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Rachele. Before sending her a copy, I think it is better to keep
her waiting for it for some time. However, I will write to her,
too; I shall tell her about it, but enigmatically, and the same
thing you must do, till we find out what she really wants, and
then we shall send her the book as well, because these are
things that should be treated with respect. Not to create
confusion, let us do like this: any letters about this matter that
you send to Rachele, let me have them first; I will read them
and then forward them to her, and so I will know better what to
write. And if you want me to let you first see my letters
addressed to her, just drop me a hint and I will do as you say.
So that is settled.

But what about the Babe who is waiting for Marianna
and Bortolamea to go and keep him company in the crib?
Shall we forget all about him? Oh no! Sister dear, let us not be
ungrateful towards the most loveable Jesus who spared

himself no pains for our salvation. During these days of
Advent, that is, of preparation for the birth of Jesus, let us form
in our own hearts a beautiful, cosy crib, where the dearly
beloved Babe can rest quite comfortably. But how shall we
adorn the crib of our heart? How? By means of self-denial,
sobriety, prayer and meditation, by humility and fervour. These
will be our decorations. And don’t you think we should prepare
an inn as less unworthy as possible for the coming of such a
Guest? Or must we let souls less highly favoured than we are
to offer Jesus a heart more ardent, chastened and humble
than ours?

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