ABSTRACT
“I would I could be in a state in which I could do a little good, living in the true element of a Christian, which is charity,” wrote Elvira once. “The poor abandoned sick children would be my passion. I look upon them as the poor members of Jesus Christ. In loving Jesus, how is it possible not to love His friends, the poor. I do love them very much, and alas, I cannot do anything for them, or rather I can do very little. But I can and I must do something on their behalf. I shall practise the greatest economy, denying myself not only what is superfluous, but all that is not strictly necessary. But I must beware of ostentation, and not let my left hand know what my right hand gives; then if doing my best I manage to do but little, I shall humbly accept the mortification, and pray Jesus to inspire a love of the poor in the hearts of those girls who are richer and freer than I.”
