Letter 246. To Father Gracian, at Madrid, Avila, End of August, 1578

Imprisonment and escape of St. "John of the Cross at Toledo.

... I assure you that the treatment undergone by Fray John of the Cross is ever in my thoughts. I do not know how God can allow such things, for even your Paternity is not aware of all. During the whole of the nine months he was imprisoned in a cell hardly large enough to hold him, small as he is, and for all that time he never changed his tunic, though he was almost dying. Three days before his escape, the superior gave him a tunic of his own, and disciplined him several times severely. Fray John saw no one during his captivity. I envy him intensely. Thank God for giving him courage for such martyrdom!

It is well that the faits should be told so that we may be more on our guard against these people. God forgive them! Amen.

.... Inquiries ought to be made so that the Nuncio can be informed as to how this saintly Fray John was treated, blameless as he was. It is a lamentable affair. Tell Fray German to do so; he will, for he feels very strongly about it. . . .