It was declared that when, through the privations of the time, any convent should decrease notably, the definitorio could transfer its vote in that chapter to another convent, as might then seem advisable, as was seen in the convent of Aclan. When this convent passed from the order its vote was transferred to the convent of Barbaran.

Some acts were passed afterward, which, translated into Latin and printed, are observed in the province. I do not place them here, as I think that they do not further our purpose in any way. Their annulment was asked for, for experience has shown that they have been productive of little good, and that the province had not need of so great rigor as they contain.



CHAPTER XXXV

Of the election of our father Fray Vicente de Sepulveda

Our father visitor-general thought that he had complied with his obligation, and that the affairs of the province were in good condition. He set about returning to Espana with the results of his labor, although for the completion of the visit there was no time allotted; for he had ample license to remain in the province as long as he judged it advisable for its advantage and greater good. He did not have good fortune on that voyage, for, either the poor equipment or the late departure caused both the almiranta and the flagship to put back in distress. Our father visitor also came back and resumed his office, as it was one of which he had made no resignation. Now came the time for the chapter which was to be held in Guadalupe, according to the decision made. In this chapter the number of votes was very much less, in obedience to the acts of the intermediary chapter, and the father visitor was to be the president as was necessary in that chapter also, for thus was it ordered in his letters-patent. Some must have been sorry for it. Finally, the matter arranged itself in such a way that our father master Fray Diego de Guevara resigned any right that he might have to that presidency and to the visitation of those islands, and for greater assurance broke the seal of it when he entered the chapter. As the only received master in that province, it was understood that he would be provincial; but I think that the fathers were very far from thinking of it, for they inclined to our father Fray Miguel Garcia, who was most keen and very accurate in matters of government. Being, moreover, a prince of the Church, the latter was more conspicuous, as all thought; and I have even heard very influential persons and even governors say of the archbishop, "He is very wise! He is very wise!"

Upon the arrival, then, of the nineteenth of the month of May, 1614, the date upon which our chapter fell, our father Fray Vicente de Sepulveda, a person who, one would think, had entered these islands for eminence in everything, was elected. For coming in the company of the bishop Solier (I mean the company which he himself brought to this land), in the year 1606, as soon as the said Solier was elected provincial, he made him [i.e., Sepulveda] prior of the convent of Macabebe in Pampanga, one of the best of all the convents. Later, while our father Fray Miguel Garcia was provincial, he was elected definitor, and now we see him provincial; and in the succeeding triennium we shall see him return to the office because of the death of the holder of it, which is in accordance with the rules. Within a little more than a month after he had taken the office, we shall see him choked to death. Thus he served as an official in the province for scarcely one and one-half years before he was at the head of it. But so great fortune in temporal affairs announced such a misfortune.

At that chapter presided the definitor, namely, our father, Fray Francisco Bonifacio; for, by the resignation of our father visitor-general, the rules summoned him for it. As definitors were elected in the chapter: our father Fray Juan Enriquez, father Fray Pedro Garcia; [29] second, our father Fray Alonso de Mentrida; third, father Fray Alonso Ruiz; [30] and fourth, Fray Juan Cabero. [31] The visitors were Fray Jeronimo de Salas and Fray Nicolas de Alreybar. All of them assembled, they enacted carefully what they deemed most suitable for the province.

As prior of the province and definitor of Roma was elected our father Fray Miguel Garcia; and, as discreto of the general chapter, father Fray Hernando Guerrero, with sufficient authority so that in case our father [i.e., Garcia] should die he should enter upon his duties.

Leave was also given to our father visitor-general to go to Espana. They made him prior of Manila. His voyages were fortunate, although in the following year, when they went to Espana, the fleet was overtaken by great danger and obliged to put in at Lisboa. But affairs went so well in the court of Espana, that after only a short wait his Majesty appointed them as bishops—our father Fray Miguel Garcia, of Cagayan; and our father visitor, of Camarines. They arrived at their bishoprics, and died in the islands, where they furnished an excellent example.

Our father Fray Vicente, as one who found himself with the province in charge, and who took especial care of its increase, managed its affairs with great assiduity. He visited all the provinces personally. He went to that of the Bisayas, which even yet bewails the cost to them of that visit. And if we must confess that the prelate's zeal was proper, we have not to confess that the province which has ever enjoyed an austere reputation had grown so careless as to need so bitter medicine. And since those who were removed from their priorates were given others, this rigor could well have been avoided, in my opinion, although perhaps it ought to be considered proper, as the government of the prelates is paramount. The provincial returned to Manila, leaving Fray Alonso de Baraona as his vicar-provincial.

During this period the islands were passing through very great dangers; for the Dutch from Maluco were vaunting themselves more than was proper, and every day brought news that the Mindanaos were assembling to destroy the islands—fears that made the people timorous and too anxious. Finally their fears came to a head with the arrival in great force of the Dutch off the coast of the town of Arevalo, whose purpose was to prevent the aid which was to be sent from that port to the forts of Ternate. The enemy had ten galleons, of varying capacity; and it was even told as truth that they were bringing lime and the other supplies for settling in Ilong-ilong. But later, when the matter was better considered, it must have been seen that their residence there would not be productive of any profit, but rather of a very great expense. Besides, it would be very difficult to send them aid; while our troops could easily oust them, as the island is ours. The commandant of the town of Arevalo, also its alcalde-mayor and overseer-general, without mincing words, was no more a man than is a hen. Even in bravery, a hen is more than he; since the hen, upon seeing the approach of the kite, is aroused, and becomes a lioness in order to guard her chicks. But this person, by name Antonio de Jarez de Montero, did no more than to run away, although he had troops to meet the enemy face to face. He had assembled more than two thousand Indians from those encomiendas; he had more than two hundred Spaniards. And so when the Indians saw, the night before, the signal which had been made from the island of Imalus, [32] they fled, and not one was to be seen next day; and all of the Spaniards who could, went also. In the morning, Monday, on such and such a day of October, the enemy appeared, and came straight to the port of Ilong-ilong, as if they had frequented it for many years. Thereupon, the alcalde-mayor fled inland, without taking thought for anything. Thus the field—where had four Spaniards remained, they would have performed great deeds—was left to the enemy. I was living at that time in Otong, where father Fray Juan de Lecea [33] was prior, a most exemplary religious. Father Fray Silvestre de Torres, [34] who had come from Japon, was likewise a conventual of that place. We did the same as the others. We stored aboard a caracoa the most valuable things of the convent, and buried the rest. We ordered the Indians to remain with the caracoa among those creeks, of which there are many. They did so, and hence all the things aboard the caracoa and those buried were found afterward. The enemy, not meeting any opposition, landed, came to the town of Arevalo, and set fire to it all. They burned our convent, which was quite fine and built of wood They burned that of Salog also, an excellent convent, which even yet has not been rebuilt. The enemy suffered greatly on the road, for that season in the islands is the rainy season. We went to the convent of Baong, one day's journey inland from the town, although we spent more than two in reaching it. I, although sick, was first to arrive. The prior of that convent was Father Diego Oseguera. [35] Although the convent was poor, yet they acted as if they were wealthy. They shared all the rice and beef of the convent with all [the fugitives] who kept coming every moment, without taking account of anything. The convent of Otong, besides its building, lost a ranch of cattle which it owned then of more than five hundred head and others of mares of more than one hundred head. For as the cattle were tame and came to their usual resorts, the enemy caught some and shot others. The fathers of the Society lost much also. The rector of their college there was, at that time, Father Encinas, [36] a man of uncommon holiness. He also came to Baong, by short relays, and lived in our convents until his order summoned him.

The commandant and lieutenant-governor of the Pintados, Don Juan de la Vega, was in Sugbu with two companies of infantry. The news of the enemy's coming was told to him; accordingly he embarked his men and brought them thither, but, when he had arrived, the enemy had burned everything, and were away up the point. Thus the troops, went to the convent of Passi—one-half day's journey by land—by the river of Alacaygan. That same day I arrived at Passi, for I went from Baong to Laglag, and from Laglag to Passi. The Indians were already vaunting themselves very insolently, and refused to render any aid; but it appears that with the arrival of those two companies, whom they had in the heart of the country, they began to become calm. Who can tell what these convents did, and what they gave and supplied? It is incredible, for almost from their shoulders hung all those troops, yet without curtailing anything [of the convent's usual bounty]. The convents were hostelries for those soldiers and captains, until their substance was gone. But when that commandant could have collected more than three hundred Indians (or rather, soldiers), and gone to meet the enemy and could have inflicted great damage upon him, he spent the time in scandalous feasting. Afterward he went to Dumangas where all the people of the town of Otong and the other soldiers were gathered; and there, by surfeiting themselves with cocoa-nuts and sugar-cane, and committing other acts of hoggish greed, more of them died than if they had fought with the enemy. That commandant was the son of an auditor, and must have been a brave man, although he caused grief to everyone; and his blunders must have been fine bits of prudence. He also lost for the king a galleon named "San Marcos," one of the best and stoutest vessels built in the islands. Another auditor's son, Don Pedro de Almazan, when general of the galleys, had the Mindanaos blockaded in the river Baco, and when already the enemy were thinking of surrendering, he left the port, whereupon the enemy regained courage and went away. The sons of auditors have done many things like these, but I do not write them, as I am not the historian of their acts of prowess. I have merely remarked this in passing, as it was necessary to speak of it. Finally, Don Juan de la Vega died suddenly. There he will have given account to God. Perhaps his intention in something may save him.

