Letter 228. To Father Gracian, Madrid, Avila, April 26, 1578

Rash judgment of superiors. Arrival of his mother at Avila.

JESUS be with your Paternity, you who are both my Father and my superior as you say, which caused me no little laughter and pleasure. In fadl, whenever I recall your words I am amused at the solemn manner in which you declared that I must not judge my superior. O my Father ! how little need there was for you to swear, even like a saint, much less like a muleteer, for I thoroughly realize that fadt.

When God gives such zeal and longing for the good of souls as He has to your Reverence, He does not withdraw that zeal when the superior's subjedls are in question. I will say no more now, except to remind your Paternity that you gave me leave to criticize and hold my own opinion of you.

Yesterday, April 25, the Senora Doila Juana arrived late in the afternoon ; in fad:, almost at nightfall. She was in very good health, glory be to God ! I was delighted to see her, as day by day I love her more and she seems better and more sensible. I was highly pleased with our nun whose joy is beyond description. She seemed, when she entered as though she had lived here all her life. I trust in God great things will come of her; she has a fine character and mind. I heartily wish that Dona Juana were not going to take her any further, but your Paternity has made this angel so fond of Valladolid that no persuasion would induce her to remain here. May God be praised and may He watch over your Paternity.

The unworthy daughter of your Paternity. Teresa de Jesus.