The Story of a Soul 84

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Dear Mother, you know the love, or rather the oceans of grace which flooded my soul immediately after I made that Act of Oblation on June 9, 1895. From that day I have been penetrated and surrounded with love. Every moment this Merciful Love renews me and purifies me, leaving in my soul no trace of sin. I cannot fear Purgatory; I know I do not merit to enter, even, into that place of expiation with the Holy Souls, but I also know that the fire of Love is more sanctifying than the fire of Purgatory. I know that Jesus could not wish useless suffering for us, and He would not inspire me with the desires I feel, were He not willing to fulfill them.



[1] Psalm 102[103]:14.



[2] Phil.
Ph 4,7


[3] This letter, the style of which may seem strange to English ears, is modelled closely on the formal and quaint letters whereby French parents of the better class announce to their friends the marriage of their children. Such letters of "faire-part" are issued in the name of relatives to the third or fourth degree. [Ed.]



[4] Thérèse had kept this wish hidden in her heart from the days of her childhood, and later in life she made the following confidence: "I was ten the day Papa told Céline that she was to begin painting lessons. I felt quite envious. Then he turned to me and said: 'Well, little Queen, would you like to learn painting too?' I was going to say: 'Yes, indeed I should,' when Marie remarked that I had not the same taste for it as Céline. She carried her point, and I said nothing, thinking it was a splendid opportunity to make a big sacrifice for Our Lord; I was so anxious to learn, that even now I wonder how I was able to keep silence."



[5] Eccl. 2:11.



[6] Céline entered the Convent on September 14, 1894, and took the name of Sister Genevieve of St. Teresa.



[7] Spiritual Canticle: Stanzas 18 and 20.



[8] Hymn to the Deity.



[9] Luke Lc 17,21


[10] Revelation of Our Lord to Bd. Margaret Mary.



[11] Cant. 8:7.



[12] Psalm 103[104]:1.



[13] Luke Lc 15,31


[14] Cf. Psalm 35[36]:6.







The Story of a Soul 84