It will be apparent from what I have written, that there has been scarcely any event in these islands, either of war or peace, where those of my order have not distinguished themselves. In the above they did so no less than in others, for they were fathers to so many poor, and hosts and support to so many soldiers. They relieved, if not wholly, at least partially, the needs of so many, which one can easily believe would be many, since they were abandoning their houses, burned with what little they contained, and fleeing from the enemy who were burning their possessions.

The enemy left the islands after that, whereupon father Fray Juan de Lecea, as a true father to the end—and what he grieved over, was, in truth, the leading astray of his flock—went down from the mountains, as soon as he learned that the enemy were not in Otong, and reached (although not without many tears), those sites where had been the convent, and where the true God had been worshiped. He began to gather together those dear wretched beings, and gave them alms of the little that he had. Finally, with God's help, those natives gradually came down from the mountains and assembled in their village, where they began to build their houses anew. Father Fray Juan de Lecea showed so excellent management that he soon had a habitation. I left the upland then and went to the visita of Guimbal, where the enemy had not been. From that place I sent Father Lecea men, and what [supplies] I could, so that the work might progress. There by the Lord's pleasure, the Tinguianes of that visita, who had never consented to build a church, nor have the father visit them, at length, through the Lord's mercy, ceased their obduracy. They built me a church, and I baptized many of them, both children at the breast and those somewhat older, and adults. If I have done any service to the Lord in that place, I pray His Majesty to receive it as a partial payment for my many acts of disservice.

On my departure from all those mountains, and my return to Otong, I found already a church and small dwelling-house built, and another under way, larger and more commodious, which was soon finished, until it finally became a very handsome edifice.

The convent of Salog was being rebuilt in better style; and the Indians were again settling in the village, although not as in the beginning.

From that place I was exchanged to the convent of Dumalag, by order of the vicar-provincial of the island, the father commissary, Fray Antonio de Torres. While I was there the father provincial came to visit, and there happened the above. The result of his visit was to send me as prior to Dumangas, which I opposed to my utmost, as I had left two other priorates because of my ill-health. But obedience had to force my will. When I arrived there, even yet the Spaniards were in that river. At last, seeing that they could go, they retired, and my parishioners were more free to attend to their souls, to their houses, to their villages, and to their church, which had been destroyed. Finally, it was the Lord's will that I built there a church and house of wood, and larger in size [than the former one].

The government remained in the hands of the Audiencia, because of the death of Don Juan de Silva, knight of the Order of Santiago, governor and captain-general of these islands. He sailed for Malaca with ten galleons, accompanied by two of our religious, father Fray Juan de Montemayor, [37] and father Fray Lucas de Atienza. The Audiencia governed most carefully and successfully, for it had very good results in whatever it attempted. It was rumored that the Dutch enemy were returning to the islands with a greater force, as they had heard of the death of that man—who must be immortal, and for fear of whom they were lost; for daily they were indicating this in their conduct. For as he routed them at Playa Honda, in 1610, they had no wish to fall into his power a second time. But now, without any fear, they were about to return to retrieve their loss and past reputation. The Audiencia appointed as commander-in-chief of the Pintados Don Diego de Quinones, one of the most valiant and courageous gentlemen ever in this land. His first act was to strengthen the fort of Sugbu, in case the enemy should attack at that point. While he was busy in that occupation, news came from Otong of the approach of the Dutch with ten galleons, and of their intention to colonize the point of Ilong-ylong. Instantly, he ordered a boat, loaded it with bread and cheese, and went to Otong. In the nine days' interval until the Dutch arrived, he built a redoubt of wood and fascines, where he awaited the enemy, who arrived September 29. Don Diego had but few men, although a company from Ternate was there, who happened to come there in a wrecked fragata. They were of no little service. His artillery consisted of small pieces which shot a ball no larger than a very small orange. He had about one hundred men. Lazaro de Torres was their captain, a man of great courage, and than whom no one, in such opportunities, has been more fortunate. His alferez was Don Pedro Zara, a very courageous soldier. In short, they fought so that it appeared rather rashness than bravery. Two of our religious were there, father Fray Jeronimo de Alvarado and Fray Juan de Morales, besides the parish priest of the town, Bartolome Martes. They confessed the troops, and encouraged them. The balls rained down, and thus they penetrated throughout the fort, as if it had been paper. No place was safe, for the enemy commanded the entire fort from their topmasts; and no sooner did any one mount the parapet than he was shot. The commander was wounded, as was Don Pedro Zara. Within that redoubt all were heaped sweltering in their own blood, awaiting death. For, as often as the enemy invested that small fort or redoubt, the Spaniards resisted bravely and killed many of them. But finally, at the end, the victory had to remain with the conqueror, who could be none other than the Dutch as they had so strong forces. But our Lord in such a conflict aided His own, who were fighting there for His honor under so great odds; and willed that the enemy should abandon the undertaking, and depart—to the wonder of all, after they had been firing at that rampart for nearly two days. In that time they must have used more than five hundred large balls, the reverberations of which sounded on the heights of that island like thunder. On the departure of the enemy, our men must have found themselves in great need of everything, for whatever houses and stores were there were all burned; for the Dutch have done this three times on that point. Help came then from Baong, and father Fray Hernando de Morales came overland with two hundred Indians. He was an angel to the people, and, with the Indians, aided them in their greatest necessity. By this means they had one who served and accommodated them, which was no small achievement. He brought them as much food as he could, and remained with them until the natives began to aid; for all had been frightened greatly at the uproar that they had seen. This was a great matter for the natives, for they all said, "The Dutch have been beaten."

Captain Don Diego, seeing that the enemy would go there constantly, began, with the consent of the Audiencia, to build a fort, and constructed a rampart, furnished with some excellent pieces, which arrived the same day when the enemy left, and were almost captured by them. Afterward the fort was completed. It consists of four ramparts, and is the best in the Filipinas. I have related the above, because it shows how our religious attend to the service of our Lord.



CHAPTER XXXVI

Of the election of our father, Fray Jeronimo de Salas; and of other events in this province at that time.

The [time for the] chapter arrived in which our father Fray Vicente left his office, at which he would rejoice; for this matter of command, although it appears to be all honey, certainly contains much more of gall and confusion than rest. The father visitor, Fray Juan de Enriquez, received votes, and he was well liked in Pampanga. The father-provincial thought that father Fray Agustin de Mejia [38] was needed for the government of the province, for he was of Manila, and had maintained that convent with great devotion and punctuality, and no one had been lacking in anything—and that in times so calamitous as his own. During that time the ships from Espana failed us for two years, and during all that period he had so great courage that he did splendid things in the convent of Manila, both for the church and for the house. The monument placed in our house is the best of all those belonging to the orders; it and many others are his work. Notwithstanding this, the religious did not consider him favorably. Consequently, our father provincial, seeing the difficulty, did not wish, as a prudent man, to venture upon a thing which would make face against him. For the religious alone are of this condition, that they play openly; as they look rather at the common good than that of their own particular interest. Consequently, he cast his eyes on father Fray Jeronimo de Salas, a man so well received that the other fathers agreed on him immediately, and he was elected without much difficulty on the twenty-ninth of April, 1617. That election was very pleasing to the province, for all were very sure that they would receive very great consolations at his hands. They were quite right too, for I could treat of that point, as a very large share of it fell to me, when I was in Bisayas acting as prior of Dumangas; for he sent me leave to come to Manila, as he wished me to become subprior.

Father Fray Jeronimo de Cabero presided at that chapter, as we had no letters-patent from our father general. As definitors, father Fray Juan Enriquez, father Fray Pedro de Lesarte, [39] father Fray Alonso de Baraona, and father Fray Felipe de Tallada were elected. The visitors were father Fray Estacio Ortiz and father Fray Agustin de Mejia. All together assembled, they annulled preceding orders and enacted others for the good management of the province.

But little life was left for our father provincial, for a very slight accident occasioned his death, so that, without any medicine sufficing, he went away and left us on the seventeenth of May, leaving us disconsolate and very desirous of him.

Our rules, in such an event, summon the preceding provincial, who immediately took the seal. Persons were not lacking to advise him to leave the government of the province, saying that the province was not well affected toward him. And even persons outside of the order who were viewing things with some interest, said the same to him. But we are not to understand that any ambition guided him, but that since he had had experience in the government, which is not the least thing, he thought that he could govern better than another. He commenced to burden the province with mandates, for in his term there was too much of that. Thereupon, the fathers began to regard him less favorably than before, and to represent to themselves the evil of his having the command. There were meetings and discussions in which the coming evil was clearly presaged and announced. One old religious, who was such in all things, in order to avoid cavilings and inquisitions went to confess to him; and told him that he knew most positively that they wished to kill him, and that he should relinquish his office. He assented to nothing, carried away, doubtless, by his good zeal. A brother served him in his cell, a creole whom he wished well and whom he treated with affection. The latter, in return for the benefits which he received, gave him pounded glass in his chocolate, for he had been told that that was the most virulent poison which could be administered. But the provincial's natural force resisted everything, for he was robust, though small of body.

