Letter 16. To Simon Ruiz, Citizen of Medina del Campo, Toledo, October 19, 1569

Congratulations on his niece entering the convent. On -poverty.

JESUS! May the Holy Ghost ever be with you! Amen.

THE Mother Prioress and other people had already written telling me how well the matter had succeeded, for which may our Lord be for ever praised ! It has greatly consoled me, especially the good news from Mother Prioress about Isabel of the Angels/ May our Lord ever have her in His keeping as well as Sister (Mary of) St. Francis, since He already fills them with spiritual joy!

No wonder the affair raised devotion and remark, for such is the world on account of our sins, that few who think their means will enable them to live in it with ease embrace our Lord's cross, yet they find a far heavier cross in the world. From what I hear, I believe that the Medina news will benefit us here. I sincerely rejoice with you and Señora Doña Maria, whom I beg to pray for me.

That your niece should realise the truth proves that she has lived in good company. As for the rest, there is no doubt that whenever our Lord's service is concerned the devil strives to work his will under false colours. He has been very busy here, and there appears to be some foundation for what he urges people to say. They fancy that our convents, being supported by alms, may sufier if wealthy persons are known to have helped them. It might be so for a short time, but the truth would soon become apparent. However, the question is a grave one and cannot be settled at once. Glory be to God that all has succeeded so well! May His Majesty allow you to enjoy it for many years and may you build a dwelling place for so great a King, Who I hope will give you in return a dwelling that will last for ever;

I hear excellent accounts of Father Juan de Montalvo' although I have received no letter from him since his arrival; I thought he was in your neighbourhood. You have shown us great kindness by leaving the choice of the chaplain in such good hands. If the priest you mention is suitable in other ways, his youth is of little consequence. May our Lord overrule this matter as He did the last!

You are quite right in what vou say about the nuns: it is as it should be. I am writing to tell the Mother Prioress that only two more must be taken, which will make thirteen, the limit of our number. May His Majesty Himself select them and may He have you in His keeping ! Please forward the enclosed letters to the Mother Prioress at once.

It is Odlober 1 9, the day on which I received your letter.

Your unworthy servant,

Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite.