In the name of God, Monsieur, let us not be so little attached to God's service that we yield to a useless fear which may cause us to abandon the task He has given us.

When in Rome, you must do as the Romans do and accept the local customs, if they are not immoral.

I have never made any distinction between those who have taken vows and those who have not; some should not be overburdened in order to spare others.

Let us reflect that we shall always do God's Will and He will do ours when we carry out that of our Superiors.

I thank God that you know the art of tearing yourself apart - I mean the way to humble yourself truly by recognizing and realizing your faults. You are right in believing yourself to be as you describe and to be most unsuitable for any kind of duty; it is on this foundation that Our Lord will base the execution of His plans for you.

You know, Monsieur, that, although the contemplative life is more perfect than the active life, it is not, however, more so than one which embraces at the same time contemplation and action, as does yours, by God's grace.

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