During this time, which was June of the same year, 1617, as the ships which had been despatched the year before had put back in distress, the viceroy of Nueva Espana, in order not to leave the islands without succor, bought a small Peruvian ship called "San Jeronimo," little but very staunch. Although they had but little comfort, the bishop, Don Fray Miguel Garcia, embarked with his fine company of religious; and he brought them in safety to the port of Cavite, although they were almost wrecked among the islands, because the vendavals had set in early and with violent force. At last freed from this and other dangers by the mercy of God, and as they were laborers chosen by God for this His vineyard, He did not wish them to lack work in it; and so He placed them at the doors of the convent of Manila, poor from the lack of comfort in the voyage, but rich with their hopes and virtues. Their names were:

Father Fray Hernando Guerrero, who came as prior of them all.

Father Fray Antonio de Ocampo, a very eloquent preacher, and a Castilian.

Father Fray Juan de Trejo, a very eloquent preacher, and from Estremadura.

Father Fray Juan Ramirez, a preacher, from Burgos.

Father Fray Pedro Ramirez, a preacher, from Burgos.

Father Fray Diego de Robles, a Castilian.

Father Fray Diego de Avalos, from Toledo.

Father Fray Agustin Carreno, from Asturia, a Tagal.

Father Fray Francisco de Madrid, a preacher, and a Castilian.

Father Fray Lucas de Aguilar, a Castilian.

Father Fray Juan de las Cuevas, from Madrid.

Father Fray Andres de Prada, from Burgos.

Father Fray Antonio de Ulloa, a preacher, and a Castilian.

Father Fray Alonso Delgado, from Estremadura.

Father Fray Alonso Rodriguez, a fine organist, and a Castilian.

Father Fray Juan de Orasco, a Castilian.

Father Fray Martin de Arasti, a Biscayan.

Father Fray Felix de Villafuerte.

Father Fray Antonio Quintano, a preacher, from Burgos.

Father Fray Juan Gallegos, a preacher, from Mancha.

Father Fray Jacinto de Herrera; this was the second time that he has sailed for this land. He is a preacher and a Castilian.

Father Fray Pedro Mejia, a preacher, from Mancha.

Father Fray Jeronimo de Paredes, a preacher, and a Castilian.

Father Fray Martin Vazquez, a Castilian.

Father Fray Tomas de Villanueva, from Mancha.

Father Fray Alonso de Carabasal, reader, and who came the following year. He remained behind because of his poor health.

Father Fray Antonio de Mojica, a Castilian.

Father Fray Cristobal Enriquez, a preacher, from Estremadura.

Father Fray Juan de Espinosa, a Castilian.

Father Fray Gaspar de Lorenzana, a Castilian. [40]

All those fathers who came here were from the province of Castilla. Their arrival was of great consequence, and with them the death of the father provincial, Fray Jeronimo de Salas, was, in some measure, corrected; for, in return for a person whom the Lord took from the province by that action, He gave it many workers in whom there were very great hopes.

Our father rector-provincial, as the matter devolved on him, divided the fathers among the four provinces of Tagalos, Pampanga, Ilocos, and Bisayas. He had ordered that father Fray Alonso Baraona, at that time definitor of the province, should take the religious who fell to its share to the Pintados; and that he should come to the province to govern it, since he was his vicar-provincial and visitor. The religious embarked, therefore, and with them, the father prior of Sugbu, Fray Luis de Brito, [41] and the prior of Panay, Fray Miguel de Suaren. [42] As the winds were adverse, because the vendavals were raging obstinately, they were unable to get away from the island of Manila for a long time.

Two ships were sent to Nueva Espana. One put back and the other, which was a Portuguese caravel, went to India and was wrecked. The ships for Castilla were being prepared, and were to sail by the first of August. Our father provincial tried to have father Fray Juan de Ocadiz sail in them, as he considered his return to Espana necessary for his own quiet; and since he was able to do so, he ordered that Fray Juan should go immediately to Cavite, for he suspected that, if anything evil was to occur, it would be perpetrated by that man. Finally, the religious left, after putting off his departure as long as possible. He said "goodby," in order to go to embark in the morning, and permission was given him. That night, the first of August, 1617, one of the most tragic events that has ever happened in these islands occurred in our province—namely, that that same night our father rector-provincial, Fray Vicente de Sepulveda, was choked to death, and was found dead in his bed at two o'clock in the morning, with clear signs of a violent death. In that most horrible crime were implicated three religious—one a priest, one a chorister, and one a lay-brother, namely, the creole who gave the poison to the father, and whom his relatives hid; and, as he had money, they helped him to escape out of these islands. The lay-brother was a European, and the father priest, Fray Juan de Ocadiz, an American. They [i.e., the last two] were hanged near the atrium of our church, in front of the well, after we had first unfrocked, expelled, and disgraced them. The two said men were buried beneath the cloister of our convent, near the porter's lodge, before the altar of St. Nicolas de Tolentino. [43]

In the interval from the death of our father provincial, Fray Jeronimo de Salas, which occurred on May 17, until our father rector-provincial Sepulveda was killed, a singular case happened in our convent, which was apparently a presage of the said fatality. It happened that in the fine infirmary of the said convent, which looks toward the sea, a white cat was found which was rearing three rats at its breasts, feeding them as if they were its own kind of offspring, and giving a complete truce to the natural antipathy of such animals. But after it had reared and fattened them well, it ate them, ceasing the unwonted truces in its natural opposition. Almost all the people of the community of Manila and its environs came to see such a thing, for scarcely would they credit the truth of it, and all affirmed that it must be the presage of some great fatality.

By the death of the said our father Sepulveda (which was very keenly felt by our province, and which grieved the hearts of all the members individually), although the father definitors ought to have taken up the government, yet they made a renunciation of the right which pertained to every one of them. Accordingly, announcements were sent through the provinces to the effect that the provincial chapter should be held on the last day of October, the thirty-first, of the year 17.

About this time the very illustrious Don Diego Vazquez de Marcado, archbishop of Manila, a most worthy prelate, died. He was the embodiment of learning, virtue, and prudence, and all grieved sorely at his death. Our bishop of Cebu, Don Fray Pedro de Arce, entered upon the government of the archbishopric, by a special bull of Paul V, and he was assigned one talega [44] more salary than he received in his bishopric.

During this period occurred the persecution of Christians in Japon by the emperor Dayfusama, and the martyrdom of our blessed martyrs in that kingdom. [45]

Our enemy the Dutch also came with seventy [sic] vessels to Playa Honda in Zambales, seeing that they were unable to attain their designs—namely, to capture the port of Cavite, and change the minds of the natives, turn them from the service and homage of our Catholic monarch, and render them allies to themselves. But on Saturday, April 7, 1617, our fleet left Cavite under command of Master-of-camp Don Juan Ronquillo, who had the happiness and good luck to sink several of their vessels, burn another, and put the rest to flight amid the islands. Our fleet remained intact, except for two vessels which were roughly handled. May 8, 1618, the fleet returning to the port of Cavite, was received with great pomp and joy because of their happy victory, which they had obtained by the Divine favor. Salutes were fired in honor of Nuestra Senora de Guia [i.e., "our Lady of Guidance"], and Don Juan Ronquillo was acclaimed as the father of this land and its savior from the Dutch enemy, who were trying to conquer this archipelago.

Our religious who were assigned to the Bisayan provinces went to their respective destinations, and arrived safely, thanks to the Lord, notwithstanding the dangerous seas among the islands in the season of baguios and hurricanes. But they were courageous, and confided in the obedience that conquers all things.

In the beginning of the month of September, father Fray Juan de Rivera, prior of Octong, and father Fray Francisco Bonifacio, prior of Passi, set forth in an excellent caracoa, and a good crew of sailor folk. As they were crossing from the island of Tablas to Dumalor, or the island of Mindoro, they encountered a large boat of Camucones and a little vessel. The Vizcayan prior of Octong did not lose his head, but encouraged their men, and made them attack the enemy's bark. They did it with great resolution, so that the pirate, imagining that they were a caracoa belonging to a fleet, began to flee. To do this more quickly, they abandoned the small boat, after taking off all its crew. Thus they rowed so quickly that our men could not overtake them. Ours took the little boat, which proved of no little use; for as they came near the island of Mindoro, they saw that the weather was growing very bad, that the clouds were moving more quickly, and that the wild waves of the swollen sea were running high. They took good counsel—namely, that of father Fray Juan de Lecea—to place themselves in a little house, and put ashore all their belongings, and beach the boat, which they could have done. But the Indians refused to work, a vice quite peculiar to them, and everything was lost. The elements began to rouse themselves, and the winds to blow with so great fury that no greater tempest has been witnessed in the islands. Our caracoa went to pieces and all its cargo was lost, except what was later cast ashore. During that same storm six galleons were wrecked in the islands; they were the best that the king has launched. Among them was that so famous galleon "La Salvadora." When the fleet returned from Malaca, Don Jeronimo de Silva, who was in charge of the department of war, ordered those vessels to be taken out for repairs; and they were taken out, to their loss. Some sank, others were driven aground. Many men perished, both Spaniards and Indians, as well as Japanese, Sangleys, and workmen. It is a loss that Manila will ever bemoan. Therefore they say there: "In truth thou art welcome, Misfortune, when thou comest alone." [46] Manila had had a loss as great as that of the governor, Don Juan de Silva; and now that was followed by the loss of the galleons, with so many souls. I know, not how a babe at the breast was saved on the deck of a galleon, or rather in its hatchway. She was found by Admiral Heredia (who was going to the Pintados), on a beach, and he reared her as his own daughter. It was the mercy of God, and when it pleases Him to employ that mercy toward any of His creatures, there is no power to contradict it, nor any danger from which it does not issue safe and sound.

