Letter 271. To Father Gracian, Alcala Or Pastrana, Avila, April 21, 1579

that there will be an end of your long absences, so that poor Angela will be able to speak of her soul, for since you have been away she has never been able to obtain relief from any one else. We have indeed had to contend with troubles in every way. I think that you must have had the larger share since our Lord has so quickly rewarded you by allowing you to help so many souls.

Dona Juana has just written to me concerning our Sister Maria de San Jose, but does not mention you. Although she says she was pressed for time, I complain of this omission. I told the Prioress of Valladolid to profess your sister as soon as her year's noviciate had expired. She answered that she had never thought of taking any other course until I wrote postponing the profession. In fa(5l, it appeared to me that the delay mattered little if it meant that your Paternity would perform the ceremony, but the present arrangement is best. Since we have such certain hopes of a separate province, I agree with the Prioress that all will be well.

My brother kisses your hand. Little Teresica is very happy and as childlike as ever.

I feel rather relieved about Seville, as the Calced can no longer interfere with that community. The Archbishop ' writes saying that the Discalced fathers were in a very difficult position when the documents arrived and were delighted to get them. They hear the nuns' confessions, and the Father-Vicar, Fray Angel, tells me that Father Nicolas will go there in a month's time to restore active and passive voice to Mother Mary of St. Joseph and put her back in her proper rank and to hold an election. From what Father Nicolas urites, I gather that the sisters are very prudent which vvill set a good example to the Order. He must see me before going to Seville, so that I may the better understand what has passed there and may give him some advice for Mother Mary of St. Joseph, in case she should be re-eled:ed prioress. Father Garci Alvarez no longer visits the convent: he says he has been forbidden by the Archbishop. May God bring the matter right and soon give me the opportunity of fully discussing many matters with your Paternity. I feel sure that you must be in great favour with Father Joseph: that is the important thing. I am amused at hearing that you wish for more crosses: for God's sake leave us without them, for you do not bear them alone ! Let us rest for a few days. I know that a person who has once enjoyed them, realizes that there is no more nourishing food for the soul, but not being sure whether these trials would extend to others besides him who asks for them, I cannot desire them. I mean that there ought to be a great difference between enduring suffering ourselves and seeing our neighbour suffer. This question must be explained to me by your Paternity when we meet. May our Lord enable us to serve Him well in whatever way He wishes,and may He preserve your Paternity to us for many years and make you as saintly as I ask of Him ! Amen.

I wrote to Valladolid, telling the prioress that she need not write to Dona Juana for the payment of your sister's dowry, as it was not to be sent until after profession, and even that was left undecided. Since the nuns received her without a portion, they cannot complain if it is not given, and in other convents the sisters ask God for what they need. I said no more and sent the prioress your letter addressed to Dona Juana. The matter is satisfa(5torily arranged for the present. I should not like your mother to mention the affair to Fray Angel, close friends as they are, as there is no need for it at present. Your Paternity knows the way of the world and how easily friendships are dissolved. I think that in one of your letters you gave me to understand that this had already happened but you may have been alluding to something else. In any case, will you caution Dona Juana. Abide with God, and do not so negled: me as to forget to pray for me to His Majesty, but when you bear other souls in mind, remember that vou have to render an account to God of mine.

This is the last day of Easter week. Your Paternity's unworthy servant and daughter, Teresa de Jesus. Will you tell Dona Juana the date of the profession, as I have no time to write to her. I so dread speaking of the matter I mentioned that I rarely allude to it, nor shall I in future. I have answered my daughter, Maria de San Jose. It would be a great comfort to have her with me, but our Lord will allow me no solace.