It is Magdalene of Canossa's first exchange of letters with Countess Durini. A casual meeting had taken place in the hospital in Verona, where the lady from Lombardy was looking for ways to begin new initiatives to relieve the sick of Milan. Magdalene speaks of a previous letter but, with an expression that in today’s language sounds inaccurate « with the hope that you will not receive it»,makes us doubt whether it was delivered. Even though a search was made in the Archives, no trace was found of it.

Dearest Friend,

Since I have a safe chance of sending you my letter, I do not want to miss it, my beloved friend. I cannot tell you how much it cost me to leave you and how deep is my pain, because your health was so uncertain, when you left. I keep convincing myself in the hope of receiving news of you from time to time. This would at least reassure me about your health, and mitigate my sorrow for not having you near me any longer. Forgive me, for not having come, yesterday morning, as I had almost promised you. On one hand, it has been impossible for me to come, and on the other, on account of my little virtue, I cannot stand departures. I confess that, as I am writing, I cannot hold back my tears. Well, my dear Carolina, I will have one more motivation to consider: that it is better to leave the things of this world, even our dearest ones. I console myself with the idea that a day will come when, I hope, we shall be eternally united.

I have written another letter to you. But I think that you might not receive it, because my brother has gone, this morning, to our holiday house, which is not very far from Mozze Canne. Since yesterday your house master had told me that you were feverish when you left, being afraid that you would not be able to continue the journey, I wished I could, at least, be of service to you in some way. I do not know anything yet even about this letter. Perhaps, I will come to know something about it tomorrow. Meanwhile, let me inform you that today I have started carrying out your errands. I have gone to Nicolini at the Terese. She has promised me to do even more than what you wanted. Tomorrow or the day after, I will go to the hospital. I will tell Merli what we have agreed upon and let you know the result about the lady from Piedmonte. Regarding my home, everything is at the same point as when we last spoke to each other. We will see the outcome of the situation. I reflected on what you have said, starting from the desire of the Viscontina, that the “ Forty Hours” be also established here. Before making any attempt, I beg you to tell me, at your convenience, how they are carried out in Milan, that is, for how many days in a church, whether it is the Parish or any other association that sees to the expenses, and if the churches of the Nuns are also included. Another time I will tell you about the rest.

All my family greets you. Kindly convey my greetings to the Count, to the Marchioness Arconati and Visconti. To Mrs Checca a thousand regards. My Stella, Luigi and everyone kiss your hands and pray for you. Be at peace, for it is my intention to ask them to pray for you. As for me, my dear Carolina, I do not have anything else to add after all our agreements. No matter where you will be, in Verona or at the North Pole, my affection and my friendship will never change. Speaking of our business, remember to mention me as little as possible, except with Marchioness Arconati. When the Glory of God does not require otherwise, speak of me as of a third person.

Goodbye my dear friend. Love me and believe me.

I am, dearest friend,

Your very obedient, very obliged

very affectionate friend

Magdalene of Canossa

Verona, 10 November 1800

PS. We have forgotten the prayer to the Holy Virgin, I enclose it here. Perhaps it may be useful to the Daughters of Fr. Carlo. Once again, my dear, goodbye.

Between the first and the second letter there is an interval of almost two months. The postal service was unable to function. It is 1801, and Napoleon is imposing his pacts upon Austria, which he had defeated at Marengo on 14 May 1800. Now he is pressing along the shores of the river Adige. Just on 7 January 1801, when Magdalene is trying to resume her correspondence with Durini, the French General Brune breaks throuh the river Adige and advances into the Venetian lowland. During the hostilities, the Canossa palace was in the midst of the contenders, but Magdalene’s letter reveals, by now, only a remote sense of fear.

The French are now masters of the city and the Marchioness’ letter could now be sent to the Milanese noble lady through one of their officers.

Beloved Friend,

Although I am not yet certain, if the mailing service is now free to proceed smoothly, I want, however, to write to you, my dear Carolina, flattering myself in any case, that one of the officers of General Brune who is lodging in my house, will deliver this letter to you. First of all let me tell you that, thanks to the Lord, I am well, and so are all my family, except my uncle Borgia, who has been troubled by the ailments of old age for the last two months. You have done well to return to Milan, as I imagine that you are not very fond of the shots of the cannons. For eight days out of ten we enjoyed the symphony, and one morning we even had a rain of bombs, granades and similar things. I tell you with all sincerity, my dear friend, that I did not suffer at all. I cannot say that I was not afraid, but this has passed and, now, I am really well. All our acquaintances, too, have been preserved from every misfortune. Be at peace, therefore, about us and recommend us to the Lord. We, too, do not fail to pray for you. On the 3^rd morning, the French entered Verona quietly. I tell you all these things because I know your heart, and that you will worry about me. In the next letter I will relate all the rest of our business.

Write to me as soon as possible. Accept the compliments of everybody and convey mine to the Count, your husband, and to the Marchionesses Arconati and Visconti. My cordial greetings to Mrs.Checca, and be convinced that it is not possible for me to explain how much I love you and how deep is my friendship for you. Goodbye, dear. I embrace you. I am,

beloved friend,

Your very affectionate friend,

Magdalene

Verona, 7 January 1801

During the war, the Canossa palace has been” in the midst of the battleground”, nevertheless Durini should not fear. Her prayer has assisted all the members of the Canossa family, so that no one was hurt. Magdalene is drawing up one of her plans. As Fr. Pietro Leonardi had gathered poor boys, she has started with abandoned girls, beginning by helping two young ladies.

