day,[1] and meanwhile to send them preachers every lent season. Pursuant to a royal authorization of 1579, and a request of the governor of Manila, the provincial founded his order in the Philippine Islands in 1585, with the following members; Hernan Suarez, superior; fathers Raimundo Prat and Francisco Almerico; Gaspar Gomez, temporary coadjutor.
The affairs of the society at the end of the century were in the most flourishing condition. Its members were held in high esteem by all classes, and by no one more so than the viceroy, who not only placed his three sons in their charge, but often took their advice on matters concerning religion and government.[2]
We have noticed the twofold object of the Jusuits in coming to New Spain, education and conversion. Another order was meanwhile established, devoted wholly to charity. The order was named La Caridad y San Hipólito. The patriarch and founder, Bernardino Álvarez, came to Mexico at the age of twenty years as a private soldier, served some time, and retired. He became a gambler and a leader in many wicked adventures, and finally had to make his escape to Peru, again as a common soldier. Having made a fortune in that country he returned to Mexico. His mother's advice caused him to reflect upon his past life, and he experienced a change of heart. From that time he devoted all his energies to charitable purposes.[3]
- ↑ Told those who were eager for Jesuits, 'tubiesen paciencia, que lo que se dilataba no se negaba.' Florencia, Hist. Prov. Jesvs, 209.
- ↑ In 1594 Father Estévan Paez and 37 companions came to swell the number of laborers. Special mention is made of the great services to the Indians rendered by Father Pedro de Morales, the society's proctor at Rome and Madrid. According to Alegre, Hist. Comp. Jesus, i. 275-1, he manifested his interest in the manner that would most quickly enliven their religious zeal. He brought out a large quantity of medals, rosaries, and other objects of devotion which had been blessed by Pope Gregory VIII. The trinkets were distributed to the Indians during the missions yearly undertaken by the fathers of the college of Mexico.
- ↑ During ten years he served the poor in the hospital of Jesus Nazarene; procured the foundation and enlargement of the Jesus Maria convent, and afforded aid to the indigent prisoners in the jail. At this time the idea occurred to him of founding hospitals, and an order of charity for all persons in indigence, Arce, Vida Alvarez, 145.
