I administered to your physical needs, now.....

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Blessed faithful,

Great news, I, Docteur Bastian Anton De'Ath, Paris's Premier Physician and Chevalier of France, have been at your side for these last few years, administering to your physical needs and now, I'm most delighted to inform you all, I shall soon be at hand to administer to your spiritual ones!

Yes, I am taking on holy orders, bringing to Paris a much needed opportunity to increase the priesthood of the true mother church and to provide counter to the recently arrived heretic Montgomery.

Just think how far better placed I shall be to understand the true needs of my flock, to be able to combine complete bodily & spiritual comfort to each of you. A man who has experienced life as you have, clubbing, racing, drinking, womanizing etc unlike some petty, ignorate heretic who has lived a life of sheltered austerity in some dank seminar somewhere. Spending hours twisting the meaning and messages of the good book and then seeking to pass on those to the naive and vulnerable.

No, you'll get none of that from me.....with me you'll get zeal, you'll get passion, you'll get the Almighty's true teachings.

I'm just getting to work on finding myself an obliging Bishop, sorting out some studying but I have, however, already chosen the most fitting Order to join, that of those splendid Jesuit fellows. I'll keep you all posted with developments but, in the meantime, if you want to get in quick by confirming a slot as me as your personal confessor and spiritual mentor then message me with all due haste.

Yours in Christ, the true Christ

Brother Bastian Anton De'Ath
Priest in training, the Holy Catholic Church

[Valerie Valanon]

Mon ami,

you are aware, that if you take the oath to serve only HIM furtheron in your life, you may never again be able to enjoy the company of women the way you do? And that you may leave poor Bertha in a state of absolute confusion and devastation, since you have to leave her, crying herself to sleep over your decision? And by the way, you serve the people of Paris as Paris´ most appreciated doctor. Will you also abandon those people, trusting their lives to your hands?

Of course I cannot see the full wisdom of your intention. And I honor deeply your ineradicable intent to give guidance to those willing to listen. But there are numerous ways of giving guidance to others. And the one you chose so far as Paris´ most appraised doctor is one of true conviction. On behalf of Paris´ residents in need of an apt doctor I urge you to reconsider your decision.

With friendship and respect

Valerie

[Madame Heloise D'Armagnac]

Monsieur Le Docteur,

Thank you for your recent letter regarding your change in vocation. I must say that I greet your message with some envy as I myself felt called to a religious life. Our one holy Catholic faith is central to my life. A sacred calling comes from God and it is a blessing for you, and perhaps all of Paris, that you have found a new and deeper calling.

I had the good fortune to have a Jesuit confessor when I was living at home with Papa and Maman. Father Peurdieu introduced me to the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius from which I have taken the practice of discernment as an important part of my personal devotions. I used the practice to decide on my marriage to my late husband in which I felt rightly guided from above. It is a blessing to have a vocation and a greater blessing to say "fiat mihi" as our Blessed Mother did. I applaud you and your decision.

As for chastity, I think you may find the abnegation of carnal desires a freedom and a relief. I know that as a young bride to be, I looked forward to uncovering the mystery of carnal union eagerly. I was disappointed when my husband's tastes and health prevented the typical consummation of a marriage. However, I have come to see that freedom from carnality is a great blessing in itself and allows one to be devoted in service to God and France.

If God sees fit to move Madame La Viscomtesse Bonnett to appoint me as Matron of the Hostel, I hope we might work together in some way to serve the poor and wretched women of Paris if your time and studies might permit.

In the spirit of our Lord Jesus,

Mme. H. D'Armagnac

[Jacques Bougiedure]

Sieur De’Ath,

The clubs of Paris are all abuzz with the news of your intentions to take orders. I must say that it is a splendid choice! With all of these damned Huguenots running around as well as the heretics in that cold and rainy isle north of La Manche, Mother Church needs the faithful to take up (proverbial) arms in Her defense. The Jesuits will certainly be a fitting place for a man of your obvious zeal!

I would have wished that my second son, Jacques, had made such a noble and devoted choice but alas, God it would seems had chosen a different path for him, securing the secular safety of His Majesty and all of France, and allow the faithful the opportunity to minister for God. I have great hopes in my youngest son, Francois, and an ally around his age in the Church would be no small thing.

As a man of faith and former envoy to both the Papal States and Holy Roman Empire, I stand with you in love and devotion to Mother Church. Although it has waned over the years, I am ready to assist you with my influence in your endeavors to enter the Church.

In Service to Christ,
Luc Bougiedure
Marquis du Dampierre