The Role of Our Lady of Grace in the Founding of the Institute
In this letter from 1899, Mother Cabrini writes about the role Our Lady of Grace played in the founding of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
“Oh, happy is the one who loves Mary! What care and tenderness this good Mother has for us!…
“She rejoices when we love Jesus very much and work hard for Him, because when the love of Jesus, which is an ocean of interminable light, is alive in us, it renders us unspeakably beautiful, like angels. To be faithful and constant in divine love let us always try to stay under the mantle of Mary, our tender Mother…
“What happiness is ours to have her as Mother and Foundress of our Institute. Yes, she really founded it, because while I was discerning whether or not the Lord wanted this work, many were praying to Our Lady of Grace and so was I. After many prayers, Bishop Gelmini gave me the mandate. Bishop Bersani, with his characteristic gentleness, persuaded me to obey without delay. Msgr. Serrati helped me with great fervor and enthusiasm so that I found myself committed without being able to withdraw. The Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart came forth from the hands of Our Lady of Grace. There, she is our Mother. What can we fear?”
