Letter 120. To Father Gracian, Seville, Toledo, October 21, 1576

Trials of the Reform, Home for penitents at Salamanca, Private matters,

JESUS!

May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your

Paternity.

I WROTE yesterday telling you that these fathers were so quiet and pacified that I thanked God for it, but I must warn you that they had not yet heard the decree and Motu proprio, I had forebodings of what has now happened. One of the fathers came to see me to-day and said that they had altered very greatly. If they can find any plea for it, it is clear that they will turn refraftory. They affirm (and I have often said the same to Father Mariano, and to you as well, I believe) that to take command as a superior without showing any authority for so doing is an unheard of thing.

In your letter to Father Mariano you explain your motives for not sending the brief; if there was any doubt on the matter it would certainly have been best to have explained it before. If only you could be taken from this office and left to the government of the Discalced friars and nuns.

As Father Padilla will tell you, Melchisedech' declares that I cannot make foundations on account of the prohibition of the Council and of our most Reverend Father General. I should be very glad if your Paternity could see the latter declaration if possible. He accuses me of continually travelling about with nuns, but I do so with the leave of my superiors, and have the patents here that Melchisedech himself gave me for Veas and Caravaca to take the sisters there. As the Father General's declaration was already published, why did he not refer to it then? If only they would leave me in peace ! God grant you, my Father, the rest that I desire.

Perhaps these fathers will vent their spleen now and will be better afterwards, although, in my opinion, they were quite inclined to obey. I do not think this affair augurs badly; indeed, I prefer such opposition which is a sign that God will be greatly served.

I send you the enclosed letter referring to the matter at Salamanca about which I think you must have heard. I answered that such work was not suitable for the Discalced friars; that they might send penitents there, but not take the post of chaplain, which seems to me what is really asked of them, although it would not matter much if they undertook it for two months. The bishop does not ask it of them nor are they fitted for such duties.

'Melchisedech,' the provincial Angel Salazar, refers to the Council of Trent and the Father General's decree of seclusion when he speaks of St. Teresa's having been prohibited from making foundations.

I wish the Discalced friars there to be considered us belonging to the other world and not to be seen coining and going on business concerning women. The bishop is on our side now, but perhaps we might lose his sympathy in this way. I do not know vvhetiier the good Don Teutonio will settle our affairs successfully; he has little influence and does not negotiate well. If I were there to manage the business, I should not be wanting in energy and I feel sure it would end well, and indeed I might undertake it if you thought right to send me there. That is what I wrote to them.

The Prioress and the sisters commend themselves to the prayers of yourself and the fathers, and I ask for Fray Gregorio's. My Isabel is well and very lovable, and Doña Juana and her household are in good health. For charity's sake, remember me kindly sometimes to the fiscal, the Archbishop, Señora Delgada and your other friends, especially Bernarda. Let this be a standing request.

God be with your Paternity. It is very late.

To-day is the feast of our Father, St. Hilarión.

Your Paternity's servant and subjedl,

Teresa de Jesus.