22.  Thereupon, and the contentions of the Roman court having been favorably determined, because the supreme pontiff had [now] been thoroughly and sufficiently informed, the latter took pains to console those whom he recognized as innocent.  He did that by his apostolic brief, in which, with full knowledge of the cause, he explained his former brief and definitive sentence, confirming the concession of Clement Eighth, in the erection of the province.  He restored the title and office of provincial to the same father Fray Gregorio, confirmed his former patents, and restored everything to its former condition.  However, there were certain endurable reservations, by which they could not found more monasteries or receive novices.  At the end of the three years’ term, the calced provincial was to visit that reformed branch in whose jurisdiction the Recollect convents were to be.  He conceded them many indulgences, privileges, and favors, by which their minds were calmed, and their desired relief in Philipinas obtained.  This country was reenforced with thirteen other missionaries, whom the fathers of Espana sent officially in charge of their commissary, father Fray Christoval de San Augustin.  He reached Mexico, whence he could not proceed farther, as death seized him.  Father Fray Onofre de la Madre de Dios took charge of that leadership, with whose arrangement they all arrived safe and sound at Manila.  They had their frights in meeting some Dutch urcas, which followed our ship with a stern wind; and they were about to be captured when the religious invoked in their favor the glorious St. Nicolas de Tholentino.  Then, luffing, they were able to escape the Dutch.

23.  The most illustrious bishop of Zebu, Don Fray Pedro de Arze, was in Manila, and requested the reverend father Fray Rodrigo de San Miguel, the vice-provincial at that time, to send religious to Zebu to make a foundation in that city.  The latter complied with this, by sending father Fray Juan Chrisostomo de la Ascencion to take charge of that, in answer to the bishop’s venerable and respectful urgency.  His Excellency conceded to the father a site as his especial property, which had a chapel of our Lady of the Conception somewhat apart from its center.  There the said father established his convent.  As his Excellency’s desires were not that the fathers should live in ease, he immediately assigned to them the administration of the island of Maripipi, where there were about six hundred souls.  Being thus established in Bisayas, his same Excellency, after consulting the superior government, and his Excellency Don Alonso Fajardo acquiescing, charged and intrusted them solemnly with the spiritual administration of the province of Caraga in Mindanao.  That province, although subdued by Don Juan de Silva, and given as an encomienda, had not yet had any ministers—­or, at most, a secular chaplain for ministration to the garrison of its fort.  It was a difficult undertaking because of the warlike spirit and the ferocity of