The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman

_ 315 _ the eves before them and on Wednesdays I teach religious knowledge in this church to unmarried women and native Christians, and often more than sixty single women come to hear not counting the local women married to Christians and newly converted to the faith, who are as many again; because this country is much affected by the monsoons. 8. During Lent I organize processions every night with many penitents, and sometimes preach here in the courtyard of the house. At this period there is much excitement, and Moors and Hindus flock to watch. As fruit of these labours and practices many reform their lives and others go away to enter religious Orders, and others become reconciled with their neighbours over very remarkable matters and insults, which in this country people find it hard to forgive; and they all confess on the principal feasts of the year, and take the Sacrament, and some people do so more often. This would persist if those of this country did not live in continual change and movement, for all the time there are embarkations and disembarkations. So, the fruit is never gathered ripe, but green, and with great labour of the spirit. The labours of the body are not felt in the contemplation of Christ.

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