22nd of August 1932, to his mother
My dear mother:
I received yours, which I didn’t reply to earlier as I was away. This past Sunday I was sent to another convent, and from there, in the afternoon, I went to another one on the border of the Netherlands. While walking with another priest, I spent some time in the Netherlands.
Things are going fairly well here. I’ve already passed the halfway point, and I’ll be back soon. I’m happy about the election of the Prior of Benigánim, at least that way she won’t have to look after chickens. If they write to her, tell her to prepare tomatoes and peppers in brine, as I’ll come for them. I’ve already visited several nice towns here, one of which has a very venerated Sanctuary, something like Lourdes, and I participated in a pilgrimage. Everything is different here, which is very refreshing. It’s still quite hot, although it rains frequently, but the sun comes out again soon.
Well, I hope the melons are good, as we don’t have them here, and I hope you have a great time, as does the rest of the family, until next time.
Your son
Serafín
Krefeld, 22nd of August 1932.
Say hello to those from Agullent if you write to them, and may they stay well.
11th of November 1933, to his mother
Mrs. Teresa Ferragud
Dear mother:
I suppose you received my two previous letters and that you are still in good health. You must prepare yourself to go vote, and you must vote for those gentlemen mentioned in the Valencia newspaper: García Guijarro and others listed there. Don’t think that not doing so doesn’t matter, as it is just as obligatory as attending Mass on Sunday. Furthermore, you need to encourage everyone you know to go as well. As you can see, there are only a few days left, and complaints won’t be accepted afterward.
I already wrote to those from Agullent since they wrote to me on my saint’s day, but I don’t know what’s going on there, as I haven’t heard anything since. Has Uncle Pere loaded all the old junk I told him to? It’s necessary for him to do so, and they should never think of sending it again.
Here, the cold is hardly noticeable, but make sure not to do anything foolish and catch a cold that will last for months. You need to stay positive no matter what happens, and life must be faced in one way or another; we do what needs to be done, and that’s it.
Well, I hope you stay well, as well as the rest of the family. If Uncle Pere goes, send my regards to those from Agullent. Now, let’s wait and see what happens. Many regards, and you know your son doesn’t forget you
Serafín Totana 11th of November 1933
19th of September 1935, to his mother
Mrs. Teresa Ferragud
My dear mother:
When I arrived here about twelve days ago, we immediately began the Exercises, from which we finished last Saturday.
I received a letter from Agullent, in which they told me that they had received the box of books and the other order of handkerchiefs. Felicidad (who seems to be feeling a little better) says that she will gradually start making them.
I also heard from Father Laureano, who was trying to resolve Felicidad’s situation, and that he would let me know how things were progressing.
I haven’t heard anything from Benigánim; but I wrote her a letter a few days ago, telling her that she was behaving very poorly by staying silent and not sharing any news with anyone. I don’t think she will reply, as she takes everything in the same way.
When something needs correction, it’s necessary to consider what’s being said, and repeating the same thing many times is a sin, as it goes against charity. I mention this because some people are complaining about your treatment, and naturally, you don’t consider how you say things and the manner in which you say them. Even if we are right, we don’t have the right to disturb others with our approach. We must not forget that, like in all things, this can lead to a serious fault.
I am sending you two postcards so that you can write to me. I hope that one of them will be sent back right away, and you will let me know if the rice was delivered and how the work is going.
When you go to collect the coupons, check if any need to be replaced, as they are redeemable, and at some point, they must be redeemed. It would be useful to check in the newspaper, paying attention to the numbers on both the coupon and the sheet, so that we don’t lose anything because we missed the deadline. I forgot to check the numbers, so I can’t keep track of them.
I hope you reply quickly with a postcard and let me know what’s going on and what you think about this.
I hope everyone is doing well, and know that your son hasn’t forgotten you.
Serafín
Totana, 19th of September 1935
29th of November 1935, to his mother
Mrs. Teresa Ferragud
My dear mother:
I hope you are doing well, as well as the rest of the family. I received a letter from Agullent saying that it seems the dispensation for Felicidad will be granted soon, but I haven’t heard anything about it yet. However, if you are going to the house, it’s important to avoid anything that might bother her without asking for any explanations.
t would be better for her to sleep in the room that faces the courtyard, as it is larger and better ventilated. The room facing the street is a bit small for two people and it’s noisy, which will likely disturb her at first. After some time, other arrangements can be made as needed. Also, she shouldn’t stay too late after dinner sleeping in the chair, since we’re not used to sleeping like that, and it becomes uncomfortable without any benefit.
Let me know how things are going there, if all the oranges have been sold, and if Bautista’s leg has been treated.
If for some reason the dispensation doesn’t come through until Christmas, please let me know, as there will be more time and flexibility during those days.
With nothing more to add, I hope you continue to be well, and know that your son hasn’t forgotten you.
Serafín
Totana 29th of November 1935
