Apr. 20, 1886 – To Sisters of Holyoke Mission, MA from General Superior Sr. M. Edward and General Secretary Sr. M. Aloysius, Kingston ON

Though it gives us pleasure at all times to hear from our dear Sisters we would not wish to purchase this pleasure by any infraction of Rule, no matter how trifling such an infraction might seem. It is well understood that each Sister is perfectly free to write to us when and as often as she wishes, but this freedom does not give her the privilege of procuring or taking postage stamps for this purpose. On the contrary the Rule directs her to present her private letters for the seal and directs the Sup’r to send them to the given address. We regret to be obliged dear Sisters to call your attention to this point, as it bespeaks a spirit of decay in the practice of Holy Poverty or a want of reflection on the gravity of your obligations. To prevent the growth of this evil, and that there may not be cause of complaint on either side. As there is but one Superior for both Homes, I hereby authorize the Assistant of each house (in the absence of the Sup’r) to put the private seal on the letters addressed to us and send them to the Post Office without further delay. No Sister aside from the Sup’r and her Assistants has power or permission to send letters to us without presenting them for the private seal and should any be received hereafter by us without the seal being affixed they will be returned unopened to the Superior’s address. Be assured dear Sisters that nothing but a desire to promote your advancement in perfection (for which to a certain extent, we are accountable to the Church & to God) prompts us to address you on this subject and we earnestly beg you, our dear Sisters to receive this warning in the spirit in which it is given and cheerfully abide thereby. Recommending ourselves to the fervent prayers of each dear Sister during this Holy Season, and assuring each of a participation in our humble supplications, We remain in the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of Sorrows.