4th of September 1935, to his sister
Reverend Mother Abbess of the Capuchins
Agullent
I have received a response from my superiors, and we believe it would be best if you first explain to Mr. Visitador the current state of my sister in full detail. Please outline the impossibility of her continuing a normal Community life and emphasize that, if her situation remains unchanged, it is highly likely that she could lose her sanity.
You may also suggest that, in your opinion, a temporary leave for the concerned sister would prevent difficulties for the Community, noting that the family is willing to receive her. While acknowledging her condition, you can affirm that the sister does indeed have a vocation, and that it is solely an extraordinary mental weakness that has led her to this point.
In short, please proceed as you see fit and take the approach that you believe will most effectively persuade Mr. Visitador to grant permission.
Once you receive Mr. Visitador’s response, kindly send me a detailed report of it in a letter to Totana, and we will decide the next steps accordingly.
The letter I sent from there did arrive, so please ensure the address is written clearly and, if possible, have someone deposit it directly into the mailbox. I believe the past issue must have been due to carelessness. However, if you think it would be better to send it through another means, please do so. In any case, if I don’t reply promptly, it means I haven’t received anything.
I also ask that you inform me of any unusual behaviour you notice in my sister
so that I can use my letters to try to ease her situation.
I am returning to Totana because my superiors have instructed me to do so, and the current ones are very demanding. I will try not to abandon this matter until it is resolved.
Apologising for any inconvenience this may cause, I remain affectionately yours in Jesus and Mary.
Fr. Serafín of Algemesí
Algemesí, 4th of September 1935
28th of April 1936, to his sisters
My dear sisters:
I received your letter dated April 19. Here, I am doing well, and the town remains quite calm. I don’t believe anything good will come from this government we are enduring, and we are all expecting something very serious. Although the newspapers don’t report anything, disasters continue to occur daily in different capitals. Now, with the election of the new president, we will clearly see the decisions they plan to make regarding us, and which they are delaying to avoid alarming the public further.
From home, I learned that they are doing well, as much as can be expected, since it’s foolish to assume that there can be complete well-being anywhere. I believe that, by using the address from the last letter you sent me, all letters will arrive, as long as they are deposited in the mailbox.
I think we must prepare ourselves for major events, which will certainly not be pleasant, and we should not harbour any illusions, as that would be truly naive. So, let it be what God wills—or rather, what God permits, because surely He would not will any of what seems likely to come. Let’s try to make the most of the present moments for the benefit of our souls, as that will be the only thing that remains invulnerable in any circumstance.
I hope you all stay well and pray to God to give us the courage and understanding we will need in each situation.
Many regards, and I remain affectionately yours.
Serafín
Totana, 28th of April 1936
30th of August 1937, to his sister
Mrs. Purificación Masiá
My dear sister:
Yesterday, the 29th, I received your letter from the 24th, and I assume the communications will continue. From it, I see that you and the family are well.
I am also in good health for now. I hope that when you reply, you can send me a letter including a couple of envelopes—I have paper—even if they are folded, along with some stamps, as it is very difficult to acquire postcards. I still cannot provide any updates about my matter; these things are handled very slowly, and I remain patient with whatever is necessary.
I know that we are left alone now, but I remain in good spirits, and I hope that the five who left won’t forget about us from where they are.
I asked if there might be any young man from our village, as I thought that since there are boys from neighbouring towns, one from ours might have had the same chance.
I wish you to stay well, as do Bautista, María Vicenta, and the child, and please know that your brother has not forgotten you.
Vicente
30th of August 1937
