Letter (number unidentified). To Ven. Anne of Jesus, Prioress of Veas, and Her Nuns, Toledo, August 6, 1576

A vision of St, Joseph,

Jesus, Mary, Joseph

Inflame the souls of my dear daughters of the convent of Veas!

I HAVE not had a moment's rest since I started; may my God be praised ! In order to fulfil the request made to me by your Reverence, my dear Mother Prioress, and to console my daughters, I must tell you that as soon as I arrived at Doña Maria Fajardo's house I felt such severe bodily pain that it seemed as though my soul were being torn from me. Yet I was greatly comforted at seeing the glorious St. Joseph beside me, cheering me and encouraging me to go on my journey under obedience.

I shall start without fail to-morrow, my daughters, although I know that the devil deeply resents my going there because it concerns the deliverance of two souls who are in his power, and who are to render service to the Church.

Therefore, my daughters, have recourse to God and beg Him to help me in this work.

And you, my dear Mother Prioress, give the doctor's daughter the habit on Thursday next: what is lacking in her dowry will be made up by her virtue. I also commend the sick nuns to your care; treat them very kindly, for, believe me, the day you leave the sick in want, you will be in want of everything yourself. Tell the nuns to offer their communions for me during the next month for I am wicked. Let them know that I am not what I appear to be, and let them place no trust in me. My companion is suffering with her eyes which grieves me deeply. I am sending you some fruit as a treat for you and the new sister on Thursday. Call her Maria de San José. May God make you all as holy as I wish you to be.

Written from the house of Doña Maria Fajardo, Monday, August 6.

Teresa de Jesus