“Yes, my daughters, I think of you and pray for you, and would that I were able to go and comfort you by word of mouth and to assure you for certain that I am always your father. And you likewise, my daughters, continue to pray for me and receive the Seraphic Blessing which I impart to you with all affection...”    - From a letter by Father Bernardine, the Minister General of the Franciscans and Mother Maddalena’s spiritual director