Might not a rich, fortunate wife who does not have to spend her time doing housework dedicate a few hours of useful work to her fellow beings? With what she has left over from her pleasures, she could purchase clothes for the unfortunates that shiver in the cold. With her delicate hands, she could sew basic, yet warm clothing, and help a mother cover her child about to be born. If her own child has to do with a little less lace, the child of the poor woman will be a little warmer. To work for the poor is to work in the Lord’s vineyard.

And you, poor laborer, who have nothing superfluous, but who, full of love toward you brothers and sisters, also want to give a little of what you have, give a few hours of your workday, your time, which is your only treasure. Make some of those fancy handicrafts that tempt the wealthy. Sell these products of your evening time and you too will be able to provide your brothers and sisters with your share of aid. Perhaps you will have fewer ribbons, but you will have put shoes on someone who is barefoot.

And you, women devoted to God, you too work in his service; may your delicate and lavish creations not be solely for decorating your chapels or for calling attention to your skill and patience. Work, my daughters, and let the compensation of your undertakings be consecrated to helping your brothers and sisters in God. The poor are his beloved children; to work for them is to glorify him. Be unto them the Providence that says, “God gives nourishment to the birds of the sky.” May the gold and silver threads that are woven by your hands be transformed into clothing and food for those who do not have them. Do these things and your work will be blessed.

All of you who can produce something,  give; give of your talents, give of your inspirations, give of your hearts, which God will bless. Poets and authors, you who are read solely by the upper crust of society, go ahead and fill up their leisure time, but let the profit of some of your works be consecrated to the relief of the poor. Painters, sculptors and artists of all genres! May your intelligence also come to aid your brothers and sisters. You will have no less glory, and through your help there will be a little less suffering.

All of you can give. Whatever may be your social status, you have something you can share. Whatever God may have given you, you owe part of it to those who lack what is necessary, for if you were in their stead, you would be very happy if someone else were to share with you. Your earthly treasures will be a little less, but your heavenly treasures will be more abundant. There, you will reap a hundredfold what you have sown in good deeds on the earth.

Jean (Bordeaux, 1861)