Letter 208. To Mother Mary of St. Joseph, Seville, Avila, December 19, 1577

Sufferings of St. yohn of the Cross, Fray German, and the nuns of the Incarnation.

Jesus be ever with your Reverence, my daughter.

YOUR letter came together with the potatoes, the keg, and seven lemons. All arrived in first-rate condition, but the carriage was so dear that your Reverence really must not send me anything more, for I have it on my conscience.

As I wrote to you via Madrid rather more than a week ago, I will not say much now for there is nothing fresh regarding the matters of which I told you, and about which we are deeply distressed, as it is sixteen days since our two friars were imprisoned, and we do not know whether they have been set at liberty, though we trust that God will watch over them. As Christmas is near and affairs of justice cannot be attended to until after King-tide, the sufferers have a long trial before them unless they have been released. The case of the nuns of the Incarnation is also very sad for they are overwhelmed with troubles especially by their two saintly confessors' having been taken from them and treated so cruelly. Of your charity pray for them all, for their sufferings are lamentable.

I am glad to hear that you and all the sisters are well, also that you have discovered the kind service Bernarda was doing us. God grant the widow may do as you say, so that the nuns may not lose her fortune.

When I wrote to you, I sent a letter via Madrid to the Prior of las Cuevas, as I told you, but I am not certain whether this messenger is dependable, so I will say no more.

Remember me kindly to Father Garci- Alvarez, and to Fray Gregorio, whose letter greatly pleased me, though I do not answer it for the reason stated above.

I will inquire whether any one at Avila knows the Rector of Seville and will get some one to write to him. Remember me very kindly to my Gabriela, (whose letter delighted me), and to all the sisters, and give any affecftionate message you like to Dona Leonora: tell her it is a great comfort to know she shows such kindness to your community.

To show you what happens, I must tell you that twelve reales were charged for the porterage of your parcel, which was very loosely tied together when it arrived, — I cannot tell why.

Abide with God, and may He give you all as happy a Christmas as I wish you. December 19.

Teresa and the sisters send you their kindest remembrances. I am suffering severely with my head; (I do not know why people imagine that I do not), and so many troubles coming together make me very weary at times. I am not sure when this letter will reach you, nor whether this messenger is trustworthy. My brother is well. Be sure to give many greetings from me to the nuns and the sisters at Paterna, who make me laugh with their chant. As far as we can learn, their hopes will soon vanish and they will see the fadts plainly. You may tell them as much as you like from me. The year 1577.

Your Reverence's unworthy servant, Teresa de Jesus.

Mind this : I enjoin you very strictly to obey Gabriela as regards your health, and I bid her take care of your Reverence, for you realize how important your well-being is to us.