Beloved Carolina

Verona 20 January 1801

I cannot explain to you, my dear friend, how pleased I was to hear, at last, news about you, and to be able to know from an eye witness about the state of your health and the outcome of your journey. I would have been all too happy, had he not lost the letter you had written to me, but I hope that you will immediately make up for it as soon as the mail is back to normal. I wish it will be shortly. I thank you immensely for the veil. Please, record my debt as we have agreed. After the arrival of the French in Verona, this is the third letter I am writing to you, but you did not receive any of them. I wrote the first letter three days after their entry. Perhaps, you will receive this letter only after it has had a long rest at the post-office. In my first letter I had written, as I now confirm, that all of us are well, that none of our acquaintances has suffered personally because of these events and that I, too, have been well, except for some hours of fear when they were fighting, especially in front of the windows overlooking the Adige. As for the second letter, I had prepared it. Having had no reply to the first one, I thought of sending it to you either through some French officer or on some other particular occasion, but I burnt it up later. I will make up for it with the present one. It is already something great, dear Carolina, that, though we cannot live together, at least we may write to each other when we wish to. During the bombardment, no idea consoled me more than that of our being able to correspond freely, and that, in this way, I could be with you for a little while. I must convey to you a thousand compliments from my whole family, my sister Orti, Don Carlo, Don Pietro Leonardi, well, from all those to whom, you can guess, I speak about you. Stella kisses your hands. Give my regards to the Count, your husband, and to the Marchionesses Arconati and Visconti. Greet Mrs. Checca and recommend us all to the Lord. I assure you that we, too, recommend you to the Lord every day. Since I know your heart, you can imagine how many times, when we were in the midst of cannonades, and when the grenades and bombs poured onto the city, I thought of how my poor Durini must be greatly worried about us, how much she must be begging the Lord that no misfortunes may happen to us, as in fact they did not occur. It is time that I stop saying so many words, and that I tell you something about our affairs. Otherwise I will not end anymore, as I always think I am talking to you when I write. First of all, I will tell you of your lady from Piedmonte, who, immediately after your departure, entered the hospital. I cannot tell you more about this, for it is some time that I was unable to go there. Pellegrina has ended her pains with a holy death. Metilde was seriously sick, but now she is getting better. After Fr. Pietro returned, fully recovered from his illness, the Congregation of the Religious of the Hospital, has come alive again, has been strengthened and increased. If you are of the same idea as you told me, I will ask for their Rules, copy them and send them to you.

Send me an answer also about this. Fr. Pietro started to gather two or three poor boys. He is willing to take the eight year-old little boy, of whom we had spoken; the one who was learning how to steal in Piazza Navona. About this, give me some addresses so that I can find him out. I cannot use that of the Marquises Roma, because they have left the place. As for me, my dear Carolina, I am not as good as Fr. Pietro. I, too, have started with my girls, but my companion, up to now, has only two of them as it was not possible to move house. I will speak to you about this and something else another time. Goodbye, my dear friend, I am and will be always entirely yours.

I am, beloved Carolina

Your very grateful, very affectionate friend,

Magdalene of Canossa

The guns, for the moment, are silent and, though the very precarious health of her elderly uncle Borgia further limits Magdalene's free time, she tries not to interrupt her correspondence with Durini.

Dearest friend,

Praise to heaven, I have finally received your two much longed-for letters, my beloved friend, one dated 14November, written, I think, as soon as you reached Milan, and the other dated 21 January. I am happy that this last one confirms the good news about your health, that I had heard about from your coachman. I, too, am sufficiently well, but not to lose, as you know, my ancient custom of always having sick people, I have my uncle Borgia who is getting worse instead of improving. I fear his sickness may turn chronic and may lead to some fatal consequences. My dear Carolina, recommend him to the Lord.

In my last letter, I gave you some news about the Religious of the hospital and about the boys. In this one I will tell you about the situation of my girls. Because of various difficulties, it has not been possible for that companion of mine, whom you know, to move to the House that I had rented before your departure. Therefore I have entrusted to her that girl of mine whom you know, and I have taken with me the one of Orti. I have found her full of an inexpressible goodness. When the French threw the bombs over the city, since three fell around our house, I sent her too, to my companion. Thus we have started with these two girls. The little one is still where she was. Now I am negotiating for a very convenient house, located almost in front of the Church of the Filippini. The contract is almost ready, and I would like to congratulate myself for having at last found a place convenient in every respect, but above all, for the spiritual assistance of these girls by that pious Congregation. I hope to link them to those good Religious.

I must also say that I am very happy with my companion and the way she cares for those two girls. I shall keep you informed of eventual happenings. This work must develop with the help of the Blessed Virgin.

I am paying attention to what you told me in your last letter. My dear Carolina, let us both take courage and hope for everything from the Divine Mercy. I have talked the other day to Fr. Pietro Leonardi, who is full of the most ardent zeal. I spoke to him about the Rules of the Religious of the Hospital. He told me that even your good Archbishop has asked Fr. Joseph Cristofoli for them, but that before giving them, they wanted to modify them, rearrange them and improve them through practice. He added that if it is urgent, he will give them to me as they are. I, therefore, depend on you. Dear friend, I think I have told you enough about my affairs for this time. All our friends ask me to convey to you their greetings. Do the same for me with the Count, with the Marchioness Arconati, whom you never mention, and with the Marchioness Viscontina. Metilde is already out of bed, so that my pioneer is saved even this time. If she should see me as I am writing to you, I would never finish anymore, my dear Durini. My Lord, were I a bird, how often I would make my way to Milan. But patience is necessary. Keep up your affection for me and your friendship, and be convinced that it is impossible for me to have a greater attachment to your person than I already have, and that, I am yours, with all my heart. Greet Mrs Checca for me. Goodbye.

I am, my very beloved friend

Your most grateful friend

Verona, 29 January 1801 Magdalene of Canossa

Magdalen is bed-ridden and writes to Durini. She says that her sickness is brief and usual. She worries about her friend. She is feeling the loss of her Spiritual Director, Fr. Fontana, who has been entrusted with an important task in Rome. Such a loss could have consequences also on her charitable plans. The young Marchioness, who has already gone through such an experience herself, assures her that God will provide for everything. Meanwhile, she enumerates her worries: peace between the warring factions, her total self-gift to God, and the settling down of her girls, which is, by now, her main concern.

Beloved friend Verona 3 February 1801

From your last very dear letter I get the idea that a few of our letters were lost. Dear Carolina, you say that you wrote to me five letters. I have received three of them since the arrival her of the French, and I received one from Cremona after your departure. Only the one you gave to your coachman could have been lost. One of mine, which I am afraid might have been lost, is the one I handed to Marquis Durazzo, soon after your departure.

