Mother Maddalena had written to all of her brothers and sisters shortly after sailing for America: Dear Brothers and Sisters: Most willingly do we make the sacrifice of leaving Europe, to do good to our neighbor and to please God alone. We have recognized that such was the Divine Will and that it was not well out of human regard or natural affection of our hearts to deviate from a way that, though it brings us hardships and afflictions for this life, cannot but make us happy and be crowned with glory in eternity. It is, then, with heart turned to you all, dearest brothers and most beloved sisters, that in this our final farewell we beg of you to forgive and forget any unpleasantness that we may possibly have caused you. The wide expanse of the ocean cannot divide us, but, provided we will it, we shall go as a family through the days, the months, and the years, united in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and we all shall there find again our dear papa and good mamma who certainly smile on us from heaven and bless us in this hour of our departure. (See also Sept. 30th)