L E T T E R S

606Letter Nr. 147[To Joseph and Bohdan Zaleski]Paris, June 29, 1838My dearest brothers, I am writing to you on the Feast of St. Peter, who waschosen by Our Lord as the foundation of Christian unity throughout the world.Once again confessing my sinfulness and unworthiness, and invoking theintercession of today’s holy patron through fervent prayer for my intention, I begyou to renew our loving and perfect union in Christ the Lord.You are aware of Peter’s sin, and you know that the Lord forgave him. Noton my account, not because of my sorrow and most sincere purpose ofamendment, but rather, for Christ the Lord and in the name of St. Peter, grant me,brother, total, Christ like forgiveness. Designate a day when, receiving the MostHoly Sacrament for this intention, praying for you and for myself, and thankingGod, I might receive your forgiveness.My guilt has been great. I knew Bohdan’s character well enough to realizehow much worry my neglect would cause him. And yet I forgot myself to such anextent! Dear brothers, the few justly harsh and bitter words that Joseph 786 sentthrough Różycki punished me more severely than I have ever been punishedbefore.O God! At what great cost do I teach others patience, and myself order andregularity in my relations with people! What dangerous trials our fraternal lovemust pass through by reason of my fault! In your infinite goodness, O Lord, maythese trials contribute to the amendment of my sinfulness! And stir the hearts ofmy offended brothers to forgiveness. Nevertheless, in this, and in all things, mayyour holy will be forever blessed!Dear brothers, I have now resolved to write when and to whom obligationdemands, whether or not I have the strength and my mind is free, committing thedirection of my pen, my mind and my hand to the grace of God. To confess my786 Joseph Zaleski.