Letter XXI. To the Bishop of San Severino

He expresses his gratitude to the Bishop for having undertaken to provide for the support of the Congregation in that jdace.

Most illustrious and reverend Monsignore, my MOST honoured Lord IN Christ, — The good news it has pleased you to give me has been of such comfort, that I know not how to express all I feel, but in gratitude will try at present, with my brothers and children in the Lord, to return your great affection towards us and our house, or rather to our glorious Mother and advocate by my prayers. We shall beg and implore our Lord, that he may give you abundantly His graces, so as to enable you and your co-operators to resume and follow up with success and divine honour the work of the Oratory there; and for this purpose we shall pray our Lord with so much the more ardour, that lacking men ourselves, we cannot offer any help that way. Let us, however, be comforted in our Lord, Monsignore mio, as we are sure to find help, si hahitaMmus in adjutorio Altissimi, whence praying now that all happiness may be granted to you for ever, I kiss your holy hands, and beg you will kindly remember us in your prayers. — Of your most illustrious and reverend Lordship the most affectionate servant in Christ, Philip Neri.

Rome, March 25, 1592.