Ignatius on Opposition (1556)

The difficulties that the Society experienced in Zaragoza, Spain, weighed heavily on the Jesuits in the city and their rector. For example, the archbishop was firmly opposed to their presence in his archdiocese, excommunicating them and anyone who frequented their church or heard their sermons. The populace had been encouraged to throw stones at their windows and parade through the streets bearing obscene caricatures of them. In these trying circumstances, Ignatius sends the rector, Alfonso Román, this brief note of encouragement.

Jesus

Going by what we regularly experience—that where there is much opposition much fruit follows, and the Society is even more solidly founded—it appears that there will be a great and outstanding spiritual edifice there where you are, since such deep foundations of opposition have been laid; and so we must trust in God our Lord that he will do this.