bishops. It is a constant fact that the Christianity of the Philipinas
Islands cannot maintain itself unless numerous missions be continually
taken thither from Europa. For there are few sons of Spaniards there
(to whom only the habit can be given), and of those few the smallest
number are inclined to the religious estate. I state then, that in case
of the said subjection it would be impracticable to take missionaries
there, especially those of our holy discalced branch. Consequently,
the administration of the missions could not be cared for, as is
already seen, when affairs are going to the prejudice of the Catholic
faith. In order to prove the aforesaid, we must take it for granted
that each religious causes an expense of practically one thousand
pesos from the time he leaves his convent in Espana until he sets foot
in Manila--about one-half of which is paid from the royal treasury,
while the remainder is supplied by the order. To realize that sum,
which amounts to huge figures, the ministries contribute with some
voluntary offerings, and the province applies all its incomes and
alms. Compare this now with that alleged in the preceding number,
and it will be seen that in the said case it would not be possible
for the missionary religious to attend to that necessity. For, even at
present, they have to live like beggars in order that they may assist,
taking from their necessary support what they give, so that they may
support that expense. On the other hand, the province would not be
able to employ its incomes in this either, for it would have to use
them in establishing solidly the convents which are not ministries,
There are five of these, namely: in Manila, in Bagumbaya, in Cavite,
in San Sebastian, and the convent of La Concepcion in Zibu. Of that
number only the first has a community at present, for the others can
scarcely support two religious apiece. But in the said case it would
be indispensable, so that the province might maintain itself as such,
to place communities in the convents and to apply to them the incomes
that it possesses; and on that account it could not attend to the
expenses of the missions.

745. But let us suppose that some funds existed for those expenses. The
trouble remains that the religious of Espana would not consent to
go to the islands, if they were informed that they had to be curas,
and submit to the bishop in what they have not professed. Thus has
experience shown by what has happened