kind. I remind you to be confident, courageously despise your apprehensions. May God bless you now and always.

(A double sheet, written on three pages. Many tears along the

folds and lower margin—A.C.R., A115167)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

It is certainly necessary in an affair of such importance and great consequences, to take the surest, cautious and prudent means, but let us also believe everything does not end with these precautions. When real prejudicial inconveniences are discovered, the evil is to be remedied with courage and without scruples, beginning with the causes from which they originate and managing everything with charity and christian prudence. As regards your Uncle, I think it is a vague fear and things are going on as before. I pray the Lord, that they stay so always. In all that concerns your worthy sister, let us leave the conduct of her marriage proposal to the Divine pleasure which certainly, in its own time will give you consolation. Next, about the young girl who wishes to become a nun, I think, if God wants her in that state, he will open up the way for her, but if you do not succeed in this, for one reason or another, it would mean that he disposes otherwise. Every now and again such cases spring up. Any way let us not precipitate any decision. Let us temporize as much as we can also with the young man who wants to marry her. If he has good habits, has the means to maintain her and the consent of their parents, the proceedings for such a project are not to be cut off except for a different opening. For the other young girl to be placed to serve Regina, I have no difficulty at all, and if it comes to pass, do not fear for Regina, for I am quite convinced that in her goodness she will not be the cause of any harm.

Let us come now to us, my Daughter. The Lord is testing you, a most sure sign that he loves you and is expecting something of you. I approve and am quite consoled that you are trying not to let any evil you may have committed enter your mind or your thoughts. You already know that I put you under obedience but it consoles me because it seems to me that I am discovering that you are improving in this virtue. It is the most efficacious means to preserve peace of heart in the midst of the storms of this miserable life, consequently an efficacious means to reach perfection and acquire divine love in a short time. My Daughter trust in this beautiful virtue of obedience, try your best to practise it as simply as you can, specially in submitting your own opinion and apprehensions which now and again seize you and make you restless. Besides be assured that sins are not committed without the will and without awareness, and therefore do not give any thought as to how many sins you have committed! If we are talking about venial sins committed because of our weakness that can be said; but if we are referring to real and formal sins, no, and again no, we have nothing to fear that they are sins, specially in one who has no bad habits but in her heart nourishes a genuine desire to love her God and is attentive not to want to offend him. And so, my Daughter, do not allow these troublesome thoughts to make you lose heart. It is absolutely not true. It seems to you that they happen that way, but it is not true. It is unfortunately an anguish that afflicts many souls on this point, but it is not so. Despise these vain apprehensions very much. I am content that in this matter you entirely distrust yourself and do not distress yourself, but be circumspect in guarding your senses and be careful to flee as much as lies in your power, from all that could be a reasonable motive or occasion for these thoughts. For the rest, live fully, abandoned in the love and goodness of your God who is always watching over you to help you and defend you. Placing ourselves in the heart of Jesus, let us deepen our desires to serve him ever more faithfully and love him ever more ardently, placing before him our insufficiency in big things with sentiments of true humility and patience, firmly hoping that there may not be wanting all the help necessary to give him that glory which he wants and the way he wants it of us. Yes, yes, let us live with such faith in the divine goodness. Continue to receive Holy Communion frequently, be diligent in treasuring those few moments the Lord grants you to stay at his feet and adore him, always content with the way he deals with you. During the day and between one occupation and another, do not forget to turn to him with some brief and loving ejaculations continually, nourishing your heart with trust in the God who is all love for us and pleased when we honour him by practising this beautiful virtue. The Lord bless you and enrich vou ever more with his divine mercies.

without date

A double sheet, written only on one page—A.C.R., Al/1/13)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Truly your restlessness gives me food for thought. But any way I do not feel I can change my opinion. I have prayed to the Lord and I do not repent for what I have said. I see that this decision may be somewhat repugnant to human nature because it demands a detachment of some consequence, even if it is not apparent and limits in some way, a spirit which for certain family situations, had never been restricted as it should have been according to your age and lineage had the Lord kept your father alive. I wouldn't wish, my Daughter, that this could be the hidden motive of your restlessness. Besides it is certain that to face something new for one who is very sensitive, causes some restlessness. My Daughter, I see your heart attached to God and in possession of the truth. Anyhow I have not discovered suresigns and undoubted proofs of a religious vocation . On the other hand I see a constant aversion to the married state. Therefore I say, let us follow that way which does not shut the door to whatever plans the Lord may have for you, and which at the same time, keeps us out of danger of those stumbling blocks which we, living in the world inevitably and necessarily encounter, when we want to give ourselves truly and perseveringly to God. I will want to visit you on Thursday morning of this week and we shall come to some conclusion. Please inform me only if you are not free. Courage, my Daughter, God is not reached without the continual denial of our inclinations and without suffering. May the Lord bless you and make you his ever more and more.

June 16. 1793

To HER EXCELLENCY THE NOBLE LADY MARCHIONESS MAGDALEN OF CANOSSA VERONA

(Round wax seal)

(A double sheet, written only on one side—A.C.R., Al/1/14)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I am very pleased that you have found your peace and your God in prayer. I protest, my Daughter, that it would cause me great sorrow to see you too quiet in the resolution taken, but anyway, I would not wish to budge, since I feel more than ever convinced that this is the Will of the Lord and there is no better way than this in the present situation. Being discalced is not for you, because I have not discovered signs of a vocation to the religious state and if I have been sure that God has not called you to be discalced, it is most certainly now. The insistence of the Dean that you go to the Dimesse as a boarder—a thing I cannot agree with—makes me think. I will find the convenient hour and the time to talk to him in his house before I meet you. I would not wish that this should happen without the knowledge of your Uncle and the insistence of the Dean makes me suspect that he is in connivance with the Dimesse and he cleverly and prudently gives you to understand that he is very much concerned to keep everything secret. My Daugher, be in peace, even should this be the intention of the Dimesse, when we have your Uncle's consent, everything will turn out well. So I hope. I will come to visit you this coming Thursday, the feast of the Visitation; but I tell vou confidentially that I will first talk privately to the Teacher, because I think he is free that day and I would wish to know if he has any doubts. Do not say anything to him and do not give a hint to anyone. I bless your Communions and I wish with all my heart that the Lord consoles you with regard to your sister. Courage, courage. God bless you.

