Letter 238. To Dona Juana de Ahumada, Avila, August 8, 1578

THE SAINT'S SISTER AT ALBA DE TORMES

The Reform is transferred to the authority of the Nuncio.

Jesus, Mary be with you I

GOD sends us all trials both here and at Alba. May He be for ever praised! You need feel

TO DONA JUANA ii no anxiety about Gonzalo's going away with little Lorencico: my brother would not consent, nor does he think it suitable. I did not write to him, as the lad who brought the letter had left when it was delivered to me. Now I am praying for all of you.

You must know that our affairs have suddenly become as serious as they could be, for a counter-brief has been obtained which subjects us all to the Nuncio. I am not sorry for it as perhaps it may be the best means of obtaining our eredlion as a separate province ; also because Father Gracian will no longer be among these people.

I am so hurried that I do not know what I am saying; I am now sending advice on certain subje<fls to the convents at Alba and Salamanca, therefore I will only ask you to pray for me.

I am not more of an invalid than usual, as crosses are health and medicine to me. Remember me very kindly to Seiior Juan de Ovalle and Dona Beatriz. The sisters here send you kind messages. My brothers are well; they do not know that Pedro' is going to Alba.

This is August 8, and I am yours,

Teresa de Jesus.