Life of Thomas Edward Bridgett; Priest of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, with Characteristics from His Writings (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1906. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VII DIRECTION AND CORRESPONDENCE Father Bridgett had a large correspondence with many different people, and on a large variety of subjects. He found time, for example, to guide and advise one lady from the time she was a girl at school up to the time of his death--a period of nearly thirty years. From his letters, which she preserved with affectionate reverence, the following selections are made from the number kindly placed at our disposal. More than once he tells us that letter-writing was a trial to him. Certainly no one would have suspected this who looked at his writing, which gives the impression that the words flowed from his pen without an effort. This disinclination, however, did not curtail his correspondence with this lady, who had recourse to him in many troubles and difficulties. His ideas concerning direction, especially at a distance, can be learned from the following characteristic letter, written shortly before the marriage of the lady, who was the eldest of three sisters who had left school and were staying at home with their father, while some younger ones were still at a Convent school.1 Father Bridgett was at the time 1 The Notre Daine Convent, Clapham Common, of which Father Bridgett was for many years the spiritual director, and in which he ever took the deepest interest. --Whit Monday, 1872--Rector of St Mary's, Clapham: -- My dear N., --I had better be quite candid, and tell you the reason why I have not replied to your letter and those of your sisters. It is not mere neglect on my part. Neither is it that anything in them has displeased me--far from it. All the letters I have received have been beautiful ones. Why was it, then? The reason may appear to you, perhaps, somewhat selfish, but I will tell it. It is known, I th...