TO HER EXCELLENCY

TF{F NORT.F T JAI)Y MARCFIIONFCs MAC.r)AI FN (1F CANOCRA

{Round wax seal)

The prospect of a temporary withdrawal ended up in l V smoke and Magdalen seems crushed under the weight of a serious decision, agreed upon by Don Libera and her Guardian-Uncle: Magdalen must stay with her family and take care of Rosa "until she would marry" (CANOSSA M., "Memoirs" no. 16). Moreover her Director wrote: "we regard the matter of our vocation as closed". Magdalen is dismayed. The exercise of virtue and the practice of prayer, but made with simplicity, will be the two firm points to which to cling to, not to stagger under the hard blows from the "master hand of God" of whose Will, Don Libera is the humble but authoritative interpreter. There is nothing left for the young Marchioness except to obey. But for the rest, is there a more radical consecration than obedience, lived with love, in the daily sacrifice of one's will in resemblance of Him who "became obedient until death"? (Phil. 2:8)

Double sheet, written on both sides. A.C.R., Al/l/15)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I truly desired to know how you feel, since it seemed to me I left you somewhat confused that day. I am very happy to hear about your Uncle and that the matter has been concluded in such a way, that I cannot but recognize the hand of God in it. In the meantime, my Daughter, we have to look upon the matter of our vocation as closed and for the present we have only to think of sanctifying ourselves with those means which will please the Lord to give us day by day. We shall put our attention on holding on to virtue and specially on the practice of love for the Will of God in the various situations and circumstances iri which it will please the Lord to put us. Prayer will be our food. But here, my Daughter, I do not want much study and much perplexity in holding on to one way rather than another. The less you think, the more your heart will be attracted by God. To pray well, one needs more heart than head and therefore I desire that you cultivate much the presence of God and do not expect to have heaven always open. Even the most contemplative saints had their times of obscurity, aridity, and were stripped of every sensible comfort. Let us live this life with sweetness, trust and with a great love, endeavouring to please God, at times even without the pleasure of knowing that he is pleased.

It is very true, my Daughter, that I asked Mother Luigia to write to you what I feel, but I want, as I have said above, that we look upon this matter as closed. Neither therefore because of this, are we going to oppose the dispositions of God, rather I consider it the only means to know them when God would dispose otherwise.

You have managed very well with your sister and let us sympathize with her, because the Lord deserves it and she as well. I do not remember having agreed or told you not to ask more graces from the Lord. Marchioness, this is Qne of those apprehensions that you, with great resolutions, promised me to disregard. We need God's help every day and often we are in such circumstances that we are in need of some special grace and help, and it would certainly be a blunder not to ask it from the only one who can give it; more so when He Himself teaches us in the Gospel to ask for it. Therefore put aside every scruple and listen to all that the Dean has said and I too agree with him.

I have no difficulty whatsoever, that you satisfy the care of that Mother in the way you have informed me. Do it, but since you are putting it in writing do so after reflection and with all circumspection .

Be somewhat cautious in ass-suming some tasks. I do not absolutely forbid you being helpfulll to your neighbour and when you have the opportunity to connsole and provide for some persons, without too many compliocations, do it. But if it should be undertaking a work that requiress too much involvement, I do not think it opportune just now for r your spiritual profit, unless it is a matter of serious consequence.

Courage, my Daughter, let thee world say what it wants; it is enough for us to please God. Besideles, I tell you that I have heard you being praised by several wise; and prudent persons. I have just received the news from the Tercese of the death of their aspirants. Let us recommend them to thoe Lord. Oh God, how much I feel about it! May the Lord bless yoou.

(Half a sheet, written on one side only. A.C.R., Al/2/16)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Oh how many woes, my Daughter, how many woes! And how can one ever love a life which is only woven with fears, anxieties, temptations, dangers and illness of every kind? And yet it is proper to adore the divine dispositions and not want anything but what God wants. Oh when will it ever be, my Daughter, that we will live totally and entirely according to the divine will without thinking of tomorrow, but working today, only and always according to the good pleasure of that God who is the only object of our thoughts, affections and of all our claims? Come on, take courage, put up with all our anxieties which we have to endure for one day. So it is, my young Marchioness. I renew the order to recollect yourself for a very brief moment of time, twice every morning, twice after lunch and once in the evening; and this, it is understood, while you are in the midst of your domestic duties, because I do not mean that you are to exempt yourself from all the good you can do, and which your occupations, conveniences allow you, and if you want to say, your distractions too. I am content, provided you learn to put up with yourself, live in peace, get rid of your useless fears and nourish your heart with a loving and sweet trust in God who has given you so many proofs of his love. As long as we are nourishing ourselves with this beautiful virtue, we shall be dear to our good God and all the opportune help to-love him will not be wanting. Yes, my Daughter, love him and love him in the midst of all that is human and imperfect, which he allows us to feel, so that we may keep ourselves faithful in humility and maintain the knowledge of our nothingness, so necessary to persevere in his divine service. Keep up your courage! I am consoled that your Uncle is better and Teresina is in the countryside. The Lord and his Mother, the Virgin Mary, will console us at the right time, for all that still remains. Cherish this hope warmly and God will certainly fulfil it. I recommend you to receive Holy Communion as often as you can. Let us help ourselves through this great means and certainly all the time which we spend in it is spent for God. When I know that you have more time at your disposal, I will visit you. In the meantime be cheerful. In the morning, offer all your actions to the Lord and say that you want none but Him and for Him alone you will live and die. The Lord bless you now and always.

