Quote of the day, 11 February: Saint Zélie Martin

My dear Louis,

I arrived in Lisieux yesterday afternoon at four-thirty. My brother was waiting for me with a carriage, where I found a good foot warmer. Upon arriving at his house, I saw Madame Fournet and Monsieur and Madame Maudelonde, who gave me a very warm welcome.

After dinner, I did everything possible to cheer up my brother and give him a little courage. He spoke to me a lot of Monsieur Vital, who’d written to him the same day, telling him about the consultation with Doctor X and begging him to act forcefully and take me to Paris. I would have wanted to see this letter, but they refused to let me see it.

Finally, I slept perfectly last night, against my expectations, but I was tired from the trip. The doctor arrived this morning at eight-thirty. He examined the area of the illness well and gave exactly the same advice as Doctor X, that an operation wasn’t necessary and that it would be a big mistake to try. He prescribed some pills, and I don’t know what else. Now my brother is quite certain and no longer wants to take me to Paris.

Doctor Notta finds it very regrettable that, from the very beginning, they didn’t do the operation, but now it’s too late.

However, he seemed to think that I can go on a very long time like this [St. Zélie died eight months later, 28 August 1877]. So, let’s put it into the hands of God because He knows much better than we do what we need. “It is He who causes the wound, and He who binds it.” (Job 5:18). I’ll go to Lourdes on the first pilgrimage, and I hope the Blessed Mother will cure me, if it’s necessary. In the meantime, let’s stop worrying.

I’m rejoicing very much at the thought of seeing you all again. How long the time seems! How I would like to come home today! I’m only happy when I’m with you, my dear Louis.

I have to end my letter because it’s time for supper, and Monsieur and Madame Fournet are going to join us. I’ve just spent the best moment of my day with you because I’m a little bored of going to pay visits and receiving them, but this isn’t going to last long.

I’m going to Midnight Mass with my brother. Madame Maudelonde is also coming, for the first time in her life.

Nevertheless, I have to finish, but I very much regret the blank paper that remains. I would tell you much more.

I’m leaving Tuesday morning (December 26) at nine-thirty, arriving in Alençon at one-forty. I kiss all of you. Good-bye.

Saint Zélie Martin

CF 179 to her husband Saint Louis Martin
December 24, 1876
Learn about St. Zélie’s pilgrimage to Lourdes

“I’ll go to #Lourdes on the first pilgrimage, and I hope the Blessed Mother will cure me, if it’s necessary. In the meantime, let’s stop worrying.” -St. Zélie Martin (Christmas, 1876)

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