Letter 265. To Dona Inks Nieto, Madrid, Avila, February 4, 1579

The Saint consoles her in her trials and the imprisonment of her husbandy Senor Albornoz.

JESUS!

MAY the grace of the Holy Ghost ever be with you and give you grace to profit by your trials! I have grieved over them and prayed about them to our Lord, though on the other hand I realize that they are favours such as His Majesty grants to those He loves dearly, in order to rouse us and make us indifferent to the changeful, fleeting things of this life, so that we may strive to win eternal life.

What commotions and calumnies there have been this year! I was deeply grieved when first I heard of the imprisonment of Senor Albornoz, but on learning that it was connected with Don Fadrique's affair, I trusted in God that his trial would soon be over. I kiss the hands of Senor Albornoz. The time will come when he would not exchange the days he spent in prison fetters for all the gold chains in the world. God grant him good health, with which troubles can be better borne. I pity you less, because I believe our Lord has given you the strength to pass through heavier trials. May His Majesty grant you more grace every day and preserve you to us for many years. Amen. To-day is February 4.

Your Honour's unworthy servant, Teresa de Jesus.

CCLXXII

Prefatory note.

Early in this year, Philip told the Nuncio that Father Gracian had been punished enough; the latter was therefore pardoned and restored to his former dignity. The Discalced at once submitted their affairs to him and begged him to take steps to obtain the Brief and the erection of a separate province. Father Gracian accordingly sent to Rome Juan de Jesus Roca, the vahant defender of the Reform, and Fray Diego de la Trinidad, Prior of Pastrana. The latter, formerly a member of the Hieronymite Order, subsequently became Prior of Seville and Provincial of Andalusia and died in 1582. The two fathers, disguised as laymen, embarked for Naples in May. Father Gracian would have liked to go to Rome himself and found a priory there.