CHAPTER XXXIII

Continuation of the preceding chapter

[The missionaries are well received by their brethren in Mexico.  But they despair of getting vessels for the islands, “for already they were long overdue”—­that is, the vessels from the Philippines, which are to return thither again.  However, within a short time the “San Andres,” bearing two Augustinians, Fathers Carrillo and Plaza, arrives in port.  They bring a tale of storms and almost shipwrecks.  “The almiranta suffered eleven hurricanes, and all had already lost hope of life.  The vessel miraculously made the voyage through the courage of the pilot Toral, and that of father Fray Esteban Carrillo—­who, lashed to the mizzen-mast, with a crucifix in his hands, consoled the crew, and animated and encouraged them.  He always shared his food with the sick.”  Of the other two vessels of the fleet, the flagship runs aground in Japan, but the crew are saved.  “It was one of the greatest losses sustained by these islands.  Don Rodrigo de Vivero was returning in the vessel.  He had governed the islands for one year, in behalf of his uncle Don Luis de Velasco.  The latter sent him for that purpose until the governor should be nominated in Espana.”  The vessel “Santa Ana” is repaired and makes the voyage the succeeding year.  “The arrival of the almiranta gave great comfort to Nueva Espana; for, as these vessels are of great profit, their loss is felt more than that of those coming from Espana.  All together the latter do not in any way compete with those coming from Filipinas.”  The almiranta and another vessel, the “San Francisco” of Peru, return that year to the islands.  The viceroy refuses to allow all the religious who have come for that purpose to embark.  The following religious embark in the “San Francisco.”]

1.  Father Master Fray Diego de Guevara, visitor-general.

2.  Fray Diego de Uribe, his associate, who afterward studied and preached in the Ilocan language.  He died as prior of one of the Ilocan convents.

3.  Fray Agustin de los Rios, native of Extremadura, a zealous servant of God and an eloquent preacher.  He returned to Nueva Espana, in search of health, and afterward lived for some years there without it, in the hope of returning; but he died in that country, from epilepsy.  But it is always thought that he, who was so spiritual, must have died to enjoy God.

4.  Father Fray Hernando Becerra, one of the most learned and substantial men who have gone to the islands.  In but little time he had filled all the principal offices of the order, such as reader of theology, chief preacher at Manila, associate of the provincial and of the visitor-general, prior of many convents, visitor, definitor, provincial with visitor (which he had been before), and prior of Manila.  But he exercised the office of provincial scarcely two months.  He was very judicious, and therefore acquired the above offices.  God took him to Himself; for he left all envious of his death.