Without date

(A half sheet, badly torn—A.C.R., A1/2/17)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I received your esteemed letter dated 11th, on the 12th. I say that to assure you of our meeting, and I say too, that it was very dear to me and with that let us finish with our ceremony. I am very willing to serve you and nothing can give me greater consolation than that you avail yourself with filial liberty in all this and all I can do for your peace. Besides, to come to the point, I say first of all: I do not want you to be so anxious; because if again you would have to see to the education of the young Marchioness . . in Castiglione, I think, you do not have to worry your Uncle by presenting him immediately with another new thing. My Daughter, it is proper that one who wants to serve God and walk the way of perfection, should habituate oneself to take things calmly and sweetly, never turning the heart from Divine Providence, on which such a soul must find all her comfort. In the meantime, my Daughter, since your young sister is going away, you will be freed from many preoccupations and obligations and I am of the opinion that we should experiment how things go in the house. But for the moment, let us put the heart in peace, let us wait and see what happens and then at the right time, we shall act according to the Will of God. What I have at heart in this matter is that you are not to be an accomplice in all those deceits and given the occasion, you are to regulate yourself in a way that is not snobbish but simple so that it be known that you have no hand in all that. With regard to the young lady, reply what you have written to me and which is just what you must reply and stay out of every embarrassment.

My Daughter, I have received two of your letters without you giving me an inkling of your interior life and without telling me anything of what I have at heart. I pardon you this time, but remember when you write to me, I desire always, but always, to have a word about what goes on in your heart, and that you give me an account of your obedience, and most of all, if you are going ahead with courage in despising those vain fears and apprehensions which serve for nothing except to delay our progress in loving the Lord. May the Lord bless you. Do not forget me before the Lord and I give you my word of never forgetting you at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The tempest in Magdalen's heart has abated and a new l 7 light has arisen, certainly through the intercession of

Our Lady. The Director is pleased because together with a more enlightened knowledge of God's divine mercy which she continues to experience, his "Daughter" progresses also in self-knowledge, drawing sentiments of gratitude and love from it. But he warns her also against temptations to discouragement caused by some infidelity to her resolutions, leaning more on momentary fervour, which unconsciously makes her rely on her own strength and not exclusively on God's help. What will make her pliable in directing securely the rudder of her little boat, instead, will be diffidence in herself in proportion to her trust in God.

(A double sheet, written on two sides. On the right side of the

fold there is a big tear.—A.C.R., A1/2/18)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Here I am my Daughter, a little bit late because of some circumstances, but I am ready to serve you with the same love and with greater care. I am very happy that you recognize the affection and love with which God comes to you by a simple act of his mercy. Because, my Daughter, there is no more suitable and efficacious knowledge than this: to return the love of a God of such goodness. At the same time, to know our poor correspondence is a right light and a legitimate consequence of this sweet knowledge. The brighter the light, the more the least stain can be discovered and then in comparison to this excellent divine love, must not human love, I mean to say that of a creature, seem weak, of little or no value? I do not speak of this because I do not want to believe all that you write about your miseries and imper fections. My Daughter, Iwill speak freely, as regards miseries, you do not see the least part of your miseries as God who alone searches the heart, sees in you. Oh God, how ugly we would be to ourselves, my Daughter, if God would uncover all our evil, right to its depths! He knows it perfectly, and inspite of it he loves us. Let us not lose courage. The more miserable we are, the more it will serve to show the Lord's greatness, because, my Daughter, God is more glorified in being merciful and loving towards one who does not merit it than from one who is less unworthy. So it pleases our good God to act, as it is expressed in the parable of the Good Shepherd, who goes in search of the lost sheep, leaving the ninety-nine faithful for some time. Oh, the abundance of the Divine Goodness ! O excess of Divine Love ! My Daughter, I wish that from our very miseries, we would draw motives to know his kindness more and be stimulated to love him more. Besides, my Daughter, it could be that your inconstancy to your resolutions, stems partly from not leaning entirely on God. It is easy, when sometimes we feel fervent, to make holy resolutions, but they are not made, keeping in mind our insufficiencies and our lack in that entire and total dependence on God. Therefore, be warned my Daughter, to depend on him alone, so also in prayer and have no fear of every little distraction. Oh God, how I would wish, my Daughter, to convince you fully that God takes note of the heart more than the head! Cheer up, my Daughter, walk with courage and with confidence and I assure you truly that I am very glad that things are not so bad as you think. May God be blessed in everything.

I come now to the advice you desire of me. I am of the opinion, that given the opportunity of the very good encounter, to notify your Aunt of the obstacles that could hinder the good results of this affair since it could prevent difficulties much more, as you say, if your Aunt is informed. This step will be taken by the Teacher, and for your greater peace, I give you the merit of obedience for everything. Let not the two years worry you, because already your Aunt, as well as your Uncles will take those measures and care that is done in such circumstances, so we have to believe.

I have yet two more words to say, as in your goodness, you inquire about my health. From my first indisposition, I have recovered, thanks be to God, but another has been added which leaves me weak. With the help of God, I hope to recover also from it. Being occupied in hearing Confessions and because of the holidays and my poor health, I find myself full of debts. I think to use the little strength that I have to satisfy as many religious sisters as I can and then I will keep December 9, to come to you. May the Lord through his blessing grant you to enjoy the present situation ever more and fill you with his mercies and graces.

