_ 172 _ denying the just requests that are presented here every day. What is worse, in several places, where the blessed apostle St. Thomas left some traces of Christianity, many are lost through a shortage of those who might support them. This is the case on the island of Socotra, at the entrance to the Straits of Mecca, close by the Red Sea, between Ethiopia and Arabia. Deserta(A) In my view, this briefly is what is happening as regards the Fathers of the Society who are scattered throughout these provinces of India. Because we are spread over a distance of some two thousand leagues, it is impossible to keep in touch except by letter. Our Lord is concerned to help in times of trouble(B). We receive such strength from Him that what we suffer for Christ seems trifling to everyone. I shall now begin to give an account to Your Reverence, first about this College of Goa, and second about myself and my life, so that in everything the glory of Christ may prevail. As I understand it, Goa is an island two leagues long. It has other smaller neighbouring islands. It shares (A) The northern part of the Arabian peninsular is called Arabia Deserta (cf. RUGE, Geschichte des Zeitalters der Entdeckunge about p. 438). The island of Socotra is in fact situated near Arabia Felix. (B) Psalms 45, 2.
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