Letter XIX. To the Blessed Giovenale Ancina, Naples

He thanks him for remembering him in the Holy Mass and treats of different chairs.

Reverend Father, my honoured and most dear Brother in the Lord, — It is a source of great pleasure to me that you remember me in the holy unbloody Sacrifice, which is a powerful means of persuading the Most Omnipotent Father to grant us His grace and mercy, of which we stand very greatly in need by reason of the vanity of our works, if they be not built on this base. Wherefore, if you will continue this good and holy work, my joy will likewise increase at receiving such assistance ; and as to your present remembrance of me, I thank you for it ; and as the ship which has a sufficient depth of water sails more securely through it as it ploughs its way along, so also I am persuaded that by the sacrifices and prayers of a number of persons I shall arrive more happily and easily at the port of life eternal, when it shall please the Lord to call me. I am glad too that you are in the habit of dividing the celebration of the most holy mass amongst chosen persons, such as Cardinal Albano, Messer. Adriano, and Messer. Niccold Leopardi, and I praise your charity, which according us it is extended and / dilates is so much the more pleasing to the Lord. It seems to me, however, that it would be well to beseech the Lord to give a good confessor to the convent of S. Martha, so that the labours of Messer. Adriano may receive increase from the virtue of him who is to succeed to that office, because much of the Lord's honour consists in His having persons who love Him in truth. Messer. Giovanni Matteo has read the piece of poetry you wrote me about Lucilla, and the said Giovanni Matteo is quite perplexed. He will be told to write and hurry on the affair so as to bring it to an end, especially since many impediments may arise every day. My opinion is that he will despatch the business according to your desire. I salute all the fathers and brothers there, beseeching the Lord to keep them all in His holy grace. — Yours always in the Lord,

Phiup Neri.

Rome, May lo, 1591.

Brother of the B, Giovenale Ancina.