O, dear mother, with what anxiety I try to find out how you are doing, but I will learn that only later. Nevertheless, I ask you to endure everything that happens to you for the love of our Lord and to find comfort in Him. Behold, dear mother, you are his chosen bride. Rejoice then that you have something to offer him, for Your Dignity knows well that a bride must bring something with her. It is true that this separation and absence means a lack for your soul, yet, dear mother, do not doubt that He who has accomplished so much for you will do what He still has to do, and will give you, if not all the satisfaction you desire, then at least as much as you will need.
(Bro. Simon of St. Paul OCD, letter to the venerable Mother Electa /1605–1663/, June 27, 1647)
