Miracle of the Rose by Jean Genet

Author:Jean Genet
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grove Atlantic

“Most Reverend Sir,

The Director has permitted me to speak on his behalf, and so I welcome Your Excellency to our midst. The entire institution of Baron de Courteille (the founder of the establishment) is aware of the signal honour of your visit. Ours is a troubled age. The Church and Society feel threatened by the sly attacks of the Demon. The diocese of Tours has the good fortune to be in the safekeeping of the most vigilant of pastors. Your Excellency has continued with utter rectitude the care showered upon us by Monseigneur de Montsanjoye which has been traditional for centuries in our God-beloved Touraine. We know that Your Excellency has more than once turned his thoughts—with most paternal kindness—to this institute of re-education and religious and moral regeneration to which we are dedicated. The bishopric of Tours has already provided the Mettray Farm Colony with considerable sums and has employed its kind solicitude in choosing chaplains worthy of itself, of the institution, and of us. For that, too, we must thank you, Your Excellency. The colonists, those repentant sinners, take pride in your visit and also desire to show they are worthy of it. The announcement of your arrival was welcomed with calm inner gladness. Indeed, they recognize the great honour of your presence amongst them, and there can be no doubt that from this moment forth they are resolved to lead a godly life. Your Excellency will allow me at this point to add my personal gratitude and tribute to the general tribute. Indeed, I had the honour of being presented at the episcopal palace, and though the delicate welcome accorded to the Colony’s humble servant was due to the interest inspired by that great charitable institution, it must nevertheless be mentioned today as an additional honour.”

The bishop replied:

“Mr. Director, Mr. Assistant Director, My Young Friends, I am deeply moved by this welcome which is indeed an indication of fidelity to the principles of your holy religion. It is a very deep comfort to me, coming from cities where perverse unrest tries to make men forget God, to enter this oasis of religious calm. We are familiar with Baron de Courteille’s splendid achievement, and we are aware of the sacrifice and devotion it entails. The Director and Assistant Director are collaborating, with single-hearted will, in a sphere which we know is different and yet similar, to the success of that sacred undertaking: the rehabilitation of wayward children.

Saintly women have also devoted their efforts to this work. We must, through our holy ministry, convey to them our full encouragement and assure them of the beauty of their lives. We have been struck by the care with which our arrival was prepared for. The decorations of the chapel are in exquisite taste, and this tribute to God must indeed be encouraged. Abbé Viale, your chaplain, of whose devotion we are aware, is convalescing from a long illness which he bore with religious resignation. To be sure, sickness is sometimes given

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