us with the alms that we
need--[although] they do not a little in aiding us with what is
necessary for our ordinary support. Some devout people have given us
as alms some pay warrants and other debts owed to them by the royal
treasury. These amount to about twelve thousand pesos, and we could
finish the work with that sum. We entreat your Majesty to be pleased
to have your royal decree promulgated, ordering the governor to pay us
up to the said sum of twelve thousand pesos in the certified warrants
which we have. That will constitute a very great blessing and be an
alms which your Majesty will bestow upon this convent.

We also petition your Majesty to be pleased to show us favor by
having us given alms of sackcloth, oil, an apothecary-shop in the
royal hospital, wine for the masses, and wheat or flour for bread for
the support of the nuns--as is done with the orders of the discalced
religious; for we have no other protection or security besides that
of your Majesty, which is everlasting. [_In the margin_: "Observe
this matter, and give a copy of this section to Licentiate Leon, so
that he may make a report of it, when the matter is considered." "It
was given."]

We thank your Majesty for the favors that you have shown this convent
and the nuns in it, in having so thoroughly taken in your charge
the beatification and canonization of our holy mother Geronima
de la Assumpcion, whereby we, her daughters, hope to behold such
a day as that of her canonization. We keep her body, with all the
veneration and line of succession that is possible to us; and every
day God works new miracles by her. The nuns, in and out of the choir,
in all their prayers, discipline, and fasting, make special mention
of your Majesty, and of the queen our mistress. We beseech God our
Lord to preserve your Majesty in health, peace, and quiet, with your
kingdoms, for the protection of Christendom and of the Church, and for
happy victories against the heretics and enemies of the Church. This
convent will supplicate this from God constantly, as it has ever done,
according to our obligation.

May God preserve the Catholic person of your Majesty, as we, these
humble nuns, desire, with increase of greater kingdoms. May He
prosper the succession to them, so that, by means of it, all heathen
kingdoms may come to the true knowledge of the holy faith. Manila,
June 30, 1636.

Ana de Christo, abbess.
Sister Magdalena de Christo, vicar.
Sister Maria de l