THAT IS WHAT MY HEART IS LIKE, IT CANNOT FORGET ANYONE IT LOVES, LIVING OR DEAD

Eugene recalls and prays for the deceased members of his family. He also refers here to his older sister, Charlotte Élisabeth Eugénie, who died at the age of 5 in 1784 when Eugene was only two years old.

Today again I fulfilled what is prescribed to gain the jubilee indulgence for the holy souls in purgatory, according to the indult granted to this effect by the Supreme Pontiff. I visited the church of Saint Lawrence in Damaso and the designated altars. May God render profitable to the holy souls, especially the souls of my dear relatives, the suffrages I applied to them.

 My father, who died so saintly in my arms, my dear grandmother whom I so tenderly loved, my grandfathers, my great uncle, my aunt, who assuredly came to mind as they are always present with me at Mass. I don’t know why I also mentioned my sister who died so young; but it is out of affection that my dear little niece Caroline also daily appears in this picture, since she certainly doesn’t need my prayers. But, that is what my heart is like, it cannot forget anyone it loves, living or dead.

Roman Diary, 15 December 1825, EO XVII