Volume 4 — Chapter VII

Arrival at these islands of a new mission of the discalced Recollects, the reformed branch of the Hermits of the order of the great father St. Augustine.

[Through the solicitations of Felipe II, the supreme general of the Augustinian order, Gregorio Petrochini, furthers the founding in Spain of a reformed branch of the order. Accordingly the beginning is made in the convent of Talavera, from [246] which beginning the branch gradually grows, although with several set-backs, until the Recollects (their distinctive name) obtain separation from the regular branch of the Augustinians. A province is formed, and elections held, at which Juan de San Geronimo is chosen provincial. After his term of office, he is created bishop of Chiapa; but, burning with the mission fever, offers himself and twelve companions as volunteers for the missions of the Indias.]

34. So noble a proposition edified the king, who recognized it as made by a whole and free spirit. The king had information that the orders appointed for the conquest of Philipinas were not sufficient for the total conversion and reduction of the many pagans; and, even if they were sufficient, that they had not exerted all their strength, distracted by other and less important cares. The proposition of the father provincial was very much in keeping with the royal intentions. Accordingly, without any delay, it was decreed that the father and his associates should prepare to go to the Philipinas Islands, and executive orders to his ministers for a speedy despatch were formulated without delay. The venerable father kept these to himself until the formal session of the chapter, in whose assembly he presented the decree. It was punctually obeyed, all of them considering this laborious expedition as a great service for God. They determined to grant him all the necessary documents, and appointed as vicar-provincial with full powers father Fray Juan de San Geronimo himself, with the limitation of recognizing as superior the father provincial of the province of Castilla.

35. With this arrangement, and the royal decrees [247] which contained the permission for their embarcation, and general royal authority to make as many establishments as possible in these islands, and as those new missionaries should deem proper (to which were added other concessions for spiritual matters conceded by the papal legate), and fortified with all these patents and despatches, the good father chose his associates, men like himself. Most of them were graduated, and most of them eminent men of the Reform. He well comprehended that such new plantations required, since they were to be conspicuous before all, men of learning and eminent virtue. Having assembled at Madrid, they set out for Sevilla on the fifteenth of May, in great harmony and modesty. There they rested somewhat from the fatigues of their journey, and then continued it to San Lucar de Barrameda. They waited there until a large trading-fleet sailed, which left the bay of Cadiz for Nueva España, and those religious embarked in one of its ships. The confessions that they heard, and their exhortations to the sailors, were a great comfort to the latter, and they did not neglect charitably to assist the sick. Thus did they acquire unusual estimation throughout the fleet. The commander-in-chief approached them in his ship, the flagship, when the weather permitted, to inquire after their health, and to offer them what they needed, commending himself to their holy prayers, and placing in their care the prosperous voyage of the fleet.

36. They reached the port of Vera Cruz with perfect safety, where the ships were sheltered. They disembarked, and, passing through the town of Los Angeles, went to Mexico. There they were received in the college of San Pablo by its rector, father [248] maestro Fray Diego de Contreras, who was afterward archbishop of Santo Domingo, the primatial church of the Indias. He kept them with his hospitable aid until the vicar-provincial rented a comfortable house, in order to avoid receiving favors, which their strict regulations forbade. While awaiting the opportunity to go to the port of Acapulco, their mode of life was retired and edifying. Many noble and wealthy persons began to entreat them to remain there, and to establish themselves, offering them their favor and most abundant alms; and they asked that, if that should not be granted, a competent number would remain and establish themselves. The father maestro Contreras encouraged these solicitations, and promised them to allow them to become discalced, and to give credit to the new institute.

38. They continued from that moment their voyage prosperously, after an almost general epidemic of fever, safe and sound. By special orders they anchored in the port of Zebu. That most venerable prelate, Don Pedro de Agurto, received the new missionaries with a procession. They were lodged in the convent of the Augustinian fathers, who received them as brethren. Much did that illustrious man desire the propagation of the gospel. He begged and insisted that they stay in his bishopric, and offered them a foundation to their liking, if they would only remain for the conversion of the infidelity that was obstinately persevering for the lack of ministers. He suffered greatly from this, for so necessary was the remedy. It was impossible for the newcomers to consent to so favorable arrangements, or to listen to so urgent and compelling entreaties. Their journey to Manila was unavoidable, in order to present the royal decrees and despatches to the governor. They thanked his Excellency fittingly, and all offered to put themselves at his disposal after the performance of so necessary business. They set out from that place to execute it, as soon as opportunity offered. They reached the capital city of Manila without any accident, then celebrating the victories obtained by their governor, Don Pedro de Acuña, in the expedition of Terrenate. They were accommodated in a small house for the time being, where the most influential people of the city came to visit them. Everyone offered them a more decent lodging, the orders distinguishing [251] themselves by offering them their convents. To all they humbly excused themselves, only accepting the infirmary of the Dominican fathers, for the treatment of some of their sick, where they were treated with a most benign charity. The governor arrived, triumphant from his expedition; and as soon as he heard of the arrival of those new religious, leaving the magnificent trophies, deigned to be the first to visit them. He consoled and regaled them as a noble knight. But being eager to finish the despatch of the ships to Acapulco, and going quickly to Cavite, he could not examine the royal despatches; nor could he do so afterward, for, as we have already stated, death attacked him while engaged in this affair, and laid its spoils in the sepulcher. Thus was suspended his recognition of the royal decrees; they were presented to the royal Audiencia, who, recognizing them as authentic, gave them the requisite attention. In virtue of these, permission was given to the father vice-provincial, Fray Juan de San Geronimo, to preach the gospel wherever he thought best, and to establish his houses wherever he should consider it most advisable.