A Chappuis notebook

"It is necessary to make a retreat for many things and yet for only one thing; for there are many things and there is only one."

The Good Mother, 1793-1875

So begins the Instructions given by Our Beloved Mother Venerable Mary de Sales Chappuis During her Sojourn in our Second Monastery of Paris, 1838-1844. Translated from French at the Georgetown Monastery and formatted in a very readable cursive, the notebook is a rich and fulfilling exposition of the Way. Organized in a series of "meditations" that formed the basis for "instructions" to the women in Paris, it is clear, straightforward, and illuminative.

For the Good Mother and, then for Fr. Brisson who she mentored, the Way was Jesus and to live his life for others is the core of Salesian discipleship. This comes through clearly in the notebook's pages as well as numerous practical counsels for life in a Visitandine monastery.

The Instructions ... 1844 is fragile but readable and located in the Power-Graden library at Childs, Maryland.