ed
San Gregorio. Now the province of the discalced Franciscans has
the same title. Its first founder was the venerable Fray Antonio de
San Gregorio, and its first custodian, the venerable Fray Pedro de
Alfaro. Possession was taken of the new convent of Manila, August 2,
1577, and the most holy sacrament was placed in their church of Santa
Maria de los Angeles [_i.e._, "St. Mary of the Angels"]. That was the
first receptacle [for the sacrament], or sacristy, that his Majesty
had in these islands. In this convent the community ceremonies are
observed, in accordance with the rigor of the rules of Espana. There
is a well-served infirmary, and [opportunity for] studies, when that
is necessary. It generally contains thirty religious, according as
the climate and other accidents of this country permit. This convent
is the mother and head of this holy province, whence go religious to
minister to the places in our charge. They are as follows.

592. In the archbishopric of Manila: in the province of Tongdo,
in the villages of Dilao Sampaloc, Pandacan, and Santa Ana de
Sapa--sanctuaries very famous for the miraculous images of our Lady
and of the child Jesus--where 7,900 souls are ministered to.

593. In the province of Bulacan: in the villages of Polo, Meycauayan,
Bocaui, with their visitas, where 19,500 souls are ministered to.

594. In the province of Laguna de Bai: in the villages of Morong,
Bar-as, Tanay, Pililla, Mabitac, Caboan, Siniloan, Pangil, Panquil,
Paete, Longos, Lucban, Cauinti, Pagsanghan, Santa Cruz (with its
infirmary), Pila, Mainit (with the hospital of the sulphur-water
baths), Nagcarlan, Lilio, and Mahayhay in the mountains. And now
lately, by cession of the Augustinian fathers, the villages of Bai,
and Binangonan de los Ferros [_i.e._, "Binangonan of the dogs"], with
the settlement of Angono. In all those villages, and their visitas,
40,534 souls are ministered to.

595. In the mountains of Daraetan, which extend from Laguna de Bai
to the opposite coast of Valer, there is a mission with about four
hundred converted souls, and many others to convert. [64]

596. There is another convent outside the walls of Manila, at
one legua's distance, called San Francisco del Monte, without
administration, but used only for the spiritual retreat of the
religious, which has its guardian.

597. Near the royal magazines of Manila stands the celebrated convent
of the nuns of our mother St. Clare. They are subject to thi