VW: Second Life
Location: Venezia
Country: IT
Letter to Mons. Federico Maria Giovanelli
From the Summer Villa of the Principe Melioria
July Year of our Lord 1779Vostra Eccellenza Reverendissima, MonsignoreFederico Maria Giovanelli
I trust this letter will find you in good health, and somewhere safe. I am concerned that I have not heard anything from you and hope you recieved my first letter, anouncing our safe arrival at Melioria.
The Children seem to have settled into their new environment.
The Principe has been very kind to the children and has started inviting them to "Dinner". He likes to do so formally, sending his chief Valet to the Port square, where the Children gather most days.
The Valet, who is not atall amused, presents the Children with the formal invitation, along with a formal bow.
The Children are thrilled at the attention, but make a show of noncholance as they accept the invitation and break the Principe's seal.
As evening falls I watch them arrive from my windows. Cece, the Principe's Cook, presents the Children with a feast at a table in the gardens. She grumbles about feeding all the strays and waifs of Christendom, but when she thinks no one is looking she smiles, and I think she is as thrilled to me feeding them as they are to eat.
I still have not heard any news from Bishop Monsignore Gabrieli, nor of the possibility of organising a school. I am hoping that some of the older boys might find aprenticeships with the local fishermen and artisans, while we wait for the waters of Venezia to go down.
With the kindest regards be assured of my sincerest feelings of respect and friendship, I remain your faithful daughter in
CJ
Elena Marina dei Conti di Foscari
Venezia, 23 July 1779Feast of Saint BrigitTo the Most Gentle Lady Elena Marina dei Conti FoscariVilla Vesuviana, MelioriaMy dear daughter in Christ Jesus:This morning I received both your letters, for it is only now that I return from Vicenza where I assisted at the installation of Mons. Alvise Gabrieli as the new bishop of that venerable See. As metropolitan, it fell to me to install my good friend Mons. Gabrieli as shepherd of that flock on Monday, 12 July. Afterwards I took time to visit the bishops of Padova and Chioggia, and then to stay on hand in Concordia for the episcopal consecration of Dom Giuseppe Bressa on the 18th of this same month. Only then did I make my return to Venezia. This may explain why I found both of your letters at the same time and why I must ask your forgiveness for my delay in responding.You give me consoling news. Indeed, I have been most worried about the poor, the widows and the orphans who have been recovered at the prince's villa in Melioria in the aftermath of the terrible flood. The prince also has sent reports. By all accounts, the poor are well cared for and the children are finding their way. Please God, the flood waters will subside quickly and all may return to Venezia soon.Mons. Gabrieli is an outstanding bishop. I have know him since my boyhood (for we are close in age) and I can attest that he has the respect and esteem of all in Venezia, beginning with the members of the Senate. Since the village of Melioria falls within the diocese of Vicenza, I have acquainted him with the plight of our poor who are recovered there. He told me that he will speak to the leaders of the schools and confraternities and alert them to the many needs.How are you holding up to all this, my daughter? Do you have the assistance that you need for your spirit? In assisting others we must not neglect the care of our own souls. I know you are a wise young woman, and I assure you of a daily remembrance in my prayers for you and for your intentions, particularly when I approach the altar of God for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.With this, I give to you and to all our flock that takes refuge in Melioria, our Fatherly Blessing.+Federico Maria GiovanelliPatriarch of Venice