Francisco Xavier, whose true follower he ever was. His death
was deeply felt and lamented, and his obsequies were celebrated with
tears and solemn ceremonies; his body was deposited in the main chapel
of our church at Manila, before the steps of the great altar.

At that time we were still pursuing our occupations in Manila among our
neighbors, where our Lord was continually forwarding the progress of
all our ministries, not only in those that pertained to divine worship
and the salvation of souls, but in those which concerned learning and
letters. To the Latin studies was added a course in philosophy, which
was begun in that year by Father Miguel Gomez, who had previously
taught it in Gandia. At the first lecture, which served to open
the studies of that year and which was itself grave and learned,
there assembled a goodly number of students, clergy, religious, and
persons of other ranks; and dignity was lent to the occasion by the
presence of the governor, president, and magistrates. The course was
continued, with a membership of many students, and with the theses,
conferences and other exercises which are customary to that branch of
learning, wherein the students gave excellent proof of their talent and
ability. The two congregations of La Anunciata (composed respectively
of students and laymen), who continually emulated each other in their
devotion and service to the most blessed Virgin, celebrated together
the feast of the Annunciation with great splendor and dignity, and
much devotion on their part and that of the people. The youth of
this city were in the utmost need of a seminary where they could
be withdrawn from the world and reared in virtue. Although this
had been desired for years, it had been impossible to carry out
the plan until the preceding year [_i.e._, 1600], when, with the
divine favor, a seminary was begun, which chose as its patron the
glorious St. Joseph. The institution was placed in charge of two
members of the Society, a father and a brother. On the day of its
foundation were assembled the royal Audiencia, [those who direct]
the vacant Bishopric, the religious orders, and many other people
of rank in this city. The collegians were clad in mantles of husi,
which is a thin fabric like picote, [23] inclining toward violet,
with insignia of red braid extending to the feet. They went out at
the gate of the college to receive the royal Audiencia, and soon
afterward in the chapel the archdeacon of M