591. Our discalced religious came to these islands immediately following the Augustinian fathers, in the year 1577. They were the founders of the custodia of San Phelipe, which was later entitled San Gregorio. Now the province of the discalced Franciscans has the same title. Its first founder was the venerable Fray Antonio de San Gregorio, and its first custodian, the venerable Fray Pedro de Alfaro. Possession was taken of the new convent of Manila, August 2, 1577, and the most holy sacrament was placed in their church of Santa Maria de los Angeles [_i.e._, "St. Mary of the Angels"]. That was the first receptacle [for the sacrament], or sacristy, that his Majesty had in these islands. In this convent the community ceremonies are observed, in accordance with the rigor of the rules of Espana. There is a well-served infirmary, and [opportunity for] studies, when that is necessary. It generally contains thirty religious, according as the climate and other accidents of this country permit. This convent is the mother and head of this holy province, whence go religious to minister to the places in our charge. They are as follows. 592. In the archbishopric of Manila: in the province of Tongdo, in the villages of Dilao Sampaloc, Pandacan, and Santa Ana de Sapa--sanctuaries very famous for the miraculous images of our Lady and of the child Jesus--where 7,900 souls are ministered to. 593. In the province of Bulacan: in the villages of Polo, Meycauayan, Bocaui, with their visitas, where 19,500 souls are ministered to. 594. In the province of Laguna de Bai: in the villages of Morong, Bar-as, Tanay, Pililla, Mabitac, Caboan, Siniloan, Pangil, Panquil, Paete, Longos, Lucban, Cauinti, Pagsanghan, Santa Cruz (with its infirmary), Pila, Mainit (with the hospital of the sulphur-water baths), Nagcarlan, Lilio, and Mahayhay in the mountains. And now lately, by cession of the Augustinian fathers, the villages of Bai, and Binangonan de los Ferros [_i.e._, "Binangonan of the dogs"], with the settlement of Angono. In all those villages, and their visitas, 40,534 souls are ministered to. 595. In the mountains of Daraetan, which extend from Laguna de Bai to the opposite coast of Valer, there is a mission with about four hundred converted souls, and many others to convert. [64] 596. There is another convent outside the walls of Manila, at one legua's distance, called San Francisco del Monte, without administration, but used only for the spiritual retreat of the religious, which has its guardian. 597. Near the royal magazines of Manila stands the celebrated convent of the nuns of our mother St. Clare. They are subject to this province, and are governed by their vicar, a religious of this province. Its foundation and attending circumstances are treated in the body of these chronicles.