The little boat which the father vicar-provincial, Fray Juan de Lecea, captured from the Camucon enemy was useful to him. He embarked in it alone, and coasted along that island as far as Baco, a distance of more than twenty leguas. Thence he crossed to Manila, after having bargained with a champan of Baco to go for father Fray Francisco Bonifacio. But this diligence was not sufficient for him to arrive in time for the election, because of the weather. The Indians suffered more, for they returned to their villages singly, and some of them even were lost, as they did not know the way. The father prior of Aclan sought shelter in a port of the island of Hambil during the storm; and although he did his utmost to arrive in time, he was unable. But he arrived just after the chapter was concluded, and served for nothing else than to give it obedience and to return with the others. However, father Fray Francisco Bonifacio remained as prior of Tondo; although he had wished to go to Bisayas, the sea so frightened him that he was very fortunate to remain.



CHAPTER XXXVII

Of the election of our father, Fray Alonso Baraona

Upon the arrival of the time set by the province, namely, the last day of October of the said year 1617, all the fathers who had a vote assembled, and discussed, as if in conflict, the question of electing such a head to the province; that he could settle, as far as he was able, the past quarrel, which had so upset the reputation of the order, by his authority, example of life, and morals. For in no time had it been more important for us to cut loose from our self-love and to fix our eyes on our mother, the order, which was suffering for her sons; and so that it might be understood that where there had been religious who had caused so evil an example, there were also those who could, by their example, edify a great community. According to this, father Fray Estacio Ortiz seemed very suitable to those who were present. He was the founder of the missions in Japon, and had always been known to be of a very religious life and had been highly esteemed by the civil government. Others declared that father Fray Alonso Ruiz, who was known to be a person of singular virtue, was the man who ought to fill that vacancy. Others, who had reasons therefor, sought another, as they had present father Fray Francisco Bonifacio. In order to know who he was, it sufficed to say that he had been prior of the convent of San Nicolas de Sugbu, which is for the natives, without anything ever being said in depreciation of his person. That, as was proper, was regarded as a singular case, and not less that he went free as did the children of Babilonia from the fire. He was a person who was always the model for all the Pintados.

The one who was discussed least was our father Baraona, for he was always humble by nature, and very free from pretensions, as he always thought of himself with great humility. But, as our Lord regarded him as provincial, He so managed affairs that votes were cast in his favor without special effort, and he was elected as provincial. On the last of October, then, endeavor was made, since there was nothing to do, to have the voting fathers return to their provinces and that the good of the province should be attempted, after deciding on a far-reaching reformation; for our father Baraona had excellent intentions, and to judge from these, it is to be believed that he would direct all things in the sight of God. In his own person he visited the province of Bisayas, which, as it was his own, he regarded with especial love. That visit was not a small exploit, when one considers the voyage. He always traveled at small expense, going in a champan, like any other and very ordinary religious. He was the one who sent most religious to Espana. Among them were the father visitor, Fray Agustin Mejia, who, arriving afterward at Peru, was there adopted and esteemed as his zeal and devotion deserved; the father definitor, father Fray Felipe Tallada; father Fray Andres de Ocampo, prior of Macabebe; father Fray Baltasar Andres; and father Fray Francisco de Cuellar. All died except father Fray Felipe Tallada, who afterward returned to the province of Pampanga, where he was a fine linguist.

In the following year of 1618, with these religious he sent father Fray Alonso del Rincon (then prior of the convent of Manila) to Espana as procurator, in order to give account of the affair in Espana; and to bring back religious, for death was rapidly thinning the ranks of those who remained. He had good success, as we shall see.

After the good result with the Dutch at Octong, which we have described above, it happened that the Mindanaos conspired with their neighbors, and came to plunder the islands, with a goodly number of caracoas and vessels of all burden. They robbed much, captured, seized, and burned, more than what can well be told; and, as fast as they filled their boats, they sent them home. The commander of the Pintados, Don Diego de Quinones, was notified. He happened to be in Octong, where he immediately had seven very well equipped caracoas prepared, with Indians to row and Spaniards to fight. He appointed creditable men as commanders of them, and, as commander-in-chief of them all, Captain Lazaro de Torres, the man who was with him in the affair with the Dutch. The fleet set sail in stormy weather, and coasted the island of Panay in search of the point of Potol, because the enemy had to pass by there in order to return home. This occasioned much toil because of the fury of the wind. Finally they reached the river, four leguas from Potol. There they anchored, for the brisas, which there are side winds, were breaking the counterbalances of the caracoas. At that place the Indians told him that the enemy had arrived at Hambil, an islet which, stretching between Potol and the island of Tablas, forms channels between them. Thereupon he left, notwithstanding the severe weather. Father Fray Martin de San Nicolas, associate in that priorate, accompanied him from here, in a suitable boat. At length, by dint of rowing, they reached the island, and when in shelter of it, they learned that the enemy had anchored near by, behind a point that served them as a harbor. Then order was given to the caracoas to follow and do their duty, and at daybreak sail was set, in order to take the enemy before they could perceive him. I have no wish to cast blame upon the commanders of the caracoas, for they were men of great courage and punctilious honor. Hence, they did not remain behind purposely, but because they could sail no faster, for all boats are not equal. To conclude, when the enemy were sighted, Captain Lazaro de Torres found himself alone with three caracoas—his own, that of Alferez Patino, and that of Alferez Francisco de Mendoza, a creole from Sugbu. Our flagship went straight toward the enemy. The others stationed themselves in between, where they played havoc with the smaller craft. The small boats of the enemy perceiving themselves attacked so suddenly, without further counsel than that of fear, took to the open, which is there of great extent, and scattered. It is reported that their loss was heavy, and that only such and such a number arrived at Mindanao; and that their captain-general was drowned. He was the son of Silongan, king of Mindanao. Those who stayed behind to fight fought so bravely that the outcome was doubtful; for the captain told me that they fought like lions. Thus had the company [of the three caracoas] been destroyed, and our men would have been in danger, for even yet the other four caracoas had not arrived. Finally, the enemy's flagship was sunk, and others foundered, while other boats took to flight through fear of the firing, or allowed themselves to fall aside. Our men killed many, and those who escaped, defended themselves cutlass in hand, while swimming. Then approaching the island, our boats ceased firing, in order to capture the enemy alive, so that they might have rowers for their galleys. On this account about eighty landed. The Indians seized a small height in order to defend themselves, whereat our men were about to open fire on them. As soon as our men were ashore, father Fray Martin de San Nicolas—who, more courageous than those who did not come, was in the midst of the whole action, encouraging our men—went to the Indians, and talked to and assured them so that they gave up their arms and surrendered. I think that the captain gave two of those slaves to the order to serve in whatever convent the superior should think best. The remainder were taken to Octong, some of whom were sold, and others placed in the galleys, and those were the most secure. Since that fleet, although innumerable fleets have gone to attack the enemy who infest the islands, they have never had good success, or closed with them while the enemy have gone in and out from the islands every year, to the great loss of the country—doubtless a chastisement on us.

[Several miraculous occurrences in various places are recounted, all of which caused wonder. Medina continues:]

Our father Baraona, as he loved the province of Bisayas so dearly, went through it, abandoning some houses and occupying others, and exchanging and returning still others. And, in fact, although he did it for the best, experience has proved that it has been bad for us. He exchanged Aclan for Barbaran; and although the latter is on the river Panay, it is a convent needy of all things, and has the most perverse people, whom even yet we have been unable to subdue. The former was very fine in all ways, and convenient for us; and within its gates it is well supplied with all necessaries, both for itself and for other convents. And although it is true that it could have been returned to the order, because at the death of its first secular priest, the bishop gave it. But the order made so little effort that it was lost; for for what any other order would give a thousand flights, we let slip for the sake of two steps of work.