Let us speak of the present, now, dear friend, and take advantage of the fact that we can write freely, since we have the freedom. Do not be afraid if I tell you that this time I write to you from bed. Thank God, I can assure you, that, except for being weak, nothing remains of my illness, which has lasted three days. You already know that in this season I often get sick. I had some fever, but with two blood-lettings, it has gone. I hope to get up the day after tomorrow. Therefore, I beg you not to worry about me. There is no reason to be alarmed.

You will not believe how deeply I feel for you on account of the pain you are experiencing, my dear Carolina. To tell you the truth, from your letter dated January 2, I guessed you were somehow afflicted; an affliction, however, different from your present one. Last year, I, too, experienced such a situation, since the Lord took to heaven, that Religious who had assisted me from the time I wanted to be a discalced nun to the moment I began to undertake so many new projects, as you know. I confess that it has been a great loss also for me, but be sure that we shall not suffer the least harm. God will help. Even though it will cost a bit of agitation you will see that He will send another one sufficient for your need.

Dear friend, I promise to make and have others make some special devotions to the Blessed Virgin, for this intention, since I wish you to be in peace. This is my desire for myself as well. Do the same. Never keep away from Mary, and be sure that everything will be set right.

Forgive me if, out of affection, I dwelt at length on this matter. Believe me, since I came into this world, I am not aware of having had for anyone the type of friendship I have for you. I wish I could in some way comfort you. My uncle Borgia is better. All of them convey their greetings to you as usual.

Receive, together with this letter, Fr. Giambattista’s answer for our Viscontina. Please convey my greetings to her, as well as to the Marchioness Arconati and to your husband. I am glad that your sister and Fr. Palazzi have seen the Plan I sent you, if it has to succeed for the Glory of God. Meanwhile, dear Durini, while peace is being published with certainty and is being restored, we shall pray the Lord evermore to let us know His most Holy Will. I am always of the same opinion: to go anywhere He wishes me to go.

Let us see how things will be settled. Another time I will speak of a certain Company, which the Lord seems to have prepared for providing for my girls and which could be useful also in Milan. I am reading the works of St. Francis of Sales and of the Saint from Chantal. We will speak also about this at another time. The contract for the House of the Filippini is not yet concluded, because, as you know, there are always difficulties. But I think it will be over next week. I started writing this letter on the 3^rd and I am finishing it on the 5^th. I can certainly assure you that I am healed, and today I am getting out of bed. Goodbye, dear, be happy. Here people think that peace is certain. Love me as I love you, I embrace you heartily. Adieu.

My very beloved friend

Your very obliged friend

Magdalene

Magdalene is searching for a way to collect money. Her economic means have been already put at the disposal of the poorest, the most abandoned, but the project for social uplift she is now planning, requires a certain consistent financial help. She tries to get it through the « Association of the three soldi ».

Beloved Friend

(No date)

Here I am, dear Carolina, sufficiently recovered from this last ailment, but rather weak, perhaps because of the blood-lettings. Well, my sufferings can make you laugh. Uncle Borgia is carrying on; who knows, when the good season arrives, he might improve. I have a thousand things to tell you and I do not know where to start from. First of all I want to tell you that the patients’ assistant, who seemed so good to you, is ready to follow her vocation, provided the Lord opens the way for her. But she also says that since she knows that you love her a lot, she doubts whether your eyes have judged her more according to your heart, than according to her actual ability. However, whatever it may be, were she able to, she would like to dedicate everything to this cause. Let us see what God wills.

My dear friend, I see you very disturbed, very afflicted. How much I wish to be close to you. I would not be useful to you at all, but I think I would like to console you. You keep oppressing your poor heart that is so good. I confess, I feel compassion for you. Were I able, at least, to enclose in this letter, two ounces of the air of Montebaldo, which abounds so much over here, it would help to amuse you a little.

For love’s sake, take courage. You are torturing yourself for nothing. We have to deal with Him who is infinite goodness and who will not give us poison for bread. Cheer up as much as you can. I understand that you will answer that it does not depend on you. Do at least as much as you can. If you could send your anxieties to me as you sent that veil for a feast, please take the chance to send them. I would be happy to have them myself, if that could lift you up.

Let us come to our girls, now. We are still negotiating about the House of the Filippini, but, because of many circumstances, nothing has been concluded yet. The greatest obstacle, I think, are the usual difficulties, which are the essential companions of these works, although they are very small. I was very happy to learn from your last dear letter, that the girls, that is the school where the girls of the Marquise Arconati are, continue prosperously. The difficulty for subsistence is common to all, at this moment. I would say not to take it seriously, because the Lord will not fail us. Listen to an idea which we have had here, and that has been successful up to now. As much as the circumstances allow it, and as I told you in my last letter, this scheme may be feasible also in Milan, either for the girls, or for those Daughters of Charity, whom, as you told me about, your sister has an intention to found. To understand the matter, it is worthwhile, first of all, that I tell you that we have an ideal monetary unit, that is not yet implemented, which is called a Ducat. This is equal to six of our Lire and four soldi. Here, when we simply speak of Ducats, without specifying Venetian Ducats, which is in circulation and is worth eight liras, we always refer to the first. Therefore, we have started an association of persons. Each of them gives in alms three soldi a week. By the end of the year it adds up to seven Lire and sixteen soldi of our money. We thought of holding back a Ducat which is equal to six lire and four soldi, every year. The remainder could be given to help those poor Religious who collect these alms. I notify you that this is a private Association. Since it is a very small offering, many persons have enrolled themselves in it. Metilde has found for me a religious who is collecting alms for charity. You see, if I can find a thousand persons, I shall have a thousand Ducats. Then we shall write the names in alphabetical order, separating them according to Parishes, and I will find a Religious for each Parish, who will collect them. I will tell you the rest another time, because the mail is leaving, and I fear that you will worry if you do not see any letter from me. Goodbye, dear. I am totally yours.

Your Magdalene

Magdalene is afraid that she has not explained clearly how her "Association of the three soldi” works. Since it could also be a valid solution to the economic problems of the charitable work in Milan, she gives a detailed explanation once more. Magdalene is eager to find the Rules of religious institutions that could be a pattern for the social plan that they have in their mind. Durini is also doing the same in Milan.

