Letter 172. To Mother Mary of St. Joseph, Prioress of Seville, Toledo, February 28, 1577

Praise and advice,

Jesus be with you, my daughter.

MY illness, of which you will learn from the enclosed note, has been the reason of my not writing more often. I waited until I was better so as not to distress you and your daughters. Although my condition has greatly improved, I cannot write much without causing myself great harm. Still, compared with what I was my health is far, far better, glory be to God. May He reward you for your good news, which was indeed good news for me, at least as regards the house, for it is a great relief to see you freed from anxiety. I have prayed much for it while I have been here, so that I congratulate you sincerely. May God grant my requests, for now, what with your riches, your office, and your complete success, you will need special help to keep humble. It seems to me that

God is giving) oil this grace with His other favours. May He be praised for ever, for you may be very sure that all comes from Him !

I wish I were as sure about it in Sister San Jeronimo's case/ She really distresses me. Believe me, she ought never to have left me or some other superior of whom she stood in awe. God grant that the devil may not make use of her to give us trouble.

Will your Reverence ask the Prioress' not to allow her to write a word, and tell the sister from me, until I can write to her, that she must recognize that she is under the influence of some morbid humour or if not, of something worse.

As I shall be sending you a long letter by the muleteer on Monday, I shall say little now. God help me! What ability you have! The sisters here are amazed at what you send me. The provisions were fresh; the rest of the presents were charming as were the reliquaries. The largest will suit Doña Luisa best, for you have decorated it very prettily; the glass of the monstrance was broken, but we have replaced it and have mounted it on a stand. Abide with Ciod!

I am much annoyed at our Father's having disproved the accusations made against us, especially as they were so disgraceful. They were all nonsense, and the best thing to do is to laugh at such things

' Isabel de San Jerónimo, who had gone to reform the nuns of Paterna, had been foolish enough to write an account of some revelations sTie thought she had received, wiiich was discovered by the prioress. Her confessor seems to have been indiscreet.

'The prioress of Paterna for the time being.

and let people say them. In one way, they please mc.

I am very glad you are in good health. God keep you and all the rest ! Amen. Ask them to pray for me. As I wanted this to be the first letter you receive, I did not wish to miss this courier. I shall write to the Mother Subprioress, whose complaints amuse me. The Prioress of Malagon is extremely ill.

This is the last day of February, 1577. The unworthy servant of your Reverence, Teresa de Jesus.

I received the answer from our Father's mother several days ago and will send it to you on Monday. She says a great deal of the pleasure you have given her.