Hazotte_Letters_2

[cer]tainly take it right off; then the three of you would be laid up and you would have to get some one totake care of you: this would be worse than your present situation. Dear Sister, it would not be right for me to send the Sisters without knowing whether it would be safe or not. The Sisters, too, are afraid that I had to appoint another in her place. As soon as you receive this dispatch and let me know if it is safe to send the sisters or not. Dear sister, you must not think that we have forgotten you or that we do not care for you. I grieve to think that you are there alone and if it were possible I would go immediately to you myself. I hope you are well taken care of. Have some one stay with you til the Sisters come even

if you have to pay them. This morning a Mass was read for you and the sisters all offered Holy Communion for you. I have also had many prayers said for your recovery. I know it is hard for you to be alone but you must be resigned to the holy will of God. and you will receive a great reward. Dear Sister, if it is God's will, I hope this letter will find you in better health, and that you will be spared for many years to labor for his honor. So do not fear but trust in our dear Lord and his Blessed Mother; they will not forsake you in this your hour of trying need. You have scarely left my thoughts since the sad news came. One thought consoles me: that you have the good Fathers [are?] there. I received your letter, containing the accounts and P.O. Order

Srs. Constantia, Martina, Prudentiana, came to Hayes about 16 of Sept. 1880

I watched and waited fo a letter from you since dear Sister's death. I am indeed in great perplexity; I do not know whether it is best to send the sisters or not; if I knew there was no danger , I would send them Sunday night. Sr. Constantia is one of the sisters who is to go there. Dear Sister, although far away, I am with you in spirit, when kneeling before the Tabernacle, my most fervent aspirations are for you. Hoping to hear from you ver soon and that the letter will find you enjoying better health, I remain with much love, Your ever affectionate servant, Mary Agnes

[Written across the left top: Very important Written at the time the Holy See approved the Const.] April 19, 1881 Dear Sisters, A few days ago I had to announce to you the death of our dear Sr. Patrick. Our Lord has required many sacrifices of us within the last three years. It seems as if He wished members of our Community yo intercede for us before His throne and to take part in the joy which the glad tidings, received from Rome yesterday brought to those on earth_ the final approval and confirmation of our Congregation and Constitution by the Holy See Aug.16th 1880. This is a special favor, for which we should return thanks to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Very Rev. P. ExCustas says he has not heard of another Community being approved before applying to Rome four or five times: this being the general rule. Many Communities have had to wait twenty to two hund[red] years. We received the first approval in 1875 and now the final. A few changes have been made in Rome, which will be sent to you as soon as we have them ready. I hope, dear Sisters, you will study the Constitutions and observe them strictly, annd if you are asked to do anything which is forbidden by them say: we cannot do it; our Const. does not allow it. You need not doubt any more what you are allowed to do; the Const. will tell you. Please offer a holy Communion and.

rosary in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for our holy Father Leo X and for the Seven Cardinals and the six Bishops who gave their approval before sending them to Rome, not forgetting our R. ExCustas who labored hard while composing them. The day you receive this, give thanks to God and say the Te Deum. You may also have recreation and have something extra at meals. It is the most important and joyful event for our Community. Our holy Mother the Church has done all she could for us. It is for us to complete the work by being faithfulmto the rule of life, which she has laid down for us. Those who put their trust in God and suffer for His sake will not be forsaken. Our Community sprang up among the thorns and many dark clouds of persecution passed over its head during its short existence. The present favor, which will last forever, is the reward. I hope you will all do what you can to assist in paying off the debts. We do not intend to collect, so we must be very economical. Make good arrangements in ordering provisions. Take good care of everything. My love to you all. May this encourage you in your vocation and stimulate you to greater zeal for God's honor and glory. I remain in the Sacred Hearts, your Servant, M. Agnes, C.S.A. Sr. Magdalene's father died the 18th [?]. Please offer the Communion and rosary prescribed by the Constitution for the eternal repose of his soul. Fond du Lac, Wis., April 19th, 1881.

[This letter is hektographed.]