Carondelet, December 21, 1838
Right Reverend Joseph Rosati
Monseigneur:
I have the honor to write to you to set forth my little worries. I am sending you the letters that Father Saulnier has written to me. You will see by them how things stand. As to the questions asked me, the first concerns the feast of St. Joseph. You know that you said to me that, as we have indulgence that day, you wished it to be the same as in France and that you accorded another indulgence on the 19th of March, St. Joseph's day. The second question regards the dinner. We have always done as in France because I did not see a change necessary and consequently did not ask dispensation.
The third question is why we are not godmothers though our Sisters are. When I was asked if Sister Celestine could be godmother, I answered that it could not be. I did not say that we could get the permission because it was not necessary that people of the world know all that passes between us and our superiors; furthermore, knowing the obligation that a godmother contracts between herself and her godson or daughter, I thought it would be better to refuse than to accept. If we are godmother for one child, soon we would be for several. Now you see what my sentiments are; you will do as you see fit. I shall always be happy to conform to your wishes in all things and everywhere.
The fourth question is about singing. You know you told us that it would be necessary for us to sing when there would be no choir. We have done so up to the present, except this last Sunday, when M. le Cure said to our Sisters that he would say a low Mass. I do not know why he told me such a thing.
The fifth is why is it difficult when it should be easy? I cannot imagine why he tells me these things: I must let our Sisters do all that they wish; for example, write to Him when they please, speak to him alone when they wish, rise, retire, pray, eat, work, when they are ready. Thus we will have no need of rules and we will be seculars and not religious.
The sixth question is why we do not fast. I answered that you had dispensed us and that I believe that it would be failing in obedience if we fasted.
There, Your Lordship, are several things that worry me. Please tell me what I should do. I find myself in a very sad situation, and as long as I shall be with Father Saulnier and the Sisters who are with me, I shall be in the same embarrassment. One would say they have made their vows to obey Father Saulnier and not their bishop, superior, and constitutions. Pardon me, Your Lordship, if I tire you. I am ready to do all that you wish me to do for the glory of God and my salvation. Arrange matters so that all that will end if it is the will of God.
I have written you concerning the profession of Sister St. John. Kindly tell me when you can come to examine her so that she may be put in retreat for several days. Your Lordship, if you can send us an extraordinary confessor, you will give me great pleasure.
Receive, Your Lordship, the humble respects of her who is with the highest consideration of Your Lordship.
The daughter humble and submissive
Sister M. Delphine Fontbonne
Right Reverend Joseph Rosati
Monseigneur:
I have the honor to write to you to set forth my little worries. I am sending you the letters that Father Saulnier has written to me. You will see by them how things stand. As to the questions asked me, the first concerns the feast of St. Joseph. You know that you said to me that, as we have indulgence that day, you wished it to be the same as in France and that you accorded another indulgence on the 19th of March, St. Joseph's day. The second question regards the dinner. We have always done as in France because I did not see a change necessary and consequently did not ask dispensation.
The third question is why we are not godmothers though our Sisters are. When I was asked if Sister Celestine could be godmother, I answered that it could not be. I did not say that we could get the permission because it was not necessary that people of the world know all that passes between us and our superiors; furthermore, knowing the obligation that a godmother contracts between herself and her godson or daughter, I thought it would be better to refuse than to accept. If we are godmother for one child, soon we would be for several. Now you see what my sentiments are; you will do as you see fit. I shall always be happy to conform to your wishes in all things and everywhere.
The fourth question is about singing. You know you told us that it would be necessary for us to sing when there would be no choir. We have done so up to the present, except this last Sunday, when M. le Cure said to our Sisters that he would say a low Mass. I do not know why he told me such a thing.
The fifth is why is it difficult when it should be easy? I cannot imagine why he tells me these things: I must let our Sisters do all that they wish; for example, write to Him when they please, speak to him alone when they wish, rise, retire, pray, eat, work, when they are ready. Thus we will have no need of rules and we will be seculars and not religious.
The sixth question is why we do not fast. I answered that you had dispensed us and that I believe that it would be failing in obedience if we fasted.
There, Your Lordship, are several things that worry me. Please tell me what I should do. I find myself in a very sad situation, and as long as I shall be with Father Saulnier and the Sisters who are with me, I shall be in the same embarrassment. One would say they have made their vows to obey Father Saulnier and not their bishop, superior, and constitutions. Pardon me, Your Lordship, if I tire you. I am ready to do all that you wish me to do for the glory of God and my salvation. Arrange matters so that all that will end if it is the will of God.
I have written you concerning the profession of Sister St. John. Kindly tell me when you can come to examine her so that she may be put in retreat for several days. Your Lordship, if you can send us an extraordinary confessor, you will give me great pleasure.
Receive, Your Lordship, the humble respects of her who is with the highest consideration of Your Lordship.
The daughter humble and submissive
Sister M. Delphine Fontbonne
Translation from the French
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