LETTER #1

Venice at the Trinity, July 5, 1535
to AGOSTINO BARlLI,at the Maddalena, in Bergamo s.

Dear Father, Beloved in Christ. I answered your last letter from Como and the one from Giovanni Antonio. In regard to my visit here, things seem to be going slowly and God alone knows how they will end. Concerning the collaboration that has often been solicited, at the present time, I do not foresee other solutions than these two: first, that rogamus Patrem Aeternum ut mittat operarios, because here, believe me, there is the same if not greater need; secondly, that we persevere usque in finem, unless the Lord gives us a sign by which we shall clearly understand His will. As to my absence, be assured that I am always with you and helping you by my own particular prayers. I am not with you on the battlefield either but I hear the clash of swords and I raise my arms and pray, as much as I can. The truth is that I am nothing. However, I do believe that my presence here is necessary. The reasons are numerous, but if our Compagnia remains with Christ, the objective will be reached, otherwise all will be lost. The reason of my absence is debatable but here is the conclusion: pray to Christ the Pilgrim, saying: "Mane nobiscum, Domine, quia vesperascit. " If you really do not understand the reasons that cause me to be away from you, write me. I shall be able to give you a satisfactory answer.
 

Advise all the institutes to write me often in detail and address the letters to you. After you have read them, send them to me. Meanwhi,e, naturally, do not fail to take measures inspired to you by God. Request Giovanni Pietro to continue his two special tasks inasmuch as they seem to suit him well; and I recommend that he inform me often and always in detail, as in the manner above stated, that is, addressing first to you and then to me. As to the two tasks mentioned above, they are: the use of all best means that God would inspire him to have the people in the Valley persevere in their religious practices, and that he assume the duty of finding work for the Compagnia.

Recommend to Giovanni Antonio of Milan that he maintain the Compagnia in peace, in observance of the rules and in the practice of the religious spirit. Tell him to send to the hospitals those who do not work in harmony, with piety and simplicity.
Remind the Seven that they strengthen themselves in the love of God and of their neighbor and that they do not neglect Confession and Communion at appointed times.
Recommend to the Twelve that they strengthen themselves and encourage the brothers to persevere in Christ's work and not retrogress or allow others to do so.
The Prior should exert great care that all rules be observed, overlooking no infractions and seeing that nobody be idle.

The Instructor should have Reading oftener than has been done heretofore.
The Prayer Leader should be diligent in having prayer at proper times; continue reading during meals, explaining what he understands and requesting meaning of anything he does not. The Prayer Leader also should maintain a spirit of devotion in the Compagnia because if devotion is lacking, everything is lacking.
See that the Steward does not allow the chi,dren to be greedy, but neither should they be deprived. Food should be distributed fairly, according to his good judgment, and the boys prevented from rushing to the bread box. Begging for food by the poor must be properly organized so that the Compagnia may remain faithful to its choice of living in solitude.
Tell Father Lazarino to take good care of his fold if he loves Christ. In that way, when it is time for Confession, he will not wait for the children. He will be the one to ask them kindly to confess themselves and to receive Communion, according to regular practice. To avoid ruining everything see to it that the fervor of the Holy Spirit does not diminish. It would be well that the Father have dinner with the children and ask them often if they wish to confess themselves, after which, privately or otherwise, communicate to them whatever spiritua, thoughts may be inspired to him by Christ. To be assured these good practices will continue, he should do the same for the people of the Valley.

As to the Work Director, he should see that the children are not idle and arrange work for them. He should also provide everything necessary for the aged and for the people at the Hermitage. He should see that everyone works and not forget work, piety and charity because these three activities are the basis of our institution. See that Giovanni Antonio, from Milan, follow the rule of work because idleness is not becoming to brothers who love Christ.

The persons in charge of errands should take care of the donkey and see that it is fed. They should keep the house clean and in order.
The Nurse is to be kind to and solicitous for those who are ill and give them special treatment, particularly the first days of illness. Later, should their condition become worse, they should be sent to Bergamo. The Nurse should care for those who are well in order to avoid anything that might cause disease. This is an additional duty. Formerly, it was not customary for the Nurse to assume such responsibilities.
Remind Messer Giovanni to take very good care of the institution also, not to be discouraged, and see that the members continue to work.

Above all, I want to know that this time Padre Alessandro will do everything possible to strengthen that institution with humility such as Christ may inspire. He should especially restrain our friends in Milan who solicit for us from being overzealous, and he should have particular regard to Romier.I cannot write any longer. I await a detailed answer from the above mentioned persons.
Venice, at the Trinity, July 5, 1535.