Letter (number unidentified). To Mother Mary of St. Joseph, Seville, Avila, June 24, 1579

Praise of Father Nicolas Doria. The Saint bids her accept the office of prioress and discusses the convent affairs.

JESUS!

MAY the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your Reverence, my daughter. I do not know why my daughters at Seville are silent when I am constantly wishing to hear from them. I assure you that / am not silent regarding your interests. I must tell you that Father Nicolas, who is now Prior of Pastrana, has paid me a visit, much to my relief, and I thank God for having given such a member and so good a man to the Order. His

' Fuenle 246.

" Fray Doria had been nominated prior in place of Fray Diego de la Trinidad, who had gone to Rome.

Majesty seems to have chosen him to re-establish your convent, considering the labour and fatigue he has undergone for your sakes. Pray much for him, for it is a debt you owe.

As for you, my daughter, give up this ridiculous perfection of objed:ing to be re-eled:ed as prioress. It is childishness and nothing else, after we have all been wishing and striving for your replacement. The matter is not your Reverence's private concern but that of the whole Order. It would contribute so much to God's service that I wish to see the affair settled, as well as on account of the honour of the community and of Father Gracian. Even though you had none of the qualities requisite for the office, nothing else would be suitable: how much more when for want of good men' as they say.

If God grants us this favour, you are to be silent and obey without a word or you will make me very angry. You have said enough to show us that you do not desire the post, and in fadt there is no need to tell any one who has borne it that the office is a heavy cross. God will aid you and the storm has passed for the present.

I am very anxious to know whether these two nuns are conscious of their fault or if they oppose you in any way, and how they behave, as I feel burdened concerning their souls. Be kind enough to give me a detailed account of the matter. Will you send your letters by the Archbishop to Roque de Huerta; he will forward them wherever I may be.

Sister Isabel de San Pablo will tell you all the news at the end of this note, as I have not time for more.

Remember me affecftionatelv to my daughter Blanca. I am exceedingly pleased with her and very grateful to her father and mother for all their goodness to you : thank them for me. I assure you that I am astonished at the account of what has passed in your convent, and I wish you would tell me the whole truth clearly and exadlly. Above all, let me know how the two sisters are going on for, as I said, I am very anxious about them. Remember me very kindly to all the nuns: let the deputy prioress consider this letter as addressed to her. I commend myself earnestly to my Gabriela's prayers. I cannot understand how Sister San Francisco got through all her difficulties.

I am summoned to see Father Nicolas and am to leave for Valladolid to-morrow. Our Father Vicar General has sent me an order to go there immediately, and from thence to Salamanca. There is little need for me at Valladolid, but Dona Maria and the Bishop asked for me. However, I am really needed at Salamanca where the nuns are in a very unhealthy house and have much to suffer at the hands of their landlord. The life he leads and has led them besides the fresh quarrels he picks with them every day have tried them severely.

Will you all beg our Lord that a good house may soon be purchased cheaply for them.

May His Majesty have you in His care for my sake, my daughter, and let me see you again before Idle.

To-day is June 24, 1579. I start to-morrow and am too busy to write to my daughters or to say more. Let me know whether they received a letter from me. The unworthy servant of your Reverence, Teresa de Jesus.