Letter 150. To A Benefactor of Toledo (Probably, Toledo, December 16, 1576

EITHER RAMIREZ OR ORTIZ)

Thanks for statues of Saint Joseph and our Lady for the Caravaca convent,

Jesus be with your Honour and repay you for the kindness you show me in every way!

REALLY, you write things in your letter such as I never heard or thought about. May God be blessed for all ! As for your saying that you must take them to confession, or not come here, it seems to me more a scruple than a virtue. I am much displeased with your Honour about it ; however, you may be at fault, for after all, you are a son of Adam.

The speedy arrival of my Father St. Joseph, was a great joy to me, ns it was to know of your fervent devotion to him. The statue will he an immense consolation to the sisters at Caravaca, who are strangers there and far from any one who can comfort them, although I firmly helievc that the true Comforter is very near them. Would you do me the favour of having the measurement taken of the height and width of the statue: this ought to be done at once so that the case may be made tomorrow, as it cannot be done on Tuesday which is a feast day, and the waggons start on Wednesday morning.

It is no small sacrifice for me to give up the image of our Lady, as I shall feel dreadfully lonely without it; therefore of your charity console me with what you promised for Christmas. We are all fervently praying to our Lord to present Christmas gifts to you and the señores, whose hands I beg vou to kiss for me. Abide with God!

Your Honour's unworthy servant, Teresa de Jesus.

The three foundresses are to make their profession on New Year's Day, and will be delighted to have the statues.