Letter 15-To his brother, Father Peter Joseph Houben.(1)

J. X. P. St. Paul's Retreat, Harold's Cross, Mount Argus, Dublin.
29th December, 1875.

My dear reverend brother,
Thank you very much for your letter which I received a few days ago. I also received the twenty-five florin note; we will be glad to offer three Masses for the intentions given in your letter.

I am deeply grateful to you, dear brother, for your kind wishes on the 25th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood;(2) also to our brothers and sisters, our uncle the old mayor, our nephews and nieces and all the family for their good wishes.

My sincere thanks for the Mass you said for me, and my thanks to everyone for making the Novena in honour of St. Paul of the Cross.(3) I also received the lovely holy picture and the letter from your friend, who has suffered so much. Over the next few days I will say a little prayer that he may be healed, if it is God's will.

I am delighted that you are all keeping well. Thanks be to God, I too am enjoying good health. During these holy days of Christmas, my thoughts were constantly on the priestly state; I thought, too, of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the ardent wishes and desires with which the saints of the old law awaited the coming of the Messiah, since God in his mercy had promised to send a redeemer to man, fallen and condemned to hell. These saints of the old testament prayed without ceasing to hasten his coming. Had they the happiness of seeing him, what would they not have done to please our Saviour? How fervent they would have been in showing their love for him, how zealous in showing gratitude for all the graces and blessings he had come to bring them. The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the stable at Bethlehem is a mystery, it is a miracle so great, abounding so much in humility and love, that it will be wondered at by the angels and saints in heaven for all eternity. What can I, a mere man, give the Divine Redeemer in return for such great and innumerable blessings-so great that they cannot be explained-which, for so many years, I have received from his mercy? When I consider this, I feel urged to thank God with greater fervour, to please him more, and to do and suffer everything willingly for his love and for his greater glory. I said a free Mass for all the family on Christmas morning; I will be offering some free Masses for yourself, and one for our uncle, the old mayor; I do not have to receive a stipend for any of these Masses.

I wish you all a happy Christmas and a holy New Year, one filled with happiness and peace.

Our superiors send your their best wishes. The community know of you and they remember you all in their prayers. I hope this letter finds you in good health. Greetings to you, dear brother, to my other brothers and sisters, my uncle the former mayor, my aunt Elizabeth Luyten, my dear nephews, and all the family.

Remember me in your prayers. I pray for each of you every day and remember you at Mass. Give my regards to Father Gobbels and the curate, and to our other friends.

May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless and protect you all. Amen.
God be with you, dearest brother.
In the hearts of Jesus and Mary, I am and remain
Your loving brother,
Fr. Charles of St. Andrew, Passionist.
P. S. Take this little memento, and pray for me.

Letter 15-Notes

l. Summ. p. 352, L. 34.
2. Charles was ordained on 21st December, 1850.
3. St. Paul of the Cross had been canonized in 1867.