Mlle de Lamourous (Hardbound)

[This selection is taken from an incident on October 27, 1803, when it seemed they would have to close the Miséricorde for lack of funds, or even food.]

Marie Thérèse, aware now that the whole house was upset, left her office and went to her customary place in the community room. With her two assistants beside her, she addressed them all in words of faith. “Have courage; banish all concern, all solicitude. We have done all that depends on us. Let us await calmly the manifestation of God’s will for this house. If it is God’s work, he will prove it by sending needed help. He who can change stones into bread can also provide bread for this house is so he wills. If he does not, it is because he does not wish to do so. And is it not his most holy will that we seek to do? Let us then be at peace; let us persevere in submission, courage, and joy until the end.”

After their meager “last dinner,” Marie Thérèse and the others went to the chapel to pray, as was their custom. With humble faith and deep sadness and pain she prayed fervently for light, for help, for her filles. She saw that many of them, too, seemed to be praying most earnestly. She turned to God, at once complaining and challenging. Later she would describe her sentiments with great simplicity.

So! You would withdraw from us your hand and your protection, you would let fall this house to which you called these poor women! And when, O my God? Precisely when they are imploring you with such ardor. See N., prostrated at your feet; she is begging your grace, your mercy, and lively contrition for her sins. And N., looking up at the statue of Mary, asking her for the same favors. Will her confidence in this Mother of the Miséricorde be deceived? You know, O Lord, that we have at heart only the salvation of these poor ones. If you wish to use those whom you have called to this work as your instruments, come now to their help. Their fate and that of the whole house rests in your hands. May your most holy will be done!