_ 488 _ we and the Dominicans were in Ormuz, the Provincial realized that if our members did not take up residence straightway, they would not be able to do so later without causing resentment. Thus, it was proposed in the Council that our people should come, and so they did. I questioned where it was right for our members to live there and it was everyone’s opinion that they should not, both because there was no fruit for Christianity there nor hope of it. Not only were the Dominican friars sufficient for the place but the land was very unhealthy, causing many to fall sick there. But the main reason was that the country was immoral and gave rise to vices, which could be easily found in all sorts of people there. Consequently, I agreed that a water tank belonging to us there should be sold [509v]. Before I arrived some Fathers were ordained and were able to say mass. Fortunately, they can now spend some days meditating on their faith, until Our Lord affords us great clarity and satisfaction for the good of the Society.(A) (A) Pius V prescribed that, before being ordained priests, the members should make a solemn vow of profession. This news was brought to Goa late in 1568. Cf doc 64, 35.
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