Naga: S John, 1953-1956, 04/16/1953-09/21/1956

S. John writes to Mother Mary Magdalen and reviews aspects of her life as a Carmelite. On her day of profession: it is the gift of one's self in the springtime." On fast: they do this as an example to Filippinos who "are led by their senses rather than reason." 3/12/1956: She expresses concern and fear over arrival of prioress; 7/14/1956: ill; "Ma Mere" for three years; Sympathy of Father Tom; "far, far from being easy." She is so very, very different. John admires "that she wishes literally to follow the Constitutions and yet I know... there are times when the Sisters lack food because she wastes us to support ourselves." 5/31/1956: "Little Jesus will have to work a miracle." S. John has ulcers. Questions if Sister Ann can come to Naga for a year. (In 1957, Mother Cecile (from Shanghai) is named superior. She speaks English well; learned it at age 69; the past was bad: "I almost hesitiated to breathe."