In Father Debrabant’s circular letters, we find constant exhortations to the Sisters of the Holy Union, urging them to strive for perfection in charity, obedience, silence, and observance of the Rule, and thereby to serve as an example to the students, whose numbers were steadily growing.
It is God alone who will reward you. He will not fail to give what He has promised. It is great; indeed, it is out of all proportion to what you do for Him. In return for a few small sacrifices, a short period of hard work and fatigue, and honest efforts to resist temptation, some prayers and acts of love, you will receive an eternity of glory and delights.
Think of it often, my dear children, and you will be able to overcome all difficulties, conquer temptations to pride and self- love which are at the root of all our troubles, and fulfill bravely and nobly the great mission entrusted to you. Courage then!
Let no obstacles or contradictions prevent you from devoting yourselves to your pupils, teaching them to love Christ and to avoid all that is vain and sinful in the world around them. Remind them of the promises they made on the day of their First Communion and get them to renew them, and put them into practice.
You will only succeed in all this if you yourselves set them an example in the way you pray, and work, and are always faithful to your rule. O yes! be very faithful to your Holy Rule, my dear Daughters. Everything depends on that - all your peace and joy! Examine yourself on this, every day, and make fresh resolutions.
May you always be united by a bond of charity that nothing can destroy. Be patient with one another, remembering that you yourself have even more short-comings than your sisters, and yet the good Lord puts up so patiently with you!
Strengthen yourself heart and soul to Jesus and to Mary and in often renewing your vows and resolutions. Only be faithful to these good and helpful habits, and I will vouch for your happiness and perseverance.
Fr. Debrabant, Circular Letter, July 26th 1859
It is God alone who will reward you. He will not fail to give what He has promised.