Letter 202. To Maria Hknriquez, Duchess of Alba, Avila, December 2, 1577

Congratulations on the betrothal of her son, Don Fadrique, to Maria de Toledo. The Duke of Alba aids the Reform,

JESUS ! May the grace of the Holy Spirit ever be with your Excellency ! Amen.

I HAVE been delighted with the news I have heard in Avila which has filled me with joy, concerning the betrothal which has been arranged between Señor Don Fadrique and Señora Doña Maria de Toledo. The thought of the happiness this must give your Excellency has tempered all my trials. However I could not give entire credit to the people who told me of it, though they had much to say in its evidence, and I beg of you to be kind enough to let me know, so that my joy may have no drawbacks. May our Lord grant that it may contribute greatly to His honour and glory, as I trust that it will on account of the many prayers that have been offered for it.

I have been told since I came here of the kindness His Excellency has shown us all. I assure you that we shall never be able to show our gratitude sufficiently.'. ... If the Duke takes us under his protediion in this matter, it will be like liberating us from the captivity of Egypt. They say that he has summoned the Father Master, Fray Pedro Hernandez, to Madrid about the business. This is the best thing possible for us as he knows both Calced and Discalced. It seems to have been planned in heaven. May our Lord spare His Excellency to us for the succour of the poor and the afflióled. I kiss his hands repeatedly and beg you to urge that Fray Pedro Hernandez may come to court, and to forward it in every way.

Remember that it is a matter which concerns the Virgin, our Lady, and that she needs the help of such persons in the war waged by the devil against her Order. Besides this, many men and women would be prevented from entering it if they thought they would be subjedl to those who are now oppressing it. We have lived far more happily since we have been governed by our Discalced fathers, so I trust in our Lord that our cause will be successful.

May His Majesty spare your Excellency to us for many a year and may He make you as holy as I always ask of Him ! Amen.

Written at St. Josephs, Avila, December 2,

The servant of your Excellency, Teresa de Jesus.