Our order owes the district of Dumalag to the care of our father Baraona, for he obtained it by entreaty from Don Juan de Silva—and that while he was merely prior, and not provincial. It cost him considerable labor, and was like to have cost his life, for he made many trips to Manila and to Sugbu, and, in his labors in 1612, he encountered death many times, embarking on the sea in only a cockle-shell of a boat, and ploughing it for more than thirty hours, when not a champan or caracoa was to be seen on the sea that was not knocked to pieces by this storm, and those well equipped were driven aground on some islands. The storms past, the father found himself on the island of Mindanao, without food. He had some dogs, for he was very fond of hunting. He ordered his men to go up the mountain, and perhaps they would find some game which they could take, for all were perishing from hunger. All went but himself, and he remained or the shore. But by and by a deer of unusually large size came bounding down toward him, to seek the protection of the water in order to escape from the dogs. Our father, who saw it pass, eager for the chase, went behind the deer, and seized it, so that had not his men arrived so promptly after the dogs, he had drowned there. For the deer had already taken to the deep water; and the father, weighed down by his thoroughly soaked garments, was almost drowned. But his men saved him from this danger, and killed the deer.

After they had embarked and had reached the harbor-bar of Aclan, the little boat was overturned, so that the father lost everything, and was able to save only the clothes on his back. Thus that boat, which withstood so many buffetings of the sea without any harm, happened to overturn four brazas from shore, through the carelessness of its steersman.

After he became provincial, he left the islands with the priorate of Ibabay for that of Tigbauan. This was not a bad thing, for the latter was very far from intercourse and people, and in great danger. There was necessity for religious, and permission was sent to India so that some could come. They began to come, but experience has proved that this measure is not effective; for when it is desired to bestow habits they can be given to youth in Manila, who have come from Espana, many clever ones of whom are in the colleges.

As soon as he could, he made father Fray Alonso de Mentrida—who was without an appointment in this province of Bisayas, and was a pattern for the order, as we shall see later—prior of Manila.

In all other things, he did his utmost in the service of the province, as the great religious that he ever was. As he busied himself in going at times to the country, he happened to discover some remarkable things. Among others, he discovered in Dumalag a vast cave, which must have extended more than one or two leguas. The father walked a great distance in it, but never found its end, for his lights went out. Another time he found a cedar-tree in the mountains of this district, which some wind had laid low. He had a boat made of it, the largest one ever seen in these islands that was made from one log. I embarked in it; it must have been more than one braza long. It was laden with more than one hundred baskets of winnowed rice, and it carried many planks of remarkable size before the log was destroyed. A man on one side of it was unable to see the person on the other side. To conclude, the tree had the largest diameter that I have ever seen. I have traveled widely and seen many trees, but none of equal size.

While Father Baraona was prior of Salog, he had come from Dumangas, and was returning to his convent. He did not cross in the open, but went slowly along the coast. When they reached a beach, his crew stopped to eat, but he meanwhile walked inland. He had a dog which went before, and, following it, the father found that it had laid hold of a boar, which had tusks one palmo long, and which was as large as a yearling heifer. It was so furious that it had beaten down the reeds as a number of mares thresh out the corn. No sooner did it see the father than it attacked him. The father gave it a slight lance-thrust in the skin, but the point, turning, entered no farther than the very outside. The dog remained true, and held the boar by one leg; but the boar did not discontinue to strike at the father with great fury. But the blows that it thus gave him were received in his habit, which he endured until the arrival of the Indians, with whose aid they killed that savage animal. Brother Fray Andres Garcia assured me that he had never seen anything so terrible looking in Espana, Italia, or any place. Many other things happened to the father, which might make a long history, but do not apply to the matter in hand.

He was much loved by the Indians, for he rendered free and open aid to them, so far as he was able.



CHAPTER XXXVIII

Of the election of our father Fray Juan Enriquez

Our father Fray Alonso de Baraona, in the course of his government, as a person who so well understood the province and its members, thought that no one was better fitted to govern it than our father Fray Juan Enriquez, then the senior definitor. Concerning him, I have not said much of what was seen, and the troubles which he suffered, on the occasion of the unhappy death of our father Fray Vicente. We were made to see how unjust that was, for our Lord freed him from those annoyances with so much honor, by making him provincial, to the applause and pleasure of all; and he was elected May 7, 1620. The father master, Fray Pedro Garcia, presided over this chapter, as he had letters-patent for that from our most reverend father-general, which the archbishop brought, together with his title as master, when he came from Espana to these islands. He was received in the province although it has not been the custom to have masters in it. May God arrange matters in the future, for in this [capacity the archbishop] shows his devotion not a little. As definitors were elected, in this chapter: father Fray Hernando Guerrero; the second, father Fray Antonio de Ocampo; [47] the third, father Fray Juan de Henao; [48] and the fourth, father Fray Hernando Becerra. The visitors were our father Fray Alonso de Mentrida and father Fray Juan de Tapia.

The chief proceeding in this chapter after the regular business—that is, what is here regarded as most important—the provision for offices, was the appointment of father Fray Juan de Tapia as definitor for Roma, and also to the procuratorship for the court of Espana. He is a man of great worth, and has been very useful in the islands and labored not a little, to the approbation of all. For he was with Don Pedro de Acuna in the taking of Maluco, and founded there a house in the name of the order; and there he was not only the father and consolation of all, but a very valiant soldier, who strove for the service of his king as well as the best. While definitor, he was also prior of Manila, increasing that convent with many works—as he did afterward in the convents among the natives where he was prelate, which he left notably increased. During that triennium, while going out as visitor, he went also as prior of Manila, and on making the voyage to Espana, was very well received there. Beyond doubt he would have secured the bishopric had he been a trifle more active, but he was always slow when his own affairs were concerned, and did not consider them as the affairs of the order, which he always managed with the greatest diligence and care. Consequently, he brought back a fine company [of religious] as we shall see in due time.

Our father Juan Enriquez was unwilling that there should he any failure in the growth of the province during his term. Accordingly, although it was said that it was of little advantage to have a convent in Maluco, yet the provincial kept it, sending a father there. He also maintained the other convents, notwithstanding that he suppressed that of Cavite—as if it were not the most important, for that place is growing daily; and although it be not for the gain, at least it may serve as a hospitium for those journeying to and fro between here and Espana. All the orders are doing the same thing, although they can not support themselves there.

He visited all his province, although he did not come to that of Bisayas, for the sea was very much infested with enemies, and his predecessor had gone through it more than any of the other prelates had done. At that time the province enjoyed great peace and quiet, which was due to the prudence of our father, who ever carried himself as the admirable religious that he was.

During that triennium I acted as prior of Panay for the second time; for during the intermediary chapter of our father Baraona I went as prior to Aclan, which was a house with a vote. Soon after the arrival of the said visitor, that priorate falling vacant, he appointed me to it, and for the sake of the vote. And on returning, that triennium, together with the office of vicar-provincial, while in that convent, and having in my company father Fray Martin de San Nicolas (who I have already said was with Captain Lazaro de Torres at the rout of Mindanao), we were eating one fast day [dia de pescado], when a large fishbone, which must have been as long as a sewing-needle and was thick and bent, and had a very sharp point, lodged in the father's throat. Although he said nothing to me for a moment, he stopped, ceased eating and commenced to groan, as one who feels a very great pain. Afterward he kept changing color, but without saying a word. I was about to ask him what was the accident that caused his pain. I saw him rise, for already his breath was failing, and with a loud voice he cried, "Ah! blessed St. Nicholas! help me, for I am choking!" And, upon saying that, he threw from his throat a fishbone of the size above mentioned. It had been so securely fastened there that it seemed as if that fishbone could not have been dislodged without divine aid, as was proved by the mark of the blood on it. It was considered as a wonderful thing, and the said father, in token and proof of gratitude, is keeping the fishbone, and tells the circumstance to everyone, while he always celebrates as best he can the feast of that saint. Of a surety, he shows himself very devout.

