Letter (number unidentified). Prefatory note, Soria, June 16, 1581

Prefatory note. 3

sion for the foundation at Madrid if an income could be promised. This was now assured, but his anger at the resolution of his niece, Elena de Quiroga, to become a Carmelite made him withdraw the leave. He probably thought the Saint had persuaded her to take the step.

~ TO H.E. CARDINAL GASPAR DE QUIROGA, ARCHBISHOP OF TOLEDO

The Saint reminds him of his promise to authorize a Joundation at Madrid. Vocation of his niece Elena de Quiroga. JESUS! May the grace of the Holy Spirit ever be with your Eminence.

HAVE been awaiting an answer from your | Eminence to a letter which they tell me was delivered to you during Holy Week, or a little later. It contained an appeal for a licence to found a convent in Madrid. Your Eminence had already told me that you approved of the plan but deferred granting.me permission on account of an obstacle which our Lord has now removed. Your Eminence may perhaps remember promising me that, if this difficulty were overcome, you would grant me the favour, therefore, relying on your word, I have already arranged for the foundation which could be more easily made before His Majesty returns to Madrid, as houses would be cheaper.

I am now at Soria where we have founded a convent, as the bishop of the place sent for me; thank God, that affair has been settled most satisfactorily. I do not wish to leave this town until your Eminence has granted me the permission for

TO CARDINAL QUIROGA 183 which I ask, as I should have to travel many leagues out of my way,and, as I mentioned to yourEminence, there are several people expecting the foundation at Madrid who are suffering severely through the delay. As your Eminence always helps those who are striving toserve our Lord, and as this project would render Him service and greatly benefit our Order, I entreat your Eminence not to defer the authorization any longer, if you approve of the plan.

My sefiora, Dofia Elena, keeps to her resolution, but that will avail her little until your Eminence gives your consent. She is so holy and detached trom everything that they tell me she would like to enter the convent at Madrid—to own the truth, with the hope of seeing your Eminence from time to time, at which I am not surprised. I, too, always feel the same desire; I pray specially to our Lord for your Eminence every day, and make the nuns of our Order do the same. May He be pleased to hear us and to preserve you for many years, granting you the increase in sanctity for which I ask Him! Amen.

Written in the Carmelite convent of the Trinity, at Soria, June 16.

The unworthy servant and subject of your Eminence, Teresa de Jesus.