Letter (number unidentified). To Gaspar de Villanueva, Chaplain, Toledo, April 17, 1577

AT MALAGON

Troubles at Ma lago n. Permission for the profession of Sister Mariana.

Jesus be with you, my Father !

¡ASSURE you that if my head were as strong as my will to write a long letter, I should not be so brief. I was extremely pleased to hear from you. As regards your sister, who is my daughter, I am glad that the matter rests neither with you nor with her. I do not know what all this outcry is about nor on what grounds the Mother President relies. The Mother Prioress Brianda has written to tne on the subjedl and I am answering her. It seems to me that it would be well to agree to what she writes to you if you approve of it; if not, they will carry out your orders; but I áo not wish to interfere any more in the matter.

With résped: to Sister Mariana, I wish her to make her profession at the proper time, that is, when she knows how to recite the psalms and perform her other duties carefully. I know that suffices as we have consulted theologians about it in the case of other professions. This is what I shall tell Mother Prioress if you approve; if not, I bow to your decision.

Remember me kindly to Sister Juana Bautista and Sister Beatriz. Since they have you to consult, why do they go to the Mother Prioress about their spiritual difficulties as it brings them no solace? Let them leave off complaining, for after all she does not murder them nor allow the community to grow lax, nor does she neglecfl their wants, for she is very charitable. I understand them, but nothing can be done until the Father Visitor goes there.

O my Father! How grievous it is to see people change their minds as do the nuns in that house ! How much that they thought intolerable in her they now idolize ! They combine perfed: obedience with a great deal of self-love and God punishes them by means of their faults. May His Majesty perfect us in all things! Amen. These sisters are in a very elementary stage, at whicli I should not be so surprised, had they not you to guide them. May our Lord proted: you!

Do not leave me without an answer: it would be a comfort to me and I have little to comfort me here.

April 17. I meant to write to Sister Mariana but my head is too tired. Please tell her that if she behaves as well as she writes, we forgive her, even if she does not read very well. Her letter cheered me very greatly and I send her the licence for her profession in reply. Even if she does not make it in the hands of our Father, let her not put it off if he is long in coming, unless you think otherwise, for your hands are worthy of giving her the veil, and she must consider that she receives it from the hands of God Himself, which is the fadl.