Letter 299. To Father Gracian, Alcala, Malagon, December 18, 1579

Affairs at Malagon. Improvement m the condition of the Order.

JESUS! May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your Paternity.

1SENT your Paternity a long letter but a few days ago via Toledo, so this will be but a short note. Besides, I was only told late this evening that the messenger, Antonio Ruiz' son-in-law, was to start to-morrow before daybreak. 1 wish he had brought me some lines from your Paternity though he cheered me by news of your good health and of the fondness of the people of Alcala for your sermons. He spoke of the one about St. Eugenius. Blessed be God from Whom all good comes! He bestows a great favour on those whom He destines to sanctify souls.

I forgot to mention that Ana de Jesus is very well and that the other nuns seem peaceful and contented. I do not allow a certain person either to speak to them or to hear their confessions. Otherwise, 1 am very polite to him, as is proper, and 1 often talk to him. He preached here to-day. He certainly is a good man and would not wilfully injure any one, but I am convinced that it is best for our Discalced nuns not to talk to those outside the house though they may be saints. God will instrud: the sisters and experience has taught me that, with the exception of hearing sermons, frequent intercourse, even with Paul, does them more harm than good and to a certain extent diminishes the respect due to such persons. O my Father, what troubles I have gone through on this account!

Oh, how well I remember what I suffered on Christmas Eve, a year ago, when I read your letter to me!' Thank God, times have improved. Never, however long I live, shall I forget the anguish I endured!

My health is no worse than usual; indeed I have felt better lately. The new house is very comfortable; it will be excellent when finished, and even now affords us ample room.

The Prioress and nuns earnestly commend themselves to your Paternity's prayers, and I beg for the Father Redior's. As it is very late at night, I will only say that I should spend a happy Christmas-tide if I could hear the sermons you will preach. God grant your Paternity a happy Christmas both this year and for many more.

To-day is the feast of Our Lady of the O, and I am the daughter and subjed: of your Paternity, Teresa de Jesus.