Letter (number unidentified). To Mother Mary Baptist, Avila, about 1577

PRIORESS OF VALLADOLID.

Advice about Sisters Maria de la Cruz and Estefanía.

... I am very much grieved and pained at seeing that the devil is striving in every way to injure us. May our Lord prevent it and give you good health, which is what is needed. The illness of Maria de

TO MOTHER MARY BAPTIST la Cruz distresses me. God must wish your Reverence to become a saint since He sends you so many crosses. People with the malady she thinks she has, never suffer from fever or nausea but are extremely strong and healthy. Her confessor's misunderstanding of her case has done her much harm; I saw that. Will your Reverence tell the chaplain so from me and remember me to him very kindly. Do not allow Estefanía to be so much by herself and to eat so little, unless she wishes to become like Maria de la Cruz.

I heard from Doña Ana Enriquez to-day; I sympathize deeply with her in her troubles. After all, those who wish to enjoy the presence of Him Who chose the path of suffering, must tread in His footsteps. May He be with your Reverence and have you in His care for me. Amen. . . .