Note 11 — Chapter XXXI

[The order of discalced Augustinians in Spain petition for leave to go to the islands in 1605. The petition granted, a number of them set out; and, after waiting at Sevilla for some time for vessels, reach Mexico, where they are entreated to found a convent. Refusing this request, however, they continue on their journey, reaching the Philippines, in 1606, under the leadership of Juan de San Jerónimo. “They were given a house outside the city in a garden11 that had belonged to Don Pedro de Acuña, who governed these islands.... But those who treated the said fathers most generously were Ours, for we gave them our best and brightest jewel, namely, San Nicolás, allowing them to found their convent in his name. This meant wholly to enrich them and to leave us poor.” Further, a layman named Don Bernardino, captain and castellan of the port of Manila, builds a convent for the new order “sufficient for forty religious.” At death he and his wife also leave money to continue the work, and the new order begins to multiply.]