Beloved friend

Verona 15 February 1801

I start writing to you today, my dear Carolina, as I have time to tell you many things, and since it is not possible for me to do so later. You did well to write to me by post, otherwise, last week I would have been deprived of the content of your letter which is so dear to me, not having yet received the other letter, which you tell me you sent by a special mail. I am very well and I have recovered from the various illnesses, that, as I told you before, only makes one laugh. I thank you for the interest you take about my health, that truly, I do not deserve. I assure you my health is excellent.

In the last letter that I wrote to you, you will have found the description of the Association for my girls. For lack of time I had not been able to add the observations that I state here. The offering is really very small. But given our actual critical circumstances, it seems to me easier and more suitable. I think, everybody can give these three coins weekly, without much inconvenience. I have also tried to arrange that the offering is collected every week, so that the associates keep it in mind. Also I think, that if too much time passes, it may become burdensome to give the total sum altogether. When compiling the register, one should be careful to leave some lines, as they do in Milan in the Catalogues of the Doctrine, because if there are some people that want to pay month by month, they can do that, and even year by year, if they wish. Perhaps you will tell me that such associations are prohibited in your area. Since these are private, no Government can prohibit them, much less ours which belongs to “Liberty”. I say you all this my dear friend, only to tell you everything I know, being well aware that the customs vary from one place to another, and that sometimes what succeeds in one place, as perhaps in my small area, would not be possible in a bigger place. If I have not explained myself clearly, do write and let me know, so that I will try to explain better.

Today, 16^th February, I received your other most dear letter, which contains the letter of our Viscontina. I add a few lines, if you have no objection, as a reply for her. As she is your friend, whom I love and esteem very much, since I have come to know her as being very virtuous, you can imagine how dear her letter was for me.

Do not betray me, my dear Carolina, in revealing our plan to her. It is true that I told you to speak of it freely when you see that this can be useful. Only I requested you when it was not necessary or useful, to say that it is of a friend of yours, without mentioning my name. Of the rest, you know that I am more than certain about your prudence. Feel free to tell Viscontina and those you wish, all you think fitting. I trust you. I thank you for your good will in sending me those papers. I know that you are zealous for God's glory before anything else. Please send me the Rules of Christian Doctrine of St. Charles, since I have met some Parish priests and other Religious responsible for the School of Doctrine, who are willing to make use of them even here. As you know, thanks be to God, we are not badly off regarding religion in our place. So l hope that these Rules will bring about much good. Speaking of books, Fr.Carlo Steb sends his greetings to you as well as to Viscontina. He has asked me to tell you that he has promised to pray to the Lord for both of you, and he recommends that you both do the same for him too. He reminds you of the book you promised, when you have the possibility to send it.

My cousin Carlino is very well. Sometimes he asks me about ‘Dulini’. I asked him this morning what he wants me to tell you, and he asked me to say he wants you to come here so that he may greet you.

I read a part of the Constitutions of the Salesians, based on the Work of St. Francis of Sales. I think they could be useful for us, if our plan succeeds. But till now I have only found those drawn up for the Salesians when they were erected as a Religious Congregation. I am reading the works of the Saint of Chantal, which I had never seen. I have not got to the point which you indicated to me, but if I find that it is not sufficient, I will plead with the Bishop of Annecy, when he returns, to send me the primitive Rule of when the Salesians were a Congregation without enclosure.

My dear Carolina, for the time being we will make use of all the material at our disposal, leaving the Blessed Virgin to smooth out the way and bring to completion everything according to the Divine Will. I believe, as you say, that we need much prayer, and this we will do, and if the Lord wants us to do this holy Work, we will succeed with patience, courage and time. I do not know how to thank you as I should, for the attention you give me in everything, and in particular, especially with this work. Even if I am not able to explain myself sufficiently well, I know that you love me and understand me.

The Bishop of Annecy left at the same time as my letter. I do not know exactly where he was going, but I do hope he returns. I forgot to tell you about the conference with Viscontina. That is, try to find the right time to introduce the discussion. It is better to wait for the opportune moment.

The contract for the house for my girls near the Filippini has been finally concluded, and if there are no more mishaps, the girls should move there at the beginning of March. Fr. Pietro Leonardi is ill, but not serious. When he gets better, he will come to me and we will conclude these Rules for the Brotherhood of the Priest Hospitallers. If you have any other commissions for me, do me the favour of repeating them because, as you know, I would do anything for you, to serve you and make you happy. You know I have the memory of a cat.

I am waiting for the reply from that Ecclesiastic, who the Marchioness Arconati would like to meet in Vicenza, to assist that person that she has very much at heart. I thought of asking the Superior General of the Filippini to find me a wise and holy religious, or I could even ask Fr. Giambattista. If I have an answer before the post leaves I will get in touch with you, otherwise I will write to you with the ordinary post of Sunday. You are probably very fed up by now with a letter that never ends, but I must tell you , my dearest Carolina, that my greatest joy, not to say my only joy, is to be in contact with you.

My compliments to your husband and to Marchioness Arconati. Best regards to Mrs. Checca. The Orti family and all those of my family send you their regards. Goodbye, my dear friend, I am yours.

Verona February 18 th 1801

Your very beloved friend

Magdalene of Canossa

The political situation is rather critical, because the ratification of the Treaty of Lunéville, concluded on the 9^th of the same month, leaves doubts about the fate of Verona, that has to be divided between the French and the Austrians, making the future more problematic. What has no flaws, instead, will be Magdalene’s affection for her friend.

Dearest friend,

I had the intention of writing to you, as I told you in my letter of last Monday. But only yesterday I was able to obtain the name of that Director of Vicenza, that your sister Arconati asked for. I have two names, both Filippinis in Vicenza. One is Fr. Camuzzoni, who would be suitable if the person that he has to direct is a woman. The other is Fr. Stroidi whowould be more suitable for a man. If you do not wish to direct this person to either of these two Filippini priests, please have the goodness to write and let me know, so that I may search for someone else. Now I must settle an account with you. I am cross with you for the compliments you made to me in your highly esteemed letters of the 16^th and 17^th of this month.