(A single sheet written only on one side—A.C.R., A 1/2/19)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I think it is my duty to write a few lines to you, to sustain your spirit so that you are not crushed under feelings so unavoidable to our miserable human nature and turn away from that submission, which in every case and every situation, we owe God, if we want to be united to him with all our heart and affection. For all this, please do not think that I am condemning you because this loss makes you feel sad and your eyes are filled with tears. Provided we do not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed, I cannot condemn a tribute to being human. Moreover my Daughter, how many motives for consolation, comfort and hope, wellfounded and sure, does the Lord not give you, having taken him and placed him in the beautiful place of peace. His life was always Christian and exemplary. His long and painful illness, the frequent reception of the Sacraments, the assistance of so many Religious, the reception of all the Last Rites of the Church, what more can we desire, my Daughter, to be able to hope more surely that he is saved, and in exchange for having lost him, we are more sure of enjoying copious fruits of that affection and love in which he held you? Remember that the best suffrage we can pay for our dear departed is precisely the sacrifice of our will to the divine dispositions Do it then, my Daughter, to a God who does everything well and merits everything. May the Lord in this holy feast of Christmas, exchange this affliction with his heavenly blessings, for which with all my heart I desire and pray. Do not give any thought to the future. Abandon this thought to God and we shall take the proper resolutions that he desires. May the Lord bless and console you.

(A double sheet, written on both sides and having many folds

and tears—A.C.R.* Al/2/20)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Inspite of not having informed you, I talked last week with the Abbess of the Redentore who is very inclined to agree to what you desire when she is in a position to accept a lay sister. She told me: "Truly we not only need them but it is a necessity for us. But for the present, we are not in a position to take in any persons. Assure the Marchioness that in case we take a decision, the candidate she recommends will be given the first preference, if she is free to join us, because I do not mean that she should be pledged to join us. If in the meantime she finds an opening elsewhere, ready to receive her, she may do so. I can only give you my word to give her preference over others. In fact, Msgr. Vicar gave a strong recommendation for another young girl. I told him that I will keep my word to the Marchioness of Canossa and therefore I cannot for the time being give any pledge." She also asked me to present her respects to you. So my Daughter, all you must understand is that there is no commitment and when there is an opportunity to place her with the Terese, I tell you, decide what you think is the Will of God and what is better for the girl. Just make sure about the way to do it and stop worrying. This I tell you and require of you.

Certainly I should lament your little submission, but because I do not want to believe you are doing it deliberately, rather than complain, I want to sympathize and encourage you so that you do not lose heart. In whatever situation God puts you, adore and love his will. Ah Daughter, let us try to keep our heart empty of every affection, of all that is not God, and for the rest, let us abandon ourselves into the hands of that Father who knows better than us, all that can be for our greater good. He loves us, he has always loved us with an act of his loving and free choice, let us hope he will do so in the future too. Our failings must not terrify us too much. Remember my Daughter, that these too can serve for the greater glory of God. We must always disapprove of them, but sometimes it is necessary to be patient with ourselves and never allow ourselves to be discouraged and lose heart. Moreover if your indisposition should continue, I want you to talk to the Doctor and when he judges it necessary to let some blood submit to it obediently. If ever Fr Graziani should come to suggest something to you, try to find out what could be his intentions and his wishes, and having heard him, take your time to decide, because these are not decisions to be taken in a hurry. In the meantime we shall think over, and we hope that God will deign to give us light to do his Will. I am willing to give you permission to fast three days in the week, that is, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, when you are in good health, and if you have recovered from the letting of blood, should you have to undergo it, but then with this, I mean that you are to take your chocolate every morning. Take heart my Daughter, let us leave the thought of Mantova to the Lord's dispositions. In the meantime, with a spirit of obedience and simplicity, let us frequently receive the Sacraments. Remember to rise above your fears which, my Daughter, serve only to tie down your spirit and delay your progress. Believe me, believe me. May the Lord bless you and make you holy.

March 3, 1794

To HER EXCELLENCY,

THE NOBLE LADY MARCHIONESS MAGDAT EN OF CANOSSA

VERONA

(Wax seal)

Don Libera's suggestions, done with the intention of / /, preventing his beloved "Daughter" from stumbling and falling, have no immediate effect. The young Marchioness besides worrying about the lack of a solution to the problem of her vocation, is irked by "domestic difficulties". Troublesome intricate preoccupations besiege her on every side, so her fervour, enthusiasm, ardour, the moments of ineffable intimacies with her Lord are remote remembrances, perhaps illusions that fade forever. Magdalen fears she is lost ... but her spiritual guide is at her side, untiringly pointing out the goal and the efficacious means to reach it.

double sheet, written only on one side. There are many tears on the folds—

A.C.R.. Al/2/21)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

May 20, 1794

I suppose that your Aunt, Lady d'Arco is a woman of prudence and foresight, so I think it is opportune that you inform her in all secrecy of these domestic difficulties, perhaps she can help you in this affair which is very important. Take heed, my Daughter, when writing to her, to show her both sides of the matter, your regret in disturbing her and that you have no other aim than to share a part of your sorrows with your Aunt in whom you have full confidence. It will not be useless to beg her to keep it secret so that she be better informed. All this you must do for the peace and propriety of the family, because, should discord break out, your Aunt could certainly complain that you did not inform her in time. Recommend yourself to the Lord and write to her when you think it prudent. I have no difficulty if you confide in the Teacher and give your opinion, in all that you see, always keeping in mind peace and prudence, and regulating yourself accordingly. I would think, my Daughter, that before Teresina is transferred to the countryside, try and see first if you can talk to her Confessor so as to put her in peace, otherwise I fear it will not be of much use to give her a change of air. I desire that you behave virtuously in having to detach yourself from her for some time. Yes, my Daughter, let us leave it to God to take care of your sister and he will provide according to her need. In the meantime let us take courage and accustom ourselves to keep our goals very high, in the vicissitudes of this miserable life, ordained by God or permitted by him to detach our affection ever more from transitory and apparent goods and to unite ourselves more to Him, the only centre and foundation of our heart and our happiness. Our evil helps us to rise nearer to God. I want you to trust much in the Lord. Every now and again, give your heart to him with affection, offering him with a spirit of patience, all your work, even your tedium, which it is not wrong to feel, but gives us occasions for gaining great good. Be assured that the Lord loves you very much. Courage, courage. Do what you can for that woman and be sure that on my part, I will scrupulously keep secret what you communicate to me. I will see you this coming Monday. The Lord bless you and make you a great saint.

