L E T T E R S

301The original reason for his plan to become a Benedictine is then gonebut since he has embraced again this plan and is attached to it very muchbecause he saw there alone all his future, all his happiness, and many feelingsand ideas that he has in his head are still opposed to his changing rapidly anddemand that we take great precaution in the advice that we would give him. Ieven believe that it would not be good to thwart right now his intentions. I amnot making any formal opposition to it. I think that above all we must makehim feel his need to recapture, with confidence in God, all the liberty of hisspirit to examine his duty and the way he can employ his life most usefully forGod and the well being of his neighbour.In dealing with him I keep the above in mind but what would be themost useful and necessary thing for him would be a good talk with you, Father,especially as he feels vividly the rights that you have to be his spiritual directoras his first confessor. So here is my request: that you be good enough to invitehim to your place and write him about it and appoint a day when he canreceive your counsels as soon as possible even this week. Perhaps it would bewell that you invite him yourself in the letter you send him. I believe he wouldbe less distrustful and would go to your place better disposed rather than if itwere I who advised him to go and see you. In this case don’t speak to him ofthis letter.May your zeal inspire and plan for the best in this matter whichconcerns the life of a man dear to us. I have only to be conformed to yourdecisions in which I place all my confidence and hope.(MSS 8596, pp. 1246, 1247, CRR)