It must not even come to your mind to re-copy a letter written to me and then to add on compliment after compliment. You see that I do the same with you. I ask you for many favours. Then I make mistakes and change them. Then I write to you, again and again. Well, I really treat you with that liberty which the truest of friendships permits, and show you the truest affection. I know that I am completely repaid by my dear Carolina, but I want you to deal with me with the same liberty.

You can imagine with what pleasure I heard of the result of your meeting with our Viscontina. I am certain that you will cultivate those good dispositions that you have discovered. The Lord will do the rest, according to His Divine Will. I hope meanwhile in the next letter to be able to tell you the day in which my girls will pass on, together with Cristina, to live in the House next to the Filippini priests. I do not know anything about the boys, because Fr. Pietro is still ill, even though, they say he is a little better. As far as I know, he should be starting very shortly.

The Association of the Three Coins is at a complete standstill until the agreement of peace is finalised, whatever it may be. I will also tell you regarding this, that all of us in Verona have been greatly dismayed about the news, that came from Milan. We are waiting for peace, but our city has to remain under two masters. It seems that they know our merits, or our demerits very well. Because either it seems that everyone wants us, or that no one wants our Cage of Crazy people, and so they want to divide the evil in half. I too spent a day in great affliction, because if this happens, it will be terrible for us since we have almost all our funds in the Cisalpine area, even the house. I suppose that we will have to abandon the city and set ourselves up in the country. If I were free to decide in this case, I would come to establish myself in Milan. Now there are so many conflicting rumours. Not knowing which to believe, I am quite calm. But I tell you right now, that some of my family are really resolved of go to live where we have our funds. I imagine that out of necessity they will have to do it, since it seems to me that there will never be peace in our Country if the place is put under the command of two different factions. This fear of unrest is what is troubling me and will continue to do so if this situation becomes a reality.

Oh God, my dear Carolina, I believe I am scandalizing you by telling you all this. I should entrust myself completely to Divine Providence, but my little virtue is the cause of so many fears. To return to what I was saying about my girls and the general Plan. You say that you would want the Hospital for Incurables, and I tell you that I would be all too happy if we should live together. If you were one of the Incurables, I would immediately come as a nurse, to look after you.

I am obliged to your husband for rememebering me. Please convey to him my compliments, and also wish the Marchionesses Arconati and Viscounti. All of my family wish you too. Stella and Luigi kiss your hand. My beloved friend, you find in this letter a true idea of the Tower of Babylon. I know that you will forgive me and you can be certain that even when my head does not work properly, my heart is always the same. I embrace you therefore, and I am really all yours

I am your beloved friend

Magdalene of Canossa

Verona 25 February 1801

This letter deals with many topics: the family members of both these noblewomen, the political situation of the city and the vague hopes of a better settlement, finally a joy and an anxiety. Joy because on 3^rd March 1801, Magdalene’s work has begun in the beautiful house near the Filippini Fathers; anxiety because she has been offered the appointment of Governess of the Hospital, the other work that she has so much at heart. But the numerous other duties that already demand her attention prevent her from understanding God’s Will with regard to this.

Verona 1 March 1801

My dearest friend

What did you think, my dear Carolina, when you read my last letter so full of sorrow for my Verona? You say in your last letter that the good air of Montebaldo would do you good, and that my letters amuse you. But I think that my last one will have brought you a bad feeling.

Having said this, I want to adapt myself to the division of the city, if this is what will be decreed. Thanks be to God, all my sisters are in this part, and all the people I know, including Cristina. Thus, we need a lot of patience. Let us talk about our affairs and let what has to happen happen. I do not want to think of it anymore. You have told me of your apoplectic indolence, but from what I can see, you are doing more in your confinement than what others do while in perfect health, beginning especially from me. You say that you are doing nothing, but certainly I would not know what more you could have done.

My dearest friend, I am sorry not to be able to send you the Rules of our Hospital Religious, because Fr. Pietro, who came to see me today and who’s health is improving, tells me that he does not want to give them to me before they are completed. Meanwhile, I thought that one of these days when he comes here to discuss a plan which, if I have time I will tell you about later, I will ask him to tell me the more essential things and I will begin to write these. I will send you the minor details when I have the time to sort them out in some order. The contemplation of your sister Arconati does not upset my dreams. It maybe that the Lord wants to give the merit of this new establishment to my dear Carolina. Even though I am no expert, I have read that a contemplative life is more perfect than an active one. Yet, I see that contemplation with action is the best choice. Therefore, I hope that Arconati, after trying them both, will decide for the perfection of the third, and will still help us. Meanwhile, I have heard with great joy that Viscontina will come with you to the Hospital. Take courage, my dear friend, I am waiting impatiently to hear about your the project and I am full of hope.

I thank you in advance for all the material you will send me. I must say that I have a bit of remorse because I feel I was indiscreet in giving you so many commissions to carry out for me.

Today, 3^rd March, Cristina finally moved to the House near the Filippini, with two of the older girls. Within this week I intend to put even the little girl there. Oh, God, how happy I am. Besides the advantage of being close to the Filippini, the house is beautiful, healthy, with a garden and I got it at a very moderate price. Next week, I hope we will begin to put into practice that method that I wrote to you about when you were in Verona. The most Holy Virgin will do the rest, if the whole thing is for God’s glory. Metilde, who sends you her best wishes, is trying to find people to join the Association of the Three Coins. For the time being I will let her do this, while we wait for the proclamation of the Treaty, as I mentioned in my last letter, to see if it is possible to extend this activity. Since we are in the Cisalpine zone (French), we should not find any opposition, since we are dealing with organizations that help humanity.

To my surprise, my dear friend, I must tell you that I have found that I possess the gift of prophecy. Even when you do not tell me, I can guess when you are afflicted. There is a famous proverb of Verona which says that mad people are able to prophesy. I can do this partly because love is far-seeing and partly because you have always taken me into your confidence. Thus from your letters, I understand that you were worried and afflicted, just as you will have guessed that I was too, when I wrote my last letter. I am of the opinion that, between two friends, who treat each other with an open heart, it is impossible that one does not realize the sufferings of the other, even without using words.

