THE SICK AND FASTING

Dearest Florentina,

All able-bodied nuns must fast.  For fasting tames the rebellious flesh and forces it to subject itself to the mind and soul as a slave to a master.  But if you are weakened by long illness, relax your fast and take enough for health's sake.  

She is better who shall not need medicines.  But a nun who is well should not be scandalized if a sick nun is fed more freely and with greater indulgence.  She should be thankful to God, instead, if she does not need the soft and nice food that sick people need.    

The nun who needs special food should be humble in the sight of others and should be sorry that she cannot do what the others can do.  She must know that the relaxation of the rule is due to her illness and not to her virtues.  

St. Leander of Seville: "The Training of Nuns" Chap. 18

(05-20-05)