To HER EXCELLENCY

THE NOBLE LADY MARCHIONESS MAGDALEN OF CANOSSA VERONA

FIRST INTERLUDE

At this point Don Luigi Libera's letters present a lacuna. From May 1794 one passes immediately to the second half of December (Novena for Christmas), a gap of six months! And when the correspondence picks up again, the tone is very normal as if there were no interruption at all.

The most obvious hypothesis is that some letters have been lost, but another, more reliable perhaps, can be presented. It can be noted in the letter of May 20, 1794, that there is an allusion to a delicate family situation: "domestic difficulties"—so writes Don Libera—a situation which obviously must be guarded with the greatest care. Fearful of some indiscreet eyes, Magdalen with what and how much regret God knows, must have decided to destroy her Director's letters, most comprising in this respect.

A third hypothesis would see reflected in this lack of correspondence, the state of interior uneasiness of Marchioness Magdalen, who felt misunderstood, as if frustrated in her aspirations to join the Carmel. Could it be a suspension then of Don Libera's direction to be attributed to the empty interior of his "Daughter"? This hypothesis is not to be excluded a priori, rather in the beginning it seemed to us most acceptable. But now, on calmer reflection we would decide in favour of the second hypothesis.

To conclude: the same motive which explains the erasure would justify the lack of letters. It could coincide with the end of a stage in the spiritual journey of the young Magdalen who at the beginning of 1795 presents her desire of accomplishing one of her initiatives—the foundation in Verona of a monastery of discalced Carmelites. Perhaps as we have written elsewhere the Marchioness sees in the eventuality a sort of compensation for her inability "to be called the discalced of the Lord".

(A double sheet, written on both sides, well preserved. A.C.R., A1/4/46)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Your letter has been most pleasing to me on every count; specially your frequent reception of Holy Communion and I wish that the Lord grant you the opportunity of being able to receive it ever more frequently. I praise and approve your daily reception of it during this Novena. And, my Daughter, we can only be strong with this food of the strong and it is impossible to receive this food of life frequently without growing greatly in love which is the true life of our soul. I know what you would like to tell me, but my Daughter, you are forced to confess from your trials and experience that God is good not only in Himself but also to you. And therefore, why not trust him entirely and nourish a sure and firm hope that he will make you all his own? Remember my Marchioness, that this is the way to be grateful to your Divine Benefactor, pleasing him and pledging him to continue to increase his mercies till he has led you to fulfil his loving designs. So it is my Daughter. I have understood and with much pleasure, that you have passed through your usual anxieties and dejection with greater ease. Oh God, how much I desire that the Lord will free you from this hindrance and delay in the way of perfection. I want you to be humble without reserve and without limit, but there is no true humility which is not also joined to a complete confidence in God. At the knowledge of your defects and failings, turn to your God, ask his pardon, throw yourself in his arms with the desire of not offending him again. All our sufficiency comes from him alone and only he can help us because he has compassion on our miseries and he knows that by ourselves we are capable only of offending him. Courage, courage. May the Lord deign to console you and I will not fail to pray with all my heart for this. Everyone speaks well of the Marchioness . . . . God grant her constancy and perseverance since the situation she is in, I think, must cost her much and even more having to adapt herself to religious simplicity. When the vocation is genuine, God does not fail to help, and as long as there is correspondence to it, it will be of great edification. Otherwise it would be harmful to her and the monastery.

If the young girl we have talked about, would be destined to serve the young widower, I would certainly regard her as being in an occasion of great danger and I would advise you to provide for her elsewhere. If the widower's mother, being a refined lady as you say, would keep her in her service, the girl would be more secure than before. Inform them that they may keep her in the house on that condition and take those measures which prudence and charity dictate. I know that your Aunt, Lady Brenzoni is looking for a young maid who knows how to dress the hair; if she knows this, you know where to place her.

Let us say a word about our Teresina. God loves her and so he sends her suffering. Whom God loves, he chastises: he himself has said it. St. Teresa said that the balance against which the love of God is weighed and its quality gauged, is suffering for love of him and carrying the Cross willingly and patiently, at least with the will, because it is rather difficult for the body not to complain and to writhe in pain. Therefore be strong and do not get frightened if you sometimes feel what you would not want to feel, because without these contradictory feelings there would be no true cross and this brings us greater merit before God. The Lord bless you both and fill you with his heavenly blessings and that peace which he brings to earth to give to all those of goodwill, which truly I desire for you in this holy Christmas season.

P.S. The Marchioness Carlotta has been accepted up till now, only by word of mouth, because she will enter the monastery only at the beginning of Lent as has been said.

