L E T T E R S

118Letter Nr. 30Paris, February 4, 1838My dearest Stephen! 1Surely you must know, and without fail continue to sense, that for meevery family sentiment that can fill a person's heart is centered on you. Try toimagine then the joy with which I write these few words, practically certainthat they will reach you, and that consequently, after four barren years, I willat last receive some word from you.The wife of General Rautenstrauch 2 has been good enough to take itupon herself to try to contact you and deliver my letter to your personally.Through her, or at least with her assistance, you will be able to write to me.However, I feel that it would be best, quickest, and surest for you to write tome directly. My address is: Paris, Boulevard Montparnasse 25.Last year, and the year before that, I wrote many letters to you. In God'sname, what can a lack of response on your part mean? The last letter I receivedfrom you arrived in May of 1834. Have pity on me! By all means, write atsoon as possible. Let me know at last where you are and what you are doing.So much must have changed since the last time you wrote!I received some news about Alexandra recently, 3 though it came to meonly indirectly. As a result, I have a big favor to ask of you. But first, aboutyourself: Tell me all about your present situation! I keep on singing the sametune: If you haven't completed your doctorate as yet, make the effort. Take theproper steps. Travel abroad if you have to, but get it done!In previous letters I wrote to you about myself. The principal change inmy life, the dominant feature of my present state, is this: After constant searchand research, study and experience, I have finally come to recognize theeternal and perfect truth in the teaching of Jesus Christ, and in the Universal,that is, the Catholic Church he founded.