Rosmini's Lesson

A letter by Antonio Rosmini (1797-1855), Italian priest, philosopher, theologian, founder of the Institute of Charity (a religious congregation), author of the book The Five Wounds of the Church, beatified on November 18, 2007.

To Suor Giovanna Antonietti, Superior at Domodossola

Stresa, 4 August 1844

My dear daughter in Christ,

The defects of Suor Bertoletti are not sufficient grounds for dismissing her. If you consider the matter well, you will see that they are the product of a sensitive and timorous conscience. And when a Sister shows she has great fear of God and a delicate conscience, these things must be respected, and her defects must be accepted calmly, while we make every effort, with charity and patience, to help her, comfort her, and strengthen her so that she may amend. Nothing is more greatly to be esteemed and loved than the purity of a soul who fears to offend the Lord; since in the end the greatest treasure the Sisters of Providence can have is the grace of God and holiness.

I have spoken to Suor Maddalena, and she told me that when Suor Bertoletti was at Stresa she did very well; and it seems to her that it might have been well to keep Suor Bertoletti at Stresa not only as the doorkeeper but also as a helper for the Sister who looks after the novitiate. In short, then, keep her, sympathize with her, and try to deal patiently with her when she is at fault in any way.

May Jesus and Mary bless you.

Your father in Christ,

A. ROSMINI p.

(Antonio Rosmini, Ascetical Letters, Vol. 5, Letter 23)