(A double sheet, written only on one side, with a hole near a fold)—

A.C.R., Al/2/22)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Really I am telling you the truth, my Daughter, what you told me has surprised me very much, and although the vow may be valid according to the results of the consultation, it seems to me to be a circumstantial case, so that it would be necessary to have some more consultations to see if there can be a just motive to ask for a dispensation, very easily obtained for a simple vow taken by an only son, at an immature age. Anyway, let us adore with all submission, what God has permitted and let us thank him that the affair remained secret and also that the Marchioness Magdalen draws profit from the event. O God, my Daughter! Man proposes but God disposes according to that order which in his infinite Providence from all eternity, he was pleased to establish for the good of his creatures. In the meantime, let us sweetly and confidently put our attention-on another matter, and we hope that God in his own good time, will listen to our just desires. Since we are already on the subject of vows, I say: you are not to think of doing something new with regard to yours, but continue the same way as much in renewing it as to the method of accusing yourself in Confession, because it is my firm intention that in all this, nothing is to be changed. I am very happy that you and Teresa as well receive Holy Communion frequently, every day if the opportunity presents itself. But I desire too, my Daughter, that you keep far from scruples and discouragement. Obedience desires you to be circumspect and cautious, but not scrupulous, it wants you to be humble, full of holy diffidence, with a salutary knowledge of your own misery but in no way dejected and discouraged. A heart which allows itself to be dominated by discouragement will not do great things for the Lord, nor even make great progress in love. Only a humble and trustful heart will reach there and such a heart I want you and Teresa to have.

My Marchioness, as to the foundation, I can only foresee a crop of major difficulties in the terms proposed. I am of the opinion that first of all you should pursue the matter with the Prince to obtain the necessary permission to found a monastery, which may be a hard bone to chew. Having obtained the permission, ways to begin the work will not be lacking, if it pleases the Lord. For St. Teresa, the foundation consisted in only buying the house and sometimes renting it. This is a work, my Daughter, which is to be done chiefly through Divine Providence. I would think it a great miracle, in these times, to obtain the permission to raise a new monastery. If the Lord deigns to work this miracle, I would not doubt at all that he will accordingly provide the ways and the means of subsistence. My Daughter, in short, we shall talk again about it and I will inform you. In the meantime I bless vou and wish you to be a great saint.

January 26, 1795

To HER EXCELLENCY

THE NOBLE LADY MARCHIONESS OF CANOSSA

(Imprint of wax seal)

VERONA

(A single sheet, written on one side, torn where there is a fold—

A.C.R.. Al/2123)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

April l2, 1795

And what have we to say, my Daughter? The life of a Christian is interwoven with good and bad; it is a loom with the warp and woof of toil and pain, of anxieties and fears. We live far away from that only Good who can satisfy our heart and in a situation in which one can lose him. But then we have to hope with all firmness, of not losing him because of his infinite love and mercy. Courage, my Daughter. Let us willingly put up with the burden of this miserable exile, and let us remember that if we suffer with Christ, we shall one day be glorified with Christ. So our Faith assures us. Very certainly we ourselves create many of our troubles. Oh God, what apprehensions! Oh God, what anxieties! I should complain of the little spirit with which you serve so good a God, who gives you so many proofs and pledges of his love, and has given you so many signs of predestination. But I do not want to do it because I do not want to be harsh with you. I desire that, the love of God and for God alone, be the sole motive that moves you and urges you in the practice of virtue. Courage, my Marchioness, it was an expected thing, that after a time of comfort, some particular trials would follow. This is the usual way the Lord leads the souls he loves and wants to strengthen in the way of perfection. I am very happy the Spiritual Exercises did not upset you and also that everything else is well. My God, what unfortunate fears have been planted within you and what a miserable support we found, my Daughter, to have a little rest from these fears! Sleep? How much better it would have been to abandon yourself in the arms of our heavenly Father who takes so much care of us! For this too, I pardon you since there is no evil in it and the motive of the fear is so good that it compensates for everything. The agitation of Easter day is a bit too much to accept. My Daughter, there is no sin where there is no will and awareness. The agitation has been excessive as regard that Woman. If we have had to do with a girl it would have been justifiable, but with a woman whom we suppose to have as much care, it has been too much. Now calm down. I hope by now you have been to confession, but believe me, Daughter, even before confessing it, you could have lived in peace. A generous and simple abandonment in God is a great remedy to the perturbations of this miserable life. During this week, I will be away in the countryside for two or three days, therefore we will not be in contact with each other, but certainly next week, God willing. I bless you in the name of the Lord, yes, you and Teresina so that both of you may walk the way of the Lord with spirit and courage and may you both keep good health. Have faith, have faith.

(A single sheet, written only on one side, badly torn along

the fold—A.C.R., A112124)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Finally after many attempts I succeeded to talk with that person. He did not discover signs of a vocation. It is true that for quite some time he found her more mature in her way of thinking and behaving. Anyway I would not risk saying now, that she may have a vocation, rather I opposed everything she told me on this subject without saying yes or no. I thought that by herself she must have understood that I am not inclined to agree that she has a religious vocation. Besides when she decides to consult Zechinelli she should not be prevented from doing it, because certainly if she would insist or show a leaning towards the religious state in a way that he will believe that she is called, he would not be the only one to decide and settle on such a point that the subject is excellent and meets his full satisfaction. My Daughter, for the present do not show that you know anything, even though she may give her confidence to Teresina with the intention to inform you of her desires, in that case it would be necessary to please her and then we shall think of the way to do it.

My Daughter, we are in the Novena to the Holy Spirit. So now, let us try in these days to gain his favour through the mediation of our great advocate, Our Lady, in order that his gifts and his love may be showered abundantly on our souls so that fortified by them, we may keep his temple which we ourselves are, pure and uncontaminated in his most pure eyes and we may adorn and beautify them with holy virtues so pleasing to him. My Daughter, let us show him our poverty, so that he can make us rich; our timidity, so that he can make us strong, courageous, humbly confident, seraphims of love. The Lord bless you and Teresa. After the Feast we shall hear from each other but I shall let you know. Receive Holy Communion as often as you can. Walk confidently and free from vain fears. Amen.

