To Carmelite Reverend Mother, Florence, Teresa Angelica

E II, 872

Spiritual thoughts for the recipient, for her brother and for the Carmelite Sisters – an invitation to trust in the Lord

Turin, 22 November 1865

Reverend Sister,

Do not doubt the salvation of the Mother Superior. Nevertheless, pray for the repose of her soul; or rather, pray that she may help you from heaven.

Tell your brother to continue receiving Holy Communion, but the first time he goes to confession, he should ask God for forgiveness for the resolutions he made but did not carry out.

Be of calm conscience, and simply try to remember and follow the advice given to you by your confessor.

Tell your fellow Sisters that it is time to pray with faith to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Only he can save us from the power of darkness. We will fight, our enemies will enjoy their victory; but triumph is ours; Jesus will always be our defence.

I hope to be able to pay my respects to you in Florence, if the Lord grants me good health, which is currently very poor.

May the Blessed Virgin help us to persevere in doing good until death. Amen.

Pray for my poor soul and for that of my dear boys, and believe that I am, in the Lord,

your most obliged servant,

Fr John Bosco