In This House of Brede

by Rumer Godden

We have chosen a stillness more powerful than all activity. A detachment more fulfilling than all possession, A wisdom exceeding all knowledge And a love beyond all.

‘St Thérèse? Never heard of her,’

‘Hito wa iza Kokoro mo shirazu. Furusato wa Hana zo mukashi no Ka ni nioikeru.

‘Our whole Christian life is a dying to selfishness – wasn’t it Monsignor Knox who said the cross was “I” crossed out? The sufferings and grief sent us are usually enough to effect this – if we let them,’

mystic from a low-life bar. That is paradox for you,’