Letter 173

My very dear Son,

In one of my former letters, I told you that Fr Lalemant is going to France but I don’t remember if I told you that we asked him to send three professed sisters, two choir and one converse. We are asking one choir sister from Tours where my niece can offer, if her eye is cured. I would be delighted to see her here if she has a good vocation, for without that she would suffer and I would be very sorry to see her worried. The sister who returned last year never had a vocation for Canada, only a passing enthusiasm which lasts only part of the way and so she didn’t succeed. The same is true of the other sister who returned with her. My niece has good sense and good nature and they tell me she is virtuous, but whatever advantages she has I would advise her not to risk it without a vocation. If she has a solid vocation and her eye is entirely cured and she is not afraid of the dangers of the sea, coming here would be a great help to her perfection.

I hear she is much sought after by seculars and even important people who visit her often. Visits of this kind are deadly poison for Religious, especially for the young and attractive. They say she is prudent and reserved but without special protection from God, virtue suffers in the Parlour. Then there is the chance that being removed from the situation would help as it helped our dear deceased, Sr. St. Joseph. I am telling you all this my dear son, that you may keep a good eye on her, and keep in touch for fear she would make a sudden decision. I prefer to write all this to you than to any other because I trust you. I think you should write about it all very fully to Mother Francis of St Bernard, asking her to tell you in confidence what she thinks. Do all this for the love of God my dear son, and you will oblige me greatly as you will also by seeing by Fr Lalemant often. He is my good friend and Father in Our Lord. We have put all the affairs of our community in his hands as those of a good friend. The ships are going, Goodbye for this year.

Quebec. 2 September 1656.
Pages  223-224.