J.M.+ J.T. Carmel of Lisieux
December 29, 1904
Jesus
Dear little Sister,
Alas – the news that you await is going to sadden you, when you read of the death of our very good Mother Marie de Gonzague1 … but let us not, however, be saddened too much over the death of saints!.. Now you have a little sister and a mother in heaven!
I have had the book2 sent to the address which you indicated to me: the weight with the postage is four francs, fifty centimes, I think; I am not sure of the price for the postage. If you see that it is too high, only send four francs in a postal check to the Mother Prioress of the Carmel of Lisieux.
We are still on our knees in spite of the storm that grumbles all around us3 and we strive to unite ourselves more and more as daughters who are totally given over to Jesus. Pray for us, dear and good little Sister, for the family Thérèse loves so much. Let us also become saints, roses of love sprinkled over the poor arid earth in order to perfume hearts and draw them to the good Lord.
My religious and sisterly embrace to your Reverend Mother Prioress.
Your little Mother and Sister,
Sr. Agnes of Jesus, r.c.i.
Sr. Marie of the Eucharist, the little cousin of Thérèse, is still very ill. The other little sisters are well.
1 Mother Marie de Gonzague died of cancer on December 17, 1904, with admirable sentiments of devotion to Sr. Thérèse. Mother Agnes sent the account of her life and a photograph of Mother de Gonzague in death to the Carmel of Philadelphia.
2Unknown.
3 One month later, the Law of Separation of Church and State in France would be introduced into the legislature. It would be voted in during July of 1905.