Letter 313. To Father Gracian, Madrid, Malagon, February 12, 1580

Departure for the foundation at Villanueva. Thanks to Don Velasco. Plans for the foundation at Madrid.

JESUS! May the grace of the Holy Ghost be with your Paternity, my Father.

RAY Antonio and Father Prior of la Roda came to-day to fetch us. They brought a coach and a two-wheeled cart, and from what they tell us I expect that the foundation will be successful. Will your Paternity pray to our Lord about it. The good Fray Antonio cannot deny his affection for me, since in spite of his age, he came here on my account. I am sorry to leave Malagon: I told you the reason. Fray Antonio is well and portly: our Fathers seem to grow stout on troubles this year.

Will your Paternity tell Sefior Velasco that I received his letters and hope to answer them: I am not sure whether I shall have time as I am very busy. God reward him for having obtained for us permission to correspond with you. I and all the nuns pray much for him. I should like to make the acquaintance of one who has done so much for us, Could not he and Don Luis Manrique arrange some