Letter (number unidentified). To Father Doria, Burgos, some time after May 4, 1582

Regrets for Father Gracian’s absence from Burgos. Advice to superiors.

Jesus be with your Reverence, my Father!

T is trying that our Father should have gone so far away,” and without your Reverence, which has vexed me very much. God grant him good health. Your presence must be highly necessary in

Beatriz de Jesus. She was afterwards prioress at Vittoria. He preached so humbly and tearfully that his hearers were touched ; he expressed his regret at having caused the delay in making the foundation, and his high opinion of Catalina de Tolosa. He became much attached to St. Teresa.

your priory’ since our Father has dispensed with your company. I was greatly pleased with the humility shown in your letter, although I shall not do what you ask me, for you must learn to suffer. Remember, my Father, all beginnings are painful, as your Reverence will find in this case. As for what you say about the drawbacks to study, they might become very serious, as signs of them appear already in those who have so little learning. It would be better for them to have none, since they show such effeéts so soon.

Your Reverence must not suppose that the art of government consists in realizing one’s own faults; we must often forget self, remembering that we stand in the place of God and act in His name, and that He will supply our deficiencies as He does to all who are superiors, for none can altogether suffice by themselves. And do not dissemble or omit writing your opinion frankly on any subje@ to our Father. I sent your Reverence a note a short time ago by Dofia Juana. May God proteé you and make you as holy as I ask of Him. Amen.

The servant of your Reverence, Teresa de Jesus.