(A double sheet, well preserved, written on both sides—A.C.R., A 1/2125)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

The liking and the fanaticism of our city for foreigners, I believe, may give much merit and credit to these French Professors. It is true that I heard from the doctor of the Count of Provenza, who speaks well of him and characterizes him as a learned person and a gentleman; but on hearing your opinion, I would not judge evil of him and whenever it would be necessary to pay a visit, you would need to find some wise and mature person to be present. To attempt this too, is an act of charity, deserving of merit before God and approval from creatures, but do not do it without the knowledge of your Uncle. As regard the other woman, I approve of the counsel of the Teacher and inform your Aunt of that too, and then do not worry at all about it.

With regard to the match-making, my Daughter, there are too many objections. I have this to say: that when something could be concluded with Serego from both sides, do not be afraid, God will bless everything. In case there is no accord or the young lady should show her unwillingness, I would not mind taking either one or the other of the two proposals, even though from a foreign city. I would favour the former, being older in age and an only son. How many Ladies, my Daughter, are seen and by passed. We have the recent example of Sacramosa. It is not necessary to look upon her as being sacrificed because that is not so. What is important is to assure oneself of securing information about everything. For the rest, sooner or later5 one has to be separated from the other and I do not want you to be affected so strongly. I do not condemn you for not being indifferent, but this separation must not prevent you from trying to get her married. My Marchioness, let us be strong, perhaps God may want greater proofs. If your brother is not very pleased with you, you must accept it peacefully, but I do not advise you to discuss it with him. Things are being promoted but nothing is being solved and there

fore why get upset? Let the dead bury the dead and we shall do what is expected of us: love God and serve him as perfectly as it is possible with the duties which are our own. Courage my Daughter, the Lord will make us good in his own good time. In the meantime, let us take our own imperfections as a motive to humble ourselves before him and abandon ourselves totally and entirely in his arms. Believe me, do not leave off this exercise. Practise it as best as you can so that God may give his holy help to perfect ourselves ever more in this as well. Nourish, my Daughter, sentiments worthy of that infinite love of which God gives you so many proofs and do not measure the greatness of that divine heart with human standards. As high as God is above his creatures, so much the greater is his goodness and mercy. What I have at heart is that you have a correct idea of the goodness and love of your heavenly Spouse.

Praised be Jesus and Mary

Well my Daughter, it is necessary to make up your mind to be a little more courageous. This continuous experience is making you aware that paying attention to so many fears hinders your spirit. And why can we not shake off these irksome ties by trusting in the Lord and be guided by obedience? Believe me, that until there is not a generous determination to despise that tick tock, permit me to express it that way, when you feel you have fallen into some defects, you shall not free the spirit. At the apprehension of the defect, without thinking other thoughts, turn to God, humble yourself before him, and do not waste any more time. My Daughter, I can assure you from the experience and knowledge I have of your conscience that certainly I have never found, in the midst of all your greater anxieties and agitations, any serious fault and I have no difficulty in pledging my soul that there is none at present. Courage, my Daughter, cour age! Never to have some littie dust attached to the heart is almost impossible to our human nature. It is not necessary to be exces sively sad in these circumstances. It is necessary to humble one self, distrust ourselves more, and sweetly and simply abandon ourselves into the arms of Divine Love. Oh what a noble practice this is, my Daughter, oh how dear and pleasing it is to our Spouse and how fruitful in very many blessings. If one cannot pray because of a legitimate hindrance one must be patient. Let us help ourselves with frequent aspirations. If we cannot have an entire dish of food, let us not despise the crumbs, let us be content with what is left over and with the scraps. Everything from a simple and sincere heart is pleasing to God.

Let us not get tired of asking the Lord for your sister and Uncle. He will certainly do all that is better for them and for us. Cheer up, my marchioness, let us love the Will of God very much. In all our troubles, let him be our refuge and comfort. It is true I told you to go to Confession twice a week, but if to calm down some of your agitation there is no other remedy other than to speak it out, in that case I agree that you do it. You can for the time being suspend the letting of blood, let it be done at a more suitable time; but of this we shall talk when I meet you, which will be the coming Tuesday, that is the 25th of this month. In case there is some impediment be kind enough to inform me. My Daughter, we are made for Paradise because there we shall possess, love and praise our good God without fear of losing him, without danger of displeasing him. Oh dear God, should we think it a defect to have an ardent desire to achieve our end? How ingenious you are in tormenting yourself! Is not this a desire which is absolutely necessary to have? has not our good God taught it to us, almost commanded us to have it when every time in the Our Father he made us say: your kingdom come? Do we not ask for Paradise in this petition? Courage, let us walk with more simplicity and let us allow our heart all the freedom to deepen these affections, suggested by that love which possesses, governs and supports you. You have not given me any news of Teresina. I hope she is well and when you write to her, please wish her for me. The Lord bless you and make you simple and more trusting which certainly will make you holy.

(A double sheet, torn at the fold, written only on one page—

A.C.R., Al/2127)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

My Daughter, trust in obedience and without much ado, go to the countryside. Marchioness Rosa knows how to discern and possesses a good foundation. Do not be afraid, no, do not get agitated as to think, because of your delicacy and timidity of conscience, that some jokes or gallant ways are wrong because they are not so. I want you to be cautious but not withdrawn, always fearing danger and precipices. Time was and time is. Go then in a spirit of obedience and do not be afraid, God will assist you and Our Lady will help you. The occasion is not of such a nature as to oblige you to run away from it or make you rash in meeting it. So therefore directed by obedience, you are assured of every help from the Lord. Continue your trust in that great Virgin and take it also as a motive to love the Lord more because he grants so valid and special a patronage only to the one he lovesi and loves with distinction, for which St. Anselm and St. Bernard used to say that the protection of Mary is a token, an almost sure sign of predestination. I promise you I will sincerely thank her and beg her to continue to bestow her love and grace on you. I pray that the Lord bless all your desires and bring the matter of Modena to a successful conclusion, if all will be for his glor) and the good of your souls. The Lord bless too, the other mstte.r so that it be concluded in peace and quietly. Let us sanctify this outing with the intWntion of renewing the spirit, to make it more willing to love the Lord. Remember that your God dwells in your heart and you have him always with you. The Lord bless you, give you some relief and keep you healthy according to the vow of obedience.

