Dilexit Nos §116

¹¹⁶ Francis saw this experience of Christ’s love as essential to the spiritual life, indeed one of the great truths of faith: “Yes, my beloved daughter, he thinks of you and not only, but even the smallest hair of your head: this is an article of faith and in no way must it be doubted”. It follows that the believer becomes capable of complete abandonment in the heart of Christ, in which he or she finds repose, comfort and strength: “Oh God! What happiness to be thus embraced and to recline in the bosom of the Saviour. Remain thus, beloved daughter, and like another little one, Saint John, while others are tasting different kinds of food at the table of the Lord, lay your head, your soul and your spirit, in a gesture of utter trust, on the loving bosom of this dear Lord”. “I hope that you are resting in the cleft of the turtledove and in the pierced side of our beloved Saviour… How good is this Lord, my beloved daughter! How loving is his Heart! Let us remain here, in this holy abode”.