There is another thing I ought to confide to you,which will remain only between you and me. However, I ask you to recommend me and ask others to recommend me to the Holy Virgin, but without giving the reason. Know that the Governess of our Hospital is seriously ill. If she were not able to continue any longer, the Religious would like me to take up the charge, remaining in my house and putting another one, who will reside permanently in the Hospital, but who would depend entirely on me. I should supervise everything; in actual fact, be the Governess. You can see my dilemma from these few lines. You know on the one hand, the commitment I have with my family, my young cousin Carlino who needs care and attention, the house for the girls, which should work out well once the organization has been clearly set up. With what courage can I take on a new commitment when it would need the full time of one person just to take care of the material side of things, the economic organization and the vigilant supervision of the behavour of the people working under me? On the other hand, I admit that another occasion like this will not easily present itself. It is in tune with our ideas, which obviously could be introduced, little by little, without arousing great attention from others. I fear at the thought of both refusing or accepting such an offer. The affair is in the balance. Perhaps the Governess will not die, but certainly she is very ill. In the meantime, dear Carolina, pray to the Lord a lot for me, and make other good souls that you know pray to Him so that His Will may be accomplished. I will tell you later how the situation turns out.

Everyone in my family sends their best wishes, especially the Orti family. Do give my wishes to your husband, to Arconati and my dear Viscontina. I cannot tell you anything of Nicolini, because here the French have bought up nearly all the horses of the city, and no one here goes about by carriage. I am afraid to go any distance on foot. My brother, who would like to accompany me, is very busy at the moment. So I only go to places which are close by, or I stay at home. Please give me some news of your aunt who is an enclosed nun and the Canoness. I am afraid that even the latter is taken up in contemplation or she is ill. My dear friend, I must finish this long letter today, 4^th March.

I embrace you with all my heart.

I am your dearest friend

Magdalene of Canossa

10 March 1801

A time of continuous political changes for Verona and for «our unhappy country», as Magdalene calls it. The 9.2.1801 Lunéville peace treaty, that had restored the French dominion in Italy and had temporarily raised hopes for better times in Italy with the arrangements made by the Cisalpines in the Italian Republic, had ruined the country economically.

All the same, the girls of the «Retreat» do well. Magdalene is able to return to the hospital for the usual visits. The will of God to accept or not to accept the direction of the same hospital seems evident to her.

Dearest Friend

I received from General Chasseloup your loving letter as well as the two devotional booklets which you sent and I thank you for these. I will try, with the help of Fr. Carl or Fr. Giambattista, to hand over the catechism to some of these French people. If I succeed I will ask you for some more copies.

Concerning the other book of the Litanies, you see what a beautiful chance I have. I have as many pictures as the invocations of the Litanies, and under every picture there is the same verse, that your book explains. So see how very useful that will be for my girls. At the same meeting as you know, I have also received the favours and letters of our Viscontina. Here is a further reason to follow your suggestion. I would have done so even without this, because I assure you, my dearest friend, that I find your idea very good. I feel great joy, when I can do even more than what you ask me to do. Would that I could do something also regarding the situation of our unhappy Country, but I must confess that up to now I have not been able to get used to it. The situation of our house, which is near a castle and opposite to the Austrian batteries, the general desolation of the city, fears of being exposed on every part to a thousand dangers and my little virtue, all these torment me much. If, one day, I am calm, I feel doubly distressed the following day. May the Lord grant to us strength and resignation. In spite of everything, my health is excellent, better than the other years; I thank you for your care for me, but, for your rule, when I don't speak of it, it is a sign that I have forgotton about it, and that I am keeping well.

Let us now speak about our business, my dear Carolina. My three girls are united, and thanks to the Holy Virgin, everything is going on well. Regarding the Hospital, I think I will not take up such a commitment at present, though you know I would be pleased to do it, due to my liking and my inclination, I would say my vocation for it. I might expose myself to being involved in many commitments and not being able to fulfil any of them. However, the matter is not yet finalised. From what happened, as I told you, I seem to realize that the Lord doesn't want me in this employment now, and to tell you the truth, this is my only reason for not accepting it. However, do continue, my dear, to pray to the Lord for me. You know already that, at times, He smoothens out in a moment the opposition of years. As for me, I am content to fulfil the Divine Will perfectly. Don Pietro is better but he has not yet fully recovered. He too has started with four boys. He conveys to you his greetings, and would like to know if you have received a certain printed catalogue or Method, that gives an idea of the institution of the Night Lay Hospitaller Brothers .

He promised me to join us with his companions, to fix and further clarify their rules.

On Saturday, I think I will also resume my visits to the Hospital, which all of us interrupted, because of the circumstances of the past, and for me particularly, because of my fear in crossing square Brà alone, when it is so filled with troops.

I have a lot of other things to tell you, my dearest Carolina, but time does not allow me to do so. Please convey my regards to your husband and your sister. Please convey my best regards to Mrs.Checca. My pen ends here, but my heart will never finish to declare myself and to be, all yours. My family conveys to you their greetings.

My Dearest Friend

Your beloved Magdalene

11 March 1801

Magdalene of Canossa already foresees that she will not be selected as Governess of the hospital. Yet she does not surrender passively. She makes a plan that would allow her to carry out her assistance to the sick all the same.

