Lest You Remain

9 To my beloved Brothers in Christ, most urgently and persistently, I recommend love for God and your brothers, unity of minds, humility, patience, sobriety, modest- ly, the faithful fulfillment of one’s vocation and persevering in it, due honor to the Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Conception, zealous support for the deceased, keeping the rules of the Order, discipline and religious perfection and an ever more fervent spirit; May they remember that because of the vows they made to God and the Most Beloved Virgin, there is secured for them a most certain and unfailing reward. Above all, I desire, my beloved, that there would be peace, harmony and mutu- al love among you; “Help carry one another’s burdens; in that way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). May the God of peace and love guard you, direct you, defend you and save you for ever. To the One, in the Holy Trinity, belong eternal glory and honor and adoration, in Him Himself, and in the Word Incarnate. May He be glorified in all the chosen, for whom He has the sweetest predilection, and in particular in His Most Beloved Virgin Mother, Mother of Mercy, the one and only hope, and the refuge of all the sinners and mine. ( Testamentum Primum ) 10 Finally, we strongly encourage all of you toward, love for God, devotion to the Most Beloved Virgin and the holy Patron Saints, mutual love, peace and harmony, keeping your holy vows, love for zealous prayer and due mortification, humility, patience, thankfulness and perseverance, with God’s help, in your holy vocation. We also ask you not to stop in commending me, a poor old man, to God in your prayers. ( Litterae ad Marianos in Eremo Corabieviensi ) 11 To my friends and - if I may say so—sons, I recommend love for God and the brothers, zeal for the Catholic faith, honor, respect and obedience toward the Most Holy See; keeping the vows, humility, patience, supporting the deceased and peace with everyone. [...] I am leaving never to return; pray for me and I will [pray] for you, as the one who through your prayers, and acts of conciliation, will receive God’s mercy. I Fr. Founder’s Selected Thoughts on the Religious Life 105