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Ah, dear Lucia, let us cherish the Cross as our greatest
treasure, and let us heartily thank God when he favours us
with one, since it is the greatest gift he can give us in view of
Heaven. As for me, I have not so far had the good fortune to
partake of this treasure of infinite merits, for the Lord has
always treated me with mildness, knowing how imperfect and
weak I am. However, should the Lord graciously send me a
few in future, I earnestly beg of you, pray God to give me the
grace of behaving in a manner that will make him happy with
me.

1
Our greatest Solemnity of Our Lady of Mt Carmel is
drawing near. Will it be for us as happy and pleasant a day as
it was last year? For myself I’m not so sure: according to the
fervour with which I do the Novena, God too will shower his
graces on me. But as I am sure you will observe the Novena
wonderfully well, with extraordinary fervour, for charity’s sake

let me join you, and all the good you do, please offer it also for
me.

Give my warm wishes to Giulia; tell her I am waiting for
her letter. Ask her to give a loving kiss on my behalf to St
Aloysius on his feast day. To your gracious Mother, please
express my deep esteem.

1 On the feast of Our Lady of Carmel she consecrated herself to Jesus through
the vow of Chastity.

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