members of our Society with me, to maintain a strict communication with
you, and with the fathers at Rome, and send you as large an account, as
possibly I can, of any news concerning us. I have taken my opportunity of
seeing the Cardinal of Invrea, as you gave me in command, and have
discoursed at leisure with him. He received me with much goodness, and
offered me, with great civility, his interest, for our common cause. In
the midst of the discourse, which we had together, I threw myself at his
feet, and kissed his hand, in the name of all our Society. As much as I
can gather by his words, he extremely approves the manner of our living.

"As concerning my lord ambassador, he loads me with so many favours, that
I should never conclude, if I began to relate them. And I know not
how I could suffer the many good offices he does me, if I had not some
hope of repaying him in the Indies, at the expence of my life itself. On
Palm-Sunday I heard his confession, and after him many of his domestic
servants; I communicated them afterwards, in the holy chapel of Loretto,
where I said mass. I likewise confessed them, and gave them the
communion, on Easter Sunday. My lord ambassador's almoner recommends
himself to your good prayers, and has promised to bear me company to the
Indies. I am more taken up with confessions here, than I was in Rome, at
St Lewis. I heartily salute all our fathers; and if I name not every one
of them in particular, I desire them to believe, 'tis neither from my
want of memory, or affection.

"Your brother and servant in Jesus Christ,
FRANCIS."
_from Bolognia, March_ 31. 1540.

The whole town of Bolognia was in motion at the approach of Father
Xavier: they were wonderfully affected to him, and in a manner esteemed