Beloved Friend

Verona, 18 March 1801

Each time I write to you, my dearest Carolina, I am forced to start my letters with a thousand thanks, either for one thing, or another. This time I must thank you for your lovely letters, for the Instruction on the Doctrine of St. Charles, for the other beautiful Prayers of the Holy Angels and for the pictures, which I have distributed to my girls. Accept them, therefore. They are sincere, and from my heart, and I would like to be able to fulfil the intentions for which you have so favored me. At least, I will do as much as possible, and next week, through special channels, I will write to you about what I am arranging with Don Pietro Leonardi, whose letter for the Christian Doctrine I enclose with this one. Meanwhile, my dear friend, I tell you that I have now lost hope of assuming the office of governing the hospital. It was the Religious of the hospital who wanted me to become the administrator. But the Temporal Section, i.e., the secular one that is in command has not said a word to me about this. This tells me, therefore, that if it were God’s Will that I undertake this office, He would have touched the hearts of those people who would seek me themselves without being manupulated. They not having done so spontaneously could have cast shadows and become a real obstacle to the work in the future. However, my dear Caroline, let us continue to pray that even in this, the will of God may be truly fulfilled. Well, on one hand I feel sorry, but on the other I am content. It is not that I would have difficulty attending to the girls and to the Hospital, because, as you say well, this is our main plan. My difficulty in taking up this commitment would instead compromise my ties with my family and the carrying out of my other duties, especially the needs of the Hospital and my obligations to it.

If the Lord leaves things as they are, this is how I would go about the matter so as to carry out things in the best way and obey at the same time. I am told that they hope to find a Governess good in all respects. I will take the chance to go to the hospital for the usual visits, get acquainted with the newly-elected and, if I see that we can get along, little by little, I shall try to become friends. We may do so, in such a way that no one will notice it and without threatening anyone. Then, when our friendship is established, I will try to draw her to our ideas in such a way that though she is in the limelight, we could try to carry out our Plan sweetly and wisely. What do you say, my dear?

I am a bit anxious about you, I fear that you are upset, or rather, that you are agitated. If I could become a bird I would come to keep you company for some time, and how happy I would be. Oh God, my dear Durini, how many troubles of every kind we have in this world. I had decided not to speak you any more about this division in Verona , but I always fall into this trap. I must end because I am short of time. All the rest in the next letter I will send you. I send my usual greetings to those you know, the rest is of course for you. With a loving embrace. Goodbye.

Your Magdalene

Magdalene's experience of suffering makes her exhortation to a confident abandonment to God’s help more convincing. Durini has lost the support of her spiritual director, but she should not be disheartened: God wants to be her only support.

Verona, 22 March 1801

My beloved friend

Although I longed to be able, to pay back a little this time, by writing to my dear Carolina, time has deceived me again. Therefore, I will write to you, if not as much as I want, at least as much as I am able to write. First of all, let me tell you that, yesterday, I received your dear letter of the 18^th, which clearly shows me your situation. I confess that I feel it very deeply. Oh God, my dear friend, I too need to tell to you what I think. It is impossible not to feel, but there is nothing to fear about how God disposes things. You are not at all at fault in missing that support, which, after all, the Lord Himself had given you. I, at least at the moment, am not at all at fault in believing that in a few days we will get back our tranquillity. My dear Carolina, God wills it. He will be your only support, and I hope, He will give me peace as well. Were I not held back by a thousand concerns, in a moment like this, I would gladly make a trip to Milan. But if our fate stays, or, as the saying goes, is sealed, at some time or another I will surely be able to come. I think I will be able to amuse you a bit. I must confess that I feel pained only to see you so distressed. It is not because, finding yourself so isolated may be prejudicial to you. You will see that the Lord will supply for everything. He has removed every support so that He alone may sustain you. If you love me, take courage.

I cannot promise you to go to our Lady of the People because, being alone, I am afraid to walk to the Cathedral, but I promise you to send some good persons and to pray at home or in some other Church nearby. Please continue to pray for me. In my previous letter, which will come to you together with this one, I told you the reason why I have been advised not to accept the post of governing the Hospital. Let us leave this matter too in God's hand and wait for the moment decreed by Divine Providence.

My sister Maffei will deliover this letter to you. She is coming to Milan on business, and, this is only for you, also to recover a little health. But do not speak about this, because she does not want me to tell anyone, much more so because she is rather anxious. Imagine, being pregnant, with her fears, afflictions, as well as all that she experienced the other time, these things are not at all helpful. You will receive together with this letter the Catalogue of the Priests and Lay Hospitallers. By and by, as they will give me the remainder, or when they will tell me, I will write or send it to you. I also thought of sending you a booklet of a Novena, which, they say, can work miracles . I hope that in your situation, it will calm your anxieties.

Please excuse me because the book is not a new one. I cannot find any here. So I am sending you my copy. I will borrow the copy of one of the ladies here.

In the next ordinary post I will write to you about Merli and the rest. I understand your character well. Time does not permit me to write more. I embrace you tenderly. Please convey my greettings to everybody you know. One more word since I have a moment. Much love to our dear Viscontina. Tell her that things are settling down. I am eager to introduce here too, the prayer of the three Hours, since some of the Filippini Fathers are interested in it. With regard to this, I will beg either you or her, for the music about which she wrote to me. Goodbye, my dear friend, from the bottom of my heart. Tell me what Viscontina says regarding my last letter to her.

Your very affectionate friend

Magdalene

The sorrow of Countess Durini does not decrease. Magdalene supports her affectionately. She assures her that she has asked for the prayers of Cevola, a young lady, who has been ill for quite a number of years and is suffering a lot. She mentions the progress of her charitable work.

Beloved Friend Verona, 24 March 1801

I am more at peace, my dear Carolina, regarding what I wrote to you that was afflicting me so much. I tried to reason things out in case what I fear comes true, but it consoles me a lot to think that it may not happen at all. Meanwhile let us say ‘God’s will be done’ and hope for the best. I would also like to hear the same about you, my dear friend. I wish that you too be comforted and peaceful. You will say that, unlike myself, in your case you have no hope. You are just partly right in seeing your affliction as irreparable. But my consolation proceeds from hope and is therefore not so strong as yours, which is grounded on faith. Do not think that I say this because I look at your troubles with binoculars and my own with the microscope. No, my dear friend, I assure you, if I could spare you from them and undergo them myself, I would do so with all my heart. Since this is impossible, I would like to console you as much as I can. I went to visit Cevola. If you remember, she is that young lady who has been sick for sixteen years. Without telling her the reason, I have asked her to pray for you. She greets you and wishes to hear from you too. I feel sure that the Lord will console you. I am longing for Saturday to have news from you. I believe that few persons can desire to see you at peace as much as I desire it. Remember, my dear that the Holy Virgin is the helper of the afflicted. You may guess that I have so many things to tell you, and that I have forgotten all of them. Meanwhile, let me tell you that today, the 25 instant, I met Manzoni while he was attending to a sick Lady. I conveyed him your greetings and he appreciated that very much. He told me thousand things that I should tell you on his behalf.

