_Pax Christi vobiscum_
I consider it unnecessary to tell you of the pleasure, joy, and
satisfaction which the letter of Brother Felipe gave me; for certainly
this would be great, considering the desire which I already had to
know about the brother as well as the other pupils and companions,
and likewise because of the love and good-will which I have always
borne towards Brother Felipe--who I am satisfied will repay it, and
will not forget me in his holy prayers. By means of them I hope for
much fervor of spirit and courage in pursuing the way of our Lord,
that I may not be faint-hearted in the continual hardship and toil in
which I trust in our Lord soon to find myself, with the conversion of
these heathen--so wide-spread and far extended, and in so great need of
laborers and workers. This increases our labor, so that our sufferings
are very great--a prolonged martyrdom in which the sons of the Society
pass their lives, exposed to innumerable fatigues, which are incredible
even when seen. I believe, indeed, that you in Europe have no idea
of this apostolic life; for of late years the missionary fathers have
gone about through these mountains alone, poor and half-naked, having
nothing to eat or drink, without shelter or entertainment, on account
of the ferocity of the enemy in Mindanao. These latter came forth this
year with intent to kill all the fathers that should fall into their
hands, on account of a vow which they made to their false god Mahoma
that, if he would give them health, they would pursue the fathers who
are teaching a religion different from their own. Sano, their infamous
king, complied with this vow, and brought out his army of cruel savages
to attack the villages of the Society. They wrought havoc worse than
can be told, sparing no one. When they learned that the fathers had
fled to the mountains, they sent out dogs to capture them and get
them in their power--in the meantime burning houses and churches and
outraging the images. They overtook the good father Juan del Carpio,
[31] whom they cut into pieces and killed with inhuman and unheard-of
cruelty. Before this they had captured our good old man and father,
Domingo Vilanzio, [32] a holy man who died from the ill-treatment
which they inflicted upon him. In short, without detailing at length
the glorious ministries of the Society in Filipinas, suffice it to
say that fathers who have been through it all affirm that Paraguai
[33] was but matter for jest compared with this; for the Society has
no field more glorious, nor more to the honor of our Lord. This is
well seen through the marvelous events which his Majesty has brought
about through us, without which it would be impossible for so small
a number of fathers to accomplish so much and not suffer a thousand
deaths in so many hardships as they have endured. In short, my brother,
it is there that we shall look to go, and die a thousand times in
the quest, working day and night. But comfort shall not fail us, to
refresh us in these labors, for this is only a little rice and water,
and what they are seeking most to accomplish in Espana--namely, that
the cross of our Lord should be raised up here through these labors,
and all with the greatest pleasure in the world for poor me. What I
should have lost if I had remained there, etc.
Our Lord will repay the brother for his kindness in giving us news
of the province, and of the fellow-novices and the fathers whom we
know. Certainly there is no pleasure, for us who are here, to compare
with our joy in knowing about our fathers and brothers, who are ever
present in our hearts.
Brother Diego Ponze has acted in a very despicable manner. I never
have confidence in persons like him.
I have good news of Brother Celerio, his companion, which pleases me
much. I had written to Brother Diego de Mendizabal before I received
the clause in the letter from the brother. To all the fellow-novices
who are there, a thousand million greetings, to each one separately
and to all in common; and let them commend me to our Lord. I was
much pleased at the good news of all which was given me by Brother
Juan de Alcala. I am writing to several persons, and it will make
me glad [to know] that all continue in the growth that I desire,
both in virtue and in learning, etc.
Not to take more space, I leave unsaid many things--especially
concerning Japan, where the persecution is progressing cruelly and
fiercely. May our Lord check this, and protect my brother Felipe as
I desire, etc. Filipinas; Manila, July 3, 1636.
From the humble servant of my brother,