Magdalen is ready to leave for Grezzano in a spirit of JU obedience. The distractions of the holidays do not deviate her even a little from the road Divine Providence is marking out for her. She carries her God in her heart as in a temple, as on an altar, his love urges and comforts her.

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I heard with the greatest pleasure that you have happily returned and I wish good health to the one and the other. May God be blessed for everything. We shall go to Grezzano and even though we change our residence, provided we shall not change our heart, we shall find everywhere that our God is always kind and worthy of all our affection. If we cannot pay our usual homage, we shall pay all that an affectionate heart knows ingeniously to suggest in whatever situation it finds itself. Ah, my Daughter, let us love our good God and he will never deprive us of the way to glorify him everywhere. It is a very beautiful thing to find him in every place, to have within us a temple and an altar to meet him any time we please and offer him the most acceptable and dearest sacrifice—our affection! Yes, my Daughter, your heart is the temple and the altar, in which dwells the majesty of that God whom not even the heavens can understand nor contain; a temple and an altar built by his passionate love, with the sole aim of staying always with us, to converse with us which is his special delight. With so precious a treasure in the heart, let us go anywhere, when the duties of our station in life require, which he has himself obliged US. Let us continue our trust in Mary, and she will continue to help us with her love and protection. I have and will have at heart, your welfare and be certain and sure that God will console you always if it is for his greater glory and for your spiritual advantage. The coming Monday, that is the 28th of this month, I will pay you my respects. The Lord bless you and make you fully his.

A letter much too short to be able to deduce anything J 1 regarding Magdalen's spiritual state.

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I am extremely sorry that my health does not permit me to visit you nor give an answer as you would require. But Your Ladyship, do not worry about me. Be sure things are going on well. Do not do anything new, even in the least thing. I am spiritually close to the Lord. As soon as I am well and able, I shall pay you a visit, but my Daughter, do not entangle me with regard to your sisters. God bless you now and always.

October 28

To HER EXCELLENCY

THE NOBLE MARCHIONESS MAGDALEN OF CANOSSA

VERONA

(Wax seal)

Fear of hidden sins, fear of negligence in discerning her vocation continue to worry Magdalen. So her spiritual guide reproves her lack of docility and in particular, the submission of her judgement. This is the real danger which now and again suddenly threatens the regression of Magdalen who deceives herself that she is making progress in the way of sanctity by aspiring to a "greater perfection". Instead a total abandonment to the plan of God will be a true answer to her anxiety for an unconditional self gift.

(A single sheet, badly torn, written only on one side—

A.C.R., A1/2/29)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I do not know if this letter will arrive at the right time. The lack of address is the only reason for such a delay. I approve of you talking with your Aunt. Inform her about what you have written to me and tell her as much as you already know and about what can happen according to the opinions of others, having to deal with subjects so clever at taking advantage. You can inform her too, about what we decided, show her all your displeasure at such an emergency, without however putting her under obligation to take any action. But if she feels to get involved let her do it, without it ever being said that Marchioness Magdalen had part in these dealings.

Oh God, how pleased I would be if I could quieten your fears and banish the apprehensions of so many sins from your soul! My Daughter, I do not look upon you as an angel from heaven, but I cannot be persuaded that you run into so many sins. In the inability to say everything that you would like to, I see clearly the souce of so much agitation, but my Marchioness, a more docile spirit, well-grounded in holy obedience would not be tried in all this. Believe me, it is necessary to keep your intellect a little less discursive and so peace is found in obedience. Meanwhile I leave you all the liberty with the Dean but calm down with what he tells you. My Daughter, your suspicions in the present situation have the same value as a dicer's oath! (of no value). They are not sufficient for any good judgement on your vocation. Be in peace, everything must be done for the love of God and do not think of wanting that which, at present, God does not want to give you. But just for this we shall not lack adoring and loving the divine dispositions, and remain strong in our entire trust in his love and providence. Let us persevere in trusting the Virgin Mary and let us hope your concern for your sister be blessed. If a definite time has been set, there is good hope; but if the time is indefinite, it is an expedient; according to me, it will be only an illusion. God knows everything. Courage, my Daughter, courage. In this week, I return to my work and so we shall have more leisure, if it is necessary, to write and to have a more prompt answer. In the meantime, I bless you, soul and body. Be sure that I am keeping you present before the Lord as I believe you are doing the same for me. May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit descend upon you and remain with you always.

Magdalen is always under a nightmare of faults which J J her Director reassures her as non existent, and he insists on the necessity of obedience of the "intellect". In order to give his "Daughter" the necessary stimulus to proceed confidently on her pathway—always pointed out clearly as a pathway of faith—for the umpteenth time he reminds her that Mary's protection is a pledge of salvation and exhorts her to receive Communion frequently.

(A single sheet, torn in an irregular way. It has the

imprint of a wax seal. A.C.R., Al/2130)

Praised be Jesus and Mary

I am replying to your most esteemed letter only very briefly because on Tuesday, December 1, I will be paying you a visit. Is it possible that everyone wants to betray you and that the Lord and the Virgin Mary who has given you undoubted proofs of protection and special assistance want to permit it? My God, in how many ways you have martyred the souls dear to you! Courage, my Daughter, sin is not committed except with awareness and voluntarily. You do not want to sin, then what have you to fear? We may be tempted, but between being tempted and sinning there is a great difference. I am glad that the more you know the world, the more you recognize how