[Baggot Street]
Saturday Morning [March 21, 1840]
Sister M. Elizabeth Moore
Limerick
My Darling Sister M. Elizabeth
I did not think any event in this world could make me feel so much.1 I have cried heartily – and implored God to comfort you – I know He will. This has not been done in anger. Some joyful circumstance will soon prove that God is watching over your concerns which are all his own – but without the cross the real crown cannot come. Some great thing which He designs to accomplish – would have been too much – without a little bitter in the cup. Bless and love the Fatherly hand which has hurt you. He will soon come with both hands filled with favors and blessings.
My heart is sore – not on my account – nor for the sweet innocent spirit that has returned to her Heavenly Father’s Bosom – but for you.
You may be sure I will go see you – if it were much more out of the way2 – and indeed I will greatly feel the loss that will be visible on entering the convent.
Earnestly and humbly praying God to grant you His Divine consolation – and to comfort and bless all the dear Sisters – I remain
your ever most affectionate
M. C. McAuley
1 The death in Limerick on Friday, March 20th, 1840, of Mary Teresa Vincent Potter, in her twenty-eighth year.
2 In Letter 166, Catherine McAuley had indicated that she could not stop in Limerick on her way to or from Galway (see note 54). Now she says she will come to Limerick no matter what the added distance (over 100 extra miles).