I cannot refrain from telling here, although out of place, that in the year in which our father Baraona was elected, when the latter came to visit the Bisayas in the year 1617, Admiral Pedro de Heredia had come, with the governor's permission, to the district of Aclan, his encomienda, to build a ship. And although he claimed to do it with only his encomienda, the affair went so well with him that he finished a vessel of greater burden than was reported or believed. No Indian ran away from him. On the contrary, the Indians were rich, for he paid them liberally; and Indians even came from other districts to work there, because of his fair treatment of them. Father Fray Lucas de la Pena, [49] a very devout and zealous religious, as we have written before, was prior of that convent then. He had encounters with the admiral, for rarely do these fail between the encomenderos and missionaries. These happened because the Indians were carrying and bringing, and sowing discord, as they can. The admiral was very indignant, blustered against the missionary, and said that he would oust him from that place, if it cost him his estate. When the provincial came, the admiral found a good opportunity; he went to the provincial, and told him resolutely that the father must leave there. The father provincial understood thoroughly that there was no cause for such a proceeding; but he knew that influential man's obstinacy, and that, if carried away by his wrath or anger, he might commit some extravagant act. Accordingly, in order to remove the religious from a dangerous situation, [50] the father provincial made him resign his mission. This the religious did very willingly, as it was by the order of the superior. The good religious has no other desire than to do the will of his superior, as our father Fulgencio tells us: Illos veros monarchos esse dicebat qui, mortificatis voluntatibus suis, nihil velle, nihil nolle, sed tantum-modo abbatis precepta, servare. [51] Our father provincial thereupon changed the said father, thus giving a very admirable example of humility, patience, and self-mortification; for, being a prior elected by the chapter, he might well demand, without being disobedient, that charges should be made against him, and that according to the result thereof he should be punished. But he refused to do that, and left his cause to God, who is the most righteous of judges, and who knows naught by hearsay but by sight, for all things are plain to Him. Another religious was sent there, with whom the admiral had a more familiar acquaintance. The ship was finished and launched. It cost sixteen thousand pesos, for it was the reproach of [other] ships. But it cost his Majesty much more, without paying the Indians—many of whom died, for there are no mines so severe as are the shipyards. It was launched and sails bent, for the Audiencia had sent for the vessel to make a trip to Espana. At that time there are no winds of the sea along that coast; therefore the moorings of the vessel were all ashore. While in this condition, and with a cargo of lumber, unexpectedly so furious a wind sprang up on the sea, that the ship ran aground without being able to make any resistance. As the vessel was laden with lumber, there was no remedy. The wind was for no other purpose than the above-mentioned [destruction], since it ceased its fury with the loss of the ship. The admiral suffered this blow patiently, for he understood that the Lord had no other reason in it than to avenge the wrong done to His religious. Mihi vindicta, et ego retribuam. [52] For the Lord esteems the honor of His ministers as His own, and thus charged them, saying: Nolite tangere Christos Meos, et in Prophetis meis nolite malignari. [53] All the others understood this and were warned. Often since that have I heard him say to an encomendero, that even though the missionary should destroy his encomienda, he would neither enter suit against him, nor do anything to him that he should not do. For the judgment of men is deceptive, and their passion generally leads them astray and casts them headlong.

Our father Fray Alonso de Baraona was very sensitive regarding this occurrence, and set it right by advancing the father and making him prior of Santisimo Nombre de Jesus, and visitor for those convents. Thus he voted in this chapter which elected father Fray Juan Enriquez, and himself obtained therefrom the convent of Octong, the chief one of the island.

During this triennium of our father Fray Juan Enriquez, our Recollect fathers founded a convent in Sugbu, as Bishop Don Fray Pedro de Arce was pleased to give them a chapel which is in that city, between the native and the Spanish towns, and called Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion [i.e., "Our Lady of the Conception"]. The city agreed to it in the vote that was taken—although the city was not sufficiently large for such a convent, for it contained that of the fathers of the Society, ours, and the cathedral church; and the Parian, a short distance from there. However, beyond doubt it suited the fathers; for the bishop seeing that there were no seculars who would go to the island of Mindanao, and that, with the fort built by Don Juan de Silva in Caraga, excellent results might be expected, therefore gave that district to the Recollect fathers, together with the river of Butuan, situated in the same island. The Recollects accepted it, and began to establish priorates. Thus they had already seven priorates, in which more than fourteen religious resided. The convent of Sugbu served them as a hospitium, asylum, infirmary, and place to rest—to which purposes more than to anything else it was devoted. Further, not only are the convents there not supported by the alms of the city, but also one can say that they support the city; for most of the inhabitants are poor soldiers, and many now are married there, and receive the king's ration, which is very meager. Besides these are others who have ceased to receive the ration; who are so poor that, were it not for the aid of the religious, they would doubtless perish. Those who have the most wealth use it up during the year, being limited to what comes to them from their encomiendas, in order not to run into debt; but they borrow the rice in the convents. Thus laymen and religious form a very friendly village and neighborhood.

At this time the alcalde-mayor of Sugbu was Don Juan Alcarazo, a gentleman so deserving of praises, that the sum of his many good qualities cannot be told in few words. He was endowed with the courage of a good soldier, and had served thus for many years in the galleons of Espana with his brothers and father, whence his Majesty had derived honors and advantages. He was a Viscayan by birth. During this time, the island of Bohol rebelled. This island lies, as above stated, opposite Sugbu, on the side whence blows the vendaval. It was in charge of the fathers of the Society, who had more than two thousand Indians, the tallest, handsomest, and stoutest in the island. A babaylan or priest called Tamblot had deceived them, by telling them that the time was come when they could throw off the oppression of the Castilians; for they were assured of the aid of their ancestors and divatas, or gods. And in order that they might know this, it was proved by certain signs. The priest went with some of the more trusty among them, cut a bamboo with a small knife, and wine gushed forth. He cut another, and rice came out. These articles he had hidden there cunningly and adroitly. Consequently those men were convinced, and became preachers of those lies, which the Indians love and believe so readily; while we have no power to enable us to persuade them of the certainty of our faith so readily as this sort of trickery can influence their natural disposition. In such manner spread the spark that there was no island where it did not catch little or much; although they did not dare to show their faces, but awaited the result in Bohol. The fathers warned the city of Santisimo Nombre de Jesus, and came to solicit aid from the alcalde-mayor. Here there were no evil-doers among those [natives] who lived in the city. Don Juan de Alcarazo did not dare [to send out troops], as he had no order from the governor, Don Alonso Fajardo, and it might be imputed to him as a blameworthy act. But the fathers, seeing that whatever delay occurred was to make the wound incurable, surmounted all difficulties. Consequently, they were able to negotiate with potent arguments, saying that it was especially important to check the evil in its first stages, so that it should not spread. The alcalde-mayor was persuaded, and assembled the soldiers and adventurers who appeared most suitable to him, besides a number of Sugbu Indians, armed with sword and buckler. With these he landed in Bohol, and went to look for the enemy—who, courageous in their mountains and supplied with rice, thought that they were most safe, and that victory was sure.

But the most diligent effort made by this gentleman was to go to our convent to have a mass said to the Holy Child, before whom many candles were burned; to promise to take Him as patron; and to perform no action in that war which should not be done in His name. Since His [Divine] Majesty, he said, had, by His favor, given those islands to the Spaniards, he prayed that He would not permit them to lose, for his sins, those that they already possessed. For the Christianity founded therein with so great toil would be wholly lost, and the victorious enemies of His name would leave no kind of evil undone to the conquered, to the contempt of His name. The most Holy Child showed Himself very gracious, as is His custom in events [that are to be] prosperous, whereupon victory was regarded as sure. Encouraged by such omens, they did not hesitate to attack the enemy, who were entrenched in their fields. The latter were insolent, and reenforced with allies and supporters. During the battle, the rain was so heavy that they could not use the arquebuses, so that the enemy were beginning to prevail. Thereupon, the shields of the Sugbu Indians were brought into service, and the latter aided excellently, by guarding with them the powder-flasks and powder-pans of the arquebuses, so that they were fired with heavy loss [to the enemy]. When the shower of rain came, the enemy's babaylan encouraged them by saying that there they could see how their divatas had told them true; for what could be of greater use to them at that time than the rain, so that the arms of the Castilians would be useless. Consequently, they became like mad dogs; and they preferred death to enduring the conditions of the conqueror. But so many fell that death had to fulfil its duty, namely, to inspire them with fear. They wounded Don Juan with a stone, but not very dangerously, as his morion received the blow. Although he fell, he arose cured, and with renewed courage, by calling on the Holy Child, who gave the Spaniards the victory, and, with it, the islands for a second time. Truly, had so good an outcome not befallen the Spaniards in Bohol, there would not have been a single one of the Pintados—and these form the bulk of the islands—which would not have risen against them. After this victory, those who had desired to raise the yoke placed their necks once more under it. However, it was not sufficient to deter the natives of Leyte from likewise trying their fortune, which resulted as ill to them as to the natives of Bohol. Then the islands became quiet, and the Indians more humble. However, whenever they see their chance, they will not lose it, as they are a people who wish to live free. The captured Indians were made slaves for the space of ten years. Upon learning of this affair, the governor approved the enterprise, praised it, and promised to reward it. This victory was recognized as the doing of the most Holy Child. Consequently, Don Juan de Alcarazo gave Him thanks, and shared the booty with Him.

There was a terrible earthquake in the islands at this time, which none of them escaped. In the island of Panay, where I was stationed then, it lasted more than a fortnight. But none of the succeeding shocks were equal in violence to the first, which was so severe that all expected everything to be overthrown. The columns of the church and house, colliding against one another, strewed the ground on all sides, so that a thick club could easily be thrust around the columns. The same thing happened in the other convents, where the images fell and were broken into bits. In the church of Passi, which is of stone, and was then just roofed, all the upper part fell, and it sank in many places. Many rivers changed their course, as that of Aclan, which abandoned its former bed. Mountains were opened, and there were innumerable other terrible occurrences during that awful earthquake. At last it was the Lord's will that it should cease, and with it the fears of all. In Ilocos the shocks were also exceeding great, but not so severe in Manila. The Lord allows all this, so that we may recognize His power; and, recognizing it, love Him; and, loving Him, not offend Him.

