Jordan of Saxony
Blessed Jordan of Saxony entered the Dominican order in 1220 and became St Dominic's successor as Master of the order in 1222. He worked and travelled tirelessly in that task till his death by shipwreck in 1237. Blessed Diana d'Andalò was a close friend of St Dominic's and made her religious profession in his hands in 1219. Four years later (two years after his death) she established the Dominican convent for contemplative nuns in Bologna, under the auspices of Jordan, with whom she developed a warm friendship. His letters to her are among the most personal documents to survive from the order's early years, and a testament to warm and deep friendship among the saints. Here is one of them - a Christmas letter.
Paris 1229
Dear Diana,
I cannot find the time to write you the long letter your love would wish for and I would so gladly send. Nonetheless I do write, I send you a very little word, the Word made little in the crib, the Word who was made flesh for us, the Word of salvation and grace, of sweetness and glory, the Word who is good and gentle, Jesus Christ and him crucified, Christ raised up on the cross, raised in praise to the Father's right hand: to whom and in whom do you raise up your soul and find there your rest unending for ever and ever.
Read over that Word in your heart, turn it over in your mind, let it be sweet as honey on your lips; ponder it, dwell on it, that it may dwell with you and in you for ever.
There is another word that I send you, small and brief; my love, which will speak for me to your love in your heart and will content it. May this word too be yours, and likewise dwell with you for ever.
Farewell, and pray for me,
Jordan 