Letter (number unidentified). To Father Gracian, Alcala, Malagon, January 15, 1580

Fathers Antonio and Francisco. ProjeBs for the foundations at Villanueva Arenas and Madrid,

JESUS!

May the Holy Spirit be with your Paternity, my Father!

AS 1 have such a reliable messenger as this lay-brother, I do not like to omit writing these few lines, though I sent you a long letter yesterday by Juan Velasquez of Almodovar.

Fray Antonio de la Madre de Dios'has been at Malagon and preached us three sermons which I liked very much. He seems to me an excellent man: it is a great consolation to number such persons among our friars. I was grieved at learning of the death of the good Fray Francisco : may God have him in heaven.

O my Father! how anxious I feel about the plan of making a foundation at Villanueva, for I can find neither prioress nor nuns for it that satisfy me. That saint of a Sister Isabel here seems to possess some of the qualities required, as I told your Paternity, but as she has always been trained among the liberties pradiised in that house, I feel great misgivings about her, besides which, her health is very bad. Let me know your opinion about her. Beatriz does not appear to me to be all I wish, though she has governed this convent peacefully. Now that the cares of this house are over, the other worries me.

I think that the Flemish nun would suit Arenas. She has been perfectly satisfied since her daughters' affairs were settled, and possesses sterling qualities. If it is the will of God that we should found a convent at Madrid, I rely upon Ines de Jesus as prioress. Pray about these matters, for it is very important to start well. For charity's sake let me know your decision. May our Lord protedl you and make you as great a saint as I desire that you should be.

To-day is January 15.

Your Paternity's unworthv daughter and subje(5l,

Teresa de Jesus.