[A] Before the Sisters disperse at the morning and evening recreations they receive "Obediences" from the Superior as to any change of employment or any special devotions in the course of the day.
LXXVI.
To Sister Françoise-Angélique de la Croix de Fésigney, Mistress of Novices at Riom.[A]
Vive ✠ Jésus!
Orleans, 1627.
My dearest Little One,
Your letter has given me much consolation, for in it I see somewhat more determination to follow the advice we have given you, which, for you, is the only suitable advice. Keep your heart on high and confide with holy joy, and no reserves, in the goodness of God. He has designed to make choice of you for His service in the Monastery in which He has placed you: where no doubt there are others more capable than you, but that does not signify in God's eyes. It is humility, not capacity, He looks for. The most humble and the most faithful to His divine will contents Him most, and this is, I know, the way in which you are determined to serve Him. Live where you now are as you used to live at Nessy, growing in perfection by perseverance in the practice of virtue. This is all I ask of you. And if you give way now and again, be not cast down by such falls, but for love of God rise again with courage. It will give me great pleasure if you try to suppress childish ways. I wish I could make you see this. Should you, however, fall into them sometimes, do not worry. In a word, dearest little one, guide your novices boldly according to the teaching of the Directory and you will see how God will bless your care of them. For my part I feel sure He wishes to use you for the well-being of your monastery, for, as you know, all depends on the novitiate.
I never thought much of good Sister Madeleine. Let her not think that I believe in her revelations. Most assuredly God does not give such to souls who are so full of imperfections. She can tell untruths about what I said to her just as she does about other things. Try, however, to gain her and give poor Sister, the Superior, all the comfort you can. I write in haste. I should like to write often, but I cannot. However, we shall meet again, please God. My daughter, my dearest little one, be henceforth, I repeat, joyous and generous in the service of the good God. Ask Him always how you should speak and act, and be assured that in everything for your good and for that of your dear novices He Himself will act and speak through you. I salute most affectionately the novices whom I dearly love, and all our Sisters. May God put Sister N. in the right way.
Adieu, daughter.
[A] This Sister was a relative of St. Francis de Sales. St. Jane Frances, who never flattered, used to call her "the little Saint."