Letters of Maria Celeste:

27 August 1631

Most Beloved Lord Father

We lament the time away from you, Sire, envious of the pleasure we would have been able to take from this day, had we found ourselves in your company. But, if it please God, I expect that this will soon come to pass, and in the meanwhile I enjoy the hope of having you here continually near us, as I understand from the message given me by La Piera; and I pray you to persist in this enterprise so that it succeeds according to our plan, because, if you will it so, Sire, I believe you can overcome every difficulty.

This evening I will share the bounty you sent me with my friends, but I will not promise them too much of the ricotta; I thank you on their behalf and I give you the loving greetings of my heart.

From San Matteo, the 27th day of August 1631.

Your most affectionate daughter,
S. M. Celeste