At this profound moment in history, the congregation is balancing deep sorrow and great joy: they have recently mourned the loss of their Mother Superior after 27 years of service, yet they are also celebrating the pontifical approval of their Constitutions. Meanwhile, the founder himself is gravely ill, fully aware that he is nearing the conclusion of his earthly journey.
2nd August 1879
In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary I bless you again and again my dearest daughters! In spite of the long illness, It has pleased the Lord to send me, I have never ceased think of you and the well-being of your dear Congregation. Every day I recommend it to God in my prayers and Communions.
I have been anxious to put the finishing touches to the very important work of your Constitutions, by inserting all the changes that the Holy See required, on granting final approval of our beloved Institute on December 18th 1877. This long work is now finished and I can at last announce the latest edition of your Constitutions; you will all receive a copy during the annual retreat.
If you love your Founder, as I am sure you do, if you would be my joy and my consolation as you have said in your letters, prove your love by the faithful observance of these Constitutions; that is the only thanks I ask from each of you, in return for that fatherly interest in you that the passage of time has but increased. By the perfect performance of your duties, you will bring down upon your Congregation the blessing of God, and you will strengthen it more and more by attracting to it through your holy and edifying life, many fervent novices.
I cannot end my Circular without thanking you with all my heart, my very dear children, for all the good prayers you have continued to offer for my recovery. God knows, I seek this favour, solely that I may use remainder of my days to serve Him and to strengthen the Congregation that I have founded for His greater glory and the salvation of souls.
I have great faith in your good dispositions, my dear children, and I bless you with all my heart in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
J.B.D