Thanks to the Lord I continue to be very pleased with my girls and with Christina. A second companion has been proposed me, who, they say, has all the necessary qualities and with an agreement of some advantage to me, though not a big one, on condition that she depends in everything on Christina, so that both may follow the prescribed method. Here, too, dear Caroline, prayer is needed. That's all for now. At another time I will tell you the final decision.

Catherine Merli is always in the hospital. If her mistress is ready to give her some alms, and she gives them on time, you could send them to me when my sister returns. Fr. Charles, Matilda, and all the others in my family convey their greetings to you. Convey mine to your husband, to Viscontina and to your sister. Concerning what you asked me about whether I have received all your letters, I tell you, my dear, that I have always faithfully received a letter by post every week, besides those that I have received on particular occasions. I, too, have written to you once a week, by post. I have done so also on some rare occasions, because there have not been such occasions or really very rarely. But you must remember that, since I receive always your letter two days after I have sent you mine, I can answer your questions only one week later. Therefore I am always one letter behind time, however hard I try to be prompt. I have to speak to you about the Catechism, but I will do so next week. You too should tell me something about your aunt, who is a nun, the Canonichessa, and of your project regarding visits to your Hospital. I mention this only to remind you about it. I can wait for the time when you are calmer. I will also tell you, another time, something about our visits. Goodbye, dear friend, love me as much as I love you, take heart, I am always

All Yours, Magdalene

Magdalene is following the Spiritual Exercises while at the same time attending the celebrations of Holy Week. So she writes briefly, since she does not have much time.

To Madame

Madame CAROLINE DURINI, née Trotti

at MILAN

Beloved friend Verona, 30 March 1801

This week, my dear Caroline, you should be satisfied with just a few lines, because, being Holy Week we have the Spiritual Exercises here. Then there are the liturgical celebrations too. So I have very little time available. At home I must give as much time to Carlino, and Uncle Borgia as the time I spend in Church. Let me tell you however, that if I cannot write you a long letter, I don't forget my humble prayers for you.

Enclosed with your last dear letter, I received the prayer sent to me by our Viscontina. It is just what I needed. My surrender is so partial; now I do not know whether it is out of boredom or desire, but I have decided not to think of it any longer. Wait for a long letter with many pages next week. Today, 1 April, I had been to the Madonna of the People to carry out your errand.

Goodbye dearest friend. Rest assured of my unchanging friendship. I am and always remain

Your Magdalene

Ps.: My usual greetings to those whom you know.

This letter shows Magdalene’s equilibrium and her fortitude of mind. She is not afraid of illness and overcomes it with serenity. Even the war between the French and the Austrians, that is going on in the city, does not disorient her.

Beloved friend Verona, 7 April 1801

I must reply to two or three of your letters, my beloved friend, to the last but one to which I replied only briefly last week, to the one I received in the last ordinary post and to a third one that I received on an occasion, together with a letter from dear Viscontina and the devotional books both of you sent me. First of all, I beg you to accept my thanks and to convey them to our friend, together with my most cordial compliments. Please tell her that I will reply to her very precious letter by the next mail, because a thousand commitments have taken up all my time. I began writing this letter yesterday morning, and I do not know whether I will finish it today by 8 p.m.

I have been keeping good health for some time. But I will tell you, my dear, that the illness my sister says I often have, is but a very slight fever that affects my humour. This is what the doctor says. It comes almost every year in winter, and at times, it lasts for months. But in spite of it, I do not lose neither sleep nor appetite. I do not lose weight nor do I become pale. The first year I had it, they made me stay in bed for two months. I was subjected to blood lettings as a cure. And it passed off in its own time. Now that I have learned the lesson, I do not mind it at all. When I also have a cough and cold, I go to bed. If I do not have a cough, as this year, I do not bother about it, because it hardly troubles me at all. My sister asks me how I am. I really feel very well. So though I may have this fever I still answer that I am keeping well. She then asks me for how many days I did not have any fever. When I will say, “today”, she says, ‘see, you do not want to say that you are not well’. The fact is, I assure you, that my illness is such that I often forget about it. It does not give me any other inconvenience than having it unwillingly for an hour or two, and if I at that time I have something to do, I do not remember it, or even notice it. I have made this long dissertation to tell you how things are. Thank you so much for being so caring regarding my health.

I thank you, my dear Carolina for your gentleness towards my sister. You are right when you say that those people you met embarrass you. I feel the same way too. So, as much as possible, I put in practice the words of a certain song Veronese, that says: Keep away, keep away. This is between the two of us. To tell you frankly, I feel that the trip of my sister, in the uncertainty in which we are, has been a bit immature. Perhaps it will not help him her business as much as she hoped it would. Perhaps it is my foolish desires that deceive me. Maybe it will be good at least for her health. I talk freely to you, my dear friend, being certain that you will not speak to anyone neither of Canossa, nor of my fears.

Yesterday, half of our City, the part beyond the river Adige, has changed masters. Today the Austrians have taken possession, I believe, of Porta S.Giorgio, and certainly of Porta Vescovo. On the bridges we have sentinels of both our masters. I am quite calm, my dear Carolina, or at least up to now I am calmer than in the past. Pray for me and for Verona. You tell me that you have received the Catalogue of the hospital, but you did not tell me your feelings about it. Don Pietro, who greets you, would like to know your opinion. Since his health is always so precarious, he has not been able to give me the remainder of what you asked for. I cannot speak to you of the hospital not even today, because I have no time. I have to end this letter today 9 April, before the mail leaves. Through the next ordinary post I hope to tell you about the last decision of the Governess. Please continue to recommend me and have others recommend me to the Lord so that I may perfectly fulfil His will.

To quieten myself, I need to add another thing that only your friendship gives me the courage to dare. Do not speak to anyone of the Veronese song I had quoted earlier, because I kno