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 Therefore if you, my friend, think that you are called to the religious state, examine yourself carefully to discover whether you have strength and courage to make these sacrifices.

Remember the words of St. Paul: "I can do all things in Him who strengtheneth me."

The help of divine grace will not be wanting to you in the event that you should be called to make the sacrifices involved in the religious life. If you have the necessary talents and dispositions, -go forward courageously! Take up the mighty weapon of obedience; with it combat the enemies of your salvation. Through disobedience man separated himself from God, his creator and final end; through obedience he must return to Him. Even should you remain in the world you will still have to walk in the way of obedience. Perfect obedience to their Superiors is demanded of Religious; faithful obedience to the commands of God and of holy Church is incumbent on seculars.

ow sweet it is to feel, dear Lord! That Thou wilt surely see Each work, or thought, or act of mine That may be done for Thee I

That when I try with pure intent To serve, to please, to love Thee, Thy watchful Heart each effort knows, Thy blessing rests above me.

Nothing unnoticed, nothing lost Unlike the world - in all things Grateful art Thou for all I do, For great as well as small things.

Empty my soul of all desire Man's idle praise to seek, Hide me in Thee, for Thou dost know How frail I am - and weak.

Take Thou my all, since for so long Thy providence has sought me, Make me Thine own, since at such cost Thy precious blood has bought me.