It is not right to pledge one's word to God, and afterwards take no pains to carry out the promise. If you promised a boy of your own age something and then neglected your word, the boy would despise you.
It is much worse to treat God with neglect. I do hope that after your First Holy Communion you will strive hard to overcome your defects, to correct the faults that your Mother notices in you.
That you will endeavor to give the greatest satisfaction to your parents is our Lord's wish, and mine. They have labored so much for you, suffered so much; your mother especially, they have had so much trouble with you when you were a helpless infant, that it would be the greatest ingratitude now, when you are able, not to seek to give them pleasure and comfort.
Another reason for paying the closest attention to what your parents say is that they are your best friends, all they want from you is for your good; so if you are docile and obedient you will become a good man, and not one that we should be ashamed of in after life.
Say your prayers every evening, renew your good resolutions every morning, and promise to obey in everything, and I am sure you will become a good man.
Your friend in Christ,
Aloysius Rocofort, S. J.
Marquette College, August 14th.