September 1492
After spending two weeks at the convent of Santa Maria de Los Ninos, completely secluded, Elena de San Miguel finally achieved the peace of mind she sought. Through prayers, meditation, and the kindness of the Mother Superior, Sister Teresa, Elena was able to focus on how to provide a life for herself, and her future child.
The only contact she had with her family, was a short note from Antonio. Informing her all was well, and he would try to visit her sometime next month. She appreciated his accompanying her to the monastery. His promise to help her any way he could. Now he was her only link to the world beyond the monastery walls.
Sitting in the cloistered gardens beside Sister Teresa, Elena felt at peace with herself. The sadness she arrived with had subsided. The memories of Joshua, her mother, father, her previous life, did not evoke the pain they once did.
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SEPHARDIC FAREWELL
However, disconcerting thoughts still raced through her mind. Joshua…Diego de San Gil, she thought. Where is he now? Is he safe? Should I have told him of my condition? How do I explain to my parents?
“My child you look troubled. Is there something you would like to talk to me about?” Sister Teresa asked, her voice as soft and gentle as her manner.
Elena felt at ease in her presence, yet was not able to tell her the complete truth.
Is this the appropriate time to explain why she had really come to the monastery, she thought. I should be completely open with Sister Teresa, who has shown me nothing but kindness.
Reaching her decision in that moment, she began to disclose her real reasons for coming to the convent.
Listening intently as Elena related her true reasons for entering the convent, Sister Teresa, signaling with her hand for Elena to stop, quietly said, “Do not tell me any more, Elena. I do not judge what you have done. I only ask that you confess these sins, seek penitence. I will hear your confession myself. Then I will do everything in my power to help you.”
Quickly kneeling, Elena placed her hands in Sister Teresa’s lap, and began her confessional prayers, sobbing softly. “Bless me, Sister, for I have sinned….”
As she listened to Elena quietly praying, memories from the Mother Superior’s past began to flood her mind. She remembered that day almost ten years ago, when she too lost someone she had loved very much. He was a young dashing Hidalgo of a very respected family who had swept her off her feet. She was very much in love, was to be married in six months.
Then it all came crashing down, all of Cordoba became inflamed. Accusations flew. Someone accused his family of being Marranos, secret Jews. That was all the Inquisition needed, her lover, and his entire family were thrown into a filthy dungeon.
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JOSEPH HOBESH
Interrogated, their property confiscated, all finally sentenced to “relaxation”—death by fire. The day of the executions were etched in her mind forever. Sadness filled her entire being, yet she hated no one. Never sought any kind of retribution. Instead accepted what was, and began her lifelong work. She reasoned that hate and violence were not the way to a better world. That believing in the Lord meant helping people, not torturing or killing them in His name.
She worked long and hard. And with the help of many others who believed as she did, founded the convent— Santa Maria de Los Ninos. It became a sanctuary for all needing help and spiritual guidance.
Sister Teresa looked down at the young girl pouring her heart out to her, felt her pain, and whispered, “I will help you, and I will help your child.”
Elena, her heart filling with gratitude, hugged the Mother Superior.
“Gracias—thank you, Sister Teresa. I will do everything you ask of me!”
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