'Main' as she was known to all in Mornese and to her friends was a woman who lived simply for the Lord. Coming as she did from a farming community where there was much dependence on the weather and on the cycle of growth through the seasons she saw our life as a coming to fullness of life in Jesus simply through the ordinary events of each day and year.

Having learnt to write when she was already an adult for the sole purpose of keeping in touch with her Sisters who left very quickly for far away America, she was not one to squander either ink or words. The force of her great love for her Sisters and for the Lord can be easily seen in these few quotations.

"It is not words that get us to heaven, but deeds."

"I want you to be always cheerful and have much courage."

"Let us do good while there is still time. Never get discouraged, no matter what difficulties we may meet. Always say, 'Jesus must be our whole strength.'"

"I recommend that you pray, pray much and from your heart."

As we celebrate her feast day may the simple directness of her words inspire us to launch ourselves into the immense opportunity that being alive offers. Let is live life to the full with our hearts full of joy knowing we are loved by God.