The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 21 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 301 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 21 of 55.

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 21 of 55 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 301 pages of information about The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 21 of 55.
now in its beginning, and gave it his name.  In accordance with this a very solemn feast was made, that venerable prelate and bishop of bishops Don Fray Pedro de Agurto saying the first mass.  He had come to Manila from Zibu to be the rainbow [Iris] that announced peace and true brotherhood to calced and discalced, whom we ought to hold as sons of a good father.  Father Fray Pedro Solier—­a chosen shoot of the convent of Salamanca, and afterward provincial of those islands, bishop of Puerto Rico, and lastly archbishop of Santo Domingo and primate of the Indias—­preached in glowing terms in praise of the Reform, in the presence of the royal Audiencia, the ecclesiastical and secular cabildos, the orders, the nobility, and all the people of Manila—­who from that time made greater progress in the veneration and worship of that saint.  The good-will that the city began to have for the new evangelical ministers was vast.  Consequently, the city desired to shelter them within the girdle of its walls, on noting the discomfort that they were suffering; and that was done by moving the convent of San Nicolas, as we shall see.

It seemed hard for the religious to leave their first foundation, not so much for the material of the house as for the service that they were performing for our Lord in that suburb, in administering the holy sacraments to the not few persons who were living there.  Those people, especially at night, were deprived of spiritual aid, for it was necessary that the gates of the city be tightly shut and the necessary guards posted.  It was a true inspiration from heaven not to abandon that convent (now that of San Joan Baptista), since—­as was within a very short time made evident, through the care and presence of Ours—­so great a number of Christians came so frequently from all parts to confession and to holy communion that four ministers daily have not been sufficient.  They numbered some Spaniards and many negroes, both free and slave, and more Indians of different nations, who came to seek in that refuge relief from their sins and failings.  They found that convent always open day and night and the religious ever ready to give them the health and life of their souls.  After several years the province determined that that house should be made a college, and accordingly that was carried out.  The arts and theology were studied there, for, although instruction and piety join hands, it was not advisable that the college and the house be in one place.  In that place rest three incorruptible bodies of the first founders, and no one knows who they are.  All are surprised that they can remain so well preserved in a country so damp and hot, and it is regarded by all as a miracle.  That college, besides the aforesaid, possessed a great treasure in the image of our Lady of Health.  On bringing it from Mexico, that image gave proofs of her favors not a few times on the sea, and perfecting and increasing them in the islands through her mercy. 

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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 21 of 55 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.