Letters of Maria Celeste:

8 April 1628

Most Beloved Lord Father

We thank you a thousand times (Suor Luisa and I) for the citrons that pleased us so much, partly because they came from you, and partly also because we could have had no better means of getting them. We all enjoyed your Lenten dishes very much, and Suor Arcangela most of all. I am living in such a regimented manner, out of a desire to stay healthy, that you need not suspect any dietary infractions, Sire, and I promise I will obey your proscription against eating eggs. You can imagine how concerned I was, and how much it still means to me, that when you write back to Mechilde, you thank her on our behalf and return her good wishes doubled.

I am returning the children's collars, and at the bottom of the basket there are 8 little sweetmeats, and knowing that you would want to share these with us in your loving way, we took the liberty of setting two aside for ourselves. I have also made (from the sugar you sent) a little bit each of the sour citron marmalade and the rosemary flower conserve, but they are not quite ready yet to send you.

I rejoice in the improvement of your health, and I pray our Lord to return you to a state of perfect well-being, if that be for the best. And, to end, I send you heartfelt greetings together with Suor Arcangela and Suor Luisa.

The 8th day of April 1628.

Your most affectionate daughter,
S. M. Celeste

And of course we send regards to our Aunt.