During these years, the Dutch enemy did not discontinue coming to the coasts of Manila, where they robbed the Chinese and did all the harm possible. They tried to capture the ships carrying aid [from Mexico], so that without war they were growing rich, and disabling the people of Manila. In this emergency the pilots carried sealed orders, which they were to open on the return voyage and learn the port where they had to go, thus defeating the designs of the Dutch enemy, and freeing themselves from the secret spies who were in Manila—who, as it was said, were not lacking. Consequently, in many years no company [of religious] entered Manila directly, so that whatever missionaries the ships carried were scattered, and, not reaching Manila, no benefit was derived from them. Father Fray Alonso del Rincon [54] was coming from Espana with a fine company of religious. He reached the port of Acapulco, where that year the flagship from these islands did not arrive. After it left Manila and rounded the shoals, it had been wrecked near Verde Island, for the tides drove it upon some reefs. The almiranta passed on, and immediately another despatch followed it which the governor made, when advised of the event. In the latter the pilot and commander was the overseer Gaspar Nunez. This boat sailed September 16, and our Lord was pleased to let it arrive, but both vessels were very small. The governor of Terrenate, Pedro de Heredia, was coming. At last a vessel happened to arrive from Peru, and was immediately laden. Our religious embarked in it, as also did the fathers of the Society. Although the other two small boats had sailed a fortnight before, this vessel overtook them, and all entered the port of Casiguran, opposite Manila, about the same time. This small boat bore religious of our father St. Francis, and all the vessels suffered from a plague that was like to finish them. All the Franciscans died, although only one of Ours died, father Fray Nicolas Goyas, a Viscayan by birth, of the province of Castilla. He was an excellent Latin scholar, a fine poet, a very good theologian, and an eloquent preacher—all qualities useful here. But if the Lord chose to take him, who doubts that it was fitting?

The rest recovered and reached the said port on June 25, of the year 1622. There are many convents belonging to our father St. Francis in that district, and they assisted generously the needs of all, and especially of the religious, who were in need of everything. But for Ours, while going to Manila, the route which they took overland was so dangerous and so full of difficulties that daily they braved death a thousand times at the passage of the rivers. For the rainy season was at its height, and consequently the rivers were swollen outside their beds, and had very swift currents. They came afoot and shoeless, for the mud unshod them in two steps. Their food was morisqueta. [55] They suffered so great need of all things, although not through the fault of the father commissary, who ever treated them with great liberality and no less charity; but on the roads they met no people, but only buffaloes, and in the rainy season they experienced all these inconveniences. Finally they came to the confines of Pampanga, where, forgetful of their hardships, they began to receive innumerable welcomes from those most devout fathers, who know how to show kindness to strangers, and all the more to their own who came to aid them, when they had suffered so much and were in need of all things. Thence they went to Manila, where they were received heartily by our father Fray Juan Enriquez—who had them rest, so that they should begin their labor in the Lord's vineyard, for which they had been chosen, with greater courage. Those who entered Manila in the company of father Fray Alonso Rincon, their commissary, were the following:

1. Father Fray Francisco Bibero, a Castilian, an eloquent preacher.

2. Father Fray Diego Martinez, a preacher, from Mancha.

3. Father Fray Antonio Portes, a preacher, and a Castilian.

4. Father Fray Juan de Silva, a preacher, from Andalucia.

5. Father Fray Juan Venegas, a preacher, from Andalucia.

6. Father Fray Pedro de Torres, a preacher, from Andalucia.

7. Father Fray Andres Verdugo, a reader, from Mancha.

8. Father Fray Martin de Paz, a reader, and a Castilian.

9. Father Fray Baltasar Salcedo, a preacher, and a Vizcayan.

10. Father Fray Juan Basan, a priest, from Andalucia.

11. Father Fray Juan Velasco, a preacher, and a Castilian.

12. Father Fray Juan de Aguirre, a priest, and a Castilian.

13. Father Fray Esteban de Peralta, a preacher, and a Castilian.

14. Father Fray Pedro del Castillo, a preacher, from Andalucia.

15. Father Fray Pedro Valenzuela, a preacher, and a Castilian.

16. Father Fray Baltasar Jimenez, a priest, from Andalucia, who returned to the province.

17. Father Fray Felipe Tallada, a preacher, from Andalucia, who returned to the province.

18. Father Fray Rodrigo de Quinones, a priest, from Andalucia.

19. Father Fray Juan de Ugarte, a priest from Peru, and a Vizcayan. [56]

20. Father Fray Francisco Rubio, a priest, and a Castilian.

Three religious died, in Mejico and San Juan de Ulua, of whom very good hopes were entertained. This has caused a great lack here as is the case when any sound religious is taken away. For since so many die, if there is no one to hold the fortification, what has been gained must necessarily be lost. For, if the devil learns that there are no soldiers, who doubts that he will return to gain the mastery of what was taken from him? Those religious have labored exceedingly well, and some of them have become eminent linguists; and, God willing, we shall have to say much about them. Our father provincial immediately distributed them through the four provinces, very wisely, according to the need of each.

At this time one of the Recollect religious, a doctor and scholar, named Fray Diego Rodrigo, was head of that order here. He bore the title of father vicar-provincial, for the province had as yet no authority to elect a provincial. He had some disputes with a beneficed secular, whereupon the said beneficiary complained to the archbishop, Don Fray Miguel Garcia. The latter sought advice as to whether he could try that cause, and, I know not why, kept the priest secluded in our convent. The cause was continued, and afterward the said vicar-provincial, Fray Rodrigo, went to Espana by way of India. Through that journey he accomplished matters of no little importance; for he suffered much and served the Catholic church greatly. He converted and reduced many schismatic Russians [57] to the Catholic church, and bore a solemn message from them to his Holiness. For this religious had excellent qualifications for distinction; he was a fine Latin scholar and an excellent preacher, and was no less a theologian. In the Roman court he was of great aid to the religious of the Filipinas against the pretensions of the seculars, so that his arrival there was very important. He was very well received in that court, and in that of Espana; and he would have obtained his desires, had not the Lord been pleased to cut him off, taking him from this life to enjoy that which is eternal. He had written a book on the affairs of this country, but it is not known into whose hands it has fallen. May it bring to the light achievements so eminent and honorable. Without doubt they would be of much importance for a knowledge of what there is in these lands so remote from our own.



CHAPTER XXXIX

Of the election of our father Fray Alonso de Mentrida

This chapter-meeting which follows was somewhat stormy, for the opposition made it more conspicuous than was right. Our father provincial, Fray Juan Enriquez, had had a most happy triennium. The time coming to appoint a successor in his place, he considered our father Fray Juan de Henao—a man who was well liked in the province and who had many influential persons who were affectioned unto him—a suitable man. Others, although few, resented this choice, and therefore tried to block its accomplishment. Those men were few in number, but they had great authority. The affair went so far that it came to the ears of Don Alonso Fajardo, who was governor of the Filipinas. He tried by means of his authority to mediate, so that there should be no scandal; for he was well inclined to the order, and grieved over the matter. Finally, our father Fray Juan Enriquez preferred to set aside his own pleasure rather than that of the order; and, consequently, did not attempt to elect a provincial by force, although he could have done it, for he had many followers. Our father, Fray Juan de Henao, performed a truly religious action; he stated publicly that he renounced any claim that he might have on the provincialate, and signed the same. He declared that those who had hitherto been his partisans he authorized to support any other man who should be of greater account to the province. He said that he was not considering his own welfare, but that of the province, which he recognized as his mother; and, as such, he would always place its good in the foreground.

All were highly edified by this, especially the governor and the archbishop, who were there. Father Fray Alonso del Rincon, who bore letters-patent to preside, made the same renunciation. Consequently, without any opposition, our father Fray Alonso de Mentrida was immediately elected, viva voce, on Sunday, May 20, 1623. Father Fray Hernando Guerrero, senior definitor, presided at this election. The definitors elected were: our father master, Fray Diego del Aguila; [58] the second, Fray Alonso del Rincon; the third, Fray Hernando Cabrera; [59] and the fourth, Fray Francisco Coronel. [60] The visitors were Fray Juan de Henao and father Fray Hernando Becerra. In assembly with the outgoing provincial and the father president, they enacted regulations for the province with the devotion that could be expected from fathers so venerable.

[After relating several remarkable and miraculous occurrences connected with the ministry of certain Augustinians, Medina continues:]

During this term, although our father Fray Alonso de Mentrida was so great a religious—for which reason the priorate of the whole province was given to him, and he was made provincial, with the greatest renown that any one has ever had in this province—some trouble occurred in the province of Bisayas. This was occasioned, no doubt, by our father provincial, who was oppressed with ill-health, not visiting it, although he was a son of the said province. Although this province is less desired, as it is so far from Manila, yet the Lord seems to care more for it, sending to it the most illustrious of our religious; and taking therefrom the most devout of the province—as at that time our father Fray Alonso de Mentrida—for its credit and reputation. He was very zealous, and obtained an increase of income for the house at Manila, so that it was able to attend better to its many obligations of choir, study, and infirmary, and those of so important a community. Our father had the good fortune also to receive a very distinguished contingent of religious in the second year of his term. They were brought by father Fray Juan de Tapia, who, as we have said above, was sent by our father Fray Juan Enriquez as procurator of the province. The religious were received with open arms; for the province was now in need of laborers, as the country was but little suitable to sustain life—especially among young men, who, as the blood boils in so warm a land, fall sick easily and die.

