Our Catlzolic Heritage in T ezas
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theology with much profit." He learned the Mexican (Nahuatl) language so well, that the Indians themselves were astonished at his proficiency in its use and the naturalness and correctness of his pronunciation. He labored for several years among the natives for whom he felt a deep sympathy. While engaged in this work, he went two or three times from Mexico to the country of the Zepotecs, one hundred and sixty leagues distant, walking every step of the way. Because of his natural ability, the superiors of his order entrusted to him several commissions and offices, all of which he successfully fulfilled. In spite of his love for the Indians and the thorough knowledge he had of their language, he was troubled in conscience with the idea that he was not doing all he should for the glory and honor of God. He asked for permission to go to Spain to work there and study in order to prepare himself better for his missionary labors in America. The permission was regretfully granted by his superiors, who tried in vain to persuade him to continue his work among the Mexican Indians. But God in His wisdom cast him upon the coast of Texas, where he found an untimely grave on the banks of the Rio Grande as already described. 28 Fray Juan de Mena, lay brother, joined the Dominican order in Mexico. Speaking of him, Davila Padilla says: "Throughout his life, this religious led a very exemplary life from the day he took the habit in the Monastery of Santo Domingo in Mexico. Among his virtues, the most signal was the humility with which he tended the sick, having served as a nurse in Mexico with approval and praise for his diligence." But a desire to return to Spain made him embark in the fateful fleet that led him to his painful death beyond the Rio Grande. 29 Father Fray Juan Ferrer was a native of Valencia, a direct descendant of the illustrious family of the Saint Vincent Ferrer, one of the brightest stars of the Order of Saint Dominic in Spain. A devout and zealous missionary, he chose to come to Mexico to study the language and customs of the natives, but finding their understanding too slow for his quick and versatile mind, he decided to return to the mother country after a few years in New Spain. "While in Mexico," says Davila Padilla, "he wrote a book with certain symbols and figures which he alone understood and of which he thought so highly, that he intended it for the Holy Pontiff, to whom he wrote a letter giving him such details as he thought proper. He transmitted
21D.ivila Padilla, Ftmdacion, 282-284. 29 /bid., 286.
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