h he did,
traveling in person throughout a good part of his bishopric. In
this tour our fathers were honored by his being their guest in the
island of Leyte--over which he journeyed on foot, although seventy
years of age. He took up his lodging in our houses and residences,
in as simple and familiar a manner as if he were one of ourselves; and
confirmed our Christians with the most holy sacrament of confirmation,
and strengthened them by his example, and by the kindnesses that he
showed them, with much charity and good-will. He was highly pleased
with them, and with the excellent evidences of Christianity which
he beheld in them, especially with the chastity of the Bissayan
women--concerning whom he said that they had been unjustly slandered;
for, although he had spent so long a time in Nueva Espana, he had
not seen there so much reserve and modesty. He told Ours that they
might feel well content with their ministries, since that region was
one of the most favored spots on earth, and, in his opinion, it was
most pleasing and precious in the sight of God. He finally held his
council, convening therein all the superiors of those residences; and
after many very salutary regulations had been made for all classes of
people in his bishopric, the council was concluded with great harmony,
and to the consolation of all.

During Lent of that year the disciplines were commenced in our house,
with a goodly number of persons and with the devotion of all the
people. Sermons and instruction were also begun in the barracks, on
account of the soldiers who had been stationed there for the protection
of the city; these were highly profitable to them, as well as to the
people of the city. The Indians have received more attention in our
house this year than have any other class of people, because there
was no priest in the city who could understand their language, save
only three members of our Society, any one of whom would have been
sufficient to care for them.

The following occurrence was considered by some as wonderful: A father
went to visit a sick Indian, to assist him when dying; the sick man
was unable to speak, and had not yet made his confession. The father
urged him to utter the name of Jesus; he made a great effort, and
tried to pronounce it as best he could, uttering the word, but in so
broken a voice that it could hardly be understood. The father asked
him to try to say it a second time, and as soon as he pronounced
it he