A note begins to circulate across the parishes in the Spanish Iles…
This morning, as I sat in the garden of the Manila monastery, Brother Merrill, a long-time personal friend of mine, came by my side with tragic news. News I assume each of you has been privy to long before I learned.
Word came from a Spanish vessel the month of October with the news of the events of July. The blood of a hundred friars floods the street. Their crime? Nothing but a rumor. The police, stewards of public order, have been refuting even the slightest accountability for the incident. As of yet, the source of the rumor, and the identities of the perpetrators responsible, remain unknown. They appear to be of little interest to any of the officers in her majesties court.
My heart lay still at the barbarity of it all, I weep for those affected in Madrid. Our order sends this note with a donation to the Madrid order, and I encourage others, regardless of sect, to support and pray for them in their time of need. We are all brothers of an almighty God, let us not forget to care for others in our anger.
As the injustice of this occasion lays bare, I wish to make a formal request of many of you. rumors abound at the idea of this attack being purposeful, and a sign of things to come. I fear they may be right.
Chartering a ship to Manilla is not a trivial cost, and the work in this land may be difficult, however, my brothers and may at the behest of Archbishop José Maria Seguí Molas offer any support we can to those who make the pilgrimage. May God guide your journey as he guided Jesus through the desert of Judea, safe from the devil who lurks beneath the waves.
GOD SAVE SPAIN, GOD SAVE THE PHILLIPINES!
Brother Ramos
