2nd of March 1936, to his mother
Mrs. Teresa Ferragud
My dear mother:
I received the letter written by Felicidad, and I see that things are going well there.
I think that all the medicines prescribed by that gentleman from Valencia are just a way of making money, and I believe that with more tranquility and peace in life, everything can be remedied. It would be helpful for those involved to go out to the countryside often in the afternoons, to exercise and clear their minds. I judge this to be more important than anything a specialist could say, and you should seriously ensure that this is done.
Regarding the current situation, there is no need to have great illusions. We must stay calm and be ready for whatever comes.
Be very careful with what you do and say, and be patient and charitable with everyone. I would like to know who is in charge of the convent in Benigánim, or to whom it is subject. It is a town difficult to pacify, and now that they have support from the government, they will do anything they want without consequences. So, take things calmly.
It is important to calm the minds, and that is why I recommended those walks in the countryside, which you should make sure are happening. If something needs to be suffered, offer it to God, for those will be the only merits that will help us in the decisive moment.
I hope everyone stays well. Many greetings to all, and in the next letter, tell me about Benigánim and what they are saying in the town.
Nothing else, your son who has not forgotten you.
Serafín
Totana, 2nd of March 1936
12th of June 1936, to his mother
My dear mother:
I received a letter from Agullent, in which they inform me of the results of the election that took place on the 4th of this month, which are as follows:
Abbess: Sister Elvira Espí; Vicaress: Sister Rosario; Turnkeeper: Verónica; Responsible for the Novitiate and Sacristy: Sister María Jesús; Economer: Agustina; Pantry: Filomena. They tell me they are well and happy, and that they hope to have a bit more peace now.
I also know that they recently received a letter from there, and that everything is going well. I am sending this information because I believe they might not know it, and it seems that they trust me to communicate it.
I hope to hear news from there and how things are going. Since they usually tell me very little, I will have to ask. I haven’t heard anything about the Prioress for quite some time. Is the little one already learning to read? Because I assume, as he grows, he will grow in every way.
I would like to know if they are going out into the countryside, as I have mentioned many times, to walk and if they are feeling a bit more secure in their minds. It’s all about adjusting to what they are told, and fewer worries about completely useless things. Charity must start
being practiced there; otherwise, all religiousness becomes vain and useless. We will see if I receive any more of the usual things.
How are the two rosebushes I planted in two pots doing?
Looking forward to your letter, your son.
Serafín Totana 12th of June 1936
6th of July 1936, to his mother
Mrs. Teresa Ferragud
My dear mother:
I assume that you are still in good health and that the heat isn’t affecting you too much. It all depends on whether you go looking for it, as there is a way to avoid it.
You know what that wise person used to say, “The heat is ‘rifled’,” meaning that if you don’t seek it, everything will be fine. Since it’s so easy, I hope you’ll take the necessary precautions.
Let me know in your next letter if there is more tranquility than before. Since that’s very variable and depends on people, who knows what they might attempt.
In these unstable situations, one should always be alert to the latest news.
I suppose that despite yourself, you will live in peace, as there would be no benefit to being anxious. I forgot to mention that with that procession of poor people that comes every week, you should keep track of everything that happens or might happen. There you go, another advantage that hadn’t been thought of.
How happily they will spend their time there, «esclafaes», making their “contarallas”! Well, cheer up, don’t get too much sun, and leave the rest because everything will pass.
What can you tell me about the Prioress and the community? And the little one, is he still yelling so much?
Many regards to everyone, and I hope you stay well.
Your son, who does not forget about you
Serafín
Totana 6th of July 1936
31st of August 1936, to his mother
Mrs. Teresa Ferragud
My dear mother:
I received your reply to the one I sent from here fifteen days ago, and from it, I see that everyone is still in good health.
I am still the same here, living a rather peaceful life. We spend most of our time in the living-room bedroom or in the courtyard, and since there are so many of us, there are plenty of topics to discuss. I keep recalling the times when I was in service because, just like there, we also have to do many formations every time we change locations, with the corresponding counts. This is how we pass our time until another change comes.
I assume that Bautista is still at home and that everyone is well, including the little one. If there is any new development, please let me know.
I am sending the letter this way because it is more convenient for our budget, and since there was no one to send the other letter from there, I indicated it should be done like this.
Be careful to write the address clearly with both surnames, as there are so many, it could get confused.
With nothing more to add, I hope that you all are doing well. I look forward to hearing from you about your condition.
Many regards, and know that your son does not forget you.
Vicente Masiá Murcia 31st of August 1936