The religious who came in that year of 1624 are as follows:

1. Father Fray Juan de Tapia, their superior and commissary.

2. Father Fray Francisco Villalon, a reader, a Castilian.

3. Father Fray Sebastian del Rio, a preacher, a Castilian.

4. Father Fray Diego de Ordas, a preacher, a Castilian.

5. Father Fray Martin Claver, an Arragonese, a preacher, and apostolic notary.

6. Father Fray Francisco Barela, a reader, a Castilian.

7. Father Fray Juan de Guevara, a priest, from Andalucia.

8. Father Fray Francisco de Portillo, a preacher, from Andalucia.

9. Father Fray Miguel de Penafiel, a priest, a Castilian.

10. Father Fray Fulgencio Garcia, a preacher, a Castilian.

11. Father Fray Diego Solis, a preacher, a Castilian.

12. Father Fray Rodrigo Angel, a priest, a Castilian, and apostolic preacher.

13. Father Fray Alonso de Salazar, a preacher, a Castilian.

14. Father Fray Pedro de Herrera, a reader, who returned with the habit.

15. The father master, Fray Teofilo Mascaros, from Valencia, a professor, and vicar-provincial for Mallorca.

16. Father Fray Juan Bautista, a preacher, from Valencia.

17. Father Fray Luis Ronquillo, an eloquent preacher, a Castilian, and procurator at that time of Arenas.

18. Father Fray Andres de Fuentes, a preacher, a Castilian.

19. Father Fray Juan de Loza, a preacher, from Andalucia.

20. Father Fray Pedro de las Marinas, a priest and a preacher, a Castilian.

21. Father Fray Cristobal de Tapia, a brother, a creole.

22. Father Fray Melchor de Mosabel, a preacher, a Castilian. [61]

The father provincial, well-pleased with so fine a company [of religious], divided them among the provinces. He sent the father reader, Fray Francisco de Villalon, [62] to read in Manila, and the father did that very satisfactorily; for there were many religious who needed it. He sent excellent missionaries to the province of Bisayas; and it seems that great pains were taken in this, and he did in this what the province wished. For he sent it the best of the company, and no error was made in the selection, since all of them have become very devout religious and careful of their ministry.

He sent a procurator to Espana in the first year of his provincialate; namely, father Fray Antonio de Ocampo, a very eloquent preacher, and who was accordingly esteemed in the province for that, as well as for the other offices which he had held. But he had little good fortune on the voyage, for the flagship did not make the voyage that year, because of having been detained in necessary repairing, and when it reached the Embocadero there was no wind to carry it outside, and it returned at the end of October. The almiranta had time in which to leave, and made the voyage, although at great risk, reaching Nueva Espana in a mastless condition.

After the second year of his triennium, the provincial sent another procurator; for the first one, warned by the voyage, thought that he ought not to embark again. This was father Fray Hernando Guerrero, whom we have already seen, as he brought the finest company that has been in or has entered these islands for many years. Making the second voyage, he brought another company, that would have been no less excellent if death had not snatched away its best members near Manila. It seems as if death selected, among all, those of most renown, although those who were left were distinguished. Let us conclude this triennium with the fact that our father provincial—although it seemed from his goodness that he would not try to declare himself too fully, nor to influence the province against his will—at last, thinking that he, because of his greater experience in its affairs than others had, could arbitrate in a so important matter, accordingly set his eyes on father Fray Antonio de Ocampo, whom we have already mentioned above—a person certainly worthy of greater things, and a calificador of the Holy Office. Our father thought it easy to accomplish his intentions, for he found many who thought the same. But the one who opposed him was of great account and a great giant, namely, the father master, Fray Pedro Garcia, the brother of the archbishop, who did not lack followers and partisans. The contention, if I do not say that it was greater than the former one, was not less. It is a remarkable thing, and certain to befall a monarchy, that when it is about to come to an end it slips and totters. Consequently, it was always suspected that those appointed by the province were announcing some new method of governing. The governor also—who was then Don Fernando de Silva, of the habit of Santiago, and who had been sent by the viceroy of Nueva Espana—took a part in it, so that the affairs of the order should not go outside of its limits. Finally, it was our Lord's pleasure that they should settle upon a third person, namely, our father Fray Hernando Becerra, a person very deserving of what the order has given him.



CHAPTER XL

Of the election of our father Becerra

We have already related that our father, Fray Hernando Becerra, from the time that he set foot in Filipinas, was always climbing the rungs and going from good to better. He came to the islands in the company brought by our father visitor, Fray Diego de Guevara; and as soon as he was ordained, that same year of 1610, he was sent to Ilocos to be minister in that province. Beyond any doubt at the time of his arrival, he made so good an impression on those in authority, and they regarded him as so worthy of eminence, that almost immediately he was given the chief priorate of that province, called Bantay. He came to vote, therefore, at the following chapter, and remained in the province of Tagalos, with the title of reader of theology. Soon after that the bishop of Camarines, then visitor, selected him as his associate in the general visitation.

He afterwards came to read at Manila, and also voted in that chapter with the title of associate to our father Fray Miguel Garcia. Our father Fray Vicente chose him as his associate, and immediately gave him the priorate of Agonoy. During the provincialate of our father Baraona, he was prior of Bulacan. During that of our father Fray Juan Enriquez he was definitor; and also, for a year and a half, prior of Manila. During the triennium of our father Mentrida, he was visitor and prior of Pasig. After that, in the contest for provincial he fell a trifle short of the required age, but was dispensed by the father master, Fray Diego del Aguila—who presided as provincial, or rather, as senior definitor. The definitors elected in that chapter were: Fray Francisco Bonifacio (the second time that he had held that office); the second, Fray Esteban de Peralta; [63] the third, Fray Jeronimo de Medrano; [64] and the fourth, Fray Alonso de Carvajal. [65] Those elected as visitors were father Fray Alonso del Rincon, and father Fray Alonso Ruiz. They made regulations for the province, and fortified it with good laws.

Our father Fray Hernando Becerra doubtless forced himself to take upon his shoulders the weight of the province on account of his love for it, and in order that it might not go into a decline—although he would have preferred to rest and to take care of his health; for he had been ailing for two years, so that he appeared to be rather the statue of death than a man. The fact that he was still young kept him alive, for that is a very important point. Although all told him that his illness was serious, and that it unfitted him for the burden of government, still he had the greatest courage that one can imagine, and accordingly was elected prior provincial, on May 2, 1626.

However, he felt better immediately after assuming his new duties, but this improvement did not last long; for he was like the candle, which does not fail to flare up when about to be extinguished. He received very good treatment, and all were diligently striving to secure his health, for it was recognized that he was the one of whom the province had need. It was feared that he would be harsh, and that he would exercise severity; for he showed that disposition, and all trembled before him—all that harshness being occasioned, perhaps, by his severe illness. But in the end those fears lasted but a little while, for on the day of our father St. Ignatius, the last of July, God took him to himself by a most comfortable death, which left all the religious envious and full of tears, so that there was no one who did not shed them at that spectacle. Two years before he had prepared himself [for death]; and, although he was always a most observant religious, he renewed that care upon seeing the pass to which he had come. The deposit which he held by permission in our order he proceeded to give to the church, dispossessing himself of everything which could prevent him from dying as a very poor religious. And when death was about to seize him he left the government to our father Mentrida, and went to discuss everything with God, and to arrange his affairs with His [Divine] Majesty-which, as he was a person of great ability and [spiritual] wealth was less necessary to him than to others. Knowing the state in which the province was, he most earnestly begged the religious to give him their word to call a chapter; for he was of the opinion that that was necessary for the peace and advancement of the province. He insisted on the same thing with our father Mentrida, who was the one on whom the government devolved by right. Thereupon, he very calmly gave up his soul to his Creator, leaving behind sure token that he was going straight to His presence.

Thereupon followed a period of distress in the province, not a little difficult to settle. The government fell to our father, Mentrida. The definitors were at variance. Our father Mentrida had a most severe mandate from our most reverend father [general] that acted against him, namely, that the provincial who did not visit the province of Bisayas, at least once during his term was ipso facto deprived of the rights of voting and election, and the religious were ordered to obey him no longer. Our father Mentrida had not made that visit, giving as a pretext his ill-health. The religious argued from this that, according to that mandate, he could not govern. To his reply that his illness was the cause of his not obeying the order, and that if God granted him health he would go, they answered that that illness, which was asthma, was always in evidence. His adherents wished him to have the command a second time, but the others would not consent to it. Finally the governor, Don Juan Nino de Tabora, had to intervene. Thanks to him, the matter was adjusted, so that our father Mentrida resigned the government, which was assumed by father Fray Francisco Bonifacio, the most pacific creature that has been in Filipinas. He has never been known directe or indirecte to have any altercation with any religious. He has ever been unwilling to cause trouble to any one, and therefore has avoided giving it, and I believe he caused trouble to no one during his term. The Lord cooeperated with this holy intention, giving him a triennium of great quiet. We might say of him what Solomon said of himself: nunc autem requiem dedit Dominus Deus meus mihi per circuitum: et non est satan, neque occursus malus. [66]