You say you are not happy in the Mission. That, in itself, is not a sign that God does not want you there. Perfect contentment is never to be found, in whatever place and condition one may be. This life is full of annoyances and troubles both of mind and of body; it is a state of continual agitation, which snatches peace of mind from those who think they possess it and eludes those who seek it. Did Our Lord lead an easy life?

It is not easy to find perfect men in whom there is nothing to criticize.

If your men grow weary of the work or balk at obedience, you must bear with them. Get what you can gently from them. True, it is good to be firm in attaining your goal, but use appropriate, attractive, and agreeable means.

The vine-stock bears fruit as long as it is attached to its stem; apart from that, no.

There are good, God-fearing persons who still fall into certain faults, and it is better to bear with them than to be hard on them.

If God is the center of your life, no words are necessary. Your mere presence will touch hearts.

Remember, Monsieur, that the downfall of most Communities comes from the cowardice of Superiors in not holding firm and in not purging them of the troublesome and incorrigible.