“That is well,” replied the good Mother, greatly touched; “tell Soeur Therese that I have understood. . . .”  And from that moment she felt convinced her death was near.  It took place just one year later, and, according to the prediction of the “Little Aloysius,” the two graves lie side by side.

* * * * * *

The last words penned by the hand of Soeur Therese were:  “O Mary, were I Queen of Heaven, and wert thou Therese, I should wish to be Therese, that I might see thee Queen of Heaven!” _____________________________

[1] Cf.  Matt. 20:23.

[2] Cf.  Ps. 67[68]:28.

[3] Cf.  Prov. 1:4.

[4] Judith 15:11.

[5] Ecclus. 11:12, 13, 22, 23, 24.

[6] Jer. 10:23.

[7] Cf.  Psalm 93[94]:18.

[8] Imit., I, xvi. 4.

[9] John 14:2.

[10] Cf.  Psalm 111[112]:5.

[11] Cant. 1:2.

[12] Cf. 2 Esdras 4:17.

[13] Matt. 25:36.

[14] Prov. 16:32.

[15] Luke 2:50.

[16] Luke 2:33.

[17] Ps. 118[119]:112.

[18] Ephes. 6:17.

[19] Cf.  Cant. 5:7, 3:4.

[20] In this and the following “counsel” it should be remembered that it is a Novice-Mistress who is speaking. [Ed.]

[21] Cf.  Ephes. 6:17; Isaias 61:21.

[22] Cf.  John 3:8.

[23] Luke 22:32.

[24] Cf.  Gen. 2:17.  A play on the French:  Tu mourras de mort. [Ed.]

[25] Apoc. 22:12.

[26] Prov. 10:12.

[27] Cf.  Isaias 6:2.

_____________________________

LETTERS OF SOEUR THERESE THE LITTLE FLOWER OF JESUS

_____________________________

LETTERS OF SOEUR THERESE TO HER SISTER CELINE

I

J.M.J.T.

May 8, 1888.

DEAREST CELINE,—­There are moments when I wonder whether I am really and truly in the Carmel; sometimes I can scarcely believe it.  What have I done for God that He should shower so many graces upon me?

A whole month has passed since we parted; but why do I say parted?  Even were the wide ocean between us, our souls would remain as one.  And yet I know that not to have me is real suffering, and if I listened to myself I should ask Jesus to let me bear the sadness in your stead!  I do not listen, as you see; I should be afraid of being selfish in wishing for myself the better part—­I mean the suffering.  You are right—­life is often burdensome and bitter.  It is painful to begin a day of toil, especially when Jesus hides Himself from our love.  What is this sweet Friend about?  Does He not see our anguish and the burden that weighs us down?  Why does He not come and comfort us?